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From the DirectorPauline Lynch Shostack, Library Director
Thank you to the Geneva Community for the warm welcome I have received as I start in my new position as the Director of this wonderful library. I’m impressed with all the programs, services, and work that took place in 2021. The dedication of the library staff, Board of Trustees, and Foundation for the Geneva Public Library is evident in all they accomplished last year. I look forward to working with all them to provide the best possible service for the Geneva community. I have already had the pleasure of meeting a few community members, and look forward to becoming acquainted with the Geneva area. In my short time here, I have already seen how much this community loves their library. I look forward to working with all of you to help lead the Geneva Public Library into a bright and exciting future.
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Youth ServicesTanya Taylor,
Youth Services Librarian |
In 2021, Beanstack, the Library's online tool used to track reading, made a big impact as we introduced the Winter Read 2021: Book Like Us challenge, where participants logged 19,265. During the Summer Reading program, participation increased and participants logged 95,290 minutes within 6 weeks. We struggled to return to pre-pandemic attendance at programs, but even if people are not ready to join us in person yet, we want you to know we'll be here when you feel comfortable joining us in person again. We were excited to implement our first ever Trunk or Treat program and it was a success, with 156 attendees and 13 community partners who joined us to pass out treats. Library staff have been busy revitalizing the collection by weeding out-of-date materials and filling our shelves with new books and movies. We even purchased a new collection of Launch Pads, tablets pre-loaded with educational games and books that can be used without Wi-Fi, perfect for long car rides.
We look forward to providing more fun programs for both children and teens, like weekly story hours, STEM programs and Teen Time. We hope you join us soon, or just stop by to say hello. |
Adult ServicesSusie Flick,
Adult Services Library Assistant |
In 2021, we were able to get back to in-person programming and the patron interactions that makes this job so amazing. My heart was so full every time I had a patron say how much they missed us, or how the Library was what they found they could not do without. Partnerships with local organizations made it possible to bring popular programs to the community. AARP and BluePrint, both of which provide free tax preparation, help hundreds of people get their taxes done and brings thousands of dollars back to our community. Historic Geneva provides monthly exhibits on Geneva’s history, Geneva Reads provides wonderful programming in conjunction with the Community Read for both children and Adults. For the first time, we partnered with the Geneva Rotary Club when they were unable to hold their popular Santa Train event. It was an overwhelming success, and we hope to do it again in 2022.
Looking forward, we hope to expand programming and offer chess instruction, medical and financial programming, as well as continue with our well-established programs. We hope to have another great year in 2022. We are always thinking of our patrons in all that we do and hope we are offering what you are looking for. We always welcome suggestions and requests, so don’t be afraid to let us know. |
Reference & TechKelsy Hibbard-Baker,
Reference & Techonology Librarian |
My favorite highlight of 2021 was reopening the reference floor to full capacity. Previously, the reference and circulation desks were merged together. The new layout of the floor allows Library staff to provide better service to our patrons, whether they are using the computers, browsing for books, or using a study area.
Our Director, Chris, resigned in October. Over the years, I learned a lot from him about managing our Library—which is a good thing as I, along with Tanya and Susie, spent the last few months as “Acting Director.” That time was both invigorating and challenging, and I look forward to working with our new director, Pauline, and continuing to grow in 2022. |
Spanish LanguageKiara Rolon-Manso,
Spanish Speaking Library Clerk |
I've been with the Library since July, and I want to thank everyone for welcoming me into the Library community. I've had the pleasure of working with various community partners to provide new programs. In November, a total of 59 participants joined us to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, with the help of Vamos Geneva.
In the new year, I hope to continue providing programs that will bridge the gap between English and Spanish speakers to better serve the Geneva community. Thank you to everyone who helped found the Spanish Program this year, and may this upcoming year bring even more inclusivity and diversity! |
Foundation for the LibraryNancy Bauder,
Foundation President |
In its tenth year, the Foundation engaged in a successful appeal to Library donors and patrons. At the close of the campaign on March 1, 2021, we had raised $32,733 from 161 donors. In May, we received a generous gift to the Endowment Fund of stock securities in the amount of $12, 892. As of June 30, 2021, the Investment Fund was at $381,696.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to hold our annual A Taste of Jazz event, which impacted fundraising. The Spring and Fall book sales were also impacted, but a Summer Book Sale was held in June, and brought in $2,400. Gifts from Jane and the late Bill Crumlish have again assured the long-term stability of Musical Moments, one of our most popular programs. Musical Moments resumed on September 17th, and will continue into 2022. |
Board of TrusteesSanta Abraham,
Board President |
As I look back on 2021, my first thought is that the library continued to pivot frequently with the changing regulations amid the pandemic. The library staff did an excellent job adapting to the numerous changes and for that, I am thankful. In 2021, the Library worked hard to expand services for underserved communities, a goal in line with the Library's Strategic Plan. The Library hired a Spanish-Speaking Library Clerk. The Library continued to provide technology classes to increase digital literacy. In 2022, I am looking forward to working with our new Library Director, Pauline Shostack. Pauline brings a wealth of experience to the library. We appreciate all our patrons and are grateful for your continued support and active participation in our Library. Great things are on the horizon for our Library!
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Download the Annual Report to the Community
| 2021 Annual Report |
Read our most-circulated books of 2021
Click on any book cover to place a hold on a title
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