Library Says it Loud and Proud: Best Year Ever

Librarians aren't SSSHHHH'ing anyone from talking about the 's success this year.

Last year, 794,210 items were checked out — that's a 7 percent increase from 2010.

"We are thrilled to have reached an all-time high," said Mary McDonald, marketing and PR coordinator for the library. (.)

What played a role in 56,841 more items circulated in 2011?

"eBooks definitely played a part in increasing circulation, but outreach and new materials also boosted the numbers — and popular programs like Cooking with , musical concerts, author talks and historical speakers," said McDonald. 

Last year, 34,309 , that's up from 3,826 in 2010. Program attendance also grew — 45,090 people stopped into the library for an event.

This reflects "the generous support from the Friends of the Library as they sponsored and funded the majority of all programs offered at the library during the entire year," she said.

Those weren't the only numbers up in 2011. The library issued 3,470 new library cards (one of those was for ).

"We're all really pleased that the library is a true hub of the Stow-Munroe Falls area," McDonald said. "The increasing use of the library by our community makes all of the staff happy — and they have no problem handling it. You can always get individual attention here — whether you're looking for help setting up your eReader, wanting suggestions on what to read for pleasure, or help with research or using the computers. And in the children's department, it's always, 'the more the merrier' with full houses for Storytimes, Lego Club and programs like Life-Size Monopoly."

To find out more about the programs offered at the library in February,.