Library ‘Growing as a Community Resource’

Whether it’s a result of the floundering economy or the increase in programs and public marketing, one thing is for certain; the library is the place to be for arts and entertainment in the community.

The library has seen remarkable growth over the past five years, according to Director Susan Smayda, with increases in every measureable area including circulation, program attendance and revenues.

“These statistics are something we are very proud of. We want to be host to a variety of opportunities for our community and as the economy has struggled, we are finding that our patrons are coming more often and for a wide variety of reasons,” Smayda said.

The largest increase in attendance has come in the area of adult programming. Led by Jeanne Chmielewski, who serves a duel role as adult programming director and publicist, the library has seen a 73 percent increase in participation at it’s adult-oriented programs during the first seven months of the 2011-12 fiscal year.

Smayda said reference questions answered has increased 18 percent, attendance at children’s programs are up 13 percent and circulation of materials has increased 4 percent. The library is also generating additional revenue as a result of these increases, she said, and has seen a 28 percent increase primarily as a result of increased printing.

So what has been the key to success?

“We have made a conscious effort to provide as many opportunities as possible to our patrons and increase the amount of programming available, but many of the increases came when we were able to open the new parking lot,” Smayda said. “We’ve heard from a number of people who said they passed by before because they were unable to park. Now they are able to find a place without any problems.”

Garry Brumback said it’s more than just parking, however, and credited Smayda and her staff for their role in bridging the technology gap in the community.

“The library is essential in the bridging today’s technology gap,” Brumback said. “They are providing DVDs, CDs and computer access. It’s something that gets neglected and shouldn’t.”

Technology has played a considerable role in the past couple years and the library has expanded it’s opportunities relating to technological education. Programs such as the e-reader and new continuing education course online have expanded use and circulation while program such as the instructional social media exploration hosted in partnership with the Southington Police Department and Southington Patch have helped raise awareness on how to benefit from the technology available.

Madeline Brunello, a Southington resident who attended several programs in 2011 to maximize her new Kindle, said the one-on-one sessions with staff helped her learn a lot.

“These types of programs need to be more widely known,” she told a Patch reporter last year.

“I spent seven years on the library board and it’s great to see this,” said Board of Finance member Edward Pocock Jr. “Many of those programs were just a thought back then; some weren’t even a thought yet.”

Despite increases at the library, spending has been maintained at a minimal cost when compared to surrounding towns. The library currently spends an average of $29.55 per person each year, a figure lower than any comparable libraries in the area including Bristol ($31.38 per capita), Plainville ($33.15), Meriden ($33.77), Berlin ($45.25), Cheshire ($49.25), Newington ($74.43) and Farmington ($91.80).

As the library moves forward, Smayda said Tuesday that the administration must begin preparing for expansion. Although programming has seen a large increase, the library is currently reaching it’s limits due to the size of the facility.

According to a recent study done through the Connecticut State Library, while the library may be leading way in programming, it is doing so with a facility smaller than those in the surrounding area.

Smayda said the statewide study showed that the library at 21,000 square feet is “dead last with just 0.49 square feet per capita served.” In comparison, Newington’s Lucy Welles Library is the next smallest per capita, with 0.80 square feet per person served.

“We are drastically undersized and expansion is a real need,” Smayda said. “We understand the position the town and the economy are in, but we need to prepare for the future.”

Smayda said an expansion study is the first part of the project and hopes plans for a study will be included in short-term capital improvement planning. It’s an idea that some, including local resident Art Cyr, have questioned, but a need that Smayda said must be addressed.

“If we are able to complete the study and plans, it will provide us with the opportunity to seek grant funding and be ready to put a shovel in the ground if funding were to become available,” Smayda said. “If a project is ‘shovel ready’ then it gives us the advantage we need.”