Highlight Of The Year Programming is a longstanding way to help meet the informational, cultural, educational and recreational needs of our community and to promote various library resources and services.
Among Ontario public libraries serving populations of 50,001 to 100,000, the Niagara Falls Public Library is one of the top libraries with high annual attendance of over 24,000 people at more than 1,400 library events. 2007 saw library staff conduct popular “Travelling Tales” outreach programs for pre-school children at many more sites throughout the city. A new evening Family Storytime started for parents and their children of all ages. A new Summer Breezes Book Club for teens was launched to join the Summer Reading Club and Read-To-Me summer programs for youngsters. More than 1300 enjoyed these programs and 710 attended two magic shows held at the Greg Frewin Theatre. Children’s book and craft programs entertained and instructed more than 10,000. There were more than 270 class visits to the library showing almost 5000 students the library’s collections and services. Adults enjoyed many Meet the Author events, concerts, films, book clubs, lectures, art exhibitions and income tax clinics for low income earners. Groups at the new “Philosopher’s Café” explored a variety of important topics. 2007 saw an expanded series of programs for teenagers including Teen Nights with local bands performing after hours on Friday nights. Our Library’s MySpace Page has about 1300 friends. GOVERNMENT FUNDING The Library is funded by the City of Niagara Falls and the Ontario Ministry of Culture. A special grant was received from the Community Access Program. 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: 40,914 Circulation (materials borrowed): 654,693 Interlibrary loans with other libraries: Items borrowed 2,335 Items loaned 2,295 Programs held: 1,406 Program attendance 24,829 Books owned: titles 203,902 volumes 310,139 Audio-Visual materials owned: volumes 29,119 In a Typical Week: people who enter the library in person 10,249 electronic visits to library 37,337 materials used in-library only 6,893 reference questions 2,438 use of electronic databases 37,434
FINANCIAL SUMMARY (subject to audit) OPERATING BUDGET 2007 REVENUE City of Niagara Falls operating funds $3,552,400 City of Niagara Falls debenture funds $121,572 Provincial per household grant $130,258 Special government grants $38,589 Fines, photocopying, rentals, etc. $132,638 Donations $15,716 Surplus from 2006: $83,830 $4,075,003 EXPENDITURES Salaries & benefits $2,702,420 Books, magazines, AV materials $352,557 Utilities & telecommunications $156,149 Debenture expenses $121,572 Facilities $108,964 Information Hardware/Software $108,067 Rent $76,776 Contracted services $58,460 Insurance $44,353 Transfer to Reserves & Capital Project $127,445 Supplies, acquisition/processing, programs, shipping, other $148,891 $4,005,654 Surplus as of Dec. 31, 2007 $69,349 $4,075,003
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.