HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
The Community Centre Branch Library in the new MacBain Community Centre opened on Sept. 10^th with the Official Grand Opening on Oct. 1^st .

The response to the new library was great. During its first four months of operation, one book was borrowed on average about every 60 seconds the branch was open - and it is open 61 hours per week!

More than 1200 members of the public were registered with new library cards at the branch.

During the first 57 days open (Sept. 10 to Nov. 16) more than 35,000 books, magazines and audio visual materials were borrowed from the branch library collection of 35,000 items. On average, every single book, magazine, DVD, and CD at the Community Centre Branch had been taken out ie. one complete turnover of stock!

In a typical week more than 2000 people of all ages enter the 7865 sq.ft. library borrowing more than 3400 books and other library materials; using 1000 books and other library materials inside the library; asking 200 reference questions to staff; and using the Internet/CDROM workstations more than 250 times. Dozens of children attend weekly Babytime, Toddlertime, Storytime and craft programs.

The MacBain Community Centre was honoured with an Award of Excellence by Parks and Recreation Ontario for its innovative approach to delivering programs and services using a unique partnering model with eight community organizations and two private enterprises.

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 4 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: 38,568
Circulation (materials borrowed): 623,688

Interlibrary loans with other libraries:
Items borrowed 2,798
Items Loaned 2,208

Programs held: 1,444
Program attendance: 23,268

Books owned:
titles 170,370
volumes 323,531

Audio-Visual materials owned:

Volumes 24,187

In a Typical Week:
people who enter the library in person 10,833
electronic visits to library 30,295
materials used in-library only 6,199 reference questions 1,934

FINANCIAL SUMMARY (subject to audit)

REVENUE

City of Niagara Falls operating funds	$3,088,607
City of Niagara Falls debenture funds	99,766
Provincial per household grant	130,258
Special government grants	39,638
Fines, photcopying, rentals, rentals, etc.	157,734
Donations	21,000
Surplus from 2004:	83,474
	3,620,477
EXPENDITURES
Salaries & benefits	$2,332,514
Books, magazines, AV materials	319,895
Utilities & telecommunications	125,902
Facilities	113,204
Debenture expenses	99,766
Rent	65,605
Contracted services	57,693
Information hardware/software	55,823
Insurance	39,178
Transfer to reserves	219,371
Other	129,654
	3,558,605
Surplus as of Dec 31 2005	61,872
	$3,620,477

Total regular library hours open per week at the four libraries: 213.5 hours
Total area for library purposes at the four libraries: 66,684 sq. ft.

Prepared March 2006