It’s almost the end of the year, and it’s natural for all of us to look back at 2019 to reflect on what happened and changed in the past year. At the Great Bend Public Library, it means many annual reports that need to be filed, and in the process we collect a lot of statistics on what the library has done throughout the year. We would like to share some of those with the community so that you can clearly see the impact that your public library is making in the Barton County community. (Because we don’t have all the December numbers yet, those stats are estimated.)

- Average monthly program attendance: 1,735

Total program attendance for 2019: 20,830

- Reference questions answered: 3,941

- Average number of card users: 8,302

- Monthly computer users: 1,306

Total computer uses in 2019: 15,673

- Total number of items checked out in 2019: 140,222

- Average monthly visitors to the library: 9291

- Total visitors to the library in 2019: 111,492

The library’s role has changed in the past several decades. Where once the library was used for books, it is now also a community center for internet usage, programs, and events. The library is still the perfect place to go when someone is looking for information, and we do our best to find it in whatever form it may be, whether it is a book, video, internet site, or electronic media. In addition, the library is a great community center for people and groups to meet, and for active learning through interactive events and classes. Look for an even bigger offering from the library in 2020 for all ages, as we begin new programs (like the children’s “Crazy 8s” math club) and bring in exciting new programs, such as Beekeeping 101, woodworking, genealogy presentations, stuffed animal sleepover, life-size board games, and much more. If you want to know more about how the library is impacting our community through activities and events, search for “Great Bend Public Library” on Facebook or Instagram, or visit our website (www.greatbendpl.info). 

We hope to see you visit the library this holiday season for an event, display, or just to stock up on winter reads or movies. The library will be closed on December 24-25, December 31 and January 1 for the holidays. May you have a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to a great 2020. We hope to see you soon.

Michael Adamyk is the library technology manager at Central Kansas Library System.