ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – 2023 was a big year for the Escanaba Public Library, and administrators are planning for a successful 2024.
It started with the launch of the library’s mobile outreach initiative, which brought books, technology, and other offerings to people at a dozen community events from Apri to December.
“The Bookmobile allows us to connect and interact with the community on a whole different level,” said Library Director Carolyn Stacey. “We were able to make direct contact with over a thousand people but obviously reached many more, and hopefully are putting more of a face on the library of what we are and who we are.”
The library also more than doubled its public programming. Stacey says usage of resources like drive-up service and technology assistance increased as well.
“People come in with their digital devices and need help, whether it’s printing a mailing label or accessing some benefits or whatever,” she said. “We’re really trying to establish ourselves as, ‘Hey, if you need some tech help, come on down to the library.”
Stacey says resources like the Library of Things—-featuring fishing gear courtesy of the Bay De Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen and a Delta Astronomical Society telescope—draw new people to the library. She says those and other collaborations are a great benefit to both the library and the community.
“Our Friends of the Library impact us in a great way,” Stacey said. “They support so many of the extras that the library can offer. The Great Start Coalition through the ISD partners with us on the outreach programs. If we take the Bookmobile out, they come along and provide activities for young children. They come to the library and do early literacy activities.”
Perhaps most notably, all that growth translated to a boost in regular patrons.
“We registered over 800 cards last year, which is about a 14% increase from the year before,” said Stacey. “We’re also seeing people coming back into the library building. That’s been increasing exponentially since the pandemic, but last year it was up by 11% from the previous year.”
The library plans to maintain that momentum in 2024, with the continuation of its “Live on the Lawn” summer concert series, reading programs, author events, and more.
“If we can continue to be a draw and a destination down here, I think that can help with the city’s goals with the downtown revitalization and efforts with the waterfront, so we hope to continue to have the resources to be a positive impact and welcome the community in.”
To learn more about resources available at the Escanaba Public Library or upcoming events, visit the library’s website or Facebook page.