#1 Annual Report
March 12, 2009
MEMORANDUM
TO: Library Board
FROM: Bryan J. McCormick
RE: 2008 Annual Report
The 2008 Hedberg Public Library Annual Report is completed and ready for your approval. There are a
few items of interest highlighted below:
Circulation Statistics
Circulation for 2008 was 1,176,691, a decrease of 7290 items. Circulation of 7000 items is approximately
two days of service at Hedberg Public Library.
The changeover to the shared automation system with the other Arrowhead Library System libraries is
one contributing factor. Patrons can request items be delivered to their home library instead of having to
physically pick those items up. Nearby libraries, such as Milton and Orfordville, had some of the highest
increases in circulation (12,653 and 4677 items respectively) as their patrons could now pick up items at
their home library instead of having to come into Janesville.
Another contributing factor was the weather in 2008, with record snowfall and flooding occurring in the
Janesville area, thereby affecting attendance and circulation figures.
Janesville residents are using the library more often though, as shown by the increase in library card
registrations (2327 more card users in 2008) and by the increase in circulation from Janesville residents,
(4417 items).
Programming
There were almost 200 new programs offered at Hedberg Public Library in 2008. Most of those programs
were for adults, with youth services adding about 30 more programs for children and young adults.
Attendance overall was up about 1800 at these programs, an increase of approximately 600 at children’s
events and 1200 at adult programs.
Attendance
Reported library attendance figures show a modest decrease from 2007 to 2008, from 633,370 to 625,882.
The weather in 2008 certainly played a factor in library attendance; however, I feel that the faulty
counters were an even bigger factor. To counter this problem, thermal sensors have been installed that
register people both entering and leaving the building. The sensors have proven to be highly accurate, and
have been in place for about one month. Next year’s totals will be much different from previous years.