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(Publisher’s Note: We will be running summary reports from city department heads as space allows.)
by Library Director Lisa Pennala
The MN State Annual Report for the Library, completed in March for 2024, recorded the following most recent annual statistics.
Circulation (checkout of materials): 10,744 (Not included are kindles, & nooks) Downloadable Circulation: 2,359 Inter-Library Loans to other Libraries: 3,587 Library Visits: people visited the Library 8,518 Public Computer Use: 1,517 internet sessions, additional Wifi not tracked In-Person Programs: 832 People attended & 88 Programs Recordings of Programs Content: 291 Views & 24 Recordings Self-Directed Activities: 403 people & 18 activities Registered Library Users: 811 Programs, funded through Minnesota’s Arts & Cultural Legacy Funds, include:
• Beautiful Writing with Calligraphy Lynn Prouty
• Peregrine Falcons
• Heck of a Deal With Sue & Brian Matuszak
• How to Say North With Bart & Ross Sutter
• Road Trip Around MN: Barn Quilt Trails
• Comic Stunt Juggler
• Will Hale & the Tadpole Parade
• Magic of Celtic Music Library also provided the following: • Summer Reading Program
• Winter Reading Program
• Inter-Library loans from Libraries across the region & state.
• Access to free downloadable e-books, & audio books.
• Online resources on our babbittlibrary. blogspot.com site or the Arrowhead Library Website.
• Book Sale collaborative with the Friends of the Library.
• Gallery- Driftwood Art
• Free·Wifi
• Updated programs on our babbittlibrary. blogspot.com or Babbitt Library Facebook
• Access to RB Digital Magazines
• Home Delivery
• XBox
• Computer Classes Local Programs throughout the year include:
• Children’s Take & Make Kits (Once a month)
• Valentine Blind Date With a Book
• Coloring Contest
• Preschool Story Time (Weekly)
• Book Club
• Bingo • Kid’s Comedy Magic Show
• Friends Up North Craft & Vendor Extravaganza
• Christmas Blind Date With a Book
• Sealed Bid Auction
• Adult Craft Classes
• Friends Membership Drive
• Live Entertainment with Gerry Mealey
• Live Entertainment with Theresa Miller
• Brodini
• Robert the Magician
• Will Bjomdal (Will Sing Songs)
• MN Most Haunted Locations with Chad Lewis
• Peter Mitchell Bingo
• Harvest Festival
• Ghost Class
• 321 Art Studio
• Christmas Party
• Kid’s Bingo Library summary: The Babbitt Public Library experienced a three-month staffing shortage during the summer. To resolve this, the library partnered withtheSeniorCommunityService Employment Program (SCSEP) and welcomed four senior workers who are making a significant positive impact. This program will run for four years, with no costs affecting the library’s budget.
The library has had a bustling year, running 160 programs from January through December.
The library secured two minigrants totaling $500 to purchase STEM kits for in-library use. The Friends of the Library also contributed $200 for additional STEM and educational games.
United Way generously contributed $600 to support the library’s Summer Reading program.
The library’s Winter Reading Program engaged 28 patrons who read a total of 516 books, while the Summer Reading Program attracted 40 participants who completed 608 books.
The library conducted three sealed bid auctions this year.
The library provides a homebound service where a Friends member delivers books and DVDs to Carefree Living every week. This service is especially beneficial for those who cannot make it to the library.
The librarian refreshed the back room and children’s area with new paint, added file cabinets to the back room, and installed new wall art in the children’s section. Additionally, the furniture throughout the library was rearranged to create a more welcoming environment for patrons.
This year, the library underwent a changeover in Library Board members, resulting in several transitions and the training of all SCSEP workers.
