MEDIA CONTACT:
Jackie Powers
jpowers@jefferson.lib.co.us
303-275-2203
FIVE MILLION AND COUNTING
Jeffco Library Celebrates Its Biggest Year Ever
(Jefferson County, Colo. - Jan. 5, 2006) One of Colorado's largest library systems just got a lot busier, and library management sees this trend continuing with no end in sight.
Jefferson County Public Library announced this week that 2005 was the busiest year in its 53-year history. The system, which includes 10 libraries across Jefferson County, circulated and processed more than 5 million items in 2005, including books, CDs, videotapes, DVDs and periodicals.
All Jefferson County public libraries - Arvada, Belmar, Columbine, Conifer, Edgewater, Evergreen, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Standley Lake - thanked loyal patrons on Jan. 5 by offering free refreshments, giveaways and special storytimes.
County Librarian Bill Knott credits to some degree the new and improved Online Library for the increased traffic - a 28 percent increase over 2004. The ease of use is the key, he notes. Customers can search, reserve and renew materials from their online account as well as apply for a library card or change account information. The library reported 2 million total hits on its Web site in 2004 and 2.5 million in 2005 - a 14.5 percent increase.
Outside factors, Knott says, can also affect how much patrons use public libraries. Tough economic times can be one of those factors. But it's also significant that the Jefferson County Public Library system has been steadily improving several aspects of customer service, paying special attention to programming and a diverse collection.
"We are always finding ways to make the information in our libraries easier to access. The increase in circulation we have experienced this year ultimately means that we are providing the services our customers want, and this speaks volumes," Knott says.
Colorado is a leader in the nation in library visits and circulation, ranked third and seventh respectively, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The Jefferson County Public Library system ranks second behind Denver Public Library in total circulation numbers in the state.
Circulation of materials isn't the only thing keeping Jeffco library staff busy. Based on 2004 statistics-official numbers for 2005 are yet to be released-all aspects of library use continue to grow. In addition to the library's online visits, more than 2.4 million patrons visited Jefferson County Public Library facilities in 2005.
Additionally, the number of cardholders continues to increase - more than two thirds of Jefferson County residents have library cards. Library users outside Jefferson County also seem to value what the library system has to offer - its diverse collection - as evidenced by the 68,000 items loaned to other libraries across the United States, 18,000 more items than in 2004.
Golden Library Manager Kathy Husband says the increased demand from patrons is evident daily at her library. "Not only are the checkout lines longer, but our reference and children's staff are busier than ever, and each day brings a steady stream of patrons who need to use our computers and Internet access as well."
Recognizing the growing demand for services in the area, this year the library embarked on a five-year strategic planning process. Library representatives are speaking to community groups across the county, laying out options for the type of library service Jefferson County residents want to see in the future.
Knott notes, "We will continue to look at ways we can provide the best service to our growing number of patrons."
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About the Jefferson County Public Library
The mission of the Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is to enrich the quality of life for all people in Jefferson County by pro-viding resources for information, education and recreation. A JCPL library card gives access to a network of libraries throughout Jefferson County that offers books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs, as well as computer and Internet resources. For more information contact your local library or the Jefferson County Public Library - Public Information Office at 303-275-2203 or click on http://jef-ferson.lib.co.us.
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