2021 was a banner year at Wilmette Public Library. Coming out of 2020, we worked together to tackle big projects, create new services, and welcome our community back to a new normal. Join us as we look back on a transitional year full of accomplishment, growth, and lots of fun.
We were honored to be named a Library Journal Five Star Library in both 2020 and 2021. The five-star rating places Wilmette Public Library among the top 10 libraries nationwide in the $5-9.9 million budget category. Comparing quantitative data from more than 5,800 libraries across the United States, Wilmette has been recognized for excellence in seven key service areas: per capita circulation of physical materials, number of visitors, e-circulation, public computer use, program attendance, Wi-Fi sessions, and e-retrievals. Wilmette performed particularly well in several categories, with notably high performance in the digital realm: e-circulation and Wi-Fi sessions were among the highest among peer libraries, with 7.08 e-circulations per capita and 40.15 Wi-Fi sessions per capita. Wilmette also performed remarkably well in overall circulation (27.18 per capita) and program attendance (1.23 per capita). This designation is thanks to the deep and ongoing connection the Library has with the Wilmette community.
Introducing Our New Website
In October, we debuted a brand-new library website. The culmination of more than six months of work by a dedicated team of staff members, the site prioritizes the information you need while helping you find exciting content you didn’t know you were looking for.
Leveling Up Our Technology
An exciting addition to our operations this year is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging system. This project was a huge undertaking that included seven new self-checkout stations, new technology for our circulation and technical services departments, and the tagging of every item in our collection—a staggering more than 250,000 items.
As part of this project, we added an automated materials handler to our operations. Using the RFID system, this machine checks in and sorts returned items, simplifying the process of shelving books and other materials.
Sharing a Love of Reading
A shared love of reading is the cement of our Wilmette Public Library community. Over the course of 2021, as we have still been staying closer to home and venturing out less, our love of reading has sustained us. Our circulation increased 13% since 2019, and during the months that the library was closed, digital circulation tripled.
We also shared our love of reading together, in person and online. In the spring, we hosted our first virtual One Book, Everyone Reads event, featuring author Charles Yu discussing his book Interior Chinatown. We also welcomed the community back to the library, with a full schedule of in-person, outdoor storytimes throughout the summer.
A Welcome Return to the Building
Thanks to our renovated Library Lawn, careful distancing, and masks, we were able to host on-site programs for all ages for the first time since early 2020. In-person programs included a variety of favorite programs, including crafts, international films, Armchair Travels, K-9 Reading Buddies, and much more. Since July, we have hosted a combination of on-site and virtual programs, accommodating a range of interests, ages, and necessary COVID precautions.
Summer Reading Clubs
This summer, Reading Colored our World with our summer reading clubs for all ages. Nearly 900 community members took part in summer reading in 2021, with adults and teens enjoying a virtual club while kids were able to report in person with the return of our annual reporting booth.
A Wealth of Author Visits
We were honored to bring authors to the Wilmette community for all ages and interests. In addition to hosting authors at Wilmette, we were able to partner with area libraries to bring outstanding speakers to the Chicagoland area. Guest authors this year included: Charles Yu, Omar El Akkad, Christian Picciolini, Catherine Grace Katz, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Donald Cameron Clark, Jr., Richard Rothstein, Darcie Little Badger, and Dr. Eve L. Ewing, Harlen Coben, and Cathy Park Hong.
Enjoying Our Time Together
As we created a new normal, we focused on creating moments of creativity, spontaneity, and fun for all ages. A few highlights:
• We expanded our Maker offerings, with weekly Maker appointments for all ages, a fun pop up Maker garden near the library’s front doors, and popular take-home maker kits for adults and teens.
• We grew our Storywalk series, offering a new story each month at Vattman Park, and introducing a new, permanent walk at Hibbard Park in the fall.
• Staff and patrons took to the streets for Bike to the Library week, where we celebrated any manner of traveling to the library other than your car. Bike, walk, transit, and more!
• As a culmination to our youth Summer Reading Club, we celebrated the Big Library Takeover in September, with unicorns appearing all throughout the building based on popular vote.
• Our new van—named The Loan Ranger—got a spiffy library-branded exterior and can be seen all around the village, picking up returned items and making deliveries.
Welcoming New Leadership
The April 6, 2021 Consolidated General Election resulted in three new trustees for the Library. MaryAnne O’Keefe, Trish Nealon, and Tracy Sommer were each elected to four years terms on the Board of Library Trustees, and began their terms at the May 18, 2021 Regular Meeting. The Board expressed gratitude to its outgoing members Dan Johnson, Ronald C. Rogers, and Stuart Wolf.
At the August 17, 2021 Regular Meeting, the Board accepted the resignation of Trustee Jan Barshis, who had served the Board for more than 10 years. The Board voted unanimously to appoint former Trustee Stuart Wolf to fill the vacancy until the next election in April 2023.
Solidifying Our Future
The Library is committed to the responsible maintenance and stewardship of our shared community resources. The Library carefully managed its finances during the pandemic, coordinating our health and safety response plan with overall operational goals, while maintaining a balanced budget and a clean independent audit. In November 2021, the Library Board passed a flat levy for the third year in a row after previously reducing the levy by 8% in 2017-18. The Library also conducted a long range financial projection, aligned with our 2020 Capital Reserve Study, to estimate fiscal trends and strategies.
Following the guidance of the Capital Reserve Study, we undertook a project to complete necessary repairs to the library building during the spring and summer. Over several months, crews repaired several areas of the building, including the roof, brick façade, and parking lot; performed water infiltration mediation in the lower level; and updated and replaced electrical, safety, and fire systems throughout the building. These repairs and enhancements will help to ensure the health of the library facility for years to come.