As we turn the page on the calendar to begin a new year, we wanted to take a moment to revisit some of the strategic projects completed in 2022 before looking forward to what you can expect from your libraries in the year ahead.
2022 Rewind
Here are a few of the highlights.
New Executive Director
Diane Lapierre started January 4, 2022 and immediately immersed herself in our library and community and put into place high-level organizational goals she wanted to achieve in her first year including turning outward and holding Community Conversations, creating a new strategic plan, and strengthening internal staff culture.
Turning Outward and Community Conversations
“Turning outward” entails taking steps to better understand our community; making conversations more community-focused; being proactive to community issues; and putting community aspirations first as the Library looks to the future of our resources, services, and programs. Between April and August, 2022, Library staff coordinated 18 community conversations with various staff and community groups, and created an online version through Survey Monkey to reach additional individuals and groups.
New Text Alert Service Launches
The new service provides more robust and streamlined digital experiences for customers. The SMS platform has additional features including receiving a list of titles or items available for hold pickup instead of a general notification and getting a list of items available for renewal and a list of items that must be returned because they are on hold by another a customer.
Imagination Library of Larimer County
Poudre Libraries was excited to support the new Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Larimer County. The Imagination Library is a FREE early literacy program available to children, aged zero to five. More details and online enrollment is available at www.uwaylc.org/ImaginationLibrary.
Improvements to Library Facilities
We are always looking for ways to improve our libraries and make them a welcoming place for our community. This year it was Council Tree Library’s turn for interior updates with brand new carpeting throughout the space.
After nearly a year’s delay due to supply chain issues with materials, the Old Town Library roof replacement project finally kicked off in 2022 and was completed by year’s end.
Top Library Checkouts
Here are our top checkouts for books, movies, and magazines in 2022.
Books
- The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
- Shadows Reel by C.J. Box
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah
2023 Look Ahead
Poudre Libraries is excited to see what the new year brings our community and our libraries. There is a lot to look forward to in 2023. Here are just a few of the events and strategic projects slated for this year.
New Strategic Plan
The 2023-2025 Strategic Plan launches on January 1 and will guide the Library’s plans and services for the next three years. Thank you to everyone who provided input during our Community Conversations sessions to help inform the plan. Read the Strategic Plan Overview online at PoudreLibraries.org.
Community Conversations Report
Speaking of community input, we look forward to sharing with you the results of our Community Conversations. You may remember that we spent last summer holding input sessions asking about the
Fort Collins Book Fest Returns
A month-long Fort Collins Book Fest celebration takes place throughout February and features author visits, writing workshops, readings, panel discussions, and more. There are kid-friendly activities and sessions specially designed for teens. The event is free and open to all ages. Visit the festival website for updates and announcements: www.FoCoBookFest.org
Laptop-Lending Kiosk Opens
As part of our efforts to help close the digital gap, we’re adding a new self-service laptop-lending kiosk at Old Town Library for customers to check out individual laptops for use inside the library. These laptops are available in addition to the existing public computer stations.
Document and Photo Scanning Stations Available
Old Town and Harmony Libraries have added new ScanEZ document and photo scanning stations to their technology offerings. The technology can restore and enhance old, faded photos, documents, newspapers, and other materials. These stations were made possible by the generous support of the Poudre River Library Trust and donations from the community.
Automatic Renewals on Checkouts
This convenient service will automatically renew your eligible materials 1 day prior to the due date as long as there are no holds placed on them by other customers and the items have not reached the maximum number of renewals allowed. Some materials such as Prospector items may not be eligible for auto-renewal.
Community Outreach eVan Debuts
The new Community Outreach eVan makes its debut in late April with a week of fun activities throughout the community, giving people a chance to tour the electric vehicle and meet the Outreach team. The eVan allows the Library to expand delivery of essential library services to more remote locations, under-resourced communities, and individuals who are unable to access library buildings.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful new year – see you at the library!
