The Rejuvenation of Blue Mountains Libraries

via children’s and young adult programs

Vicki EdmundsManager, Libraries

Blue Mountains City Council

Introduction

• Declining trends• New staff strategy• New programs

Background

• Blue Mountains• Library Service• Usage and statistics

Unique geography of the Blue Mountains

Circulation Statistics

1%546,4592006

8%545,7002005

-3%503,2962004

-2.20%520,9792003

-4.50%532,4732002

0.30%557,5082001

-1.50%556,0702000

7.10%564,7001999

-1.40%526,8501998

-6.20%534,3551997

-1.30%569,3731996

-1.40%576,9921995

-2.50%584,9841994

-1.80%599,8571993

-1.40%610,7511992

3.90%619,7131991

596,4791990

% Total LoansYear

Visitation Statistics

460,9872005/06

459,3552004/05

449,7682003/04

457,5132002/03

467,7952001/02

483,1052000/01

499,9941999/00

Patron visits - All branchesYear

Change Management Program

• Library Management Team• Strategic Plan• Children’s and Youth Services

Team

Storytimes

Fab Friday

School Holiday Activities

Theme NightsPyjama parties

Theme NightsLibrary and Information Week

Theme NightsHalloween Party

Theme NightsDads and Sons World Cup Night

Youth Programs

Youth AreasSpringwood Branch Library

Youth Area Springwood Library with Aerosol Art installation

Children’s AreasSpringwood Branch Library

Children’s Area “Before” and “After”

Children’s AreasBlaxland Branch Library

Children’s Area “Before” and “After” images

Babytime

Toy Library Launch

Toy Library

New initiatives

• Babytime Club• Youth Club

Benefits to the Library Service

65,47448,0986,2261994/95

70,16746,4506,0871995/96

69,29044,1205,3321996/97

65,67842,5804,9741997/98

69,46545,8944,8091998/99

64,57144,0184,5711999/2000

63,35542,9324,3912000/01

57,20542,9494,4732001/02

54,95740,5034,2082002/03

52,00738,6564,2012003/04

50,63048,9084,3442004/05

57,34253,9943,9252005/06

Circulation - JuniorCirculation - EasyMembership under 12Year

Children’s and Youth Library Usage

↑ 30%↑ 55%↑ 26%Programs

↑ 1%↑ 2%Not availableNew Memberships

↑ 1%↑ 8%↓ 3%Loans

↑ 1%↑ 5%↓ 2%Visits

05/0604/0503/04

Changes to Statistics

Conclusion

• Reversal of trends• Staff commitment• Use of Media• Long-term vision

Questions?