2008 Annual Report—From the Board President
From The Board President
The library experienced another year of record-breaking growth in use. Circulation reached almost 2.5 million. The number of holds jumped 23%. Patrons were finding what they wanted and valued managing their own online accounts.
On May 21, 2008, the Board voted to appoint Sara Laughlin as the library’s new director. Sara had served as the interim director since September 1, 2007, and had proven her leadership capabilities to staff, Board and community. Upon accepting the appointment, Sara noted the fiscal challenges ahead, but also expressed her confidence that with the “deep commitment, creativity, and continued community support, we can keep the library vibrant and responsive.”
The community showed strong support for the library in the results of a survey of randomly selected households to assess use and satisfaction with the library and to determine priorities over the next 3–5 years. Eighty-six percent (86%) of the community use the library, and 96% rated the library important to the community’s future. The survey helped set the priorities in the library’s new Strategic Plan for 2009–2011, which was approved by the Board in November. The Board also approved a much-needed capital project, a new children’s addition at the heavily used Ellettsville Branch to be completed in 2009.
Through the new Mission and action steps in the Strategic Plan, the library reaffirmed its commitment to literacy and learning for all ages. It was especially gratifying to see MCPL’s commitment receive statewide recognition. The Indiana Library Federation honored the library with the Tom Zupancic Literacy Award for the “outstanding efforts” of VITAL, the library’s adult literacy program.
The library received national recognition as a Top Ten American Library in the HAPLR national ranking of public libraries. For the second year, MCPL has been ranked number two in the nation in our population category.
John Walsh, President
MCPL Board of Trustees
