Posted September 26, 2023
The Granville County Library System IGCLS) continues to see a major uptick in residents utilizing library services, participating in programs, and checking out library materials. In the most recent statistical report (July 2022 through June 2023) GCLS shows a large increase in nearly every facet of patron services across all four library branches.
In the past year, Granville residents have checked out 88,779 print materials, a 17% increase from the previous year. This jump included a 14% increase in the circulation of children’s books alone. GCLS also saw huge jumps in library card registrations, with a current total of 12,183 registered users, also 17% increase from the previous year. These 12,183 library users shows that over 20% of Granville residents are active library users.
Throughout the year, GCLS recorded over 139,000 visitors across all four branches, an increase from the103,000 in 2021-22, equaling a nearly 35% increase. Access to technology continued to be a major draw to all GCLS branches as public computer use increased 35%.
All GCLS branches saw lots of programming activity and attendance throughout the year by hosting a total of 682 programs. Adult programing saw the largest boost this year with a more than 100% increase from 21-22. Attendance was strong at all library programs with an average of 19 people attending each activity.
“These statistics help tell the story about how critical the library is for Granville County residents,” said Granville County Library System Director Will Robinson. “We have seen a particularly high demand for in-person programs and services and these stats show that all our branches are busy and thriving. This is a testament to the hard work of our staff to provide a safe and welcoming environment along with programs and services that our users want. We believe the programs and services that GCLS offers provide a strong return on investment from the funding we receive from Granville County taxpayers, the State Library of North Carolina, and our other state and federal granting agencies.”
For more information about services and programs offered by the Granville County Library system, visit the library website. Or visit any of the four branches: Richard H. Thornton (210 Main Street, Oxford), South (1550 South Campus Drive, Creedmoor), Stovall (300 Main Street, Stovall), and Berea (1211 US Highway 158, Oxford).