Annual Report for 2009

The year proved to be an exciting transition for the library in many ways. The dedicated staff led by Interim Library Director Jan Bolton continued to adjust to the pleasant business of serving the public from the newly renovated facility. Both patrons and guests continue to marvel at the building each week, and it was a pleasure for the staff to give tours and answer questions about the renovation. Many community groups make use of the meeting space, and in general, the library continued as the community center it has always been—only better!

For fiscal year 2009, there were 4,227 library card holders of which 3,571were residents of Mattapoisett. The able staff answered 1,218 reference questions, a number that continued to increase each year in spite of the availability online sources to almost everyone. The attendance in the library for the year was 30,287 visits, also an increase of over 2,100 over last year.

Ninety-three programs were offered for children during the year, up from 61 the previous year. 18 programs were offered for adults and young adults. The bustling Summer Reading Program “Wild Reads @ Your Library” attracted many children and their families to a wide array of story times and activities. With the support of the Friends of the Library and volunteers, the summer program is a favorite of visiting and year round children both.

The library circulated 59,037 items in all formats during the year. Of this number, 37,117 were cataloged as adults and young adult items, and 21,920 items were children’s materials. The library lent 9,840 items to other libraries, and in turn borrowed 7,183 items, continuing our net lender status which provides a modest but important income stream. The library system is based on the sharing of resources among libraries of all types in the region, the commonwealth and beyond. Mattapoisett patrons may request materials from the SAILS Library Network , via Virtual Catalog (state-wide) and through the Interlibrary Loan services to areas beyond. Delivery of materials was received every day the library was open, Tuesday through Saturday. This service allowed Mattapoisett residents to receive fiction and non-fiction materials in all formats from virtually anywhere. In addition, the ability to download books and music through Overdrive via the SAILS Library network meant our membership and tax dollars were maximized. Many entertainment and informational DVDs and VHS tapes were circulated by adults and children both. Many have been donated by Mattapoisett citizens for all to enjoy, and we are very grateful for the gifts that enhance the collection.

Thanks to the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library, in addition to other funding sources, the library is able to provide the public with museum passes, which are frequently used. Passes include discounted admission to The Museum of Science, the Aquarium, and the Museum of Fine Arts, all in Boston, the Roger Williams Zoo, The New Bedford Whaling Museum, the art museum and the zoo in New Bedford, The Isabella Steward Gardner Museum, Heritage Plantation and the Cape Cod Museum of Fine Arts, and Plimouth Plantation. The ability to check out a museum pass with one’s library card affords many individuals, families and other groups the opportunity to visit many of the exciting cultural destinations in our geographic area and beyond.

The library features nine Internet stations for adults and children, and wifi can be accessed throughout. The library’s website allowed remote access to the SAILS catalog 24 hours a day, including access to databases, newspapers, and other online resources. During the year the website received 232,376 hits. Patrons could also check availability of and reserve museum passes from the website.

Volunteers continued to be a very important part of the organization at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Over 64 volunteers pitched in this year, including helping with the Friends’ Annual Book Sale. Over 590 hours were contributed by student and adult volunteers both. They also assisted with children’s programs, shelving, programs and events. We were very grateful for their eager and able assistance.

The library’s meeting room was used for 157 meetings open to the public by both library-related groups and others from the community. Cultural, educational and information programs, organization meetings, library meetings, and many more uses for all ages meant the room was heavily used, and yet it still looks new.

The Friends of Mattapoisett Library once again supported the library in many ways, including books and materials, furnishings and equipment, and interesting programs for children and adults. Four museum passes were purchased with Friends’ funds. The Annual Book Sale was held in July, much to the delight of local and visiting bibliophiles. Thousands of books for children and adults were donated to help make the book sale another huge success. It earned over $4,500 for the library. The labor and enthusiasm of the Friends and the Junior Friends makes the library that much more dynamic all year round.

Gifts in memory of individuals came in throughout the year. The staff is pleased to purchase materials that will be a lasting tribute with a book plate naming the deceased. Donations were also made by the Eastman Charitable Foundation and other organizations.

During the year the Search Committee, organized by the Board of Trustees, carried out the task of selecting and appointing a new library director whose employment would begin July 15, 2009. The entire library staff supported Adult Services Librarian and Interim Library Director Jan Bolton in many ways throughout the year as she ably stepped up in the absence of Judy Wallace, whose creativity, hard work and dedication made a lasting contribution, still very much tangible. I would eagerly and with much enthusiasm join the library staff early in July 2010 to serve the Mattapoisett community.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan J. Pizzolato
Library Director