Library Survey Results: Big Numbers for Words

 This summer was a busy one for the Danbury Public Library. More youngsters attended reading programs and more adults attended visiting author events than ever.

 “I think the role of libraries is changing, and becoming more like a community center,” said Cindy Lappala, Library's junior services. “There is a lot of focus of family events that are educational, and fun even for parents to enjoy. Super Saturdays were very popular with the children last year, and we are going to do that again. It will be the first Saturday of October, November, and December.”

 “I don't think any of us are going to live to see books go away,” said Mark Hasskarl, director of the Danbury Library. “Electronic Books are growing all the time, and we plan to include them in the coming years, but right now, there are a lot of different reader formats, and they are expensive. We are waiting for them to become standardized.”

 When you look at the numbers of books lent in Danbury, E books sound like a mere technicality. The Danbury Library houses 101,868 books, 11,345 movies (DVDs, VHS, and Blue Ray) and 2,263 audio books in a building of 43,652 square feet.

 In 2010-11, 1,330 people visited the library each month. The numbers are growing though. In July of 2011 alone, 2,412 stopped by for books and programs, checking out 1,761 items a day. On top of what was taken from the Danbury Library, another 3,193 from other sources were lent out as well.

 The library has 82 computers for public use and an average of 314 people a day are using them. Some 247 take the online English program. “That only accounts for those who come into the library. Once they sign up, they can take the classes at home. There is also program called Talk Time, where people who are somewhat proficient come in and hold conversations on topics,” said Hasskarl.

 “I've had people who come here who really love the ESL program,” said Karyn Hazel, who works at the Reference Desk. “They started here and went through every level and they came out speaking pretty well.”

 The library recently completed a survey and the results show the Top Ten services library card holders appreciate.

 The number one important service, to 65% of the respondents, the Danbury Library provides are books for adults. “Usually on Tuesdays, we put out the most popular books, books that can't be reserved, and people know that. By the end of the day, they are all gone,” said Hasskarl.

 In 2009-10, each active library user checked out an average of fifteen books a year. Last year, 2010-2011, seventeen and a half books were checked out. “We had a great increase in July,” said Hasskarl. “We had 1,200 kids in summer reading, and last year, we had 900.”

 “The South Street and Ellsworth School promoted Summer Reading programs, which are all free, and we had record breaking attendance this summer,” said Lappala. “Last Thursday was the last day for the program and 130 people came. The first week, we had to turn people away, we had over 200 people at the end of June. The Kick Off party had over 300 people.”

 The number two service is DVDs and videos. 39% of people come in for movies.

Number three, at 38%, are 14 Day books.

Number four, at 37%, appreciates the helpful staff.

Number five, at 26%, are inter-library loans.

Number six, at 22%, are books on CD

Number seven, at 19%, are children's books

Number eight, at 16%, are music CDs

Number nine, at 13%, is the Ask Me Desk.

Number ten, at 11%, are books for teens.

 The library has an average of 34 programs a month, from small discussion groups to standing room only, as happened with the One Book, One Community program. Hasskarl said that when author Tim O'Brien came to speak last October, “We had 1,000 people attend that. We'd had 700 people in the past, but this was the biggest attendance.”

 Last year, over 2,199 people participated in One Book, One Community program. The book The Things They Carried was a collection of short stories based on O'Brien's experience of being a soldier in the Viet Nam war.

 “Last year, the high school and Western Connecticut State University library took part in the One Book program, and this year, the Wooster School will take part, as well,” said Hasskarl.

 This years book is called Farewell, My Suburu by Doug Fine, and it is about the author's experiences in buying a ranch in New Mexico. He sells his Suburu and buys a truck, and learns to live a more green life. The book is about the environment. The books will be available in the library as of Friday, August 26.