2009 Annual Report

2008 Annual Report (PDF file)
In 2008 the Library moved towards achieving parts of our 5-year Strategic Plan. Our accomplishments are in the areas of Service Excellence, Access to Information, Lifelong Learning and Enjoyment, Library as Cultural Center, Library as Learning Organization, and Stewardship. Read more....

2007 Annual Report (PDF file)
Success doesn't happen without planning and effort. In early 2007, the Oak Park Public Library embarked on a year-long Strategic Planning Process to map out where we want to go in the next five years. Our goal: to find better, faster ways to serve you, the residents of Oak Park. Read more....

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file. If you do not already have Acrobat Reader, visit Adobe's website where you can download and install the Reader for free.

top

2009 Annual Report print version (PDF file)

Message from the Executive Director
By any number of measures, 2009 was an extremely successful year that ended with the Library in good financial condition and produced record-setting use of library services in many areas. Our Strategic Plan and 2010 Action Plan provide us with clear guidance on how to continue to improve and expand services to our customers in the coming years.

Our public library in Oak Park is well supported and incredibly well used by the community, and the staff at all three library locations is committed to providing the excellent service and materials which enable the Library to be the community cultural center that it is.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Library Staff, I would like to thank the community for its continuing support of the Library. Finally, I would like to thank the entire Library Staff - our most precious resource - for their commitment to providing the best possible library service to Oak Park.

~ Deirdre Brennan

SERVICE EXCELLENCE STRATEGIC INITIATIVE

Dramatic Increase in Library Usage
We continue to see more and more people visit all three library locations in Oak Park. The number of library items borrowed increased to 1,409,674 in 2009, an increase of 51% in 5 years.

Responding to Community Needs
In these tough economic times the Library added a Job Searching Online computer class, sponsored a Job Club, and continued to offer online tools for job searching and career building.

Museum Adventure Pass
In 2009 the Library was pleased to offer a new museum adventure pass, sponsored by Macy's. Library cardholders can check out the pass for free admission or other benefits at 16 participating suburban museums and the Brookfield Zoo.

Self Checkout Changes
Self checkouts at all three library locations helped make the increase in items borrowed more manageable. The Library made several changes to facilitate and encourage the use of self checkouts. At the Branches the self checkouts were relocated to provide more privacy and more space. Since the queuing bars in the Lobby of the Main Library were found to block traffic to the self checkouts and were difficult to manuever through with strollers and wheelchairs, they were removed.

Noise Level Zones
To set common expectations for noise levels at the Main Library we created noise zones. Silent, quiet, and social zones help everyone find a place appropriate for reading, working, or meeting. Other public libraries have followed our lead to clarify activities permitted in their buildings.

Credit Cards Accepted
In 2009 the Main Library started offering the convenience of making credit card payments for overdue fines and meeting room rentals. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are now accepted.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION STRATEGIC INITIATIVE

Free Computers Provide Access
More people are using computers at the Library. In 2009 we logged over 18,000 computer sessions a month on average, up 8% from 2008. "Computers are tools for learning, work, and achievement, as well as a means of entertainment and connection," explains Executive Director Deirdre Brennan. Over 70 computers are available for public use at the Library.

Home Delivery Service
For those who are temporarily or permanently unable to visit the Library because of illness, disability, or injury, we offer home delivery of library items. "Our dedicated volunteers keep this service functioning," notes librarian Irene Balks. Now in its sixth decade, home delivery service is critical to many Oak Park residents as a point of access to information and entertainment.

Skill Building and Testing Resources
Those looking to switch careers found assistance in the Library's printed and electronic collections. Career books and free online tools like Learning Express Library had many users in 2009.

New Online Tools
In 2009 the Library offered access to these additional online tools: Consumer Reports, Lexis Nexis, Mango Languages, Oxford English Dictionary, and Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage. We also re-worked our website to improve access to these tools.

LIFELONG LEARNING AND ENJOYMENT STRATEGIC INITIATIVE

Record Numbers Attend Storytimes
200 people a week streamed into the Main Library's Storytime Room to hear stories for children from birth through age 5. Caregivers and parents also enjoyed this time and observed our staff model techniques to develop literacy skills.

Summer Reading Programs Set Records
Adults, teens, and kids participated in our 2009 summer reading programs in record numbers! A whole lot of reading happened over the summer—thanks to everyone who demonstrated the importance of reading!

New Downloadable Audiobooks
In 2009 we offered an expanded collection of audiobooks that can be downloaded to iPods, iPhones, MP3 players, and other listening devices.

Raise a Reader
As a recipient of a Rotary Foundation grant, "Raise a Reader," the Library now provides fun and interactive Saturday storytimes for babies from birth to 24 months. Local daycares also benefit from this early literacy initiative - Children's Librarians visit monthly to present storytimes, distribute storytime kits, and share tips with caregivers.

More Ways to Browse the Collection
Given the positive reception and success of the browsing sections created in 2008, more sections were added in 2009. At the Main Library browse crafts, green issues, home and garden, travel writing, and more. Our DVDs are also divided into easily browsed sections for documentaries, television, and more. Teens can choose from books in the supernatural, African American interest, real life in action, and other sections. The newest topical books and DVDs are in these sections while older items can be found in the regular shelving areas.

CULTURAL CENTER STRATEGIC INITIATIVE

Exhibits and Free Programs
To celebrate Lincoln's 200th birthday, the Library hosted the Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times exhibit. Over the summer we hosted The African-American Baseball Experience exhibit. The exhibits were enhanced by programs and were widely enjoyed by the community.

Big Read of Edgar Allan Poe
In the fall the Library worked with community partners in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park to focus reading and programs on the poems and short stories of Edgar Allan Poe. All ages enjoyed reading this thrilling author in October!

Meeting Room Use
Groups with diverse passions and purposes regularly connect with others of similar interests at the Library. All meetings held in library
meeting rooms are free and open to the public.

SmashKart Wii Tournament
Building on the previous year's success with Wii gaming, the competition returned in 2009 with a SmashKart tournament. Over the course of the summer and fall, players in grades 6 through 12 competed in a simultaneous single elimination tournament for monthly prizes.

genre X Trivia Night
The Library's monthly book discussion group genre X attracted those in their twenties and thirties to Hop on Pop, a Pop Culture Trivia Night. In this after-hours event, teams of two to three people competed for prizes by participating in a multimedia quiz on books, movies, music, television, and cultural events from the 1980s to 2009.

Boomers and Active Agers Targeted
The Library targeted Boomers with a 4664 Boomer's Group which met for book discussions and a brunch in 2009. Active agers were encouraged to visit the Library for a gardening workshop, game day, and travel program.

LEARNING ORGANIZATION STRATEGIC INITIATIVE

Staff Development Day
At the annual Staff Day in December 2009, professors from Dominican University's Graduate School of Library and Information Science, presented on trends and challenges in libraries. The Library also introduced a reward and recognition program which recognized eight staff in 2009 who excelled in customer service and innovative ideas.

Oak Park A Leader of Libraries
In recognition of our Library's leadership, staff were asked to present at the annual Massachusetts Library Association conference in May 2009. One presentation, titled "Cultivating Creative Adult Programming," stimulated a lively discussion. The second presentation covered the creation of the Transgender Resource Collection and the related self-study and staff awareness workshops. We hopefully inspired other libraries with our good work!

Book Cart Drill Team Wins
The Oak Park Public Library's team took first place in the Fifth Annual Book Cart Drill Team World Championships. The competition on July 12, 2009 was part of the American Library Association's annual conference in Chicago. We were pleased that many heard the good news as a result of coverage on National Public Radio. At OakToberfest in September, the "Oak Park Public Library Warrior Librarians" performed their winning routine for an adoring public!

STEWARDSHIP STRATEGIC INITIATIVE

Volunteers of All Ages
Our volunteers continue to amaze us with their hard work and dedication! In 2009 over 90 volunteers contributed over 4,000 hours on a range of tasks and projects that keep the Library operational. In addition, over 60 teen volunteers and over 30 young library helpers served over the summer. We've been able to do so much more with the generous help of all these individuals!

Collaborations Reduce Duplication
The Library routinely works with local agencies and organizations as a means to improve our services. "By meeting and aligning our efforts, the work of each community partner is strengthened and we avoid a duplication of efforts," says Assistant Director James Madigan.

Early Literacy Grant
In October 2009 customers at the Oak Park Borders store donated nearly $5,000 for literacy programs and efforts at the Dole Branch Library. The funds helped purchase early literacy materials that will be put to use in April 2010. The Borders program is co-sponsored by the Illinois Literacy Foundation and the Illinois Secretary of State.

Salary Expenses Held Constant
Again in 2009, the Library budget held staff salaries at the same amount as in 2007. This control on the Library budget's largest expense line was achieved by careful management throughout the Library.

Disc Cleaning Machine
In 2009 the Library purchased a disc-cleaning machine to better maintain our DVDs and CDs. Volunteers run discs through the machine which smoothes the playing surface. The machine quickly paid for itself since we no longer pay for this service or replace items that are not playable.

Annual Book Fair
The Library continues to benefit greatly from the Friends of the Library's Annual Book Fair. The 2009 fair raised $60,000 to support Library events and programs.

Landscaping at Maze Branch Library
New landscaping at the Maze Branch Library was celebrated with a "green" vine cutting in October 2009. Illinois State Representative LaShawn Ford (8th District) secured a $100,000 state grant to help complete the renovation project at the Maze Branch.

All Aboard Snack Shop
All Aboard Snack Shop opened its doors at the Main Library in January 2009. The Library is pleased this service is available for visitors to the Main Library and benefits from the additional rental income.

FOR NUMBERS JUNKIES

LIST OF FRIENDS
We thank all those who became a Friend of the Library in 2009. Below is a list of Friends who support the Library at donor level or above.

EXPECT MORE IN 2010

Early Literacy Corner at Dole Branch
In April 2010 the Dole Branch Library will offer materials and activities designed to build early literacy skills. You are welcome to drop by!

1 catalog. 1,000,000 titles. a click away.
Expect direct access to one million titles when our new catalog launches in July 2010. Our membership in SWAN, a consortium of suburban libraries, will allow us to provide more resources and expanded service at lower operational costs. For more details about the benefits of SWAN see www.oppl.org/swan/.

New Teen Website
Watch for a new library website targeted to the teens of Oak Park coming in 2010.

2009 Annual Report print version (PDF file)