7578-R1_ML&P_Hollis_2019-2020_AnnualReport_Web

Hollis Center Public Library Library Director’s Report FY July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020

During FY July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020, Hollis Center Public Library provided services to 1,791 Hollis residents. The Library offered 13,500 books; 138 magazines; 967 DVDs; 153 audiobooks; high speed broadband internet; and copying, faxing, and scanning services to patrons. Several new programs at the Hollis Center Public Library that were implemented in 2019 continued until at least March 2020, when the Library had to close due to COVID-19. The weekly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) program at the Library for homeschool students aged 6 and older had an average of 7 children and 4 adults from January 2020-March 2020. The monthly book group for adults continued throughout 2020 on Zoom rather than in-person, and had an average of 4 adults from January 2020-June 2020. Toddler story time, an already well-established program, continued throughout 2020 on Zoom as well, with an average of 2 children and 1 adult from January 2020-June 2020. The Hollis Center Public Library collaborated with Berry Memorial Library, Waterboro Public Library, and West Buxton Public Library to run the 2020 Summer Reading Program. The libraries requested $7,500 from the Narragansett Number One Foundation. Likely due to financial strain from the pandemic, the four libraries were awarded $6,000 and used $5,982.61. Hollis Center Public Library used an online platform called Beanstack to host the Library’s summer reading program, awarding virtual badges and raffle prizes to participants. 4 young children (children up through grade 3); 1 older child (children in grades 4-8); and 5 adults participated. The Library has continued to provide services despite the pandemic. On June 1, 2020, the Library began providing 20 minute curbside pickup services. From FY July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020, interlibrary loan services through Portland Public Library increased from 78 books, 1 audiobook, and 1 DVD to 139 books and 2 audiobooks. On behalf of the Hollis Center Library Association and the Hollis Center Public Library Board of Trustees, I would like to thank the town for giving the Hollis Center Public Library the ability to enrich our community with educational, informative, and engaging materials and programs.

Respectfully submitted,

Caroline Nickerson, Hollis Center Public Library Director

14 Little Falls Rd, Hollis Center, ME 04042

(Tel) 207-929-3911

https://www.HollisCenterPublicLibrary.org/

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