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2023 was another successful year at the library. Our numbers continue for the most part to go <br />up. We did some database clean up deleting patrons who have not been active for 10 or more <br />years. We also have been actively encouraging people whose library cards have expired to come <br />in and renew them. The Library also conducted a materials inventory this summer and fall with a <br />total of 245 books not accounted for, these will be withdrawn from the database in early 2024. <br />We continue to receive $5,000.00 each year from the Kitchigami Regional Library System for <br />the purchase of new materials. (This is mentioned because the Crow Wing County fund from <br />which this amount comes is not bottomless; the Council need to be aware of this fact. <br />Terri Grimes, our Children's Coordinator, once again offered an outstanding Summer Reading <br />Program with over 100 children attending each weekly program. The program was generously <br />supported by the Pelican Lake Conservation Club and the Friends of the Library. The Library <br />also participated in the CAPL Halloween program with over 600 people coming through the <br />library during the two-hour event as Terri and Jenny Moe handed out candy. Renee Moodie and <br />Tony Koch directed people through the library and the Eagle View 4-11 club ran games the Trick <br />or Treaters could play for more treats. As part of Santa's Bobbin Into Town the Friends of the <br />Library sponsored "The Amazing Hoopsters" with over 80 people in attendance despite the <br />weather. Storytime continues on a weekly basis throughout the year with an average attendance <br />of 10-15 children each week. This year we added a Read to a Dog program that meets once a <br />month with therapy dog Hudson listening to children as their practice their reading skills. We are <br />averaging 4-5 children each month and are evaluating the program every 3 months to determine <br />the best times that would attract the most readers. There were two Legacy programs sponsored <br />by the Kitchigami Regional Library System that our Library participated in. The Jolly Pops band <br />performed this summer with well over 100 children attending. In October the Library hosted <br />children author Kevin Lovegreen with only 4 people in attendance. <br />In addition to all the programs for children, the Library and the Friends of the Library offered <br />several author visits featuring local authors. Attendance varied but averaged 10-15 people overall <br />for each program. <br />The Friends of the Library continue to be generous in their financial support of the library. In <br />addition to helping with various programs as mentioned above. Plans continue to be made for the <br />lot behind the library, with the Visioning Committee working with garden designer Patty <br />Bonicatto in developing preliminary garden space plans for the lot. Plans are being made to work <br />with an architect on possible building expansion plans, this is a long-term goal and will continue <br />for the next several years. <br />