Pick up your copy of "the official guide to your library and 2007 annual report" at the library or on a Bookmobile, or read the annual report online.   

2007 library facts and figures

Facts and figures

Total checkout for 2007 was 2,391,670, again a record, up 1.5% from last year.

The 35,000th student attended a computer class this year. On the average, that’s about 4,000 students a year since 1999. Computer trainers also handle around 90 phone calls per week.

Papercuts, the library literary news blog, reached an all-time high of 56,000 visitors online, in March.

People who make the library special

Gina Millsap, TSCPL executive director, was named a “mover and shaker” by Library Journal for her innovation and leadership in library management. Rob Banks, deputy director, was elected vice-president/president-elect of Mountain Plains Library Association. Thad Hartman, Technical Services supervisor, was named an American Library Association Emerging Leader. Marie Pyko, Public Services manager, presented testimony for the National Endowment for the Arts “The Big Read“ initiative to the U.S. House Appropriations subcommittee.

In May, Elizabeth Ross, Dave DePue, Dan Guenther, Melissa Masoner and Jim Rankin joined the library Board of Trustees.

The executive director and staff, supported by the board, created a list of organizational priorities important to the library’s effectiveness in the community. The top priorities of 2007: customer service; valuing staff; programs, services, collections, infrastructure; leadership; and organizational development.

The Friends of the Library remained steadfast supporters through used book sales, hours of volunteer work, and funding for programs, software, and equipment. In 2007, the Friends funded the upgrade of the meeting room software system so anyone can access library program schedules, reserve meeting room space online and directional signage in the rotunda.

Dr. Phillip and Betty Baker, through the Library Foundation, generously gave $100,000 to the newly named Dr. Phillip and Betty Baker Genealogy Center. The Bakers’ gift provides resources and programming and will facilitate partnerships with other genealogy organizations.

Librarians began creating videos that you can watch online at YouTube.com. Robin Clark and Sandy Lane recorded book reviews with area middle school students to promote the William Allen White book awards. Lissa Staley, Daniel Fogt and Carrie Cummings have produced a variety of creative videos, including the popular What If Barbie Had a Book Group?

Nataliya Angelova, a colleague from the Varna Library in Bulgaria, visited in December as part of the U.S. State Department’s “American-Bulgarian Library Exchange Program.”

Getting with the program

The Sabatini Gallery presented Topeka Competition 28, the three-dimensional arts and crafts exhibit, opened to artists nationally for the first time.

“The Big Read” fired up the community reading program for Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451.

The Kansas Connections outreach program shared stories and information on subjects from storybook sharing to wild west characters with elementary and middle school classes throughout the county.

New services in 2007

• The “Personalized Reading Service” allows librarians to create a customized reading list for you based on your reading interests.
  
• Instant Messaging Reference enables you to “chat” with librarians online through the day.
  
• The Library Foundation assisted with the purchase of Red Carpet’s new bookmobile, which arrived in April. Major gifts from Mary Gordy, Gault-Hussey Trust, and Fern Goff helped replace a 24-year-old box truck.
  
• The Smart Access Management System (SAM) was implemented, ensuring equal access for everyone on the public computers.

The value of a library

The dollar value of free library meeting room space that was provided to non-profits, government and educational customers totaled $234,889 in 2007.

Gifts of $15,000 from St. Francis Health Center, $15,000 from Stormont-Vail Healthcare, and $10,100 from the Topeka Community Foundation, launched the development for a new health information neighborhood, a new area that will specialize in health-related materials including topics such as diabetes, heart disease, and more. The Library Foundation formed a health advisory group that to seek continuing financial support.

The move you wanted

“The Big Move” renovation project was initiated in response to the changing use of the library facility by the community. Genealogy moved to the second floor. The Media Center (movies and music), along with New Books, moved to the central library to join the majority of public computers. The Stan Herd mural now surrounds the new research area, where librarians are available to work one on one with you on research topics. The new magazine and newspaper reading room provides a comfortable and quiet space for leisurely reading.

2007 Financial Information: Income

2007 Financial Information: Expenditures

2007 Circulation Information: Check Out Numbers for 2007

Welcome to the library

Your place. Stories you want, information you need, connections you seek.

Want to know everything that’s going on?
Pick up a copy of connectnow magazine. connectnow is your monthly link to a complete listing of all library programs and events – including the Bookmobile schedule – along with articles highlighting what goes on “behind the scenes.” Pick it up at any desk, on the Bookmobile, or download it from the digital branch – online at www.tscpl.org.

How do I get a library card?
Any resident of Topeka or Shawnee County may obtain a library card. Fill out a simple form at the checkout desk, on any Bookmobile or at the digital branch. 

It’s already checked out. How do I reserve an item?
Reserve an item by requesting it at any service desk, or online with your library card barcode and PIN. This puts
you in line. When the item is available, we’ll mail it to you, send it on a Bookmobile or you can pick it up.

What happens if I return something late?
Everyone shares library resources, and everyone expects materials to be returned on time. At this time there are no late fees, but we do charge for lost or damaged items.

I only have a minute. What’s new?
Go to Books, Movies & Music to find the latest titles in New Books, including Express Bestsellers and Express DVDs, or check the digital branch online. When you have a minute, wander and you’ll find good reads all over the place. Check out the new books displays, or grab a magazine and drop into a cozy chair in the reading room. You don’t have to know the Dewey Decimal System or even how to use the catalog to relax with a good book.

Do you have computers that access the Internet?
Yes. Most library computers connect to the Internet and may be used up to two hours per day. These require a library card and PIN. They are also equipped with Internet filters. Computers that search the library catalog only are also available, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the building.

How can I master the computer?
Free classes are offered in the library’s Computer Training Center. If you’re already proficient, learn new tricks and the latest software. 785-580-4406

What is the Chandler Booktique?
The Booktique sells used books, magazines, videos, music, and gift items. It is operated by the Friends of the Library, and proceeds support the library. Donate your “gently used” materials to be sold either in the Booktique or at the annual book sale. 785-580-4444

What’s on the menu in the café?
From quick bites to hearty meals, sodas and snacks to coffee and scones, the café’s daily specials, sandwiches, soups and salads fit the bill. Ask about catering. 785-580-4441

How do you become a library volunteer?
There are volunteer opportunities are available for all ages – from teens to senior citizens. Some positions may require training, which we’ll even provide! 785-580-4490

Family and Topeka History
The Baker Genealogy Center offers information ranging from census records to cemetery indexes. Research local history with the treasure trove of historical information contained in the Topeka Room. 785-580-4510

My group needs space to meet. Do you have room?
Yes. For groups from 5–300 people, our 15 meeting rooms are available to both nonprofits (at no cost) and for-profit businesses (for a modest fee). 785 580-4495

Welcome to the neighborhood
We’ve started neighborhoods on topics like Travel, True Crime, and up-to-date Health Information. These areas are like mini-bookstore displays where all the information on a topic is together, making browsing and research fast and easy. Watch for more in the future!

Need a quiet place to study?
For study on your own, we suggest the quiet reading room. If you need greater privacy or want to work with others, reserve one of our private study rooms. These rooms can accommodate up to four people.  

I want to talk about what I read
Join a book group to share your likes/dislikes, and hear about others. The Book Group in a Bag program makes it easy for you to run a discussion of your own.
Love mysteries with a conflicted main character? Or fantasy stories set in the future? Try our Personalized Reading List service for customized book suggestions based on your answers. Find it online, too! www.tscpl.org/prl

Can I talk in the library?
Of course! We ask you to be aware of the appropriate level of volume for your whereabouts. In areas like the Story Zone for young children, there will be some noise. In hallways and common areas, a conversational volume level is expected. In quiet study and research sections, please keep noise to a minimum. Cell phone ringers should always be set to “vibrate” or “off.”

My child loves the library. May I drop her off and pick her up later?
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver. Librarians help children access library resources, but they are not able to supervise your children.
For complete information on library policies and the customer code of conduct, ask for a copy of our policies at any service desk or visit the digital branch online.

How can I get help with my homework?
The Homework Center in Youth Services is a quiet study area staffed by coaches who give one-on-one help to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The center also houses the K–12 reference collection. To help with projects and research papers, the digital branch has a link to Homework Kansas, which offers online tutors, encyclopedias, fact books and online links to full magazine and journal articles. 785-580-4565

How do I help my child develop a love of reading?
For younger children, visit the Story Zone where we have read-ins for babies up to preschoolers. If you can’t stay awhile, check out a Sneak Bag (a themed group of board books and accessories for children 18–24 month). For older children, we offer activities throughout the year. The annual SummerFest summer reading program provides terrific incentives. If you are a teacher, after-school program leader, or child-care provider, ask about our special book collections which include videos, objects and related activities.

Who’s the art gallery for?
The Sabatini Gallery is for everyone – not just art lovers! The gallery’s exhibits and free-standing displays feature regional artists, a national juried competition, the library’s art collection and an art exhibit for children. 785-580-4515

We reach out to our community!
Our Bookmobiles (785-580-4590) make daily stops throughout the county (see connectnow or the digital branch for a schedule of days and stops). The AdventureMobile and the Kansas Connections program go to schools, and outreach storytellers take storytime on the road to child care centers. Red Carpet Services (785-580-4545) delivers library materials to retirement facilities throughout the county. Talking Books (785-580-4530) has over 55,000 titles available to those with low vision.

Support your library

There are few places in Topeka where a charitable gift has the potential to touch so many lives.

The Library Foundation
The purpose of The Library Foundation is to help secure financial resources in support of the collections, programs, services, technology and physical facilities. Gifts of all kinds will be gratefully considered and are deductible for personal or corporate tax purposes. 785-580-4498

The Friends of the Library
Since 1970, the Friends work to aid, promote and support the library in developing community resources and services. 785-580-4445

The Library Friends of Art support the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery's collections, programs and services with financial gifts and volunteerism.