HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR - "TRAVELLING TALES"
Special funding from the Ontario Ministry of Community, Family & Children’s Services and the Region of Niagara was received to implement a library outreach program for pre-schoolers and parents. A Community Storyteller went to a variety of sites throughout the City of Niagara Falls to conduct free preschool literacy-based programs for children ages two to six and to promote parenting resources. The outreach program was then continued by volunteers.

The forty-five minute program included stories, crafts, fingerplays, songs, music and games. Parents and caregivers were given brochures outlining children’s services and parenting resources available at the library.

2003 was the first of three years for this project and almost 2,000 children participated. The first six years of life lay the foundation for much of the knowledge and skills required for successful school adjustment and later adult competence. Literacy is vitally important and the public library provides a wide range of age appropriate books for the early years.

The Community Storyteller regularly visited the following sites to foster early literacy: Adolescent’s Family Support Services of Niagara at Diamond Jubilee School, the Boys & Girls Club, Dr. Fingland Regional Child Care Centre, Fallsway Early Learning & Parenting Program (FACS) at Kingston College, Niagara Regional Housing, Ontario Early Years Centre & Satellites, Project Share, St. Ann’s Adult Learning Centre and the YMCA program at Kate S. Durdan/Loretto School.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING
The Library is funded by the City of Niagara Falls and the Ontario Ministry of Culture. Special grants were received from Human Resources Development Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Community, Family & Children’s Services and the Region of Niagara for special children’s programs. The Board extends thanks to all library supporters, particularly the Council and Staff of the City of Niagara Falls.

DONATIONS
Official receipts for income tax purposes were issued by the library for many financial donations. Donors of $300 or more were recognized by having their name engraved on a plaque at one of the 3 libraries.

COMMUNITY USE OF MEETING ROOMS
Library meeting rooms were used hundreds of 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 non-profit groups who set-up public education displays on a variety of important subjects. We also extend particular thanks to the artists and organizations who exhibited their work in the art gallery and in the glass display cases.

LIBRARY RESOURCES & THEIR USE

Number of active cardholders	33,044
Circulation (materials borrowed)	589,374
Interlibrary loans with other libraries:
Items borrowed	2,110
Items loaned	3,460
Programs held	1,363
Program attendance	23,013
Books owned:
titles	151,736
volumes	250,920
Audio-Visual materials owned:
volumes	18,454
In a Typical Week:
People who enter the library in person	10,632
Electronic visits to library	4,968
Materials used in-library only	6,288
Number of reference questions	1,709

FINANCIAL SUMMARY (subject to audit)

Operating Budget 2003

Revenue
City of Niagara Falls operating funds	$2,542.542
City of Niagara Falls debenture funds	52,320
Provincial per household grant	130,258
Special government grants	41,784
Fines, photocopying, rentals, etc.	91,162
Donations	8,663
Transfer from Reserves	111,274
Surplus from 2002	35,179
	$3,013,182
Expenditures
Salaries & Benefits	$1,965,989
Books, magazines, AV materials	386,920
Utilities & communications	102,619
Equipment & Furnishings	80,483
Repairs & maintenance	68,850
Rent & Taxes	59,677
Debenture expenses	52,320
Equipment contracts	42,059
Insurance	38,141
Stationery & Supplies	36,400
Programs, Publicity & Displays	17,870
Transfer to Reserves	50,000
Other	68,390
	2969,718
Surplus as of Dec 31 2003	43,464
	$3,013,182

Total regular library hours open per week at the three libraries: 148.5 hours
Total area for library purposes at the three libraries:58,819 sq. ft.

Prepared March 2004