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Library Center of the Ozarks celebrates one-year anniversary as public library

Writer's picture: K.D. MichaelsK.D. Michaels

The Library Center of the Ozarks is celebrating their one-year anniversary.  

 

Formerly known as the Taneyhills Library, the Library Center of the Ozarks has been a tax-funded public library serving the sub-district of the Branson and Hollister School Districts for just over one year, following the approval of a tax levy August of 2023. The Library Center of the Ozarks has realized many impressive milestones during their first year in operation.

 

During 2024 the Library Center of the Ozarks welcomed 38,140 visitors and added 2,101 new Library patrons. The facility offered 120 programs to the community, with 3,794 people attending said programs.

 

The Library added 13,478 physical items to their inventory, and 100,003 physical items were checked out by Library members. LCO added 671 e-books and audio books. and 38,757 digital items were checked out during the calendar year, bringing the total of items circulated to 138,760 for the year.

 

The Library's bank of computers was used by 2,933 individuals, and 1,549 people received help from the staff. Additionally, the Library staff answered 2,882 reference questions in the course of the year.

 

A total of 578 people registered for the Library's Summer Reading Club, and 1,628 people – adults and children – attended the Summer Reading Club programs.

 

Additionally, 121 policies and procedures were adopted, and 30 large infrastructure projects were completed during the year. 

 

Realizing such astonishing numbers would have not been possible without a dedicated and loyal Library staff.  

 

"I am very proud of the staff's hard work and dedication to serving the community," noted Library Center of the Ozarks Executive Director Essy Day. "There have been so many changes, and yet everyone has been steadfast in their desire to create a first-class public library that the community can also be proud of. Based on the comments we receive and the engagement on social media, I believe the community appreciates everything we've done. We truly appreciate their support."

 

"The statistics are not just numbers on a sheet of paper," Day continued. "They reflect hours of time, research and effort to complete the projects, provide a resource, add material to the collection and improve services."

 

When asked what the future holds for the Library Center of the Ozarks, Day responded, "The Library staff and Board of Trustees are looking forward to the future and have several ideas that we'll be implementing soon. We are always looking for ways to provide opportunities for the community." 

 

The anniversary celebration, set for Saturday, will include games, raffles, prizes, activities and fun for all ages. This is a free, come-and-go event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 18. The public is encouraged to attend.

 

The Library Center of the Ozarks is located at 200 South 4th Street in downtown Branson.

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