2008 OUR BUSIEST YEAR EVER!

2008 set another all-time borrowing record as 692,884 books, magazines, audio visual and electronic library materials were loaned . All four libraries in Niagara Falls recorded increased borrowing. The previous all-time borrowing record was set in 2006. Our 40,819 registered active borrowers appreciate that our library collections are updated with multiple copies of new books and other materials.

2008 also set an all-time record of use of our website’s “Online Research” electronic subscription databases with 12,653 log-ins. This beat the 2003 record of 12,008 log-ins.

In 2008 the Ministry of Culture released statistics for 2006 for all Ontario public libraries and Niagara Falls cracked the top ten for annual library transactions with 3,276,069 transactions recorded which moves us up from twelfth place the previous year. In addition to borrowing, this figure also includes use of our electronic resources, the number of reference questions, interlibrary loans, those attending library programs, books and other resources used within the library and people entering the library. The following are the only other libraries in Ontario which had more annual library transactions than Niagara Falls. In descending order they are Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, Markham, London, Brampton, Vaughan and Richmond Hill.


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: 40,819

Circulation (materials borrowed): 692,884

Interlibrary loans with other libraries:
Items borrowed 2,431
Items loaned 2,563

Programs held: 1,393
Program attendance 24,948

Books owned:
volumes 286,796

Audio-Visual materials owned:
volumes 29,372

In a Typical Week:
people who enter the library in person 10,742
electronic visits to library 48,263
materials used in-library only 4,933
reference questions 1,875
use of electronic databases 47,109

FINANCIAL SUMMARY (subject to audit)

OPERATING BUDGET 2008

REVENUE

City of Niagara Falls operating funds $3,683,325
City of Niagara Falls debenture funds 121,589
Provincial per household grant 130,258
Special government grants 39,223
Fines, photocopying, rentals, etc. 156,882
Donations 8,261
Surplus from 2006: 73,448
Total 4,212,986

EXPENDITURES
Salaries & benefits $2,814,208
Books, magazines, AV materials 378,777
Utilities & telecommunications 152,515
Debenture expenses 121,589
Facilities 103,427
Information Hardware/Software 105,260
Rent 76,616
Contracted services 68,367 Insurance 45,183
Transfer to Reserves & Capital Project 118,881
Supplies, acquisition/processing, programs, shipping, other 138,592
4,123,415
Surplus as of Dec. 31, 2008 89,571
Total $4,212,986

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.