The State of the Library, March 2019
By the numbers:
- In 2018, borrowing of books, e-books, audiobooks, etc. remains very strong with a total of 744,134 (up 8% over 2017) including:
- Bowling Green, 486,773
- Walbridge, 62,700
- Bookmobile, 25,042
- WC Jail Library, 18,515
- E-books, etc., 151,104
- Since 2002, usage has increased 68% (441,573 in 2002).
- 1,605 programs and events attended by 30,592 people.
- 297 adult programs; 5,525 attendees (up 26%).
- 1,308 youth programs; 25,067attendees.
- 17,341 items added to the collections.
- 108,836 questions answered by the staff.
- Foot traffic averaged 3,867 visitors per week.
2018 Highlights:
- 27,721 cardholders (up 5%), even after purging 3,800 cards.
- The Foundation raised over $155,000 at their Library Benefit at Schedel for the purchase of new books, audiobooks, e-books, etc.
- Approved a new Strategic Plan to guide activities through 2021.
- Received a gift of $150,000 from the estate of Elfreda Rusher.
2018 Revenue:
| Source | Amount | Percentage |
| State Public Library Fund | $1,485,544 | 49.78% |
| Local Levy | $1,026,875 | 34.41% |
| Fines, Fees, Misc. | $95,478 | 3.19% |
| Foundation & Friends | $376,486 | 12.62% |
| Total | $2,984,383 |
2018 Expenditures:
| Category: | Amount: | Percentage: |
| Personnel | $1,418,916 | 51.04% |
| Supplies | $34,588 | 1.24% |
| Services | $443,657 | 15.96% |
| New Books, Etc. | $426,708 | 15.35% |
| FFE & Technology | $56,211 | 2.02% |
| Mortgage Payments | $385,782 | 13.88% |
| Other | $14,122 | 0.15% |
| Total | $2,779.984 |
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- 0.8 mill, 5-year levy passed in November 2010 with 58% approval.
- Levy RENEWED for 6 years in November 2014 with 70% approval.
- The current levy will next be on the ballot in November 2020.
- State funding for libraries is set at 1.68% of General Revenue.
- As the economy improves and state revenues grow, so does support for libraries. As General Revenue decreases (or is cut), so does support for libraries.
You may download pdfs of the current and previous States of the Library, from the links below.