2013 by the numbers: Library and volunteer accomplishments

It's been a big year at Hillsboro Public Library, so big that it's hard to keep track of everything that's happened! We've accomplished a lot--here are some of the highlights: 

• We opened the second floor at the Main Library in May. In addition to all the construction, this involved moving nearly every item in the Library to a new location and intershelving the entire collection from Shute Park.
• The Shute Park Branch closed for renovations in May and we consolidated operations at Main.
• We adjusted to life without the Welcome Desk, including training staff and volunteer greeters to help out in the entry during busy times.
• Our Facebook page reached more than 1600 likes. (We were at 700 a year ago.)
• We began sending a new E-newsletter to library card holders.
• In collaboration with the Hillsboro Police Department, we opened a computer lab to serve the downtown area while Shute Park is closed.
• The bookmobile started service at the Senior Center in June.
• Volunteers and staff registered 5000 kids and teens for Summer Reading.
• Friends of the Library held two book sales, raising more than $98,000 for books, materials, and capital improvements.
• We installed and adjusted to Automated Materials Handling in Circulation.
• More than 700 volunteers gave more than 26,000 hours of their time to the Library.
• Our Reader Services librarians organized popular and diverse programs such as sauerkraut-making, chocolate tasting, Day of the Dead, and "Speed Date An Author."
• The website moved to a new site, hosted by the City of Hillsboro (www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Library).
• We opened the art gallery on the second floor, featuring the work of local artists with exhibits that rotate every two months.
• Our meeting and study rooms were used 6200 times. (And that's just since July 1!)
• We worked with 18 volunteer groups from local schools and businesses on projects such as the book sale, picture book cleaning, DVD labeling, and making Summer Reading packets.

All that, and we also checked out (and checked in, and shelved) a whole bunch of materials, answered a lot of reference questions, presented hundreds of storytimes, and provided a safe and welcoming space for readers and studiers of all ages.

So what's on deck for 2014? The Shute Park Branch is on schedule to reopen in March. And 2014 is the Library Centennial, so stay tuned for more information on the celebrations. Be sure to follow the Library on Twitter or like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest events.

Thank you for the work you put into making great things happen at the Library! We're looking forward to another exciting year.