Dear Community Members, I am very proud to share with you the highlights of Wright Library’s past year, both in providing exceptional core library services and also pursuing new and exciting opportunities for our patrons. It is clear that the community values Wright Library: circulation of materials remains strong, use of the library’s technology increased 32 percent, library visits increased 17 percent, and robust program attendance and use of meeting rooms signal that the library is a place where people of all ages come together to learn and thrive. In 2023, we developed a new strategic plan focused on nurturing young learners, celebrating people and ideas, satisfying curiosity, growing as a vibrant community hub, and optimizing our resources to serve you better. It is a plan that was heavily informed by community input and allows us to strengthen our core offerings while adapting to the changing needs of our community. Your quality of life and lifelong learning remain our focus. We look forward to seeing you at the library soon! Kristi Hale, Wright Library Director Wright Library has something for EVERYONE Annual Report 2023
9,942ATTENDEES AT 292 YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS 6,560ATTENDEES AT 207 ADULT PROGRAMS 349,001 REMOVING BARRIERS In 2023, patrons and visitors to Wright Library had unencumbered access to needed and desired resources: FINES-FREE An updated fines policy eliminated most overdue fines. Lowering obstacles to reading encouraged more use of the library. FAST READS The newest and most popular books became easier to access with an expanded 14-day borrowing period and renewed investment in the collection. LIBRARY OF THINGS This collection of non-traditional circulating items includes equipment, tools, hobby kits, digital devices, “Doorway to Dayton” passes to local attractions, and more. The popularity of this collection grew by 13% due, in part, to new offerings made possible by the Wright Library Foundation. >> Circulation of “Doorway to Dayton” passes doubled as more passes were added including Boonshoft Museum of Discovery/ SunWatch Indian Village, International Peace Museum, and Carillon Historical Park. >> Wright Library kept pace with patrons’ media consumption by introducing Roku streaming devices to the collection. Each device is loaded with one ad-free subscription service (Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Netflix, and more) plus library streaming services such as Kanopy and Hoopla. COMMUNITY HUB CIVIC ENGAGEMENT >> Two workshops with the Braver Angels organization, offered in partnership with the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition, provided guided forums for conservatives and liberals to have honest conversations. >> In the fall, the League of Women Voters introduced Oakwood voters to their school board and city council candidates. >> The exhibit “Finding Freedom Summer” and related programs highlighted Civil Rights awareness and education. OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE >> Experts offered valuable programs on timely topics including Artificial Intelligence (AI), health and wellness, writing, and small business. >> More than 20 adult and senior care programs provided information about estate planning, elder law, volunteering, housing, and health. >> In partnership with the Oakwood Historical Society, six programs honored and celebrated many aspects of Dayton’s unique history. >> More than 20 author visits and book talks celebrated self, diversity, and overcoming obstacles. >> The library served as a popular place to meet and gather as evidenced by a 48% increase in meeting room usage. MATERIALS BORROWED BY 13,766 WRIGHT LIBRARY CARD HOLDERS 2,102ITEMS BORROWED FROM THE LIBRARY OF THINGS INCLUDING 292 “DOORWAY TO DAYTON” PASSES
RESPONSIVE SERVICES >> Wright Library increased its internet traffic capacity with 500 Mbps fiber, replaced patron desktop computers and laptops, upgraded catalog kiosks, and added digital signage. >> Digital access to Mango Languages was added in 2023, and overall usage of online digital subscriptions doubled. Popular subscriptions included Dayton Daily News, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, NewsBank media access, Freegal Music, and genealogy research resources. >> Library services such as notary, passports, interlibrary loan, tech tutoring — even the distribution of Covid-19 tests — all saw considerable increases in 2023. >> Responding to community needs included outreach. Librarians held regular storytimes for older adults at Brookdale Senior Living, adults with developmental disabilities, and for younger audiences at Lange, Smith, Harman, Little Acorn, Hillel, and Top of the Hill schools. >> Partnerships with local environmental organizations and volunteers helped support the planting of two additional native plant gardens and related educational programs. LEARNING Through a diverse collection of print and audio books, expert programming for early childhood literacy and development, and special events for families to experience together, Wright Library continued to provide foundational and inspirational support for children, teens, and their caregivers to thrive. Wright Library hired a new Youth Services Coordinator to continue to grow the library’s focus on creating young learners from birth through their high school years. FINANCIAL HEALTH Wright Library continued to operate with conservative fiscal management. Expenditures were under budget and within the forecast for long-term sustainability. $515,710 Capital Campaign donor pledge payments were received towards the debt for the Next Chapter Renovation Project. Generous donor support to the Wright Library Foundation provided financial resources to offer the very best in library services to Oakwood residents. In 2023, Foundation funds were used to add capacity to the Remote Pick-up Lockers; beautify the library grounds with native plants and picnic tables; add circulating streaming television subscriptions and “Doorway to Dayton” museum passes; host award-winning authors; and offer exceptional educational and informative programs for all ages. To learn more about how you can support Wright Library, visit wrightlibrary.org/foundation 52,534COMPUTER AND WIFI SESSIONS 250+NATIVE AND POLLINATOR PLANTS LIFE LONG 2023 Foundation Board Mike Armstrong, President Juliet Glaser, Vice-president Julio Quintero, Secretary Leigh Harrell, Treasurer Caitlin Benton Wesley Boord Patty Caruso Annie Callaway Davis Elaine Gounaris Steve Turek 2023 Library Board Randale J. Honaker III, President Jennifer Enseleit, Vice-president Lu Ann Stanley, Secretary Darrell Crowe Bob Eling Joseph Fulford Candise Powell SCAN TO SEE OUR GENEROUS 2023 FOUNDATION DONORS 2023 Budget Wright Library acts with honesty and integrity to optimize assets and remain fiscally responsible and transparent about how the library invests and serves Oakwood. 2023 Revenue 2023 Expenses State Taxes $1,603,341 Salaries & Benefits $1,225,863 Local Property Taxes $902,370 Debt $412,278 Contributions, Gifts, and Donations $555,884 Purchased Services $380,369 Earnings on Investments/Other Misc. $171,191 Materials $241,210 Patron Lost Items and Fees $10,056 Supplies & Capital Outlay $187,011 Total $3,242,842 Total $2,446,731 “These gifts allow us to provide so many exciting collections and experiences that tax dollars alone would not allow.” -Kristi Hale, Wright Library Director
1776 Far Hills Avenue Oakwood, Ohio 45419 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Dayton, Ohio Permit #248 2023-2026 STRATEGIC PLAN Community feedback guided Wright Library’s new strategic plan, which will navigate operations through 2026. With the library’s mission and core values at the forefront, Wright Library will continue to enhance services to the Oakwood community in important and unexpected ways. For a complete view of the plan, visit: wrightlibrary.org/about FIVE KEY GOALS satisfy CURIOSITY optimize ASSETS create young LEARNERS be a COMMUNITY hub CELEBRATE people & ideas The community will have the resources they need to explore topics of personal interest and continue learning throughout their lives. The library will have robust resources and programs for the educational and personal growth of children and teenagers. The library will serve as a community hub with accessible virtual and physical spaces that offer safe and welcoming opportunities to meet, interact, work, and enjoy. The library will celebrate people and ideas by offering opportunities to encounter a broad range of ideas, lived experiences, and cultures. The library will analyze, streamline, and update organizational processes and services to improve patron and staff experiences.
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