Libraries’ circulation up 22 percent; libraries more relevant than ever before
HENDERSON, Nev. – The numbers are in, and Henderson Libraries’ six locations checked out a total of 1,842,395 books, audio books, DVDs and other media during the libraries’ 2010 fiscal year (from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010). The circulation numbers for 2010 increased by 419,703 items – approximately 22 percent – over the previous fiscal year, despite the closing of the Gibson Library for two months as it moved from downtown Henderson to its new home at 100 W. Lake Mead Parkway in the Target shopping center.
“In a down economy, library use always increases,” said Tom Fay, Henderson Libraries executive director. “However, our increased circulation isn’t temporary. History has shown that circulation will hold steady – at its new norm – even once the economy recovers.”
The Paseo Verde Library – located at 280 S. Green Valley Parkway – processed the most items with a circulation of 873,060. Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway, came in second with 433,731. The Gibson Library checked out 360,198 items, while the Malcolm Library at 2960 Sunridge Hts. Pkwy. circulated 145,863 items. The Heritage Park Library, located at 300 S. Racetrack Road, which opened on Jan. 25 to seniors ages 50 and older, circulated 5,590 items; and the Galleria Library, located inside the Galleria at Sunset, ended the fiscal year with a circulation of 15,688.
Through www.mypubliclibrary.com, the library also provides materials in electronic formats for access anytime and anywhere. The widespread popularity of mobile listening and reading devices has caused the circulation of e-books to double from 2009 to 2010 along with a 65 percent increase in the use of downloadable audio books during the same year. Digitized collections of local history resources, live online tutoring, career and job hunting support, and language learning are some of the services available online through the library.
“The recession drives many people to take advantage of their local library,” Fay said. “However, most become hooked once they realize all we have to offer – not just books, but programs and services and computers and Internet access and DVDs and much more. Libraries are no longer just buildings full of books.”
Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates six locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School District and all other libraries around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.
For additional information on this event or Henderson Libraries and its many services and resources, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.