County Library annual report released for fiscal year

SAN DIEGO COUNTY – San Diego County Library (SDCL) released its annual report for fiscal year 2012-2013. Available at http://www.sdcl.org/annualreport, the report highlights the library’s centennial and a year full of essential programs, new buildings, and an increasing collection of books, movies, and music CDs. According to current market value statistics, SDCL provided more than $73 million in materials last fiscal year.

SDCL provides access to 42 million items that inform, educate, inspire, and entertain readers. According to industry studies (Salt Lake County Library, 2013), each of these items is valued at approximately $6.50 per check-out, and SDCL customers checked out 11.3 million items last year. That’s a whopping $73.4 million that customers saved by checking items out from the library rather than buying them.

“I’d pay so much every month for books!” said library customer Lalitha Kasthurirangan. “It has always amazed me that I could get these books here, for free!”

Kasthurirangan has a varied experience in libraries, through which she has developed her appreciative view of SDCL. She tells of a split system of libraries in India: one that is free to use, with its collection of mostly dilapidated titles; and the other option, a pay-to-use system which had much more to offer. At SDCL, she is impressed with the ambiance of the branches, the selection of books, and the customer service that is offered free of charge.

“While the dollar value of services provided last year is astounding, we also recognize that the library’s greatest impact cannot be measured through statistics,” said library director José Aponte. “We provide transformational experiences for our customers, connecting them to what they need most, whether that’s a good book or a place to call home.”

For more information on SDCL, visit http://www.sdcl.org.