HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR -

The library celebrated the Centennial of the City of Niagara Falls throughout the entire year. Forty special events were organized with fourteen community organizations which attracted over 5,000 people of all ages who learned more about our local history.

There were dozens of heritage exhibitions and displays, four new book launches, three music recitals, two film evenings, four lectures, a photo contest, children’s programs and other special events.

Inge Saczkowski, Andrew Porteus and Cathy Simpson sat on the Centennial Book Committee with other local history researchers to help produce the best-selling book "Images of a Century: The City of Niagara Falls, Canada 1904-2004".

The library was the largest single supplier of historical photographs used in the book with more than 300 reproduced from the local history collection.

The library was honoured that the American Library Association (A.L.A.) recognized as an innovative web-based reference service our "Historic Niagara Digital Collection"

A.L.A recognizes sites which serve as models or starting points for similar projects at other libraries. This site includes four different databases that may be simultaneously or individually searched - a local newspaper index, an image database, a name-finding aid and a local history book index.

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	35,994
Circulation (materials borrowed)	610,013
Interlibrary loans with other libraries:
Items borrowed	2,623
Items loaned	2,367
Programs held	1,034
Program attendance	21,264
Books owned:
titles	164,271
volumes	302,942
Audio-Visual materials owned:
volumes	23,331
In a Typical Week:
People who enter the library in person	11,015
Electronic visits to library	4,933
Materials used in-library only	5,942
Number of reference questions	2,384

FINANCIAL SUMMARY (subject to audit)

Operating Budget 2003

Revenue
City of Niagara Falls operating funds	$2,678,242
City of Niagara Falls debenture funds	83,695
Provincial per household grant	130,258
Special government grants	51,265
Fines, photocopying, rentals, etc.	129,182
Donations	10,627
Transfer from Reserves	0
Surplus from 2002	122,068
	$3,205,337
Expenditures
Salaries & Benefits	$2,123,903
Books, magazines, AV materials	344,775
Utilities & communications	108,229
Debenture expenses	83,695
Repairs & maintenance	69,810
Rent & Taxes	60,505
Equipment contracts	44,090
Insurance	42,039
Stationery & Supplies	36,892
Equipment & Furnishings	30,824
Programs, Publicity & Displays	19,007
Transfer to Reserves	81,700
Other	106,126
	3,141,595
Surplus as of Dec 31 2003	63,742
	$3,205,337

Total regular library hours open per week at the three libraries: 152.5 hours
Total area for library purposes at the three libraries: 58,819 sq. ft.

Prepared March 2005