What our stats are telling us

Every month I eagerly await new statistics. How well are all our efforts doing at getting more people into the library, at our programs, engaged with our reference staff, with our collection? Are people finding what they want? Do they believe in our ability to connect them with their interests? Are they willing to drive in after a long day at work, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, or after the Packers game on Sunday? Does what we offer still matter to our community?
Trends across the country show public library use is down. Collection checkouts are tanking. People don't visit the way they used to. That was our story since 2011.
No longer.
Since the SHARE migration, our collection use has increased 6% over last year. That's enough new checkouts in just over 3 months to drive a 6% annual increase. Foot traffic is up 5%. Program attendance is up 14%. Computer station use is up 10%, tech help sessions are soaring. And outreach event attendance? Up a whopping 88%.
The SHARE catalog merger has a lot to do with this. So does the pretty new children's space at NS. But the most important reason is YOU. It's Bookmobile staff  bringing the library to Brass School, and the expertise of the youth services staff on that after school bus. It's the displays you create, the faster internet you've enabled, the new technology on the floor, the classes you teach, the book discussions you lead. It's the pretty posters, the digital signs, the clean buildings and the engaging collections.
But most of all, it's your smile, your spirit, and the hospitality you offer to the people coming through the door. That's what's bringing them back. It's the relationships you build. It's YOU!
This library is defying the odds. And it's because of you!
Thank YOU!