The Wadleigh Memorial Library had its busiest year on record in 2010. The number of registered cardholders increased by 10% annually since 2007 and now totals almost 12,000. Library programs saw record attendance levels with nearly 18,000 people participating in 765 events. Circulation increased 7% from the previous year and 42% over the last 5 years. The library continues working to renovate and expand its facilities to meet the growing demand for its services.

1. Wadleigh Memorial Library 2010: The busiest year on record @ your library

2. People Library cards 1000 new cardholders last year Registrations have increased an average of 10% each year since 2007 Currently almost 12,000 registered cardholders Visits Library patrons made nearly 15,000 visits per month to their library.

4. Library Page Anne Zahn retired after 11 yrs.

5. Arleen Levenson, Head of Circulation, retired after 13 yrs.

6. Heather Stearns & Kyle Scripter hired as Library Pages.

7. Mary Ann Shea promoted to Head of Circulation.

8. Board of Trustees

9. ChrisCostantino & Mary Burdett re-elected for 3 year terms.

11. Checkouts (circulation) Children’s books up 5% Museum passes up 6% Audiobooks up 6% Videos up 10% Downloadable audiobooks & ebooks up 34%

12. Programs Overall, held fewer programs than 2009 but participation increased to record numbers. Nearly 18,000 attendees took part in 765 programs. Teen programming *did* increase to meet demand. Held 38% more programs; attendance increased 36% Programs included book launch parties & book-to-movie celebrations; teen craft series; Wii tournaments and “wireless” gaming (read: board games); book discussion groups; animanga club If you build it…they will come!

13. Programs Other programs included: Visit by NY Times bestselling author Lorna Barrett Regularly scheduled storytimes & baby lapsits Book discussion groups for all ages Family activities such as Bedtime Bingo and Lego “block parties” Volunteer-led ESOL tutoring PAWS to Read Town “Big Truck Day”

14. Services Over 25,000 logons to our pcs (includes partial year of wireless use statistics). Nearly 22,000 searches on reference databases. Over 10,000 reference questions answered. Meeting room reservations increased 17% to 424. Attendance at community group meetings increased 11% to 3,349 people.

15. The Wadleigh Steering Committee has met weekly since CIP committee moved our project to a 2014 vote. We’ve been working with the architects that won the AIA-NH design competition. Architects have submitted a proposal including a team of engineers and project manager. Steering Committee is reviewing the proposal and the suggested team. Facilities

16. At the conclusion of the process our plan is to present this year’s CIP with detailed architectural plans and an estimated cost. The goal is to hold our position for a 2014 vote. In addition, the committee has met with 4 fundraising consultants in anticipation that we will need to solicit private funding to supplement what the town will accept on a warrant article. Facilities

17. Facilities To help improve safety & security, the library installed surveillance cameras in late 2010. With 15,000 visits a month, space remains a dire need. Space for… requested items until they’re picked up returned items until they can be reshelved materials purchased to meet the demand efficient work and traffic flow people of all ages to meet, study, work

18. In summary Library staff has worked extremely hard to meet the increasing demand on library services. As citizens search out ways to make their dollars stretch, they’re rediscovering their library—some for the first time.

19. “Libraries are community treasure chests, loaded with a wealth of information available to everyone equally, and the key to that treasure chest is the library card. I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.” --Former First Lady Laura Bush So what card is in your wallet?