Friendswood library sees 5% annual visitor increase, new 24-hour checkout kiosk

The Friendswood Library board presented an annual update on how the library fared to Friendswood City Council at its June 1 meeting.

Highlights included an annual 5% increase in visitors to the library and an annual 11% increase in items circulated last year.

The details

According to the presentation, the library increased its programming and circulation in several categories, including:

• 181,998 people visited the library, a 5% increase
• 36,875 active registered library cardholders
• 368,745 items circulated, an 11% annual increase
• 94,226 digital items used
• 27,102 patron holds were placed on materials
• 34,332 reference desk interactions, a 15% increase
• 32,750 people attended programs, a 9% increase
• 9,877 people served through outreach, a 13% increase
• 143,607 Wi-Fi and computer users combined

“We like to think we’re the heart of the community,” board Vice Chair Jo-Beth Brizendine said. “When you look at items of circulation, you look at patrons [who] come through the door, you know that everyone in Friendswood acknowledges the power and friendliness of the Friendswood Public Library.”

Brizendine acknowledged former Library Director Karen Hart and welcomed new Library Director Melissa Baker, who began her role in April.

Baker brings more than 20 years of public library experience, including leadership in programming, outreach and community events, according to a social media post from the city.

Also of note

On May 29, The Friends of Friendswood Library announced the launch of a new mobile Lending Library kiosk at Friendswood City Hall, located at 910 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, which allows patrons to check out and return books 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The library and the organization raised funds for the kiosk with a Friendswood Library Gala fundraiser, held in February.

“This project reflects our mission to support the library and ensure that valuable resources remain accessible to the entire community,” President of the Friends of Friendswood Library Maddie Short said in a social media post. “Seeing an idea from the library staff grow into a permanent community resource is truly rewarding.”

Looking ahead

The Friends will host a “Bet on the Library” Gala, a casino night, on Sept. 26. Monies raised help support library outreach, services and programs.

Tickets can be purchased at www.librarygala.com.