Report of the Library Director for September 2008

Circulation
Circulation for September was 4,373, a 9% decrease from last month, but an 8% increase over September of 2007.

Collection Development
We added 115 items to the collection in September.
I have begun implementing the policy of limiting our stock of titles of a single author, which we discussed last meeting. So far, I have withdrawn approximately 300 titles from the mystery fiction collection, and I am hoping to finish a first pass through the adult fiction with another 600 or so titles before the booksale. The next step will be to apply the new criteria to the storage collection, which will remove several hundred more titles, and free up space in storage for more overflow from the fiction collection.

Programs
Library book group: 5 people met on September 24th.
Senior book group: 10 people met on September 2nd.
Thursday storytime averaged 7 children per session.
TinyTots lapsit averaged 25 participants. Participation at TinyTots for September was nearly double our usual average. Lisa and I think this may be a result of not having the “Music and Movement” program. We are discussing what to do when attendance at TinyTots overwhelms our available space. Some options include a strict registration requirement, or adding an additional session on Fridays.
Teen Tuesday was attended by 10 young adults.
Library Table: 4 visits, averaged 6 patrons and 13 items.

Special Events
165 people attended the Fairy Houses event at the Upton State Forest. This event was paid for by the Friends of the Upton Library, and attracted residents of many towns across Massachusetts. It was a combination of Author reading, outdoor project, and an introduction to the Upton State Forest facilities.

Volunteers
15 items were delivered to 2 patrons on September 17th.

Upcoming Events in October
Annual First Grade Field Trip: students in first grade at Memorial School walk down to the library for a tour and get library cards.

3rd Annual ULTRA collection development book buying trip, Tuesday October 21st.

Staff
Lisa attended a pair of workshops on new books for children.

State Financial Report
Our application for MBLC certification is due in the middle of the month. Along with certifying our hours of operation, staffing levels, and services, the application includes a financial statement for FY2008.
Some highlights:
Our total operating expenses were $202,292. Of that, $179,606 came from the Town of Upton, the remainder from State Aid, the Friends of the Library, the Revolving Fund, and other gifts or grants.
$137,525 was spent on wages, $45,057 on materials, and $19,710 on everything else, which includes supplies, programs, and our network membership.
Our materials expenditures were 22.47% of our budget, well over the 19% required for MBLC certification.
For the FY10 budget, our municipal appropriation requirement to maintain certification will be $186,615. (the amount voted for FY09 was $186,500).


Plans for Next Month

1) 1st grade field trip.

2) Complete the State certification compliance form.

3) Finish fiction weeding project, and begin adult non-fiction.