Library breaks another circulation record

Roddenbery Memorial Library has once again broken its all-time record for circulation. Fiscal year 2010, which ended on June 30, saw an across-the-desk figure of 93,013 items checked out, which is nearly 1,000 more than the previous year.
This makes eight of the last nine years in which the record for circulation has been broken, with a solid streak of broken records for the last six years, the only dip occurring in FY04.
Most months of FY10 set monthly records when compared to the same month in previous years.
Toward the end of the year, circulation began to level off. Staff members think it could have been a simple dip in library visits, uncertainty about library funding, or a leveling off of the search for free entertainment during the recession.
Whatever the reason for any dips, the staff was concerned that, after months of being on a record pace, the library might not see higher totals than last year. At least 12,000 items needed to circulate in June to set a record and, in the end, June put the circulation total over the top with a monthly total of 13,213.  That was not as good as the all-time June record of 14,177 set in 2009, but it was enough to set a new annual record.
Ann Flowers, chair of the RML board of trustees, said, “The circulation for 2010 shows that Roddenbery Memorial Library is of great service to our community. We thank everyone for their hard work on a day-to-day basis.”
At summer’s end, library staff members will again celebrate the results of their hard work at a special gathering, where they will be congratulated for their efforts by library administrators, board members, Friends of the Library officers and community leaders.
“During these years, we have bought more new books and have tried to do an outstanding job of customer service,” said Library Director Alan Kaye. “I think those are two big factors that have made the library more relevant and useful in this decade. The recession brought an additional increase in library use because people have wanted more than ever to cash in on the public services available to them.”
Lois Duncan, past chair and now secretary-treasurer of the board of trustees, commented, “People just do not realize the plight of those who have to do without. The libraries of our nation are the only places where free access is given to the information that drives our society. That lifeline should remain intact and not be snapped.”
Library circulation is recorded on the PINES servers in Atlanta, and the final report is generated for RML by the Georgia Public Library Service as of the close of business on June 30.