ANNUAL REPORT 2010 

Statistics are a reliable confirmation of the “feeling” that an institution is busy. This past year we knew that staff was particularly busy providing service to our patrons. Following are some indicators of our everyday activities. 

Our overall circulation for material checked out during 2010 was 88,021.  This is a 12% increase over 2009. 

Resource sharing is an excellent way to stretch a dollar. Our library borrows books, audio books, DVD’s and magazines from other capital district libraries. We also lend material to other libraries, the Johnstown Senior Center, Lexington Center, and some classrooms in our community.                       
                        We borrowed 12,860 items
                        We loaned 9,649 items
                        This is an 11% increase over 2009 statistics 

Introducing preschool children to books and reading is an important role for our library.  Weekly Storytimes also serve to ready children for school.
                        We held 104 preschool Storytime sessions
                        Total attendance was 1074 

Nine public access computers are utilized for job searching and applications, lifelong learning opportunities, homework, and recreation.
                        In 2010 we had a total of 10,894 users
                        This is a 10% increase over 2009 statistics 

Genealogy and local history research is one of the most popular hobbies nationwide.  We respond to queries from all over the world.
            A total of 176 questions were researched in 2010
            Searches performed via our subscription to www.ancestory.com totaled 5815 

The annual Summer Reading Program continues to inspire children (preschool-eighth grade) to read and participate in enriching workshops and programs.
                        We offered 65 workshops in 2010
                        A total of 1907 children participated in the programs 

BookNotes book discussion group has shared books throughout the year.  New interpretations and perspectives are appreciated by the participants.
                        In 2010 we held 12 sessions
                        A total of 140 people participated in the discussions 

Our blog:  http://www.johnstownpubliclibrary.info was visited 8,487 times during 2010. 

Our Friends of the Library members are generous in their volunteer and financial support for the following projects and programs:

                        Computer and other hardware purchases
                        Summer Reading Program
                        Storybook Sundae
                        Annual Storybook Writing Contest
                        Annual Bake Sale
                        Preschool Storytimes 

We are appreciative of the City of Johnstown’s generous annual allocation to our department.  We also greatly appreciate the financial oversight and advice from the Treasurer’s Office.  The City Engineer’s office and Department of Public Works staff does an excellent job helping to maintain our facility and grounds. 

We received financial support from the following entities: Town of Johnstown, Town of Caroga, the Stewart’s Foundation, NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the Fulton County Youth Bureau, Mohawk Valley Library System, state Local Library Service Aid grant, a New York State Legislative grant through Senator Farley’s office, proceeds from our annual Storybook Sundae fund-raiser, and tributes and gifts from many donors.  Thank you very much for your generous support.