HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-23; Library Board of Trustees; ; Library Reports for June and July 2023Meeting Date: Aug. 23, 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 June and July 2023
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive the Narrative Reports and Statistical Reports for June and July 2023.
Executive Summary/Discussion
The board will review the library’s monthly narrative and statistical reports for June and July
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 June 2023
2.Statistical report for June 2023
3.Narrative report for July 2023
4.Statistical report for July 2023
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 1 of 14
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Staff Report
EXHIBIT 1
Carlsbad City Library
Monthly Library Report
June 2023
Highlights:
1. Author Event Lisa See
Adult & Teen Services hosted best-selling author Lisa See in the Ruby G. Schulman
Auditorium on June 2. The auditorium filled all 215 seats. After being introduced by Library
Assistant Susan Burke, Ms. See discussed her latest title, “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women”
which had been published just days earlier. With warmth and humor, Lisa engaged with the
audience in a lively Q & A. Afterward, attendees had the opportunity to buy copies of the
book and have them signed by the author.
2. Write On! Remedies for the Reluctant Writer
On June 23, staff hosted 21 patrons for a writing workshop presented by Patricia Benesh,
EdD, at the Georgina Cole Library. Dr. Benesh guided participants through a personal
analysis and reflection of their projects that ranged from concept to completed drafts in a
variety of genres and then offered concrete tools and strategies on the writing process to
keep their projects on a path to completion. The workshop was sponsored by Friends of the
Carlsbad Library, coordinated in partnership with San Diego Oasis, and aligned with the
Summer Reading Adventure theme “Find Your Voice.”
3. Teen Author Event
Librarian Ashleigh Hvinden presented an author-talk with local author Peter McBride in the
Gowland Meeting Room at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane on June 21. Mr. McBride,
author of “Dropping in on the Waves: Tales on the Way to Becoming an Adult” used the
new Propose a Program or Service form to share his interest in offering a program at a
Carlsbad City Library. There were 25 community members in attendance.
4. Hoopla Graphic Novel Book Club
For the second Hoopla graphic novel book club, Librarian Emily Hardy and Library
Technician Karen Tinajero-Vazquez, planned and marketed a Pride Month graphic novel
discussion of “Gender Queer,” a Stonewall-Award winning book. This program celebrates
and honors Pride Month while encouraging discovery and use of Hoopla. On June 22, nine
people discussed their deeply personal and heartfelt reactions to the book. Many
mentioned their gratitude that the library had hosted this event to celebrate Pride Month
and raise transgender visibility.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 2 of 14
5. Film Screening and Literacy Discussion
The San Diego Council on Literacy hosted a showing of the documentary “The Right to
Read” at the Schulman Auditorium on June 24 (Carlsbad City Library is a founding affiliate
program of the San Diego Council on Literacy). Thirty-six attendees, including local
educators, literacy volunteers and staff watched the powerful documentary advocating for
a structured and systematic approach to teaching reading. Community Outreach Supervisor
Carrie Scott joined San Diego Council on Literacy CEO Jose Cruz and former Council board
member and reading specialist Kristin Shea-Thiel for an open discussion of literacy issues
after the film.
6. Summer Reading Adventure (SRA) Kick Off
The Carlsbad Library ‘s Summer Reading Adventure reinstated special performers at each
library location once per week throughout the duration of the program. Twinkle Time was
the kick-off guest performer and many patrons shared that they had a wonderful time.
Beanstack is the software program used to record summer reading, and as of June 30, there
were a total of 1,726 participants ages 0 to 100 and just over 300 completions.
Programs:
7. SRA Preview Programs
Children’s Services at the Dove Library sponsored two programs as a preview for the
upcoming SRA: Celia Lawley presented “Meet the Instruments” and Emila and Ruth, a
mother-daughter duo, presented the musical program “Kokowanda Bay”.
8. Rainbow Storytimes
The first ever Carlsbad City Library Rainbow Storytime was presented at the Dove Library in
the Gowland meeting room on June 3, and then again at the Cole Library on June 10.
Children’s staff from both locations presented the program to 21 attendees at the Dove
Library and six attendees at the Cole Library. The program included a reading of three
children’s books about why we celebrate Pride, acceptance of different families, and the
importance of inclusivity. Children’s staff also incorporated self-affirming songs and three
crafts that enhanced understanding on the concepts of inclusivity, individuality, and
respect.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 3 of 14
9. Words & Music Literacy Program
AmeriCorps members Terry S. and Mihoko Z. presented two Words & Music workshops on
June 22 and 26 at the Library Learning Center to explore learning and language using
popular music. These sessions focused on the song, “You are My Sunshine”, and used the
lyrics and rhythm to learn about syllables, vocabulary and homonyms. A total of 13 literacy
program participants attended the two sessions.
10. Human Library: Stories of Pride:
A Human Library program was hosted at the Cole Library on June 26. Panel members served
as “books” and the dialogue and conversation served as the “reading.” The panel consisted
of college professors, a theater director, a representative from the LGBTQ Resource Center
and a drag queen. Thirty eight individuals attended the event. City and library leadership
received some comments from community members opposed to holding this program and
there were some peaceful protestors at the library that evening.
11. “Rock Out!” at Cole:
A special Tuesday Afternoon Adventure/Summer Steam program was held on June 27:
“Rock Out!” and 56 attendees learned about the science of sound via rock music. Activities
included creating fictional band names, performing air guitar, and painting rocks.
12. Exploration HUB Pride Program
Technician Karen Tinajero-Vazquez taught a “Silhouette Cameo: Pride Tote Bag” class on
June 13 to six patrons who learned how to use the Silhouette Cameo software and cutter.
They practiced using the text tool with various fonts and had their design cut out on heat
transfer vinyl and ironed on a tote bag.
13. Grow Your Garden: Successful Vegetable Gardening
Adult & Teen Services partnered with the Carlsbad Community Garden Collaborative and
Master Gardener Dr. David Boucher who taught a class of 12 students the techniques for
Successful Gardening on June 24 at the Dove Library. Forty two gardeners swapped crops,
plants, and succulents before and after this informative gardening class.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 4 of 14
14. Wonders of Wildlife
On June 28, families with children of all ages came together to learn about and see a variety
of animals at all 3 locations as part of SRA. This up-close animal encounter show was loved
by all who attended.
Services:
15. Career Online High School
Two Career Online High School scholarships were awarded during June. Seven students are
currently progressing through the Career Online High School diploma program.
Patron Stories (heard around the library):
On a Saturday in June, the genealogy area was visited by two sisters who shared that they had
grown up here, and while one was visiting from Arizona they had chosen to spend their
vacation time together pouring through items in our genealogy collection. With staff help, they
researched their way through four carts of genealogy books.
Genealogy and Carlsbad History Librarian Jennifer Snapp-Cook helped a patron looking for old
school photos, having already tried Classmates.com and e-yearbook.com without any results.
Jennifer remembered that while we didn’t have yearbook coverage from the school and the
time period in question, there was a collection of items that had been donated by a local
teacher that might have something. Sure enough, she was able to locate two of his class photos
(for first and second grade), in addition to a snapshot of his entire class outdoors. The patron
was thrilled and responded via email:
“This is great, thank you so much! you are THE BEST EVER. I am shocked. This has
made my whole lifetime...where can I send a donation? You guys deserve it. “
A half-hour later he was driven to reach out again:
“Again, thank you for finding these. You don't realize how important it was to me.
I’m 58 and going online to look up my past. This is like the greatest birthday and
Christmas presents wrapped together of a whole lifetime. It almost brought tears to
my eyes. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!”
Bonnie Biggs of Love-on-a-Leash reported the following story from the June 19 Paws to Read
program held at the Library Learning Center “a little girl who came in with her big brother and
sister was very reluctant to read her book or even come near the dogs. She kept poking her
mom and whispering in her ear. She was clearly torn. With about 15 minutes left in the
program, she came over and started petting Zuni (therapy dog), then Daisy (therapy dog).
Finally, she got a book and read to each one of them. The science bears this out. Petting a dog
makes reading easier. THIS is why we do this.”
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 5 of 14
Other:
Angelica Mejia, Children’s Librarian, attended the American Library Association Conference in
Chicago, Illinois, to complete her final participation on the Pura Belpré Awards Committee. The
Pura Belpré Award is a major book award given by the American Library Association to a Latino
or Latina person author or illustrator for best representing the Latino cultural experience in a
children’s book.
Community Outreach Supervisor Carrie Scott presented at two sessions of the California Library
Association Conference held in Sacramento on June 1-3. She presented to a group of new
literacy coordinators on June 1 and was an activity leader at the California Library Literacy
Services’ night track presentation of “Let’s Play! Explore the Lighter Side of Literacy Work” on
June 2.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 6 of 14
EXHIBIT 2 LIBRARY MONTHLY STATISTICS
June 2023
June 2022 June 2023
Total Library Hours Open
1Beginning May 8, 2023, expanded library hours 1 hour daily 654 7261
Total Visitors On-site
(Includes curbside) 35,853 40,265
Library Services
Circulation of Library Materials 79,848 79,760
eAudiobook/eBook/eMagazine Downloads
Audio/Video Streaming2
16,303
55
21,509
878
2 Available offerings have adjusted
2022: Kanopy relaunched Aug. 1, 2022; Hoopla launched Aug. 17, 2022
Circulation Total 96,206 102,147
Reference Questions 13,378 12,201
Technology
eResource Use
Library Website Sessions
In-House Computer Use
8,356
38,674
2,544
7,735
43,676
3,199
Programs, Facility Usage
Number of Programs Presented
(on-site, off-site, includes virtual)
Programs Attendance
89
3,307
85
4,000
Number of Community Rentals
Community Rentals Attendance
84
2,761
68
5,047
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 7 of 14
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EXHIBIT 3
Carlsbad City Library
Monthly Library Report
July 2023
Highlights:
1. Teen Talent Show
Adult & Teen Services presented the annual Teen Talent Show on July 13 in the Ruby G.
Schulman Auditorium. Fifty eight individuals attended to watch 14 performers (two of the
performers were duo acts).
The first place winner of a Lego guitar (that they build themselves) was a returning
contestant who sang an original composition with piano accompaniment. Second place
winners were a pair of sisters who performed “Betty” by Taylor Swift, singing and playing
the guitar and piano. They received a Cricut Joy that cuts designs from vinyl, cardboard, or
paper. Coming in third place were a sister violinist group who performed the music from the
animated film “Up.” The third-place prize was a Ticket-to-Ride game and a photo printer.
Programs:
2. Words & Music Literacy Program
The Literacy Services two AmeriCorps members presented two Words & Music workshops
on July 15 and 20 to explore learning and language using popular music. This second series
of sessions focused on the song, “Crazy” by Patsy Cline, and used the lyrics and rhythm to
learn about syllables and vocabulary. A total of five literacy program participants attended
the two sessions.
3. Michael Raynor Magic Show
On July 10, Adult & Teen Services presented magician and variety act performer Michael
Rayner in the Schulman Auditorium. Mr. Rayner has performed on America’s Got Talent,
and 90 kids, teens and adults attended the event.
4. Author Event Tracy Badua
Eleven teens and adults attended a July 29 author talk for teens at the Dove Library with
author Tracy Badua who was extremely kind and, hilarious sharing about the writing
process.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 8 of 14
5. Preschool Pals Storytime
Children’s staff at the Dove Library presented a special edition storytime throughout the
summer that was geared towards pre-school aged children. In addition to songs and stories
it also included a craft at the end. On July 20, in place of a craft, children and their grownups
were able to experience and enjoy a parachute activity in the Children’s Garden that went
along with the Storytime theme of community and togetherness.
6. Tie-Dye Tuesday Afternoon Adventure
Children’s Services staff led a special Tuesday Afternoon Adventure event on July 26.
Attendees celebrated summer at a program on the Georgina Cole Library’s front lawn by
creating fun tie-dyed clothing and bandanas. Attendees were excited to wear their newly
decorated shirts and bandanas (once they dried!).
7. Summer Reading Adventure Programming
The Summer Reading Adventure continued to show popularity during the month of July,
and a big part of the draw came in the form of large performer events. Examples include
Zany Zoe on July 11 and drummer Chazz on July 18. The performers wowed packed houses
at all three library locations.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 9 of 14
8. Genealogy & Carlsbad History
On July 18, Library Technicians Ann Montgomery and Jan Mongoven presented “Focus On:
Finding Your Voice...Tell Your Ancestor’s Stories.” In keeping with the Carlsbad City Library's
Summer Reading Adventure theme of "Finding Your Voice," Jan and Ann gave participants a
demonstration on using FamilySearch: Memories and Ancestry.com. Jan also shared his own
self-published family histories for added inspiration. Eight people attended this interactive
class in the computer lab of the Library Learning Center.
9. Partnership programs with the North San Diego County Genealogical Society (NSDCGS)
On July 18, genealogist Sharon Ryan presented “Visual Phasing: How I Found My
Grandfather” to the DNA Interest Group. This hybrid program was held in the Community
Room at the Cole Library and had a total of 42 attendees.
On July 25, family historian Charlotte Bocage presented “What’s Your Story: Writing the
Stories of Your Life” at the Genealogy Program Meeting. This hybrid program was held at
the Faraday Administration building and had a total of 38 attendees.
10. Grow Your Garden: Successful Vegetable Gardening
Adult & Teen Services partnered with the Carlsbad Community Garden Collaborative and
Master Gardener and writer Lisa Marun who presented on Seed Collecting & Saving.
Twenty two people attended the presentation and approximately 29 different people took
home succulents, basil and/or swapped produce; 51 people participated in the event.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 10 of 14
11. Exploration HUB: Teen Silhouette Cameo: Shadow Box with 3D Paper Layers
Five teens attended a class learning to use the offset tool in the Silhouette Studio software.
Aligned with the Summer Reading Adventure theme, “Find Your Voice,” attendees created a
whale design in six layers.
Special Projects:
12. Outreach Strategic Roadmap
Principal Librarian Laura Mendez finalized and distributed the fiscal year 2023-2025
Outreach Strategic Roadmap to all staff. Based on interviews, surveys, and data analysis, the
Roadmap establishes goals, guidelines and procedures for outreach and partnership
initiatives for Carlsbad City Library over the next two years.
Community Connections:
13. Community Housing Works
Community Outreach Supervisor Carrie Scott and Library Technician Yazmin Cervantes
staffed an outreach event for Community Housing Works on July 7 at one of their affordable
housing communities. Thirty nine people stopped by to learn about the library’s programs
and services including Career Online High School, Summer Reading Adventure, Literacy
Services and English as a Second Language classes.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 11 of 14
14. TGIF Library Outreach
Staff from multiple divisions represented the library at TGIF Concerts in the Parks events,
sharing information about the Summer Reading Adventure and library resources. Handouts
for kids and a bubble machine were extremely useful in driving traffic to the library’s
outreach table; staff spoke with 694 individuals over the course of four events in July.
15. Carlsbad by the Sea Workshop
Librarian Emily Hardy and Library Assistant Susan Burke presented at the Carlsbad by the
Sea retirement community on July 5, presenting Libby and demonstrating additional Library
eResources. Thirty six people attended, seven signed up for the e-newsletter and four
emailed Emily with follow-up questions.
16. Rancho Carlsbad
On July 27, Adult & Teen Services staff presented an outreach workshop for 25 members of
the Rancho Carlsbad senior living community, promoted the library’s programs and services,
helped residents access the library’s eResources and helped attendees obtain or renew
their library cards.
17. Books To Go
The Books To Go team went to three events and engaged with 468 people. The bike visited
the Farmer’s Market, Flicks at the Fountain and the Carlsbad Senior Center. Our Books To
Go events promote reading, Libby, Hoopla, Safer Streets, and library services and events.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 12 of 14
Patron Stories (overheard in the library):
18. Thanks from Kruger House Preschool
Librarian Missy Shaw received a handmade (literally – lots of little hands!) thank-you letter
from Kruger House Preschool. Missy had visited the preschool on July 10 and 28, reaching a
total of 55 children.
Other:
19. Exploration HUB/Literacy Services
Technician Perry Veater recreated a 3D design of a click share holder for the Literacy
tutoring stations at the Learning Center. The HUB staff 3D-printed 11 holders throughout
July which were sent to Literacy Services.
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 13 of 14
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EXHIBIT 4 LIBRARY MONTHLY STATISTICS
July 2023
July 2022 July 2023
Total Library Hours Open
1Beginning May 8, 2023, expanded library hours 1 hour daily 615 7261
Total Visitors On-site
(Includes curbside) 34,821 43,161
Library Services
Circulation of Library Materials 81,601 87,723
eAudiobook/eBook/eMagazine Downloads
Audio/Video Streaming2
16,823
54
21,802
950
2 Available offerings have adjusted
2022: Kanopy relaunched Aug. 1, 2022; Hoopla launched Aug. 17, 2022
Circulation Total 98,478 110,475
Reference Questions 11,991 13,170
Technology
eResource Use
Library Website Sessions
In-House Computer Use
8,080
36,304
2,393
7,870
43,574
3,041
Programs, Facility Usage
Number of Programs Presented
(on-site, off-site, includes virtual)
Programs Attendance
84
3,246
112
4,756
Number of Community Rentals
Community Rentals Attendance
34
1,779
57
3,764
Aug. 23, 2023 Item #1 Page 14 of 14
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