|
A message from City Librarian Jo Ann Greenberg
It seems only yesterday that I was greeting the Escondido community as your new City Librarian. Life is full of surprises, however, and I say with some sadness, that I will be retiring at the end of this month. I have been in public library service for over 34 years and I have seen many changes to libraries and the field of librarianship. Some folks out there even think that libraries are "on the way out" due to the internet, e-books and social media. Not so as proven by the 2011-2012 Escondido Public Library statistics below:
Fiscal Year 2011 - 2012
|
Numbers
|
Population of Escondido
|
146,000
|
Library cardholders
|
110,000
|
Daily Visits to library
|
2,000
|
Items checked out
|
683,000
|
Reference questions
|
100,000
|
Books & media items in the collection
|
253,000
|
Internet Users
|
90,000
|
Virtual Library Use
|
539,000
|
Number of Volunteers
|
300
|
Volunteer Hours Donated
|
40,000
|
Number of Library Programs
|
335
|
Attendance at Programs
|
11,850
|
Yes, libraries and library service has changed; librarians have transformed from custodians of books and other materials to being a coach, trainer, guide, and curator of information. What is not evidenced in the statistics is one very important look "at the crystal ball". Libraries are becoming social places more than ever where the community can gather to chat, study, browse or just get away from the daily routine and life stresses to a free, safe and comfortable space. It was and continues to be your open door to lifelong learning.
Above all, it is you, the community who will dictate what libraries will look like in the future. I have been proud to serve as your City Librarian in a community that obviously values its library.
Thanks for the memories!
Jo Ann
|
|
Gift book ideas for Children & Teens
|
|
We have Chromebooks!
 A Chromebook is a new type of computer that is designed to be fast and easy to use. It is lighter than a regular laptop and runs Google's new Chrome operating system. Use your Google account to access a world of apps or just browse the web. Come in and try one!
Find out more!
|
Playing it Strong: Parents Learning to Lead
Playing it Strong is a free program that trains parents of children grades 3 - 6 to appreciate their child's natural talents and uniqueness. Interactive activities help parents lead and make the most of their children's strengths.
Thursdays, 3 - 5 PM
January 24 - March 14, 2013
A Families for Literacy Program, Sponsored by Literacy & Lifelong Leaning Services
Learn more.
|
|
|
|
Holiday Closures
The library will be closed December 24 & 25.
We close at 3 PM on December 31.
|
|
Holiday Shopping in the Friends of the Library Shop!
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat:
10am - 4pm
Tues, Thurs:
10am - 6pm
|
|
End-of-Year Giving
As the year comes to a close, please consider an end-of-year gift to the Escondido Library Foundation.
More information.
|
|
Public Art in Escondido
"Blue Granite Shift" - Mathieu Gregoire, 1994, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, center courtyard area and the great lawn - A series of granite stones shifting from natural boulders to refined and polished geometric shapes. Water flows from a large weeping rock and ends in a formal geometric pool at the entrance to the Great Lawn. Find it on a map!Brought to you by the City of Escondido's Public Art Commission.
|
Our Holiday Food for Fines Program started Monday, November 19th, and runs through Saturday, December 22nd. Proceeds benefit Interfaith Community Services.
Find out more. |
|
|
|
|
