From staff reports

The Allen County Public Library has released its 2022 Community Impact Report, showing a 7.8% increase in library visits for the calendar year.

The April 17 announcement utilizes data from the Library’s annual report to the Indiana State Library. The ACPL said the report “reflects how the library system’s services and collection contributed to the education, literacy, access, and discovery in Allen County over the past year.”

In 2022, the ACPL saw almost 1.5 million visits across the system’s 14 locations. Borrowing saw a 12% increase over 2021 for a total of 4.1 million items borrowed. By providing high-quality wi-fi in its branches, the system record 1,035,476 wi-fi sessions, a 20% increase over 2021.

“Every day, we know we are having an impact, but when we take a moment to really dig into the numbers and compare that impact year over year, it gives us an opportunity to hold ourselves accountable,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan Baier. “Our work will never be done, but to see such growth in a year gives us something to celebrate and reminds us of the critical needs we fill in Allen County.”

Library programming offered both on-site at library branches and off-site at community outreach events served nearly 95,000 attendees in more than 5,000 programs. This is a 62% increase in participation and a 328% increase in offerings over 2021.

“We’re working hard to meet people where they are through our outreach and programs,” said Director of Programming and Partnerships Beth Boatright. “If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that librarians have a role to play beyond the walls of the library. We’re dedicated to sharing the magic of our books, materials, expertise, and connections across Allen County in the years to come.”

The ACPL’s new Rolland Center for Lincoln Research opened in January 2022. The interactive space showcasing the collection of Abraham Lincoln artifacts welcomed more than 20,000 visitors in its first year.

The annual Community Impact Report comes just ahead of 2023 National Library Week, which kicks off April 23. The week is dedicated to celebrating libraries, librarians, and library workers.