Why support the library?

                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.