HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-24; Library Board of Trustees; ; Library Reports for October, November, and December 2023 Meeting Date: Jan. 24, 2024
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 October, November, and December 2023
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive the Narrative Reports and Statistical Reports for October, November, and December
2023.
Executive Summary
The board will review the library’s monthly narrative and statistical reports for October,
November, and December 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.
Explanation & Analysis
None.
Fiscal Analysis
No financial impact.
Next Steps
None.
Environmental Evaluation
This item does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within
the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public Resources Code
Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the
environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 1 of 17
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Staff Report
Exhibits
1. Narrative report for October 2023
2. Statistical report for October 2023
3. Narrative report for November 2023
4. Statistical report for November 2023
5. Narrative report for December 2023
6. Statistical report for December 2023
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 2 of 17
Exhibit 1
Carlsbad City Library
Monthly Library Report
October 2023
Highlights:
1. Fix-it Clinic: Halloween Edition
Over 250 people stopped by during the three-hour Fix-It Clinic in the Ann Kulchin
Courtyard at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane on Oct. 21. This program is offered in
partnership with Sustainable Carlsbad, and SD Zero Waste Alliance. People brought their
broken items for evaluation and potential repair, including a wheelchair, neon signs, and
many small appliances. The Gowland Meeting Room was designated a costume swap and
repair station for clothes that required mending.
Programs:
2. Piñata Workshop
The Dove Library celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct 7 with a piñata workshop
with San Diego’s own piñata artist, Diana Benavidez. Families learned the piñata –making
process and attendees were able to choose from alebrije inspired pre-cut templates to
create their very own piñata to take home. 49 participants attended the workshop.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 3 of 17
3. Halloween Dance Party
A Halloween Dance was held at the Georgina Cole Library on Oct. 28. 52 attendees enjoyed
music and activities, including a special dance instruction session provided by McCann
Dance Studios.
4. Literacy Services Words & Music Workshop
AmeriCorps members Terry S. and Mihoko Z. presented two Words & Music workshops on
Oct. 14 and 19 to explore learning and language using popular music. These sessions
focused on the song, “Monster Mash”, and used the lyrics and rhythm for a vocabulary
lesson and talked about early 60’s culture, specifically the dance record craze and the
movie monster fad, both of which inspired the song. Participants also learned a dance
choreographed by Library Technician Jordan Daley.
5. Author Event
New York Times best-selling author Jean Kwok appeared in the Gowland Meeting Room
on Oct. 20 to discuss her latest title, “The Leftover Woman.” 62 audience
members listened as Ms. Kwok shared her fascinating history and rise to literary success
in the United States.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 4 of 17
6. Exploration HUB Class:
Library Technician Danielle Fiscal-Rajsky taught the Silhouette Cameo: Glow in the Dark
Bag class on Oct. 16. Six patrons learned how to use the trace tool in the Silhouette Studio
software and selected a ghost to cut out on glow in the dark heat transfer vinyl. They also
learned the skill of weeding vinyl, which is removing the excess vinyl from a design. They
weeded the word “Boo!” One of the attendees emailed the next day, “Thank you, so
much. It was delightful learning how to create in the Exploration HUB using the silhouette
cutter.”
Services:
7. Career Online High School
One Career Online High School student has completed her coursework and has graduated
with a high school diploma and a career certificate in Office Management. Six other
students are progressing through the Career Online High School diploma program.
Accomplishments:
8. Staff Retirement
October brought about the retirement of Youth Services Librarian Missy Shaw, who spent
over 20 years working with the Library & Cultural Arts Department. Staff celebrated Missy
with a reception on her last in-office day of work. Missy’s positive attitude, creative
programming, passion for literacy, and warm laugh will be missed.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 5 of 17
Community Connections:
9. City Council Proclamation: DEI Committee
Librarian Emily Hardy accepted a proclamation for National Disability Awareness month
from Council Member Luna at the City Council meeting on Oct. 17.
10. Bitchin’ Sauce Outreach
Cole Children’s Library Technician Hannah Lockhart hosted a table at the Bitchin’ Sauce
“Bitchin’ Kids 4th Anniversary” celebration on Oct. 26. There were 42 attendees and they
made bat headbands and received free library swag such as books and beach buckets and
enjoyed a short storytime.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 6 of 17
11. Parent University
The Library Learning Center hosted Parent University on Oct. 10, a program for parents of
K-12 students to learn more about community services. Seven parents and seven children
received a library tour and learned about many of the free resources available to library
patrons. Children received free books, and parents and children had the opportunity to
sign up for a library card, register for the In-N-Out Burger reading program and one parent
signed up for Career Online High School.
12. Project A.W.A.R.E
Project A.W.A.R.E. held their program completion meeting at the Library Learning Center
on Oct. 13. Senior Program Manager Malcolm Warfield with the Carlsbad Police
Department gave certificates to students in the Juvenile Diversion Program, and four
parents and 13 students learned about the free programs and services offered through the
Library Learning Center.
Other:
13. Serra Youth Development Day
On Oct. 19, six staff members attended the Serra Cooperative Library System’s Youth
Development Day at the San Diego Public Library. Keynote sessions focused on how to
combat burnout and how to offer Lunch at the Library with a presentation from
representatives from the California State Library. Also featured was an LGBTQ focused
panel that highlighted various services offered throughout San Diego County.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 7 of 17
Exhibit 2 LIBRARY MONTHLY STATISTICS
October 2023
October
2022
October
2023
Total Library Hours Open
1Beginning May 8, 2023, expanded library hours 1 hour daily 621 687
Total Visitors On-site
(Includes curbside) 34,966 39,087
Library Services
Circulation of Library Materials 72,036 84,075
eAudiobook/eBook/eMagazine Downloads
Audio/Video Streaming
17,430
665
23,619
903
Circulation Total 90,131 108,597
Reference Questions 10,903 10,145
Technology
eResource Use
Library Website Sessions
In-House Computer Use
6,955
37,331
2,491
8,631
36,395
3,420
Programs, Facility Usage
Number of Programs Presented
(on-site, off-site, includes virtual)
Programs Attendance
93
3,505
133
4,129
Number of Community Rentals
Community Rentals Attendance
70
2,963
64
3,771
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 8 of 17
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Exhibit 3
Carlsbad City Library
Monthly Library Report
November 2023
Highlights:
1. Totes Thankful
The Carlsbad City Library celebrated the month of giving thanks with Totes Thankful.
Patrons walked up to any public service desk and wrote what they are thankful for on a
paper leaf cut out and received a free tote bag. The following are some of the library staff’s
favorites comments (see more in Patron’s Stories):
• “I’m grateful for Costco” – Dove Children’s
• “I’m thankful for mom and pickles.” - Dove Children’s
2. Election Scavenger Hunt
A special edition children’s scavenger hunt began at all Carlsbad libraries on Oct. 30. Young
patrons searched the children’s area to find three animal candidates to best represent the
City of Carlsbad Library. The scavenger hunt encouraged civic engagement and taught the
importance of voting. The unintentional consequences were the amazing connections our
patrons and their families made with staff while learning about the elections process. And
the votes are in! Election Results for the Carlsbad City Library’s Children’s Animal
Representative are Oswald the sea otter in first place, followed by Shelly, the sea horse, in
second place and Ramon, the racoon, in third. The special election scavenger hunt was
conducted at all three library locations and 109 young voters performed their civic duty.
3. In-N-Out Cover to Cover Program
The In-N-Out Cover to Cover Program began on Oct. 1 and ended on Nov. 18 with a total of
796 readers registered, 2040 certificate cards claimed and a whopping 8208 books read.
Participants ages 4 to 12 were able to earn a free hamburger or cheeseburger for every five
books read. Children were able to read up to 15 books for a possibility of earning up to 3
certificate cards.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 9 of 17
Programs:
4.Author Event
Best-selling author Alka Joshi spoke about her latest work, “The Perfumist of Paris,” to a
crowd of 73 in the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium on Nov. 3. The title is the third and final
book in her Jaipur Trilogy, which began with “The Henna Artist,” an award-winning work
that was recently acquired by Netflix for a series adaptation. Joshi spoke about her native
India, the arc of her literary career, and answered questions from the audience. The event
was coordinated by staff in partnership with San Diego’s Adventures by the Book. An
enthusiastic attendee told library staff “this is the best author event that the library has had
yet!”
5.North San Diego County Genealogical Society Beginner/Refresher Class
The library’s Genealogy & Carlsbad History Division coordinated and hosted this day long
class in the Georgina Cole Library Community Room on Nov. 11. 43 attendees made it the
largest attendance for this topic. Senior Librarian Kristi Bell presented a PowerPoint
segment to introduce attendees to the library’s offerings for genealogical searchers,
including subscription databases, books and materials, and patron services. 22 of the
attendees choose to spend a portion of their lunch break at an orientation on the
mezzanine given by Librarian Jennifer Snapp-Cook.
Services:
6.Career Online High School
One Career Online High School student was awarded a scholarship and has started her
coursework toward her high school diploma. Six other students are progressing through the
Career Online High School diploma program, and one is on a leave of absence.
Special Projects:
7.Canto
Carlsbad History launched their Canto portal on Nov. 16. Canto is the city’s newly acquired
digital asset management system, and staff have spent several months working with the
vendor on configuration and importing digital materials. Visit Canto.
https://carlsbad.canto.com/v/Library/landing?viewIndex=0
The initial collections available on the site include:
The Carlsbad Postcard Collection - In this collection, you'll find postcard images
showcasing the resorts of Carlsbad’s past. These postcards cover the period from the
1920s to the 1960s, reflecting the pivotal years of growth when Carlsbad flourished as a
favored travel destination, drawing both the rich and famous and ordinary leisure
travelers.
Audio Oral Histories of Long-time Residents - In this collection, we present audio
recordings (with transcripts provided) of conversations recorded over several years with
important, knowledgeable residents. They generously provide insights into Carlsbad's
history, sharing intimate details that only a local would possess.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 10 of 17
Community Connections:
8.Jefferson Elementary
Community Outreach Supervisor Carrie Scott and Library Assistant Christina Lorenzo hosted
two outreach events at Jefferson Elementary School. The first was a lunchtime book
giveaway for all grades. Approximately 175 children were able to receive a free book or
other item, such as a pencil or notepad. Staff returned for Family Literacy Night on Nov. 15.
Nine children and six adults braved high winds and heavy rains to receive free books and
learn about the programs and services for adults and children at the Carlsbad City Libraries.
The school is planning to repeat this event in the spring since the weather kept attendance
numbers low.
9.Genealogy and Carlsbad History
Senior Librarian Kristi Bell attended and presented at a luncheon meeting of the local P.E.O.
(Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood on Nov. 9. Kristi presented information
about library services in general, and genealogy resources and services more specifically.
The P.E.O. is an international philanthropic organization founded in 1869 that supports
women’s education.
10.National Charity League Volunteers
Lee Taylor, a library Homebound volunteer and Carlsbad Community Gardens Board
Member, arranged National Charity League volunteers to package seeds at the Cole Library.
On Nov. 18, two mother daughter teams volunteered two hours packaging 420 seed
packets to support our Seed Library.
Patron Stories (heard around the library):
Totes Thankful quotes:
•I am thankful for the support for the literacy program! -Volunteer literacy tutor
•My tutor teaches me a lot of things…Now I love to read books so much more
than before. Thank you. -Literacy learner
•The genealogy staff are truly a gift from God in this season of my life. -
Genealogy patron
•I am very thankful for the wonderful resources and staff at the Cole Library! -
Genealogy patron
•Thankful for so many helpful librarians with amazing knowledge and resources. -
Genealogy patron
•Thankful for living in the Beautiful city of Carlsbad and having such wonderful
public Services! - Genealogy patron
•Amazing community spaces and dedicated library employees!
•Thankful for all the wonderful friends we have made here!
•Auto Renewals!
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 11 of 17
Exhibit 4 LIBRARY MONTHLY STATISTICS
November 2023
November
2022
November
2023
Total Library Hours Open
1Beginning May 8, 2023, expanded library hours 1 hour daily 570 639
Total Visitors On-site
(Includes curbside) 38,624 36,657
Library Services
Circulation of Library Materials 70,163 82,165
eAudiobook/eBook/eMagazine Downloads
Audio/Video Streaming
17,258
731
22,946
969
Circulation Total 88,152 106,080
Reference Questions 10,202 9,289
Technology
eResource Use
Library Website Sessions
In-House Computer Use
6,575
33,043
2,617
7,345
33,410
3,032
Programs, Facility Usage
Number of Programs Presented
(on-site, off-site, includes virtual)
Programs Attendance
98
2,873
103
3,919
Number of Community Rentals
Community Rentals Attendance
56
2,512
58
3,961
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 12 of 17
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Exhibit 5
Carlsbad City Library
Monthly Library Report
December 2023
Highlights:
1.A New Play Kitchen
A new play kitchen was installed in the Georgina Cole Library’s Children’s area to support
early learning and imaginative play. Children and families have already been making good
use of it, including a grandmother who enjoyed the inaugural “meal” prepared by her
grandson.
2.Fix-it Clinic
At this Dec. 2 Holiday Edition event at the Cole Library, staff collaborated with Carlsbad's
Environmental Sustainability Department, Zero Waste San Diego, and Republic Services to
help our patrons repair items and spread the word about reducing consumption and
recycling. 134 people attended this event.
•40 people used the appliance repair service - lamps were the popular household
item brough it for repair
•Patrons were shown how to create felt scrap ornaments and many learned how to
sew for the first time
•Two screenings of the documentary "Abundance" and a Q&A afterwards with11
people attending each screening
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 13 of 17
Programs:
3.Writing With Sound Workshop
On Dec. 7, 19 patrons attended a special writing workshop at the Cole Library, hosted by
Librarians Emily Hardy and Julie Hall and facilitated by authors and professional writing
facilitators Cheri Kephart and Diane Mandel. The facilitators used sound baths to create
rhythm and inspiration to break down writer’s block and offer participants a fresh
perspective on their craft. The program was very well-received, with unanimously positive
survey results, including the following summaries of what patrons enjoyed most about the
program:
•"Finding hidden emotions and welcoming them"
•"Experience something new"
•"Needed inspiration for writing"
4.Santa Claus in Carlsbad
The Library Learning Center and the Cole Library hosted visitors from the North Pole on Dec.
21. Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted program attendees at the Learning Center and the Cole
Library where patrons were able to snap photos with the Clauses, create crafts, and enjoy
family play time with early learning toys.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 14 of 17
5.Noon Year’s Celebration
The Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane rang in the New Year on Dec. 30 at 12pm! Families
were invited to explore traditions and activities from around the globe. Participants also got
the opportunity to practice dance moves and join in a traditional New Year's Eve countdown
to 12...noon with the library’s very own ball drop.
Services:
6.Literacy Services
The fall semester of the English as a Second Language classes offered in partnership with
MiraCosta College finished the week of Dec. 18. Two classes will be offered in January at the
Library Learning Center: Conversation Skills for Intermediate Students on Mondays and
Wednesdays and Reading and Writing Skills for Intermediate Students on Tuesdays and
Thursdays.
Community Connections:
7.Carlsbad Village Tree Lighting:
Librarian Emily Hardy and Library Technician Jade MacEoghain staffed a table at the
Carlsbad Village Tree Lighting event on Dec. 3, talking to 411 members of the public about
upcoming library events and services, while offering a children’s holiday-themed crafting
station and giving away books.
8.Supplemental Services Tabling at the Library
Principal Librarian Laura Mendez confirmed tabling dates at all three library locations with
TrueCare, Vista Community Center’s Parent & Child Health and Tobacco Cessation Services
and the Southern Caregiver Resource Center for the 2024 calendar year. These
organizations provide supplemental services that may be useful to library patrons, including
low- and no-cost health care, resources for caregivers, parenting, and early literacy
assistance.
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 15 of 17
9.El Camino Creek Elementary School Visit
On Dec. 14, staff from the Exploration HUB visited El Camino Creek Elementary school and
worked with the five grade 5 students in the 3D Design Club. Together they looked at the
student's 3D designs and went over the concepts of 3D design and explained how a
successful design is created. They brought samples of 3D prints for the students to see. The
Library Media Assistant, Ms. Pham created this new club and plans to have students work
on their designs during lunch time.
Patron Stories (heard around the library):
Genealogy & Carlsbad History
Library Technicians Talene Dodd and Denise Ross worked with a mother and her adopted adult
son who visited Genealogy & Carlsbad History. Over two days, they were able to help him find
his biological parents and some ancestors. The adoptive mother thanked our staff, saying her
son had been very uncertain of his life up to this point, unsettled, and appreciated the time and
skills provided by Denise and Talene. He now felt grounded. “It was the best Christmas gift he
was ever given.”
Librarian Yolanda Aubuchon and Library Technician Jan Mongoven shared a success story of a
patron who reached out to staff for some help. He had lost his home in the Lahaina, Hawaii
wildfires and with his belongings, a beloved article about his late grandfather. He asked if
perhaps we could locate the article of "Carlsbad' s Mr. Spirit." Jan and Yolanda worked through
most of a day to find many articles of how his grandfather had led the booster club to fund
Carlsbad High School's first stadium lighting, a campaign also known as "Lights for Lancers!"
Upon receiving the articles, the patron related:
•“Wow, thank you so much. This means so much to me. Thank you again for
everything. You have been awesome. Mahalo!”
Literacy Services
Literacy Services created a display at the Library Learning Center celebrating Hanukkah,
Kwanzaa, Christmas, and winter. One patron thanked us for having diverse representation. She
said, “Thank you for having the Hanukkah display. Christmas is everywhere, so it is nice to see
other holidays represented.”
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 16 of 17
Exhibit 6 LIBRARY MONTHLY STATISTICS
December 2023
December
2022
December
2023
Total Library Hours Open
1Beginning May 8, 2023, expanded library hours 1 hour daily 600 690
Total Visitors On-site
(Includes curbside) 28,498 35,488
Library Services
Circulation of Library Materials 62,922 75,504
eAudiobook/eBook/eMagazine Downloads
Audio/Video Streaming
17,749
682
23,408
1,050
Circulation Total 81,353 99,962
Reference Questions 8,504 8,865
Technology
eResource Use
Library Website Sessions
In-House Computer Use
6,274
30,087
2,576
6,161
31,639
3,254
Programs, Facility Usage
Number of Programs Presented
(on-site, off-site, includes virtual)
Programs Attendance
74
2,191
80
2,449
Number of Community Rentals
Community Rentals Attendance
46
2,159
56
3,467
Jan. 24, 2024 Item #1 Page 17 of 17
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