HomeMy WebLinkAboutSep 20 OR (RD)
Columbia Heights Public Library
3939 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3932 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3690
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
TO: Columbia Heights Public Library Board of Trustees
FROM: Renee Dougherty, Library Director
SUBJECT: September 2020 Operational Report
DATE: September 30, 2020
I. BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND EQUIPMENT
A. The broken exterior window on the north side of the building was replaced with temporary
clips. Trustworthy Glass will return in approximately two weeks to permanently secure it
with silicone.
B. Ionization filters have been added to the air handling units of the HVAC system which
supply the main library space. The filters kill any bacteria and viruses in the air which
passes through the filter. The filter system and installation costs were funded with a
CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) grant.
C. The Community Room audiovisual equipment has been upgraded so that the space may be
used as a backup Emergency Operations Center. Staff will be trained in the use of the new
equipment in the future. The upgrade was also funded with a CARES grant.
II. TECHNOLOGY
A. Columbia Heights Information Services staff and I completed setup forms for the public
computer management software system. We also met with Comprise staff on September 3
to review the forms and to clarify our wishes for software performance.
B. Information Services staff have begun moving staff computers away from virtual desktops
and back to desktop computers. Computer replacement will continue in October. Too
many peripherals including the RFID reader/programming antenna pads, the integrated
library system software, and the video security cameras would not function in the virtual
desktop environment.
III. COLLECTION
A. Adult print materials were selected from assorted April and May issues of Booklist, Kirkus
Reviews, and Library Journal. Bestsellers with October publication dates and updated
editions of non-fiction books were purchased. Juvenile print materials were selected from
the April issues of Booklist and School Library Journal and the May issue of Growing
Minds. Juvenile and young adult graphic novels and adult audiobooks were ordered.
B. Weeding was completed in adult mysteries M-Z and adult nonfiction 500s. Weeding of
juvenile nonfiction was started.
IV. PROGRAMS AND VIRTUAL EVENTS
A. The Library Board met in a hybrid Zoom/in-person meeting on September 2.
B. A Virtual Lego Challenge was premiered on September 9.
C. Poems in the Park for adults was offered on September 10 at Sullivan Park and on
September 24 at LaBelle Park.
D. A Bike Fix-it Clinic was offered on September 12.
E. Story strolls for families were offered on September 15-16 at Huset Park and on
September 29-30 at Ramsdell Park.
F. The Adult Book Club discussed “The Great Gatsby” via Zoom on September 16.
G. An annual Medicare update was offered via Zoom on September 17 by the Metropolitan
Area Agency on Aging.
H. A Family Discovery Saturday featuring Native Pride Dancers was held on September 26.
I. An adult virtual program, Fused Glass Suncatchers, was offered by Artistry on September
29 and funded by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
J. Three virtual storytimes were held via Facebook Premier on Monday mornings.
K. Two stroller storytimes were held at LaBelle Park on Thursday mornings.
L. Activity kits were distributed to children in three age groups: birth-K, grades 1-5, and
grades 6-12.
M. Adult “Take and Make” craft kits were available throughout the month.
N. The adult ESL conversation circle met virtually on five Monday evenings and was
facilitated by MetroNorth Adult Basic Education.
O. Four contactless deliveries of materials were made to At-Home patrons.
V. STAFF
A. I met with Adult Services Librarian Cortni O’Brien for her annual performance review.
O’Brien also completed training on resources available in ELM, the Electronic Library for
Minnesota.
B. Youth Services Librarian Bri Belanger participated in M3 benchmarking training related
to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant.
VI. FOUNDATION
A. The Foundation did not meet this month.
VII. MISC
A. I met with the city manager and department heads on September 1, 14, 21, and 28.
B. I met with city staff about building security amid civil unrest on September 17.
C. I met with the Anoka County Library Management team on September 3 and 24.
D. I met with the Anoka County Library Public Services team on September 23.
E. I participated in a call with library leaders throughout the state on September 16.
F. Working with Anoka County Library staff, I created and delivered 755 virtual library
cards for students at Columbia Academy. Virtual cards enable access to research
databases, online homework help, and e-books and magazines.
VIII. CIRCULATION
August 2019 August 2020
Physical Items 11,127 10,779
Ebooks 597 771
Eaudio 302 327
Total Circulation 12,026 11,877
IX. GATE COUNT, PROGRAMS AND MEETING ROOM USE
August 2019 August 2020*
Gate count 10,182 4,678
Library Programs 22 1
Room Use 297 0
X. COMPUTER/INTERNET USE
August 2019 August 2020*
Patron Use (Logins): 2,599 1,180
Computer Use: 4,283 1,848
Minutes Used: 108,488 48,274
Internet Access: 4,675 2,327
Word: 358 152
PowerPoint: 12 3
Excel: 41 14
Calculator: 16 4
Catalog/Databases: 144 147
Microfilm Reader: 6 0
Burlington English 41 22
*Library open to the public for 32 hours per week at 50% capacity, including computers. Meeting and
study rooms are not available for use.
XI. UNIQUE MANAGEMENT COLLECTION ACCOUNTS
August 2019 August 2020
Accounts Submitted 857 896
Dollars Submitted $168,211.08 $167,981.80
Dollars Received $21,293.16 $22,116.63
Materials Returned $41,271.24 $44,009.93