Part 1 of my site visit to Auburn Public Library -
An Introduction

On October 18, I met and interviewed Lynn Lockwood, Director of Auburn Public Library (APL) located in Auburn, Maine. This site visit segment (and others to follow) are based upon my interview with Lynn, as well as with my reviewing the library's Annual Report for 2011-2012 (which covers July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012) and information obtained from the library's web site (www.auburnpubliclibrary.org).

This beautiful library has been open since 1904 and is one of Andrew Carnegie's philanthropic endeavors. Changes were made over the years and eventually in 2006, the library through its recent renovation, was now double the size - that is, 33,000 square feet - of its original 1904 building. Don't let its historical aesthetics deceive you though. As you will see, this library is well into our technological age while surrounded by its original charm and beauty.

 

According to the library's Annual Report, the library's collection consists of 66,730 books, 2,680 audiobooks, 65 ebooks, and 4,634 CDs, DVDs, and videos. A total of 240,903 items were borrowed in the past fiscal year.

 

 

A section of the library's audiobooks

 

If visiting the library in person, when checking out books (not media related materials), patrons can use the library's self-check out station pictured above.  Of the 223, 200 in-person visits within  the last year, as reported by the Annual Report, surely several patrons opted for this method.   

 

A 12% increase in web site visits from the past fiscal year to the previous one shows that more patrons are using this option. That is, they may eventually visit the library to pick up an item, but they can begin the search from where ever they can access the internet. And of course a patron can opt to use a computer in the library. According to the Director, the library itself has a total of 82 computers, including those for both patrons and staff.

 

One of the many computers that patrons can access

 

 

When first accessing www.auburnpubliclibrary.org, you'll be met with a lively home page. Depending on which drop down menu you select, you can either opt to find books or media (including downloading audiobooks and ebooks); visit the children's section; take a tour of the teen area; access small business links and information; connect to reference materials; discover programs; read about the library including an extensive look at its policies; discover how to get involved; or connect to one its social networks. (These topics will be covered in detail in future entries!)  From the home page you can also read the latest news and events happening at the library including what is going on today and in the near future. And finally, you can explore any one of a number of services such as APL's 24/7 online services, Freegal (to download music), or Marvel (Maine's Virtual Library.

 

The next post will take a look at some of the specific services offered to patrons.