Happy New Year from the Dedham Public Library!

Happy New Year!

2022 was quite a year for the Library! This year, the Library focused on increasing outreach and getting out into the community. In May and June, we welcomed school groups, visited schools, and held library card drives for many classes. We had a table at the Farmer’s Market, which was a wonderful way to not only meet residents, but also make connections with local businesses and organizations. We also visited assisted living facilities and senior housing areas to help us better understand the needs of our seniors. This led to us hosting a monthly popup library for residents at the Linden and watercolor class at the Ames Senior Center.

In September, after months of reviewing public feedback, current library trends, and multiple planning sessions, the Board of Library Trustees approved a new strategic plan. The plan includes an updated mission, vision, and value statements and five strategic goals related to the library facilities, communication and marketing, community partnerships, fundraising, and professional development.

The Library also saw record numbers related to usage. In 2022:

• 161,766 items were checked out from both buildings
• 54,255 digital items were checked out, a 5% increase from last year
• Total number of items (physical and digital) that were checked out increased 24%!!!
• 75,127 people came through our doors
• 734 museum passes were checked out
• 1,537 Dedham residents received new library cards

In the coming year, we plan to continue to increase community outreach and strengthen the relationship with local schools. The Library hopes to partner with other town departments and highlight the resources and services that are available to residents. We are also working on expanding our book group offerings, two new book groups starting this year include a T(w)een Book Group at the Endicott Branch and a Twenty/Thirty Somethings Book Group at the Main Library. We are also updating the layout of the Main Library to offer more accessible program and computer space; signs will be added to both locations to help patrons locate different areas of the Library.

As we start 2023, I’d like to take a moment to thank you, our patrons, for your continued support. Through all the changes, challenges, and successes, you have remained our primary focus. I am confident that 2023 will continue to bring positive changes to our Library and to the Dedham community.

Thank you,

Amber Moroney
Library Director