JULY 1, 2022 - JUNE 30, 2023 REPORT
ANNUAL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This year the library saw a significant and sustained increase in usage across the board Circulation, program attendance, computer usage, visits to the library – all of the hard numbers that we use to measure community use of the library –started increasing in the summer of 2022 and haven’t stopped yet.
This increase can be partly attributed to the strong desire for in-person experiences and opportunities to come together after the worst of the pandemic. We responded to this surge in demand by increasing programming, staffing up, adding public computing stations, Chromebooks for checkouts, expanding our hours and meeting customers where they are – and the more we offered, the more the community showed up.
And let’s not forget all of the work of the past few years to make library services more equitable, programs and facilities more accessible, and staff more diverse. When it’s easier to get a library card, when programs speak to our community, when our customers see themselves in our staff – people use the library more.
Even as we did the urgent work of growing our services to meet increased demand, library staff spent much of the year planning for the future We started to work on community surveys, focus groups, and interviews as the foundation for a new strategic plan, and for renovations at both branches. We got so much great information from community members, and we’ll keep checking in as things move along.
HIGHLIGHTS
NEW SERVICES
Libchat offers live chat on the library’s website, providing customers easy access to library staff.
Find More Illinois is an interlibrary loan platform that gives library customers access to a growing number of library collections throughout Illinois.
Library open hours were extended to 9 pm Monday through Thursday and Sundays from 1pm to 5 pm year round.
Notary Services began in January 2023 by popular demand! Services are offered in English and Spanish and are available at all locations including our Bookmobile.
In order to provide an improved experience to Spanish speakers the Spanish Collection was moved to the 2nd floor at Santori, providing easier access and greater visibility
NEW PROGRAMS
Lawyers in the Library began in October 2022 offering free legal consultation in English and Spanish. This program is offered monthly and has been used by 146 people as of June 30, 2023.
Voter Resources were available during the runup to the November election with window clings, voter registration kiosk, information on our website and programs.
A valuable resource for parents, caregivers and early childhood providers, APLD’s first ever Early Literacy Expo featured a one stop shop with car safety, daycare information, early childhood supports, and library resources.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Library Board of Trustees
President Joe Filapek was awarded the Illinois Library Association Trustee of the Year Award.
Outreach Services staffer Laura Gartman, celebrated her 50 year work anniversary with APLD!
CONTINUED GROWTH
24 new staff participated in EDI training with the library’s consultant Resheeda Graham Washington.
EDI Subcommittees were formed to expand and focus efforts at APLD.
Subcommittees allow for more staff to be involved in the area they are most comfortable.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
A community-wide survey, focus groups, and interviews led by Fast Forward Libraries are the foundation of the library’s new strategic plan. Over 1,000 community conversations will determine the library’s strategic direction for the next three years.
As the library prepared for extended hours APLD held our first ever Job Fairs at both the Santori Library and Eola Road Branch. Over 15 positions were posted and hires completed by the start of Summer 2023.
The APLD Staff Handbook was completely revised to help build a more inclusive and welcoming experience for staff.
The library’s architects at Studio GC developed plans for renovations at Eola Road Branch and West Branch, based on community, board, and staff input in 2021-2022. Plans include more meeting and program space, updated facilities for children and teens, and Makerspaces at both locations
STATISTICS
MATERIALS
914,066
Items Circulated | 7% increase 397,783 Collection Size
401,436
e-Materials Circulated | 163% increase
81,341 E-materials Collection Size
DIGITAL SERVICES
19,713
Database Sessions 16% decrease
42,216
712
Makerspace Appointments
Internet Sessions | 32% increase
23,030 Santori Library, 14,564 Eola Road Branch, 7,358 West Branch
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
41,691 total attendees at APLD programs and events
2,279programsoffered
2,472
Attendees at 213 Live Virtual Programs
833 programs at Santori Library with 14,088 in attendance
706 programs at Eola Road Branch with 11,380 in attendance
320 programs at West Branch with 1,683 in attendance
5,025
new library cards
426,785 Visitors | 25% increase
13,958 RESERVATIONS
143,245 Santori Library
223,047 Eola Road Branch
50,521 West Branch
9,972 Bookmobile
Study Room Reservations | 62% increase
7,917 Santori Library, 4,704 Eola Road Branch, 1,339 West Branch
548
Meeting Room Reservations
293 Santori Library, 208 Eola Road Branch, 47 West Branch
388**January 1 - June 30, 2023
Notary Appointments
64 Santori Library, 293 Eola Road Branch, 28 West Branch, 3 Outreach
1,489
Curbside Pickups | 37% decrease
1097 Santori Library, 296 Eola Road Branch, 96 West Branch
365
Home Deliveries with 5,439 items delivered
CUSTOMERS
64,715 Questions Answered
27,791 Santori Library, 25,094 Eola Road Branch, 9,071 West Branch, 2,759 Outreach
5,798 Facebook fans | 8% increase
1,378 Spanish Facebook fans | 11% increase
1,426 Instagram followers | 20% increase
405 Instagram followers | 5% increase
215,000 Website Visitors | 13% increase
365,000 Website Visits | 5% increase
March - June 2023
175 Tickets
621 Chats
1,294 Views to our FAQ
619 Twitter Followers | 1% increase
953 YouTube Subscribers | 70% increase
150 Staff Members | 6% increase
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
MEDIA WEBSITE
SOCIAL
CHAT
STAFF
FOUNDATION
Winter Gala
The Journey to Narnia Winter Gala was a huge success! Guests enjoyed an evening with the Windy City Dueling Pianos and wonderful food and auction! The event was sponsored in part by Alarm Detection Systems, Clear Perspective Advisors and Studio GC. Through the support of generous donors, we were able to raise over $25,000 towards the Bookmobile Sustainability Fund!
New Members
The Foundation Board appointed 2 new members this past spring! Sonia Garcia with State Farm and Maria Manzo with US Congressman Bill Foster’s Office. We also hired a new Administrative Assistant, Kathy Marcoux. They will all bring a wealth of support and knowledge and will be strong advocates for the work of the Foundation.
Wyckwood House Aurora
We were so proud to partner with Wyckwood House Aurora for our Shop for a Cause in April 2023. The event raised over $5,000 to help support literacy programming at the Aurora Public Library. Special thanks to the board of directors for bringing this event to life!
Light of Learning and Literacy Packets
The Foundation provides funds to help underwrite the costs of library cards for Aurora Township households. In the last fiscal year, the foundation provided our Light of Learning Scholarships to over 20 households!
Literacy Packets, a program started during the pandemic in 2020, are filled with crafts, books and learning exercises in English and Spanish. They are distributed in partnership with food pantries in our area to families in need. In the last year we partnered with 7 local food pantries to provide literacy packets to over 2,200 families. Funding is provided through the Foundation through our generous donors.
From July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, greater than $150,000 was received in philanthropic, auction, and other in-kind donations, along with event proceeds. As of June 30, 2023, the Foundation’s endowment was a little greater than $3.9 million.
The Aurora Public Library District's Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board of Directors and the Library Staff thank you for another great year!
THANK YOU
