Numbers Increase At Blackmur, 2023 Was A Year Of Change
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WATER VALLEY – Looking back at 2023 for Blackmur Memorial Library, it was a busy year and a year of change.
Like all libraries across the state and the nation, Blackmur Library is still finding its way in the post-pandemic world. The pandemic changed the way the world works and that includes the library. Services such as curbside service for book checkout, copying and faxing were added as a permanent offering. Remote printing was added and made easier and wifi service was enhanced. Circulations of ebooks and audiobooks through Hoopla also increased.
Blackmur Library also said farewell to long-time library assistant Donna Jones who retired after more than 16 years as an employee. While Donna is sorely missed, the library was fortunate to add Sara Williams in the position.
The past year also saw the reforming of the Friends of Blackmur Library organization. Though the group was just getting off the ground in the second half of the year, they’ve put a lot of time and effort into helping promote the library and present programs for the public. And there will be even more to come in 2024.
Patrons and other visitors continue to return to the library in increasing numbers. A total of 7,223 people visited the library in 2023, which was about 400 more than in 2022 and is getting back close to pre-pandemic attendance. Circulation also saw an increase in 2023 with 2,554 items circulated. Adult fiction was the largest circulation class of the year, followed by easy books, juvenile fiction and young adult.
Perennial favorite author Janet Evanovich had a big year with Blackmur patrons with her books taking seven of the top 10 spots for adult fiction circulation and 11 of the top 20. Though her Stephanie Plum book, “Dirty Thirty” came out in 2023, it didn’t crack the top 20 due to only being out for a little over a month before the end of the year.
Other adult fiction authors in the top 20 include Jodi Thomas with “Wild Texas Rose,” Nora Roberts with “Identity,” Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us,” Nicholas Sparks’ “See Me” and John Stanford’s “Judgment Prey.”
In Easy books, the most popular title was the classic “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” Amongst juvenile readers “Dog Man” was once again the most popular choice and “Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas” the most popular title.
And, as has been the case for a number of years, the top circulating books amongst young adult readers have been the various adventures of the boy wizard Harry Potter.
As the library looks ahead to 2024 there are a number of plans in the works. The Brownbag Lunch speaker series will make a return as will the annual Summer Library Program. Other planned events include Winnie The Pooh Day, special holiday events including Halloween and Christmas and even more events in the works. And the library will continue to get great new books for readers of all ages to enjoy.
If you have any questions about the library, programs or the Friends of the Library organization, please contact us at (662) 473-2444 or by email at blackmurlibrary@gmail.com. And you can always stop by the library at 608 Blackmur Drive. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
