MORE BOOKS, SHELVES & SERVICES !

Significantly more new books and audio visual materials were added in 1999 throughout the library system. This improved level of expenditures has been needed for many years to help develop library collections.

A collection of videotapes and talking books was started for the first time at Chippawa and Stamford Centre branches and new shelving units were installed at both libraries.

Two new microfilm reader-printers assisted many researchers at the Victoria Avenue Library. A new shelving unit was installed along a fifty foot central wall to promote the new books in a very attractive setting. Another shelving unit was installed to expand the non-fiction book collection.

Public Internet workstations were available at Chippawa and Stamford branches for the first time.

The library's subscription to the on-line research service "Electric Library Canada" was added to the public Internet workstations at all three libraries.

The "Dial-up" service to the library catalogue from home or business computers was started in 1999. The public can now directly place their own holds and check, either from home or in the library, what library materials they currently have borrowed with their due dates, any overdue fines and a list of their current holds.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING The Library is funded by the City of Niagara Falls and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture & Recreation. Grants were also received from Human Resources Development Canada for special children's summer programs, a local history project and additional Internet workstations for the public. The Board extends thanks to all library supporters, particularly the Council and Staff of the City of Niagara Falls.

DONATIONS & FUND-RAISING Official receipts for income tax purposes are issued by the library for financial donations. A commemorative book plate or an engraved plaque can recognize donations at any of the 3 libraries.

COMMUNITY USE OF MEETING ROOMS Library meeting rooms were used 516 times by organizations, businesses, government agencies and individuals. Meeting rooms were also used many other times for library programs for children and adults.

LIBRARY PROGRAMMES Dozens of exhibitions, displays, demonstrations, readings, films and lectures were enjoyed by people of all ages. The library welcomed many community groups who set-up public education displays on a variety of important subjects. We also extend particular thanks to the artists who exhibited their work in the art gallery and in the glass display cases and who supplied paintings for the Art Rental Service on Saturday mornings.

LIBRARY RESOURCES & THEIR USE

FINANCIAL SUMMARY (subject to audit)

OPERATING BUDGET 1999 REVENUE

EXPENDITURES