(Lakewood, Colo. – July 25, 2016) Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is pleased to report that more and more people are using Library resources and services.
Based on a year-over-year comparison of key performance measures through June 30:
- The Library has signed up 14,252 new cardholders;
- Library visits have increased by seven percent, from 1,237,608 in 2015 to 1,326,119 this year;
- Circulation (the number of items borrowed from the Library) has increased nine percent, from 3.6 million to 3.9 million;
- The number of programs offered has grown 21 percent, from 3,873 to 4,702;
- The number of program participants has grown 11 percent, from 116,927 to 129,347;
- Computer use is up four percent to 139,533 hours of use year-to-date; and
- The number of wireless connections has grown 18 percent, to 150,240.
“It’s exciting to see more and more people using and enjoying our resources,” said Pam Nissler, executive director, JCPL. “During the recession, we were unable to offer the level of service patrons wanted. Now, with increased community support, we’re able to offer the resources and services people want and deserve – and residents are rediscovering all that we have to offer.”
Nissler believes the increases are due to recent improvements made possible by a 2015 voter-approved increase in the Library’s mill levy.
“Since Jan. 1, we’ve focused on restoring Library services to pre-recession levels, by buying more books and materials, restoring library hours and updating our technology and facilities,” Nissler added. “We have a way to go, but we’re firmly back on the path to excellence, and we invite all Jeffco residents to come visit us and see what’s new!”
About Jefferson County Public Library
Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is the third largest public library in the state of Colorado and the essential destination where all generations connect, discover and create. Our mission is to build an educated and vibrant community by providing equal access to information and opportunities. A JCPL library card is the smartest card in your wallet, giving you access to an online library that operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, a network of 10 libraries, a Bookmobile, a robust Library 2 You program and a Mobile Computer Classroom, as well as books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs, audio and eBooks, and computer and Internet resources. Library programs and services are supported by countywide property taxes and supplemented by charitable donations from The Jefferson County Library Foundation and others. For more information contact your local library or visit jeffcolibrary.org.