Circulation and Technical Services
Circulation and Technical Services had a steady summer, helping patrons at the service desks while also handling the behind-the-scenes work that keeps materials moving and collections in good shape. July and August showed continued strong summertime use of the library, with patrons making use of both physical and digital materials and staff keeping up with a steady volume of filling holds, processing withdrawn items, issuing parking permits and other daily tasks.
July and August circulation shows a total of 78,000 physical and digital checkouts over the two months. Physical materials continue to make up the majority of circulation, but digital resources also saw steady use. Patrons continued to check out eBooks and eAudiobooks and use streaming video, music, and digital magazines, showing that the library’s collections are being used in a variety of ways and from a variety of places.
There was (and always is) a significant amount of work involved in getting materials into the hands of patrons. Staff filled more than 9,000 holds during July and August, including more than 6,100 items received from other libraries for local patrons and more than 4,500 items pulled and sent to other libraries.
Staff processed 447 new library card applications over the two months, continuing to welcome new patrons and connect them with the library’s collections and services. Staff also issued 374 parking permits during the summer.
Technical Services continued to keep new materials moving into the collection while Circulation Staff processed through materials that were ready to be removed. Tech Services received, processed, and added more than 2,800 new physical items during July and August. Nearly 1,900 items were withdrawn from the collection, which helps keep the collection fresh and useful while making sure available shelf space is being used effectively.
Overall, the July and August numbers show how much activity takes place beyond the Circulation Desk. While patrons see the final result, such as a requested item ready for pickup, there is a considerable amount of staff effort behind each of those services.
Outreach Services
Senior Services, Persons-at-Home (Sarah Derven)
Throughout July and August, Sarah Derven’s work continued to bring the library directly to seniors and individuals who may have difficulty accessing library services on their own. In the two months, Sarah made 26 outreach site visits, served 400 patrons, and circulated 1,513 library items, demonstrating the ongoing demand for personalized library service in the community.
Sarah’s work extends beyond delivering materials. She made 144 phone calls, selected and placed 543 items on hold, and renewed 289 items, helping patrons stay connected to the collections they enjoy while providing a personal (and personalized) experience. She also visits individuals at home, delivering materials to 20 people over the two months.
A particularly meaningful part of Sarah’s work continues to be with memory care communities. In July and August, she led nine Memory Care Writing Groups, creating opportunities for participants to engage with writing, memory, creativity, and one another. While the number of groups varied between the two months, this programming reflects the library’s ability to provide meaningful engagement in settings where traditional library access & experiences may not be possible.
The month-to-month numbers also tell an interesting story. July saw higher overall circulation and patron activity, while August brought an increase in individual visits and outreach calls. Together, the figures illustrate the consistency and flexibility of senior outreach: whether through a site visit, a phone call, a carefully selected hold/recommendation, delivered items, or by facilitating a writing group, Sarah continues to find ways to make the library accessible and relevant to older adults throughout the community.
Community Events, Partnerships, Mobile Library (Jennifer Ogrodowski)
Throughout July and August, Jennifer Ogrodowski continued to bring the library to places where community members gather. Through farmers markets, summer meals sites, community celebrations, book groups, craft programs, and partnerships with local organizations, Jen maintained a visible and active library presence.
In July and August, Jen’s outreach efforts reached 755 attendees, with 233 library items loaned and 22 library cards issued or renewed. In August alone, she made 28 mobile library stops, demonstrating the breadth and frequency of this work.
Partnerships remain a key part of the outreach effort. For the second year, the library partnered with the United Way to bring the mobile library to summer meals sites on Wednesdays and Fridays, connecting with children and families throughout the summer. Jen also partnered with the Greenfield Historical Society for the annual Middle Grove Car Show in July and Caboose Day in August, bringing the library van alongside other community organizations and participating in events that celebrate local history and community.
Other programs, including the Shelters of Saratoga and Her Story book groups and craft activities at Wesley, provided opportunities for connection, creativity, and conversation. At the Saratoga Farmers Market, hands-on activities gave children and families another way to engage with the library.
Adult Literacy and English Language Learning (Mary Ann Rockwell)
Throughout July and August, Mary Ann’s Adult Literacy and English Language Learning program continued to provide individualized instruction, group learning opportunities, and a welcoming place for adults building their English skills. The program currently has 15 volunteer tutors, supporting learners at a wide range of English proficiency levels and with varied personal and educational goals.
Across the two months, the program provided 56 one-to-one tutoring sessions, 35 class sessions, and welcomed 133 class attendees, with volunteers contributing 254 hours of service. While summer travel and family schedules made August somewhat quieter, tutoring and classes continued to provide consistent opportunities for students to practice English and build confidence.
The program welcomed several new learners during this period, including students at the absolute beginner level. For these learners, progress often comes through small but meaningful steps: following simple directions, practicing phonics, learning everyday vocabulary, and gaining the confidence to participate in conversation. Tutors have found creative ways to support these students through repetition, movement, songs, and hands-on activities.
The program also continues to support students whose goals extend well beyond conversational English. One long-term student who began working with the program at a lower-intermediate level is now preparing to enter a graduate-level degree program while balancing work and family responsibilities. This achievement reflects the student’s considerable dedication, as well as the sustained support provided through regular tutoring.
Tutors continue to bring a wide variety of approaches to their work. One tutor led an eight-week book group focused on To Kill a Mockingbird, while another’s conversation circle evolved from spontaneous discussion into more structured activities using music, vocabulary, idioms, and cultural context. These varied approaches allow students to practice English in ways that are engaging, relevant, and responsive to their individual goals.
The program also provides access to library resources that can extend learning beyond tutoring sessions. One beginning-level student recently learned about Mango Languages and was excited to discover another way to practice English independently through the library. Moments like this demonstrate how literacy services can serve as a gateway to the library’s broader resources and opportunities.
Summer Scares: a “Horrific” Friends of the Library and Saratoga Springs Public Library Partnership
Saratoga Springs, NY is known for “Health, History, and Horses,” but on Tuesday, August 4, the Saratoga Springs Public Library flipped the script to Saratoga: Hell, Hysteria, and Horror! Trevor Oakley hosted the library’s first Horror Writer’s Association (HWA) “Summer Scares” event, featuring an author panel with HWA Summer Scares authors CJ Leede, Kyle Kouri, Christoph Paul, and Michael J. Seidlinger at Bailey’s Café, located right next door to the library. The library partnered with the Friends of the Library group, who secured the venue, handled book sales, and provided volunteers for the event. It just happened that the event celebrated a new or recent release from each author, but it also celebrated something remarkable: on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon in the middle of Saratoga’s busy tourist season, a crowd of people, some having traveled across state lines to be there, showed up to talk about books, writing, horror, and libraries. The success of this program is thanks to many people and organizations, including the HWA and its sponsors for spearheading the Summer Scares initiative; HWA Libraries Co-Chairs Konrad Stump and Becky Spratford; and Tor Nightfire, Shortwave Publishing, and CLASH Books for supporting their authors’ participation.
Photo Gallery
