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ANNUAL
REPORT
Annual
Report of the Thomas Crane Public Library (.pdf version)
July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006
Quincy's libraries are busier than ever. Thanks to the additional funding approved by Mayor Phelan and the City Council the library was able to expand hours during FY 2006. Branches opened an additional eight hours each week, adding morning and evening hours. The Main Library opened weekends during July and August for the first time since the 1930s. Public response to these increased hours was very enthusiastic.
- Borrowing of library materials increased 11% system-wide
with a 26% increase in borrowing DVDs and videos. 602,076
items were loaned.
- 624,650 people visited the library during the year; 54,000 came to the Main
Library during the July and August 2005 weekends.
- 720 programs were attended by 17,483 people - a 22% increase
from FY05.
- Public computers at the Main Library were used an amazing
430,144 times!
- Wireless Internet became available in the Main Library atrium.
- The reference department answered 56,567 questions.
- Over 8,800 people subscribed to the library's e-newsletter.
Monthly art exhibits featured works of local artists. Frank Madden's photography exhibit, including pictures from his work with the top secret Corona Project, was a favorite.
The library café opened under new management. Billy and Joumana Beydoun's Billy's Café provided a welcoming place for library visitors.
Chinese Lunar New Year was celebrated with a record-breaking crowd at the library on February 4, 2006.
The library completed a new five-year Long-Range Plan. Working with community focus groups to identify community needs, the new plan focuses on several areas:
- encouraging children to be lifelong readers
- keeping adults intellectually engaged into retirement
- welcoming people with limited English skills
- sustaining strong neighborhoods and strengthening branch libraries
- helping people attain basic literacy.
We are most grateful to the hardworking Community Planning Committee chaired by Harold Crowley.
The second annual Quincy Reads Together attracted over 200 people of all ages who participated in one of the many programs offered in "Mystery by the Book". Funded by the Bill Flynn Foundation in his memory, Quincy Reads Together is based on the Library of Congress One Book program designed to bring community people together to talk about books. "Mystery by the Book" included a reading and discussion series on classical mysteries, author visits from New England mystery writers Katherine Hall Page, William Tapply and Jane Langton, mystery writing workshops for adults and children, a series of mystery movies for children, and a very popular CSI Exposed program featuring Quincy Police Detective Nancy Coletta. Thanks to the Flynn Family for supporting this wonderful project.
Staff
The library staff welcomed several new employees: Leah Phelan
in July 2005 and Jeanne MacLennan-Cook in August 2005 to the
Adult Services department, Kevin Mele in October 2005 to the
Custodial Department and Linda Carroll in May 2006 to the
Reference Department.
Two staff members were promoted to new positions: Brian DeFelice
to the Interlibrary Loan Department and Will Adamczyk to the
Head of Circulation/Reader's Advisor position.
Linda Cohen retired in April 2006 after 18 years of service
in the Quincy libraries. Linda's cheerful assistance will
be missed by her colleagues and her many library friends made
during her years in Quincy.
We were saddened to learn of the deaths of three people retired
from the library: Virginia Kelly, Robert Sillen and Mrs. Elizabeth
Watson, widow of former Director of Libraries Warren Watson.
Friends of the Library
The hard-working Friends continued to raise money for programs
and museum passes for the library community. The Friends sponsored
73 programs and 15 museum passes, expending $23,515. Live
animal programs were among the favorites with the Owls of
the World and a live petting zoo drawing standing-room-only
crowds. Winter Sunday afternoon concerts were added to the
popular summer concert series, offering a variety of musical
styles including jazz, chamber music, swing, Celtic, Caribbean
and blues.
Library Friend Joseph Walsh died unexpectedly in May. Joe
volunteered at the Quincy Animal Shelter as well as serving
on many Friends' committees and on the Executive Board. He
will be missed.
Grants
The library received a number of grants to fund special projects
and services:
- $13,896 from the Mass. Dept. of Education for the Literacy Project
- $5,000 EqualAccess Libraries Grant for teens and older adults
- $2,500 from the Quincy Arts Lottery for the Summer Storytellers Series
- $5,000 from the Bill Flynn Foundation for Quincy Reads Together
- $500 from the South Coastal Bank C.A.R.E.S. program for a summer
enrichment program
- $1,000 from Hannaford Market for children's books for the North Quincy Branch Library
Trustees
Mayor Phelan appoints Library Trustees each year to oversee
the library operations. Trustees appointed for 2006 were:
Alicia Coletti
Harold DiMattio, Secretary
Lawrence J. Falvey, Jr., Chair
Dr. Carol Lee Griffin, Vice-Chair
Sandra McCauley, Treasurer
We appreciate the support and hard work of this dedicated board.
Friends Executive Board
The Friends elected the following officers:
Harold S. Crowley, Jr., President
Jennifer Smith, Vice-President
Nancy Santry, Treasurer
Libbie Payne, Secretary
Eunice Charles and Peggy Doyle, at-large members
Library Locations and Hours
Thomas Crane Library, 40 Washington Street , 617-376-1301
Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 9:00
Friday - Saturday 9:00 - 5:00
Sunday 1:00 - 5:00
Adams Shore Branch, 519 Sea Street, 617-376-1325
Monday 1:00 - 9:00
Tuesday 9:00 - 5:00
Wednesday - Friday 1:00 - 5:00
North Quincy Branch, 384 Hancock Street, 617-376-1320
Monday 9:00 - 5:00
Tuesday 1:00 - 9:00
Wednesday - Friday 1:00 - 5:00
Wollaston Branch, 41 Beale Street, 617-376-1330
Monday - Tuesday 1:00 - 5:00
Wednesday 1:00 - 9:00
Thursday 1:00 - 5:00
Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Library web site: thomascranelibrary.org
"Outside of a dog, man's best friend is a book."--Groucho Marx
Previous Annual Reports
FY 2005
FY 2004
FY 2003
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