FAST FACTS
· 1993 Current library building opened with 4,200 sq. ft. of space.
The library was founded in 1972 and housed in the current City
Planning building ground floor.
· 1993 = 26,611 Total Circulation
2007 = 78,083
· 1993 = 15,463 Patrons
2007 = 50,563
· 1998 = 1,929 Computer usage: Computers were introduced to the library in 1997.
1998 was the first full year of use
2007 = 14,208 Plus innumerable WiFi users.
· 1993 = 6,778 Individual checkouts, that means the average patron checked out 4.8 items each time
2007 = 16,163
· 1993 = 4,539 Phone calls with reference questions
2007 = 13,677
· 1992 = 151 Kids took part in the Summer Reading Programs
2007 = 293
· 1992 = 72 Meeting Room Use (currently used extensively for WiFi Users)
Plus numerous informal meetings
2007 = 267
· Judy Stull currently leads a staff of 3.5, plus 7 volunteers who gave 371 hours in 2007
· The Library is open to the public 44 hours per week.
CHANGING TIMES
CD's and DVD's, What's Next?
A sign of changing times, the number of audio visual items checked out has risen by 5000% since 1992, from 495 items in 1992 to 26,584 in 2007. And, tapes are having to give way to DVDs due to space issues.
Computer Technology, From None to Some to WiFi in a few short years
The current library was built prior to public computer access in libraries as we see today, and was therefore not designed to accomodate them. Such computers were placed in the Library in 1997. Today there are 4 computers available to adults and 1 each for teens and kids. In addition, WiFi as added t the library services in 200???. A large storage closet now does double-duty to house the required electronics.
SERVICES & PROGRAMS
· Children's Summer Reading Programs
· Teen Advisory Board and Teen Activities
· Interlibrary loans
· Answers to Reference questions
· Community meeting room
· City Council Meeting Minutes & Videos
· Voter registration and tax forms
FUNDING
The Ocean Shores Library is funded entirely by the City of Ocean Shores, with some special programs and events funded by the Friends of the Library.
LIBRARY EXPANSION OR REPLACEMENT
Plans were drawn up in 2001 with a concept architectural drawing of the building interior (see below). The cost then estimated was revised in 2003 to about $1.2 million, including additional furniture and shelving, moving the entire library elsewhere during the building and renovation, replacing the restrooms with wheelchair friendly rooms, increasing the size of the adult, children & teen areas, reading space, meeting room, etc. Today's costs will likely be somewhat higher. The Library Board and Friends of the Library are currently seeking both expansion and replacement estimates.
Discussions are underway on simply building a new structure that meets the library's current and future needs, and using the existing building for other purposes.
In 2003, the Bishop Foundation granted $100,000 to expanding the Library. In June 2007 the City of Ocean Shores pledged $ 450,000 to the project; and the Friends of the Library have pledged $250,000.
(Architect's Concept of Expanded Library Floor
