Hopkinton Public Library News September 2022

From: Hopkinton Public Library
September 2, 2022

A Message from the Director

We’re Back!

The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed by Massachusetts State Health officials on February 1, 2020. On March 23, Governor Baker announced a stay-at-home advisory effective from noon March 24 until noon April 7. On April 28, Governor Baker extended the statewide stay-at-home advisory by two weeks, to May 18. In May of 2020, public libraries were allowed to open with curbside service. With the state’s 3-phase reopening plan, the Hopkinton Public Library began allowing people inside the building (while masked) in September 2020. In-person programming did not resume until February 2022.

Library statistics are gathered by fiscal year (meaning from July 1st through June 30th). Pre-COVID (FY20), annual attendance in the Library was 67,783. In FY21, due to the closure of municipal buildings and businesses, attendance dropped to 12,600. In FY22, attendance rose to 57,549. During this past July, attendance was 7,153, bringing that month’s count back to pre-COVID numbers.  Likewise, participation in our programs has rebound. The Adult, Children’s and Young Adult Departments all held Summer Reading programs around the theme “Off the Beaten Path.”  A total of 1,179 readers participated this year, up from 935 last summer.  Each department saw increases in participation, with 783 children (up from 766), 140 teens (up from 123) and 166 adults (up from 44).      
The Children’s Department offered 20 in-person programs for children ages 0-5, with a total attendance of 615 children, and 26 in-person programs for children ages 6-11, with a total attendance of 342 school-aged children.  The Young Adult Department offered 11 programs which were attended by 120 teens.  The Adult Department offered 10 programs, with an attendance of 47 people.  In addition, 21 programs were offered for general audiences, with a total attendance of 381 folks. The Children’s Department also offered 2 virtual programs that drew 36 participants. We continued to offer “passive programming”  this summer as well.  Passive programming includes activities like craft take-n-makes, scavenger hunts and Story Walks.  18 passive programs were offered with a total of 77- folks participating (390 children, 141 teens, and 239 adults).

COVID-19 took us all by surprise. We all, including libraries, had to learn to continue offering services amid new realities.  Some of the lessons that we learned, like offering hybrid and online programming, we will keep (in addition to our in-person programming). We learned how to meet our users where they are as well.  In the fall, look for more librarian visits to schools, daycare centers and assisted living facilities. We’ve also partnered with Overdrive Advantage to bring you the eBooks and downloadable audio titles that you want without the need for extended wait lists, and Kanopy, so that you can stream films and courses without having to pay for them (we do that)! We are always looking for new ways to meet you where you are.  Please email me with any ideas or suggestions that you may have.

As always, my door is open.  Stay healthy, stay safe, and keep reading!

Nanci M. Hill
Library Director

For Multiple Ages

#ActuallyAutistic (Recommended ages 14+)
Tuesday, September 6   6:30 - 7:30 pm
Join us for a presentation by Jennifer Brunton on her book, The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy: Step-by-Step Advice on How to Ally and Speak Up with Autistic People and the Autism Community. No registration required.

Adult & Teen Craft: Rock Painting for Art
on the Trail. (Ages 12+)
Tuesday, September 20   6:00 - 7:00 pm
Contribute to the Library's 2022 Art On The Trail submission by painting some rocks with river themes!  All materials are provided. Rocks will be left at the library to be used in the Art on the Trail display.

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