This is August?

I don't know about you, but this is not how it is supposed to be in Iowa in August.  August is usually hot and humid.  August is when you don't want to go outdoors because the air feels like a wet sock.  We have had at least two solid weeks of fabulous weather.  Will we have to pay for this somehow?  Will it turn really hot when school starts?  Or will we have a colder than normal winter?  You know what they say about Iowa weather.  Wait a minute, it will change.  Right now I am enjoying this respite from the traditional dog days of summer.

The library is taking a very short breather and planning for fall programs.  Thanks to all of you, we had a tremendouly successful summer reading program. 

For libraries, this is annual report time.  We operate on a fiscal year which ended on June 30th.  And what a year we had!!  Thanks to you and the staff of Dubuque County Library, all of our numbers are up over 25% from last year.

                                               Dubuque County Library Had a Terrific Year!!!  

You checked out or downloaded 112,678 items last year.  That is a 25.9% increase. And download access alone went up almost 88%!!  Downloads of audiobooks and ebooks went from 2,275 in 2012 to 4,272 in 2013.  That is in sync with the national trend but even more so.

The Library offerred 72 more programs this year over last and 4,865 of you attended.  That represents a 32% increase. 

I am working on our annual report which will have all the numbers and details.  Copies will be available at all our branches in early September.  Thank you!  Thank you for all your support.  Please feel free to tell us what you would like in the coming year.  More storytimes?  Longer hours?  Where?  More adult programs?  More books?  Stop by and visit with any of our staff or fill out a comment card at your local branch.  Best of all, email (dawnh@dubcolib.lib.ia.us) or call (563-582-0008) call and tell me what we can do better to serve you.

While the weather holds, get out and enjoy the weekend.  But don't forget to stop by the Library and visit with us.  We are eager to hear from you and to provide the library services you want most. 

Dawn