HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

The major capital project in 2006 upgraded our nine year old library software for the catalogue and circulation system used both by the public and staff.

The first enhancement you will see after clicking on the catalogue is "What’s New This Week" which will list the new materials which have just arrived at the library in the past week. Search the Kids Catalogue by words or by selected topics with colourful icons.

For many books, a colour picture of the book’s cover is shown with helpful information such as the book’s contents, a summary, or even an excerpt from the first chapter.

As you are searching the catalogue, you can save the records of the books you mark and then view them combined on one screen or print them.

There is a Search History which lists how you searched the catalogue and you can then go back to any or all searches again.

Telephone the library or come in person to receive a PIN number in order to access the section on Borrowers Services. After you receive a random PIN number you can change it at any time to one you will remember readily. With it, you will be able to reserve a book, see and update your personal information, check your reserves, material on loan, any amount due and your payment history. You can receive an e-mail to alert you that a new book or DVD about a subject has arrived in the library.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING
The Library is funded by the City of Niagara Falls and the Ontario Ministry of Culture. A special grant was received from Human Resources Development Canada. 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, book clubs, films and lectures were enjoyed by people of all ages reflecting their wide and varied interests. 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: 40,495

Circulation (materials borrowed): 675,169

Interlibrary loans with other libraries:

Items borrowed 2,631
Items loaned 2,314

Programs held: 1,386
Program attendance 24,293

Books owned:
titles 171,013
volumes 323,939

Audio-Visual materials owned:
volumes 26,383

In a Typical Week:
people who enter the library in person 11,924
electronic visits to library 48,172
materials used in-library only 7,567
reference questions 2,492
use of electronic databases 41,959

FINANCIAL SUMMARY (subject to audit)

OPERATING BUDGET 2006

REVENUE

City of Niagara Falls operating funds	$3,411,200
City of Niagara Falls debenture funds	112,900
Provincial per household grant	130,258
Special government grants	41,402
Fines, photocopying, rentals, etc.	135,435
Donations	17,209
Surplus from 2005	71,695
	3,920,099
EXPENDITURES
Salaries & benefits	$2,600,192
Books, magazines, AV materials	428,511
Utilities & telecommunications	147,005
Debenture expenses	112,900
Facilities	99,403
Information Hardware/Software	78,048
Rent	73,991
Contracted services	70,131
Insurance	49,605
Transfer to Reserves	88,695
Other	92,208
	3,840,689
Surplus as of Dec. 31, 2006	79,410
	$3,920,099

 

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

Prepared March 2007