Annual Report 2021-22
It’s been a fantastic year of growth at the library. Read on for a few highlights.
Since the Campbell County Public Library was established in 1978, we have found innovative ways to serve our community not only through an excellent, diverse collection but robust services and programs. The following report is from Library Director JC Morgan.
A Program for Everyone
In the past year alone, we have offered 2,371 programs across our branches. And the community has loved it: 2021-22 saw a 47.8 percent increase in attendance compared to the previous fiscal year. Some of our returning programs, like YART and Spotlight Series, saw their highest-ever attendance.
We strive to offer something for all tastes, ages and interests, including story times; concerts; crafts; board and video game nights; book clubs for all ages (there are 10 to choose from!); holiday programming; STEAM-centered fun; and cultural events.
Going Fine Free
In September 2021, the library permanently vanquished overdue fines. Moving to a fine-free model meant that our patrons no longer have to worry about fines on books, magazines, movies, video games and other materials. After all, fines often penalize the people who need the library’s services most. Going fine-free speaks to our mission to ensure that everyone feels welcome at our branches.
See You at the Park
Our summer park events expanded with the introduction of Watkins Wednesdays in Newport, which became the third weekly program alongside the returning Tower Tuesdays in Fort Thomas and Jolly Thursdays in Alexandria. Running through June and July, the trio
of programs brought everything from pop-up petting zoos, family concerts and theatrical performances to parks in Campbell County. The events attracted a total of 4,899 visitors throughout the summer.
New Wheels
The library got new wheels this spring in the form of our Book Bus, which has seen over 2,000 visitors since its launch in April. Made possible with the help of the Friends of the Library, the Book Bus’ goal is to get free books to children in Campbell County. Patrons can find it by visiting our branches, community events and more throughout the year. View the schedule at www.cc-pl.org/book-bus.
Read to Win
Our patrons had more chances than ever to participate in reading challenges for the chance to score prizes. We introduced our inaugural Winter Reading Challenge last December with over 300 participants joining in on the fun. We can’t wait to see new and returning faces when the challenge returns this season. Of course, there are ways to
read to win all year round, including the Summer Reading, STEAM Month and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenges.
At-Home Comforts
The library is easier than ever to access from the comforts of your own home. Patrons can borrow ebooks, digital magazines and audiobooks for free instantly with Libby, the one-tap reading app. Our community has loved accessing our materials on the go. In fact, out of 107 member libraries, we had the highest circulation in the Kentucky Libraries Unbound consortium. With 2,000 KLU sign-ups, we also had the highest amount of new users.
Record-Breaking Donations
Our annual Drop Your Drawers campaign, which takes place every November and December, smashed goals to raise a record of 15,169 pairs of socks and underwear—more than doubling our initial goal of 7,000. Thanks to our community, we were able to meet a crucial need for public schools in Campbell County. Not only that, but the library was able to send a little over 2,000 pairs of socks and underwear to those affected by the devastating tornadoes in western Kentucky.
Early Literacy Services
We introduced multiple materials and services to help boost your child’s early literacy skills. One highlight is free developmental screenings for children ages one month to five years. This can help identify the child’s strengths as well as areas where they may need support using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Our librarians are trained to help you fill out the screening and understand the results.
A Thank You From JC Morgan
All of this is made possible with the help of our diligent, talented staff, supportive community and generous donors. I am proud of the strides our library has made throughout the 2021-22 fiscal year. I hope you are, too.
Report for Fiscal Year 2021-22 and Budget for 2022-23
Board of Trustees
- Tracy Smith, President
- Jessica Schweitzer, Vice President
- Jonathan S. Cullick, Treasurer
- Maggie Brown, Secretary
- Kelley Raleigh, Trustee
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Help us welcome the Smithsonian to the Newport Branch with a special production by Falcon Takes Flight, a wing of Falcon Theater. “(Un)common Ground” is a dramatic reading exploring how we are related with all of life and what makes us unique. Stick around after the production, enjoy some appetizers and view the Exploring Human Origins exhibit.
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