HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-26; Library Board of Trustees; ; Library Reports for February and March 2023Meeting Date: April 26, 2023
To: Library Board of Trustees
From: Sheila Crosby, Deputy Library Director
Katie Nye, Deputy Library Director
Staff Contact: Sheila Crosby, Deputy Library Director
sheila.crosby@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5520
Katie Nye, Deputy Library Director
katie.nye@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2094
Subject: Library Reports for February and March 2023
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive the Narrative Report and Statistical Report for February and March 2023.
Executive Summary/Discussion
The board will review the library’s monthly narrative and statistical reports for February and
March 2023. 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
provided 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
1.Narrative report for February 2023
2.Statistical report for February 2023
3.Narrative report for March 2023
4.Statistical report for March 2023
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 1 of 14
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Staff Report
EXHIBIT 1
Carlsbad City Library
Monthly Library Report
February 2023
Highlights:
1. Hoopla Graphic Novel Book Club
Librarian Emily Hardy and Library Technician Karen Tinajero-Vazquez hosted a virtual
graphic novel book discussion honoring Black History Month on Feb. 28. The group read
the graphic retelling of Octavia E. Butler’s “Kindred” encouraging patrons to discover
and use Hoopla. Of the 12 participants, six were first-time Carlsbad Library book club
attendees, most of whom were in their twenties and thirties, a demographic that is not
commonly represented in the library’s adult book clubs. The novel takes an
uncompromising look at the horror of slavery. Staff were pleased by the meaningful,
passionate, and respectful conversation the book discussion made possible.
2. Carlsbad Reads Together
The 2023 Carlsbad Reads Together book selections have been announced. This program
is an annual celebration connecting the entire Carlsbad community through reading.
Special programming and events for Carlsbad Reads Together begin in April and
continue all month long. Carlsbad Reads Together is generously sponsored by the
Friends of the Carlsbad Library.
• Adult Selection - “The Line Becomes a River” by Francisco Cantú. This true story of a
U.S. Border Patrol Agent’s experience on the front lines of the US-Mexico border
presents a nuanced, balanced view of courage and compassion in the line of duty.
Readers may reserve a copy from the Carlsbad City Library, available in English and
Spanish, in book, eBook or eAudiobook formats. A live virtual author event with
Francisco Cantú will be held on April 27 at 6 p.m. via Zoom.
• Teen Selection - “Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story” by Lilliam Rivera. This year’s teen
selection is available on the new eResource Hoopla, and in the library catalog.
“Unearthed” reimagines the story of DC Comics’ Green Lantern Jessica Cruz with a
tale of immigration, family and overcoming fear to inspire hope.
• Children's Selection - “Bright Star” by Yuyi Morales. This title tells the story of a fawn
making her way through a landscape teeming with flora and fauna inspired by our
region. This book is available in English and Spanish, perfect for very young children
looking for their place in a world full of uncertainty. Copies are available from the
Carlsbad City Library on Hoopla, eAudiobook or read-along format.
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 2 of 14
EXHIBIT 1
3. My Path to Carlsbad Story Showcase
As part of this years’ Carlsbad Reads Together program, the Carlsbad City Library will
create a special exhibit featuring stories of how Carlsbad families arrived in the city.
Stories will be artfully showcased in the Georgina Cole Library display case and shared
on the Carlsbad Reads Together webpage. Submissions are accepted March 1 - 30 and
stories will be on display at the Georgina Cole Library April 1 – 30. Patrons can submit a
story by completing a form online or in person at the Information Desk at any of the
three library locations. Story stations are available at the Carlsbad Senior Center and
Lola’s 7 Up Market & Deli during the month of March to collect submissions.
Programs:
4. Irish Genealogical Records
Genealogist Ron Gilmore provided a lecture on Irish genealogical records, where they
are located and how to access them in Dublin, Belfast and elsewhere, as part of the
Genealogy Program Meeting partnership program between the North San Diego County
Genealogical Society and the library. He included tips on investigating, travel, currency,
customs and touring, allergy management, car rentals, and more using tales of his
personal travels and photographs as illustration. This hybrid program was offered in-
person and virtually with an attendance of 73.
5. Libros & Loteria -
Teen Librarian Ashleigh Hvinden and Library Assistant Christina Lorenzo hosted Libros &
Loteria where teens participated in a Harry Potter themed loteria game. A variety of
books were shared as prizes and staff used the time to connect with the teens.
6. Tinker Tuesday
On Feb. 28, Agua Hedionda Discovery Center presented two of their avian educational
ambassadors, a western screech owl, Tecolote, and the Peregrine falcon, Celerity. The
center’s staff answered questions from 63 attendees and shared bird related crafts.
Other Tinker Tuesday programs in February centered on Black History Month by
exploring inventors, poets, and visual artists.
Services:
7. Career Online High School
A Career Online High School scholarship was awarded to a Carlsbad resident who is
seeking an advanced position at her place of employment. Six students are currently
enrolled and progressing through the Career Online High School diploma program.
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 3 of 14
EXHIBIT 1
Community Connections:
8. Sage Creek High School Event
On Feb. 14, Librarian Ashleigh Hvinden and Library Assistant Christina Lorenzo attended
an outreach event at Sage Creek High School and spoke to 65 teens. The team
highlighted the teen book club and gave away books, calendars, de-stress kits from the
staff at TrueCare and seed bookmarks. Staff networked with the school's Library Media
Technician Golnessa Shali to discuss how best to support her and partnership
opportunities for the future. Christina and Ashleigh are scheduled to return to Sage
Creek in May.
9. AARP Outreach
AmeriCorps member Mihoko Z. and Community Outreach Supervisor Carrie Scott were
available at the Carlsbad Senior Center on Feb. 21 with a focus on reaching the AARP tax
clients. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are providing taxpayers in communities nationwide
with free tax preparation filing services through April 13. Staff spoke with 30 people
about the free programs and services offered at the three Carlsbad libraries. Staff are
providing this outreach opportunity at the Senior Center once per week during the 2023
tax season.
Special Projects:
10. New Reader Books
Literacy Services received the last order of Adult New Reader books for the literacy
collection at the Library Learning Center. The New Reader collection is now complete
with 105 books. These books are the result of an LSTA-funded project where adult
literacy staff and volunteers received training on how to write at accessible reading
levels for adult learners, then put those skills to work by publishing books. The goal of
this project was to publish over 100 literacy-level books available for free online or for
purchase in print to build literacy collections in libraries. Carlsbad City Library staff who
participated were Library Technicians Michelle Williams (three books), Marin Faeyera,
née Fantino (two books); Library Assistant Sandra Riggins (three books); Community
Outreach Supervisor Carrie Scott (two books) and former Library Technician Drea
Giaconelli (one book). These books have transformed the literacy program by offering a
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 4 of 14
EXHIBIT 1
broad selection of adult-interest books that each include Tutor Tips for additional
reading and writing practice. In addition, a popular New Reader book club, co-facilitated
by AmeriCorps Member Mihoko Z. and Library Technician Michelle Williams features a
book from this collection every month.
Other:
11. Learning Center Van
The Learning Center’s new van was picked up at Fleet Services on Feb. 3. It is a beautiful
new Ford Transit 10-passenger van, complete with many modern features, including
back-up and overhead cameras and USB ports for the passenger seats. It drives like a
dream and has that new-car smell. The van's first voyage will be to take staff and adult
literacy learners to the Writer-to-Writer awards on March 11, an event that recognizes
winners of a letter-writing contest. Our former donated Sprinter van, affectionately
called “Bessie,” will be auctioned at a future date. Bessie was originally used to shuttle
special needs students from Carlsbad High School back and forth between the Learning
Center and CHS for tutoring, a program that is no longer needed.
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 5 of 14
EXHIBIT 1
Patron Stories (heard around the library):
1. One of the adult literacy learners shared that she went shopping for a specific item at
Costco, which she was having trouble finding. She decided to try to read the labels, and
she was able to find it!
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 6 of 14
EXHIBIT 2 LIBRARY MONTHLY STATISTICS
February 2023
February
2022
February
2023
Total Library Hours Open 573 573
Total Visitors On-site
(includes curbside) 31,615 33,797
Library Services
Circulation of Library Materials 63,838 68,418
eAudiobook/eBook/eMagazine Downloads
Audio/Video Streaming*
15,684
54
17,632
685
*Available offerings have adjusted
2022: Kanopy relaunched Aug. 1; Hoopla launched Aug. 17
Circulation Total 79,576 86,735
Reference Questions 9,379 10,692
Technology
eResource Use
Library Website Sessions
In-House Computer Use
8,756
35,413
1,641
6,197
34,019
2,592
Programs, Facility Usage
Number of Programs Presented
(on-site, off-site, includes virtual)
Programs Attendance
31
863
98
3,429
Number of Community Rentals
Community Rentals Attendance
22
951
55
3,019
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 7 of 14
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EXHIBIT 3
Carlsbad City Library
Monthly Library Report
March 2023
Highlights:
1. Library Learning Center Temporary Art
Studio Tutto presented mural designs for the Library Learning Center on March 7 to
members of the library’s senior leadership, Cultural Arts and select Learning Center
personnel. A design was selected, and work began on March 27. The striking design
featured native plants and animals painted in a sepia tone. A passerby commented to
the artists as they worked that he had never noticed the building before. Part of the
intention behind the mural is to draw more attention to the Library Learning Center, so
it’s already having the intended effect. The artists are also working with the city’s
landscaping staff to add complementary native plants in the planter boxes in front of
the mural.
2. Literacy Services’ Adult Learner Wins Writer to Writer Challenge
Carlsbad City Library adult learner Nyla H. was recognized as one of the winners of the
Writer to Writer Challenge at a lunch event attended by 90 guests at the Doubletree
Hilton in Buena Park on March 11. Carlsbad learners Sunmi K. and Mihoko Z. were also
given participation certificates. The Writer to Writer Challenge is an annual writing
competition for adult learners enrolled in Southern California Library Literacy Services
programs. Learners read or listen to a book, and then write a letter to the author
describing how the book impacted their life. Nyla's winning letter in the Intermediate
Category was written to the authors of “The Personal Librarian”.
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 8 of 14
EXHIBIT 3
3. Carlsbad Reads Together – Children's StoryWalk
The children’s Carlsbad Reads Together selection, “Bright Star” by Yuyi Morales, was
installed as an indoor StoryWalk at all three library locations. Patrons who visit the
libraries have access to read and enjoy the story while exploring the children’s areas.
The Georgina Cole Library staff borrowed taxidermized desert animals from the San
Diego Natural History Museum to add to the StoryWalk’s décor.
Programs:
4. Adult New Reader Book Club
AmeriCorps Member Mihoko Z. and Library Technician Michelle Williams facilitated the
New Reader book club. Six learners read and discussed “A Trip to Death Valley” by Vidya
Belkhale.
5. Paws to Read
Love on a Leash presented Paws to Read at the Library Learning Center for the first time
on March 20 with 7 attendees. The Paws to Read program offers school aged children
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 9 of 14
EXHIBIT 3
the opportunity to read to a certified therapy dog. Reading to a non-judgmental dog
builds reading skills and confidence in young readers. Paws to Read will be offered every
third Monday of the month at 3:30 p.m. at the Library Learning Center. This program is
also regularly offered at the Cole and Dove Library locations.
6. Exploration HUB Silhouette Cameo class
On March 29, Librarian Bridget Lopez taught the “Silhouette Cameo: Baby Onesie with
Bunnies” class. Four patrons, one new and three returning, attended, and learned how
to use the Silhouette Studio software to design three bunnies using the shape tool.
7. St. Patrick’s Day Take & Make Kits
The “Crafty St. Patty’s Day” take & make kits for teens and adults were distributed at all
three Carlsbad library locations from March 1 to March 17. The kits intention was to
drive discovery and use of the Creativebug database. 92 kits were shared with the
community.
8. Genealogy Program:
Genealogist Eilene Lyon presented “Using Diaries, Letters, and Memoirs, Even if Your
Ancestors Left None” on March 28, as part of the partnership program between the
North San Diego County Genealogical Society and the library. Eilene provided tips on
where to find records and examples from her blog stories and Gold Rush research. This
hybrid program was offered in-person and virtually with 51 total attendees.
Services:
9. Ask a Genealogist
The Genealogy & Carlsbad History division received nine Ask A Genealogist research
requests in March. Patrons who request this service are paired with one or more staff in
the Genealogy & Carlsbad History division to provide focused research assistance for
their specific genealogy queries. Staff have provided over 50 hours of research time
during the month of March.
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 10 of 14
EXHIBIT 3
10. Seed Library
The three seed libraries distributed a total of 1243 seed packets in the month of March.
This increase can be attributed to the spring season, beneficial rains, giving away Torrey
Pine seeds and advertising.
Dove: 265
Cole: 834
Learning Center: 144
11. School Tour and Research Session
On March 24, a group of 15 fourth grade students and five adults from Sanderling
Waldorf School visited the Dove Library for their first tour since the COVID pandemic.
Senior Librarian Ally Goodwin and Library Assistant Hugo Ricalday-Cuevas led the tour
and discussed the importance of libraries to communities, the job opportunities
available at libraries and a lesson on the Dewey Decimal system. The students went on
a scavenger hunt to discover library materials for their animal projects.
Special Projects:
12. AmeriCorps National Day of Service
Literacy Services’ AmeriCorps members Mihoko Z. and Terry S. created a display for the
National AmeriCorps Day of Service in recognition of César Chávez Day. The display
featured books about César Chávez with photos and artwork to tell the story of the
activist’s role in the labor movement. Library Assistant Sandra Riggins attended the
Carlsbad City Council meeting where a proclamation was presented in honor of César
Chávez.
13. Interfiling Project
Collections & Technical Services staff led by Lead Librarian Jacqui Petri and Library
Assistant Terry Bradshaw completed a large project in the adult non-fiction section at
the Cole Library. Staff adjusted shelving and re-coded and relabeled materials to
interfile the oversized collection materials with the regular adult nonfiction. This change
allows patrons to see all the books on a topic in one location which makes finding items
much simpler. Congratulations to all the C&TS staff who worked so hard on the project.
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 11 of 14
EXHIBIT 3
Accomplishments:
14. Article Published
Principal Librarian Laura Mendez published an article celebrating Carlsbad City Library’s
Ecosystem of Learning in the American Library Association blog ILoveLibraries.org. The
article explores how the Literacy Services and Adult & Teen Services divisions work in
tandem to support learning and professional development across a spectrum of users.
15. Statistics Review for Hoopla and Black History Month
The February Hoopla usage statistics showed an increase due to factors such as the
Black History Month Adult Graphic Novel Book Discussion for Octavia E. Butler’s
“Kindred,”. This was the first book club that utilized Hoopla specifically and the first
graphic novel title selected. The increase indicates success in utilizing this platform and
the interest the public has in graphic novels.:
o 67% increase in eComics check outs during the month of February compared to
the monthly average
o February had the highest check out rate of eComics to date since subscribing to
Hoopla
Community Connections:
16. Senior Center Outreach
The library continued to host a weekly outreach table at the Senior Center to reach
AARP tax services clients. Staff from Literacy, Children’s, Adult & Teen Services and
AmeriCorps volunteers hosted a library table weekly throughout March to share
information about library services, reaching a total of 105 people.
17. School Outreach
Members of the library’s school outreach team attended school library meetings for
both Carlsbad Unified School District and Encinitas Unified School District on March 16
and 20 to support student academics and share library resources. Librarian Missy Shaw
hosted a Storytime at St. Patrick’s Catholic School and hosted a table at the Magnolia
Elementary Science Day event on March 9. Missy also hosted a Storytime at Pilgrim and
Kruger Preschools on March 23.
18. Books To Go
Biking around Carlsbad, the Books To Go team went to four events and engaged with
554 people total. The library reached 342 community members at the State Street
Farmer’s Market, 23 seniors at the Senior Center, and 189 students, teachers & parents
at two middle schools. The Books To Go events promote reading, Libby, Hoopla, Safer
Streets, library services and events.
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 12 of 14
EXHIBIT 3
19. Senior Center Library Workshop
Lead Librarian Darin Williamson and Librarian Sameera Redkar visited the Senior Center
on March 13 and had a conversation with six attendees highlighting Carlsbad Reads
Together, My Path to Carlsbad, Earth Month activities and Grow Your Garden events
while answering questions about Consumer Reports, Valueline, Libby and eMagazines.
20. San Diego Council on Literacy book giveaway
Principal Librarian Laura Mendez distributed 388 books that Carlsbad City Library
received from the San Diego Council on Literacy to local elementary-age children.
Patron Stories (heard around the library):
Patron Lauren Smith submitted the following Google review for the Library Learning Center on
March 3 “We love this place. It’s quiet but it’s also very kid friendly. When my 3 year old son
was a little loud, they were very kind. Great selection of kids’ books. The place is tiny which I
love. They have children’s computers for the littles to use for learning. We are Christians and I
was happy to see they had some Christian kids’ books and also veggie tales DVDs to rent. Rita
especially is extremely friendly, and she interacted very lovingly with my son. It made us feel
very welcome.”
Patron Praymun Read submitted the following Google review for the Library Learning Center on
Saturday, March 25. “I would keep this place a secret. The staff here are Wonderful and
friendly. They have computer access and Wi-Fi. There is an excellent children area. I would have
liked to see a separation of the children area vs main library so parents can use it in comfort.
Also a few couches or soft chairs would be nice. There is an upstairs area. Peaceful place to visit
less hectic than the library.”
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 13 of 14
EXHIBIT 4
April 26, 2023 ITEM 1 Page 14 of 14
LIBRARY MONTHLY STATISTICS
March 2023
March 2022 March 2023
Total Library Hours Open 681 675
Total Visitors On-site
(includes curbside) 35,728 39,761
Library Services
Circulation of Library Materials 75,483 79,718
eAudiobook/eBook/eMagazine Downloads
Audio/Video Streaming*
17,373
47
20,516
769
*Available offerings have adjusted
2022: Kanopy relaunched Aug. 1; Hoopla launched Aug. 17
Circulation Total 92,903 101,003
Reference Questions 13,411 11,661
Technology
eResource Use
Library Website Sessions
In-House Computer Use
7,845
43,919
2,243
7,421
38,992
3,155
Programs, Facility Usage
Number of Programs Presented
(on-site, off-site, includes virtual)
Programs Attendance
68
2,355
114
3,912
Number of Community Rentals
Community Rentals Attendance
43
1,677
58
3,963
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