Franklin Public Library is the center of learning, knowledge, discovery, growth and entertainment for a diverse and inclusive community.
Accomplishments:
The Library had another successful year of meeting and exceeding community expectations even during the COVID-19 pandemic - thanks to the dedication and competence of the staff and the unalloyed support from the Town Administrator.
● New initiatives this year, the library implemented:
○ Proctoring services to support distance learning
○ Weekly English language classes to help non-native speakers gain language proficiency.
● We added three high quality databases - PressReader, Creativebug, Universal Class - to the digital collection:
○ PressReader provides users access to 7000 of the world’s to magazines and newspapers
○ Creativebug offers over 1000 video instructional classes on drawing, painting, jewelry making, baking, etc. for artists and makers of all levels.
○ Universal Class offers continuing education classes and certificates in more than 500 courses including mathematics, accounting, computing, web development, yoga, test preparation, and much more.
The staff responded to the rapidly evolving changes during the COVID-19 pandemic with ingenuity and innovation. They have actively pivoted to providing safe, contactless virtual services.
○ Curbside delivery of library materials
○ Virtual programming
○ Information literacy instruction
○ Book reviews & recommendations
○ Increased digital resources, including eBooks and audiobooks
○ YouTube tutorials on downloading digital resources○ Summer learning programs and activities.
The community’s overwhelming response to the library’s virtual programs and services during the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the vital role the library continues to play in the community and how well it is fulfilling its mission.
• In the five months since our transition to online programs, over 12,000 attended our virtual programs (story times, Dungeons and Dragons, Teen Advisory Board, virtual book discussion groups, to name a few) And over 13,900 participated in reader’s advisory games, book reviews, scavenger hunts, steam activities, and March madness.Strategic Initiatives FY 2021
• Over 5,000 kids attended summer virtual programs and over 700 completed their summer reading logs.
● Circulation of electronic resources increased by over 400%
● Fielded over 500 e-reference queries.
● Collaborated with the Town’s Marketing and Community Specialist, Franklin Radio, and Franklin Matters to promote online services, resources and programs.
We acknowledge the continued generosity of The Friends of the Franklin Public Library and the Franklin Library Association. With a $10,500 donation from the Friends, the library purchased twenty-five chromebooks to support “Girls Who Code”; expanded the ‘library of things’ and added three new museum passes.
Affirm the Library as an essential center for learning, information, engagement, culture and entertainment
● Continue to evolve library services and programs to best meet the needs of our diverse community.
● Coordinate, collaborate and partner with various stakeholders including the Superintendent of Schools and Recreation Department to provide educational resources, new tools, activities and entertainment for families and youth..
● Maintain high-quality print and digital collections
● Increase marketing of virtual services and digital content
Transform the role of the library as place
● Incorporate performers, artists, authors and other professionals into monthly virtual program offerings.
● Digitize and provide access to high-demand historical collections.(Town of Franklin List of Residents from 1884-2017)
Support and cultivate the community’s creativity
● Introduce online collaborative workspaces and maintain online databases that foster creativity, hobbies and interests.
Develop a staff prepared for the future
● Work with the Town Administrator to maintain library certification and address staffing levels so the library can continue to adequately address community needs.
● Provide varied continuing education opportunities to improve staff’s customer service, leadership and technology skills.
Respectfully submitted
Felicia Oti
Director, Franklin Public Library
The full Annual Report can be found
Prior Annual Reports can be found online
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| Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Library |
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