Message to the community from Luren E. Dickinson:

How does Shaker Library stack up against other libraries in the country? According to the 2011 Public Library Data Service Statistical Report produced by the Public Library Association, we continue to do very well when compared to those serving communities our size or larger. In fact, when lined up with the other 185 public libraries that have service populations between 25,000 and 49,999, we do significantly better on a per capita basis in every category for the year 2010.

In terms of the number of registered cardholders as a percentage of the service area population, we are 50% higher than the average for our group at over 95%. Even though we do issue cards to Ohio residents living outside of Shaker Heights, that is still an extremely high registration level. In fact, only a few libraries in very busy urban areas reach or exceed the 100% mark. As to library materials, we offer two and a half times the amount as opposed to our average peers, and that is not counting the millions of additional items available through our online catalog via the CLEVNET consortium.

Our customers visit the Shaker Library nearly three times as often as the average users in similar-sized communities. As a result, their use of materials in the library is triple that experienced by other libraries in our category. The number of items checked out by the public is larger by a factor of three, as well. Likewise, even though our collection of materials is much larger on average, each item “turns over” nearly 20% more often than in comparable libraries because we are so busy.

Visit our website to see the many programs and resources available at the Shaker Library. Check out an e-book on your Kindle or other eReading device. Or stop by to use a variety of unique materials at the Bertram Woods Branch and the Main Library!

Luren E. Dickinson, Director
dickinson@shakerlibrary.org

Photograph by Caydie Heller