Hartland Public Library
61 Center Street, West Hartland, CT 06091
860-238-4400
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NEW DAY AND HOURS:
Tuesdays 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Thursdays 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
ANNUAL REPORT - JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2023 HARTLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
Over the 2022-2023 year the Hartland Public Library, through the work of the Library Board of Trustees, has expanded both its hours of operation and its offerings, in order to better serve the resident patrons of East and West Hartland. We are committed to recovering from the extended period of time the Library was required to be closed due to the Covid emergency.
Acknowledging that our patrons, as many others, have been turning to digital access for their reading materials, the Library became a member of Hoopla which offers ebooks and audiobooks as well as TV shows, comics, music, and DVDs for downloading. This option was welcomed by our patrons who then requested Libby/OverDrive, another digital system offered by several local libraries. We now offer both services and have received many “thank you” comments for the expanded access. Data collected from our Trustee Meeting Reports shows that the Adult “borrows” from these two options match the circulation numbers from in-library visits which brings our circulation numbers to pre-Covid levels. Digital borrowing of School Age materials also adds to our circulation numbers, although not in large numbers. We look forward to working more closely with the Hartland School to increase the in-library circulation numbers from that population.
We have made changes in our PreSchool area as parents and children prefer print books for a more tactile and interactive experience. We now use genres for the bins to make searching for desired books much easier. We also installed plexiglass shelving in the Series area to allow simpler access to those books. Trustees and children are very happy that the puppets and train sets are back!
Trustees have also moved the School Age materials around so that the Young Adult area is near the Adult area which has resulted in Adults taking out Young Adult books which increases circulation and use of those books. Moreover, as the change shifted the lower-grade books closer to the Children’s area we have seen increased borrowing as school-age children can find materials in their age group more easily.
Another area where digital borrowing has added to our numbers is for the DVDs, ebooks and audio books. Patrons prefer to just borrow these items without having to travel to do so. This also frees up some of the Library’s funds for other uses.
Our community outreach efforts include collaborating with the Hartland Historical Society, joining the new Woman’s Group, and manning a Library table at the annual Firemen’s Carnival where residents can sign up for a library card or purchase books/DVDs. The Hartland Historical Society provided two new posters commemorating Hartland’s history (prominently displayed in the entrance and area leading to the Hartland shelving). The Library handed out new books to children at the HHS’s Santa Breakfast and also offered activities at a Hartland Easter event. Acting on a request from a Women’s Group event the Library now offers a Community Table with a display of pamphlets and informational sheets that cover the many service options available to Hartland residents - most of them highlighting local organizations and town services.
Last but not least, the Trustees would like to thank the town for supporting the Library and responding so positively to our request and our additions/changes. Also, for the new lights which are much appreciated by all. Thanks to the town crew for responding to our many requests for maintenance.
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Langer, Chair of Board of Trustees
