NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2007

Contact:
Pamela Kiesner
360 676-7794
pkiesner@cob.org

Library Use in 2006 is Record-Breaking

The Bellingham Public Library has released it's 2006 Annual Report, and it tells a great story about this library-loving community. Nearly 745,000 customers came through the library doors and read over 1.2 million items. These measures set a new record for library use at the Central Library and Fairhaven Branch.

The library added nearly 20,000 books, cds, and DVDs to the collection and librarians answered over 60,000 questions. An automated telephone notification system named LARK began calling to let customers know that their requested items are available. And, picking up requested books and checking them out became quicker and easier last year with the start of Self Service Holds and Express Check.

Through a partnership with The Jazz Project and the Whatcom County Library System, the Bellingham Public Library was awarded one of 50 grants for the Looking At Jazz film, discussion, and performance series. Other programming included visits from local author Jo Dereske and KUOW's Nancy Pearl.

The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library and the Friends of the Fairhaven Branch Library donated over $31,000 in funds to support programming, buy new books and other materials, and enhance library facilities with desks, historic photographs, and computers for Express Check stations.

Changes on the Library Board of Trustees included the appointment of the Chair, Tim Douglas, to the office of Mayor of the City of Bellingham, Alan Kemble acted as chair through December, then retired after ten years of service, and the Trustees welcomed J. Robert Gordon to the Board.

Big news came in December when the Library Board of Trustees recommended the current library block as the site for a replacement Central Library as part of their plan for comprehensive, citywide library services.

The Annual Report for 2006 is now available at the library or online from the library's website: http://www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

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