8331_NewGloucester_2021-2022_AnnualReport_Web

ANNUAL REPORT New Gloucester Public Library

The New Gloucester Public Library promotes literacy, lifelong learning, and cultural enrichment by providing quality information resources, services, and programming to all members of the New Gloucester community. We strive to provide excellent service and to be a centerpiece of our town. Use: During FY2022, 7812 people visited the library. New patron’s accounts were created for 220 people. Patrons used physical items from the collection 15,558 times and digital items 2066 times. 488 items were borrowed from other libraries for New Gloucester patrons. Services: The library provided a number of services, including reference and research assistance, readers’ advisory, interlibrary loan, technology assistance, printing/copying/scanning, and instruction to school classes and home schoolers. Schedule: In April, the Library increased its hours from 27 per week to 33, without any additional staffing. At that time, the weekly schedule also changed from Tuesday - Saturday to Sunday - Thursday. Because New Gloucester residents are eligible for a free card at the Gray Public Library, which is open Tuesday - Saturday, residents of both communities now have access to a library 7 days per week. Collections: The Library offers collections for children, teens, and adults in formats including books, e-Books, large print books, books on CD, e-audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, and many online databases through the Maine State Library. In FY2022, 1979 physical items were added to the collection. An American Rescue Plan grant through the Maine State Library also allowed us to acquire 44 e-Books and e-audiobooks. If the Library does not hold what you are looking for, please let us know so we can borrow or purchase it. In addition to information resources, we also lend puzzles, cake pans, discounted passes to parks and museums, and canoes and kayaks provided by the Parks and Recreation department. Technology: The Library offers free Wi-Fi in the building and parking lot. There are 4 laptops and 1 desktop computer available for use.

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