HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-25; Library Board of Trustees; ; Library Reports for June & July 2021ITEM #6
Meeting Date: August 25, 2021
To: Library Board of Trustees
From: Sheila Crosby, Deputy Library Director
Katie Nye, Deputy Library Director
Staff Contact: Sheila Crosby, sheila.crosby@carlsbadca.gov
Katie Nye, katie.nye@carlsbadca.gov
Subject: Library Reports for June & July 2021
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive reports. No action needed.
Executive Summary/Discussion
The board will review the library’s monthly narrative and statistical reports for June 2021 and
July 2021. These reports provide a summary of work completed across all Carlsbad City Library
divisions and locations as well as data and information about the services and programs
presented for the community.
Next Steps
None.
Fiscal Analysis
None.
Public Notification
Public notice of this item was posted in keeping with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available
for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
•Narrative report for June 2021
•Statistical report for June 2021
•Narrative report for July 2021
•Statistical report for July 2021
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LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Staff Report
Carlsbad City Library Monthly Report, June 2021
ITEM #6
Carlsbad City Library
Monthly Report
June 2021
Programs:
The all-virtual 2021 Summer Reading Adventure began June 14 and runs through
Aug. 8. This year’s theme is Tails and Tales. All ages can earn reading rewards by
logging time read and completing activities. The following statistics are
from June 14-30:
•1,189 registrations
•370,920 minutes read
•4,455 activities completed
This summer, the library is offering a new series of virtual content for children in grades K-3
presented by Page Turner Adventures. Animal-themed original shows, author visits, crafts and
other engaging content will be presented five days a week over eight weeks for a total of 40
programs.
Virtual Family Storytime continued in
June, live on Facebook, and presented by
Library Assistants Angelica Mejia and
Christina Lorenzo from the Carlsbad City
Library and the Library Learning Center.
This was made possible thanks to
technical assistance from Library
Technician John McGrath and Production
Technician Bonnie Crane-Sullivan. Virtual
Family Storytime fans, Finley and his
grandmother Joni, sent the library a photo
showing Finley’s enjoyment of this
engaging, virtual program.
Pacific Animal Productions presented a fun, engaging and educational live performance on
Facebook featuring their animal ambassadors. The performance on June 14 was recorded and
available for viewing through June 20. There was a total of 178 views.
Mother and daughter musical duo Ruth and Emilia performed their original musical show called
Kokowanda Bay on June 21. This joyous live performance focused on caring for the
environment. The performance was archived and available for viewing through June 27. There
was a total of 274 views.
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Carlsbad City Library Monthly Report, June 2021
On June 22, children joined Library Technician Heather Bauer as part of Tuesday
Summer Adventures to hear about Inky the Octopus and his daring escape from
New Zealand’s National Aquarium. Heather read Inky’s Amazing Escape: How a
Very Smart Octopus Found his Way Home by Sy Montgomery. Four children
attended.
Summer Tween Scene, a summer program for grades 4-6, presented by Library Assistant
Brandon Tiongison and Librarian Missy Shaw introduced the following topics:
•On June 14, animated cartoon featuring an animal sprite using a free
online coding program called Scratch. The accompanying craft kit
contained instructions and supplies on how to create their own origami
animal bookmark and clay animal magnet. Seven tweens attended.
•On June 28, an interactive virtual tour of the San Diego Humane Society. This tour
offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the society’s programs and services, like the
Kitten Nursery. Tweens were able to pick up supplies at all three library locations to
make a dog chew toy and a cat wand that will be donated to the SD Humane Society.
Ten tweens attended.
In lieu of a performer for teens, Library Assistant Christina Lorenzo and Teen Librarian Ashleigh
Hvinden offered a take home kit for teens called “Diversify Your Reading Garden.” Teen patrons
received a bag with a worksheet, a small container of dirt, a hanging plant pot, a macramé
frame, and a seed bookmark that a teen can plant. During June, 19 teens received the kit.
The Virtual Intermediate Genealogy program, See you in the stacks! Accessing genealogy
resources at the Georgina Cole Library was presented by Librarian Jennifer Snapp-Cook and
Library Technicians Ann Montgomery and Jan Mongoven on June 8. Each staff member shared
examples of how they have used the genealogy collection to further their own family research.
Staff reported that several patrons visited the Georgina Cole Library, inspired by what they
learned in the presentation.
Four genealogy programs in June were presented in partnership with the North San Diego
County Genealogical Society and were attended by 263 people. This month’s programs
featured expert presenters from Utah and Florida and attendees from across the country and
Canada.
All library-sponsored Book Clubs (including English speaking and bilingual adults, children, and
teens) continued virtually in June with favorable participation.
Library Assistant Sandra Riggins facilitated five virtual News Crew meetings in which adult
literacy learners practiced reading skills by reading about and discussing current events using
the News for You newspaper.
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Carlsbad City Library Monthly Report, June 2021
Outreach:
Librarian Missy Shaw presented virtual story times and Summer Reading Adventure promotions
to two school groups in June. On June 7, she visited with 20 third graders from Jefferson
Elementary School and read The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers. On June 8, Missy
met with 18 kindergartners from St. Patrick Catholic School and read Bark George by Jules
Feiffer.
Projects:
Exploration HUB staff readied for expanded services anticipated in July by opening three iMac
stations to the public by reservation. The iMac’s software was updated by IT, staff were trained
and HUB and PPE (personal protective equipment) supplies were ordered.
As the library resumes in-person access to print periodicals to the community, Periodicals
Librarian Heidi Wyner compiled statistical data about the library’s magazines, newspapers, and
journals to evaluate the collection and budget. This information has been gathered for analysis
by the deputy library directors, the collection development librarian and the reference selection
team to best utilize the library’s funds and resources.
Accomplishments:
Literacy Services’ staff and volunteers completed tasks in anticipation of the return of in-person
tutoring on July 6. Tutors will complete the city’s volunteer orientation presented by the city’s
Volunteer Services and Risk Management before returning to the Library Learning Center with
their learners. Approximately one-third of the tutors who are on the active roster expressed an
interest in returning to the program.
Library Assistant Christina Lorenzo and Interim Principal Librarian Carrie Scott participated with
colleagues from other California Library Literacy Services programs in a family literacy cohort.
Participants created two programs, a book club and a healthy eating program that could be
delivered either virtually, in-person or in a hybrid format to their communities.
FYI:
Five students are currently enrolled in Career Online High School through the Carlsbad City
Library. Three students have reached over 90% completion, and one is over 80% complete.
On June 3, six staff members attended a virtual training by the Crisis Prevention Institute. In the
training, staff learned how to recognize the stages of an escalating crisis and evidence-based
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Carlsbad City Library Monthly Report, June 2021
techniques to appropriately de-escalate. Attendance was provided by the California Libraries
Learn project, a joint effort of the California State Library and California Library Association to
provide continuing education opportunities for public library staff.
On June 23 - 29, eight staff members attended the 2021 virtual American Library Association
Annual Conference. The conference included sessions covering a wide range of topics of
interest to library staff and speakers including closing speaker, President Barack Obama who
praised libraries as “citadels of knowledge and empathy.” President Barack Obama on Libraries
and What Gives Him Hope
On June 21, Library Technician
Andrew Hutchinson and Library
Clerk Barbara Norton of the
Genealogy and Carlsbad History
division fulfilled an expedited
research request from the City
Manager’s office by providing
archival images of Carlsbad Fire
Department Station No.2 and its
equipment. The images were used
to announce the demolition of the
existing station built in 1969 to make
way for a new state of the art facility
that will better meet the current and
future needs of the community.
Heard by the library staff:
•“Like the Pride book display.”
•“Thank you all so much for being open!”
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Carlsbad City Library Monthly Report, June 2021
•A patron commented that they are grateful we still offer curbside services because
when she comes to the library her dogs get to ride and they don't have to stay at home!
•Another patron said that they used to be a homebound patron, but with curbside they
can come pick up and return their items.
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New
Library Accounts
Summer Reading Adventure
1,038 Registrations
273,542 Minutes Read
3,530 Learning Activities Completed
359 Rewards Picked Up
Activity from June 14 to June 30
CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARY
798 in June ’21
7,267 April ’20 to June ‘21
Circulation Services
Service June June ’20 to June ‘21
Holds Placed 16,590 295,261
Items Checked Out 44,524 298,445
Items Returned 38,531 320,900
12,688
22,065 20,583 21,892 21,54618,576 19,964
21,300 19,840 23,115 24,997 27,355
44,524
19,402 23,830 19,381 23,708 21,932 21,770 25,082
20,674 19,317
30,146 29,501 27,626
38,531
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
45,000
50,000
Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 Oct-20 Nov-20 Dec-20 Jan-21 Feb-21 Mar-21 Apr-21 May-21 Jun-21
Items Checked Out vs. Items Returned
Items Checked Out Items Returned
June 2021
Virtual Programs
•Storytimes
•Author Talks
•Book Clubs
•School Outreach
•Workshops
33 Programs
Presented in June
eBooks/eAudiobooks
• 257 New Users • 15,029 Downloads
•838 Added titles & extra copies
in June
In-Person Services
Limited Occupancy
503 Computer Sessions 684 Account Services Transactions
12,699 Patrons Served
in June
ITEM #6
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Carlsbad City Library Monthly Report, July 2021
ITEM #6
Carlsbad City Library
Monthly Report
July 2021
Programs:
Participation in the all-virtual Summer Reading Adventure was strong during the month of July.
Statistics through the end of July surpassed numbers from all of last year’s program:
•Registration – 1,453 (up 24%)
•Minutes read – 721,265 (up 52%)
•Activities completed – 6,986 (up 23%)
The program continues through Aug. 8 and last day to pick up reading rewards is Aug. 21.
Storyteller Donna Washington’s pre-recorded performance for children featuring folktales
about animals was available for viewing from June 28 through July 4. The video performance
was viewed by 60 people.
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• . . . .
Carlsbad City Library Monthly Report, July 2021
Zany Zoe performed live on Facebook on July 29, showcasing her illusionary and magic skills in
both English and Spanish for children. The performance was available for viewing through July
25 and 248 people watched the show.
Tweens joined staff for a fun discussion of the monsters and fantastic creatures of the world of
Harry Potter on July 26—in celebration of his July 31 birthday. Library Technician Elizabeth
Jacobs created a guessing game where kids chose the right answer based on some strange and
weird clues. A craft kit, available for pick up, included instructions and supplies to make your
own Monster Book of Monsters. The kits included recycled books that had a hiding space
carved out, material made of fake fur (donated by Lead Librarian Circulation Jenn Johnson), plus
glue, glass eyes, teeth, felt and straps to tie up this dangerous book creation safely. Also
included, were some fake pages to draw or paste pictures of fantastic beasts. Nine tweens
attended.
Library Assistant Christina Lorenzo and Librarian Ashleigh Hvinden offered a summer take home
kit for teens known as “Diversify Your Reading Garden.” Teen patrons received a worksheet, a
small container of dirt, a hanging plant pot, a macrame frame and a seed bookmark that teens
planted. In July, an additional 20 teens received a garden kit; the last day to obtain a kit will be
Aug. 8.
The Intermediate Genealogy Class met on July 13 to discuss local newspaper research. Led by
professional genealogist Jennifer Ankalsara, 80 attendees covered reasons researchers get
frustrated, how to locate archives of newspapers, a little bit of newspaper history and other
useful tips to build researcher confidence and competency.
Christine Cohen gave a presentation on Cousin Baiting and Cousin Stalking on Tuesday July 27.
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Carlsbad City Library Monthly Report, July 2021
She discussed the many ways to reach out to distant living cousins to help expand your
pedigree chart forward in time. Christine Cohen is a 17-year member of the Whittier Area
Genealogical Society (WAGS) and was the President of WAGS from 2016 through 2019. She is a
member of the El Redondo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and The
Society of Daughters of Holland Dames. Sixty people attended.
FYI:
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane resumed accepting patron donations of books and other
library materials. It is rewarding for staff to restart a service that helps the public, the library
and the Friends of the Carlsbad Library who provide such great support!
The Exploration HUB opened to the public on July 6 with limited hours. Patrons can reserve one
of four HUB stations. Fifty-one patrons visited the Exploration HUB during July and staff
answered 191 questions.
Two of the library’s Career Online High School students completed their courses and earned
their high school diplomas! There are three additional students are currently enrolled in Career
Online High School, with one expected to complete in early August.
Literacy Services’ staff welcomed learners and volunteer tutors back on site for in-person
tutoring on July 6. The 13 tutors completed an updated volunteer orientation presented by the
city’s Volunteer Services and Risk Management, and nine pairs have returned to in-person
sessions. Approximately one-third of the tutors who are on the active roster expressed an
interest in returning to the program.
Carlsbad History Collection staff provided research assistance and historic images of the Santa
Fe Depot to local writer Wendy Hinman for an upcoming feature article in Carlsbad Magazine.
Carlsbad History Collection staff responded to a request from City of Carlsbad Park Planning
Manager Kasia Trojanowska for historic images of the Buena Vista Reservoir. The city is
interested in using historic images on interpretive signage at the new Buena Vista Reservoir
Park.
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Carlsbad City Library Monthly Report, July 2021
New Overdrive eMagazine content became accessible in the Libby app when the Serra
Cooperative supported the addition of over 3,000 new eMagazines into the digital collection.
These are accessible to Carlsbad patrons via the Serra Digital Download Library. Lists of a wide
array of magazines by topic area can be conveniently browsed in the Libby app. Patrons are
sure to appreciate this new addition to our eResources.
Recruitment efforts are underway to fill vacant positions across most divisions, including many
part time vacancies. This includes recruitments for the volunteer coordinator, two circulation
supervisors, a senior office specialist, and two senior librarians.
Heard by the library staff:
•“Hello...I am very grateful for the vast selection in our library system – it kept me sane
during the pandemic. Did miss browsing though, that is pretty special too. I am a loyal
user and BIG fan of libraries...”
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ITEM #6
LIBRARY MONTHLY STATISTICS
July 2021
July 2019
(Pre-COVID-19) July 2021
Total Library Hours Open 786 642
Total Visitors On-site
(2021 includes curbside visitors) 65,400 24,324
Library Services
Circulation of Library Materials 97,725 59,201
eAudiobook/eBook/eMagazines Downloads 16,185 17,421
Video Streaming 1,218 60
Reference Questions 18,789 10,400
Programs, Facility Usage
Number of Programs
(On-site and Off-site, 2021 includes virtual)
Program Attendance
199
7,012
35
850
Number of Events Hosted
Event Attendance
55
3,182
0
0
Technology
Computer Use
Database Usage
13,363
7,575
1,458
8,270
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