From the Director, Summer 2024
It’s summer, and you know what that means: it’s Summer Reading Program time!
Before we head into summer, it’s important to look back over the previous year and recognize the growth we’ve seen. In 2023, I’m happy to report that our circulation was up 7% as compared to 2022. The library was busy with over 147,000 visitors across three locations, and our programs were well-attended with over 30,000 attendees.
We continue to grow and explore with this year’s Summer Reading Program theme, Adventure Begins at Your Library. This year, we encourage kids and families to have their own adventures, either with a good book, by coming to one of our engaging events, or by finding a new library service to enjoy. Our Children’s Place has a lot in store, from building days, to Outdoor Family Playtimes, to archery practice and more. Join us on Wednesday, May 29 as we kick-off summer reading, or visit our Bookmobile through the summer to fill out your Bookmobile Passport. Either way, the more you read, the greater the chance to win prizes. You can find out more about our Summer Reading Program for all locations at wcdpl.org/srp.
Summer reading isn’t the only thing we have planned: we’re excited to introduce our new Bookmobile to you. This new vehicle features the same library materials and services you love, and travels all around Wood County. In anticipation of the new Bookmobile and to meet our community’s demand, we’ve also added nine new stops around our service district, including stops in Bowling Green, Moline, Bradner, Tontogany, and more. You’re invited to meet our new Bookmobile on Friday, May 24 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Bowling Green Library parking lot. You can see our newest Bookmobile schedule at wcdpl.org/bookmobile.
A new addition to our library marketing is Bookish Magazine, which features upcoming events, information about library services, new reading recommendations, and more for adults. Our first edition of Bookish is currently on display and ready to read: you can pick up a copy at the library or start reading online at wcdpl.org/bookish.
Looking forward, we’re already planning for our annual Novel Night benefit in July. This is an important night in the life of the library as we gather to raise funds for the purchase of new books and materials for 2025. It is a fun night filled with fellowship, laughter, and good food. I hope you can join us or give a gift in support of this event. To learn more and to donate to Novel Night, visit wcdpl.org/novel-night.
See you at the library,
Michael Penrod
WCDPL Director
May 2024