2009 – A Record-Breaking Year for Broward County Library
More than ever, Broward County residents are utilizing books, digital video discs, compact discs, video games and audiobooks at their local library. Broward County Library circulated more than 11 million items in Fiscal Year 2009 — a new record and an increase of 8 percent from 2008.
With almost 2 million residents, that is enough materials for each person to have checked out more than five items each. However, library materials are not the only draw for people to visit their local library. Broward County Library also saw record numbers of customers who wanted to use computers with free Internet access. Many of these customers check their e-mail, create résumés, search the Web, and use these computers to help them obtain government services online.
Residents are also taking advantage of the library’s free online homework assistance program, Broward etutor. In September 2009, usage hit a new record with almost 3,000 sessions. More than 2,500 students used the one-on-one tutoring program where a certified tutor helps students from elementary school through high school, and even college. These one-on-one sessions are completely confidential and are available seven days a week from 2 to 10 p.m. The service is even available in Spanish.
Almost 300 students used free test preparation programs for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE and GMAT. These free test preparation section include questions, practice tests, and other ways to help students improve their test scores for free. The test preparation is available 24/7 to anyone regardless if they are registered to take the college entrance and placement exams.
Furthermore, Broward County Library’s Web site experienced more than more than 4 million electronic visitors who viewed more than 11 million pages. Library customers also downloaded almost 1 million copies of its monthly magazine, Bookings.
Broward County Library offers free after-school programs at specific locations to help students increase their academic and life skills. Each of the 37 library locations also offers programs for their community, such as story times, book clubs, musical programs, and special events including the annual summer reading program.
The library received excellent attendance for its summer reading program, which attracted tens of thousands of local students. In addition to great prizes and incentives for continuing to read over the summer and improve their literacy skills, teens were able to write and share book reviews for other teens in the County.
“With the current economy, Broward County Library anticipates to see customers continuing to use their local libraries more than ever,” said Bob Cannon, Director of Broward County Library. “The staff strives to exceed the expectations and needs of customers while delivering record-breaking results.”
Customers can check out materials at their local library or visit online at www.broward.org/library to check the library’s online catalog and place holds. Also, the library offers weekly best seller lists with direct links to place holds conveniently in its right navigation bar. The free tutoring service, Broward etutor, can be accessed on the library’s homepage through the Broward etutor logo in the center of the page. Residents now only need to enter their zip code for even more expedient access, and do not need their library card and telephone number to verify their account as they did in the past.
The award-winning Broward County Libraries Division, founded in 1974, provides essential quality-of-life community service as well as outstanding customer service throughout Broward County. It has grown to become the ninth-largest library system in the nation. It is also one of the busiest, with more than 10 million walk-in customers visiting its 37 locations throughout the year. Broward County Library provides more than 3 million items and 3,000 computers, and facilitates events and programs that satisfy the changing needs of Broward County’s diverse community of children, teens and adults for information, education, and recreation. It retains a strong emphasis on literacy and after-school programs. The library’s Web site, www.broward.org/library, continuously evolves to meet the needs of its customers and to offer information that encourages exploration of knowledge and self-expansion. In addition to providing electronic visitors with information about its locations, services, and events, the Web site has easy links to online catalogs, references, and electronic databases. Broward County Library has also become a leader in E-Communication, offering easy ways for its customers to stay electronically informed through its E-Newsletter, E-Spotlights, E-Updates, and E-Invitation. Visit and bookmark www.broward.org/library.
Related posts:
- Broward lost students for 2009-2010 school year
- Free SAT and ACT Intensive Workshops at Main Library for College-Bound Students
- Broward County year-long food drive already a success
- Annual Broward Schools Magnet Program Showcase Dec. 8
- Reduced hours at Main Library due to construction, budget cuts
Short URL: https://browardnetonline.com/?p=4051
Posted by Andrea Freygang on Nov 6 2009. Filed under Broward County, Families, Local news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
