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20 20 As we bid farewell to a remarkable year, it's with immense pride and gratitude that we share the highlights of our 2022-2023 journey at the library. The past year has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it's all thanks to our incredible community of patrons and supporters. Summer Reading Program Triumph Our Summer Reading Program set new records with over 3,400 individuals participating in the All Together Now programs and reading. We were thrilled to celebrate the achievements of over 370 summer reading finishers who embarked on literary adventures with us. Keep your eye out for the community tree planting event! Expanding Our Team and Building Updates To better serve your needs, we welcomed two new team members. Their dedication and expertise have enriched our library experience, ensuring that we can continue to be your go-to resource for knowledge and exploration. Our library building had a new security system installed and the infrastructure completed for the library staff area remodel which will occur in winter of 2024. A Vibrant Return to Full Programming Our commitment to serving the community was evident as we offered 40% more programs, with program participation increasing by an impressive 60%. We expanded our services to include home delivery and introduced the Library of Things, with exciting additions planned for the winter season, such as snowshoes. The library came alive with a diverse range of programming, including exciting additions to our adult programs. From the Cook the Book club to our Wickson Reads Book club, monthly Mah Jongg and a full range of children programs Storytime, Destination Story time, and children's and teen special events. We added an Adult Sensory Story time as well, this story time serves individuals with various needs and is one of our most popular monthly programs. We were overjoyed to see the return of our community, eager to learn, connect, and grow with us. Borrowing Booms We are thrilled to have seen a 15% increase in borrowers this year, reaffirming our role as an essential part of your daily life. In the past year, you checked out a staggering 78,618 items, reflecting a 15% growth from the previous year. Notably, over 12,000 of these items were enjoyed through Libby, including audiobooks, eBooks, and eMagazines. Our collection also extends beyond books, with DVDs, puzzles, literacy kits, and technology for you to explore. Community Engagement The heart of our library, our community and collaboration rooms, saw increased usage, as did our patron computers. In the past year, patrons logged over 3,311 sessions, totaling 123,550 minutes. Support and Giving While our day-to-day operations are primarily funded by a .85 mileage on property located in the Frankenmuth School District, the generosity of our community through charitable giving provides the essential extras that enrich our library experience. Donations support after-school programs, special events, summer reading, and our adult programs, enabling us to offer more to our community. Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Gratitude: Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Gratitude: 2022-2023 Annual Report for the Frankenmuth Wickson District Library By Michelle Duclos