The Grand Forks Public Library Association held its annual general meeting last Wednesday and revenue was up and so were the number e-books taken out.
According to statement of operations provided at the meeting, revenue for 2011 totalled $399,911, which was up from $380,182 in 2010 but that was only due to a $35,000 reserve fund transfer.
The library saw a marked improvement in the number of e-books taken out, which according to the annual report, was 527 in 2011.
“Overall, we actually saw the greatest increase in e-books, which I think is pretty much standard for libraries across Canada and the United States,” explained Library Director Heather Buzzell. “Our own numbers jumped from around 61 to over 500.”
Also, 3,848 items were added to the library’s collection while the number of items circulated totalled 89,801, a seven per cent increase from 2010.
The Grand Forks and District Public Library saw 555 new members and offered 227 programs to people of all ages, including Fabulous Fridays, Family Games Night and the Summer Reading Club.
Expenditures in 2011 totalled $381,344, up from $369,169 in 2010.
“We’re struggling with our financial issues, we’re struggling with a lot of issues that effect this library but I have every faith in our abilities to overcome each and every one of them,” explained Library Board Chair Ted Invictus.
“There are also the opportunities of this board finding new funding to be able to assist this library to deliver the services required. Whether it’s from our current funders or ones we haven’t found yet, our job is to provide some way for this library to continue to exist and thrive.”
Buzzell said that a major project that the library undertook in 2011 was the pilot project, which sees the library setting up shop at the coffee shop at Christina Lake Village – the project will continue until June when a decision will be made as to whether it will continue.
“So far we’ve seen a very good uptake in it,” Buzzell said. “It has been quieter over the winter months but people who use the service use it a lot.”
Bob Peters and Nigel James joined the board as new members – new positions will be revealed at a March 21 meeting.
