When
Kyle needed to work on his online college courses, we helped him register to
use the Learning Center in the library. When Rita wanted to read more books by
her favorite author, we helped her reserve books through the Evergreen Indiana
catalog. When Lois wanted more books to read but was homebound, we delivered
books to her home. When John was suddenly unemployed, we helped him apply for
his unemployment benefits, write his resume and apply for jobs. When Amber had
to write a report for school, we helped her find good resources. When Karen
wanted to find out more about her family history, we showed her the family
files and copies of obituaries on microfilm in the genealogy department. When
Nancy wanted to learn how to navigate the Internet, we taught her how in our
free computer classes. There are many more stories like these happening every
day at the Switzerland County Public Library.
According
to the 2010 U.S. Census, Switzerland County has 10,613 residents. At the end of
2011, almost 6000 of those residents had library cards. These patrons have a
variety of interests and information needs. We strive to foster a culture of
reading and thought by serving the interests, information needs, and leisure
pursuits of our community. In 2011, the library holdings included 27,671 books,
2347 movies, and 1116 audiobooks. These items, which cover many areas of
interest, circulated 49, 075 times.
The
library is a member of the Evergreen Indiana Consortium which means even more
resources available for patrons. It also means big savings for taxpayers. The
minimal cost of using an open-source system like EI puts less of a burden on
the library’s budget. In 2011, 3137 items were transited to local patrons from other
Indiana libraries.
The
eight public access computers were available for Internet and document services
17, 443 hours in 2011. With our wireless hub, free Wi-Fi access is available to
our patrons during business hours. Our Web site www.scpl.us
is a gateway to many resources. Of the 8413 pageviews last year, visitors accessed
our online catalog, research assistance in genealogy, reader’s advisory help in
choosing books to read, and staying current with library programs and events.
Our
meeting room with adjoining kitchen housed over 650 meetings for local
educational, vocational and civic organizations last year.
Our
services reach beyond our doors as well. We provide outreach programs to the local
public elementary, middle and high schools, the YMCA, the Headstart program, a
local daycare, the senior center, and the nursing home.
With an
operating budget of $255,696, we strive to serve Switzerland County residents with
an up-to-date collection and pertinent services. Come see us and see for
yourself the many ways that the Switzerland County Public Library can help you
with your information needs and leisure pursuits.
