Monthly circulation at the San Benito County Free Library has nearly tripled since 2006 from 4,500 a month to 11,500, said Nora Conte, the county's head librarian.
Major changes in policies, events, funding and the library's revised set-up have combined to send circulation skyrocketing, Conte told the Free Lance. But the biggest change responsible for the increase is a new collection of materials assembled with San Benito County residents in mind, she said.
"Today's library is more of a learning center, not just check in, check out and reference," she commented.
Hollister librarian Betty Mason said better children's books, an expanded Spanish section and lots of new audio materials have helped to boost circulation.
"It doubles our workload, but that is a very good thing," Mason laughed.
One of the first changes Conte enacted was to make the library physically appealing and functional. One of the reference desks was removed and new furniture was purchased from a library closing in Santa Clara County.
"We only have 11,000 square feet so space is at a premium," she noted, indicating shelving, tables and chairs that have been placed with customer needs in mind. "We want people to see a library that is accessible and user friendly."
While the physical changes were taking place, Conte removed restrictions that set an age limit for those who can acquire a card and doubled the number of items county residents can check out from 10 to 20.
Then came the implementation of new centers within the library.
"This is our new family learning center," said Conte, indicating an area with tables, chairs, shelves of ESL materials and five new computers.
The area is used by residents who want to get started in English Language Development programs.
"We have computer programs that teach English and we have 30 tutors to help people transition from another language to English," said Conte, noting that there was a homework area for children of language learners to busy themselves while their parents are tutored.
For an expanded version of this story, see Tuesday's Free Lance.
Jeff Gatlin Jeff Gatlin is a staff writer at The Hollister Free Lance. You can call him at (831) 637-5566 or send him an email.
Although the Hollister Free Lance does not have any obligation to monitor this board, the Hollister Free Lance reserves the right at all times to check this board and to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to the Hollister Free Lance in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. The Hollister Free Lance also reserves the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions. All threats to systems or site infrastructure shall be assumed genuine in nature and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Submission of any comments will be considered permission to use online or in print.
Highlights from the Prune Bowl now available