Statistics: St. Louis County Library Sees Unprecedented Growth During 2012, More than 14.4 Million Items Circulated

From Today’s SLCL Release:

St. Louis County Library experienced another banner year in 2012. The system saw unprecedented growth in circulation and program attendance, producing the highest statistics the system has ever seen. In addition, the library’s tax initiative, Prop L, passed by 58% in November. SLCL continues to be Missouri’s busiest library, positively impacting lives and improving the St. Louis region. Below are a few milestones from 2012, as well as next steps for the system.
2012 Year in review:

• SLCL circulated nearly 14.4 million items, more than the combined circulation of all other area libraries.
• Over 6.3 million visitors came to the library last year, more than all three local pro-sports teams and almost double the record-breaking attendance at the St. Louis Zoo.
• More than 80 bestselling authors visited SLCL in 2012, with attendance at these events exceeding 14,000.
• Last year saw the largest summer reading program in the history of SLCL with more than 88,000 kids, teens and adults participating.
• In January, SLCL opened an expanded Eureka Hills Branch, nearly double the size of the previous location.

The passage of Prop L will usher in a new era of growth at SLCL. The modest tax increase will allow SLCL to move forward with much needed improvements to aging buildings, including the construction of new branches, as outlined in the Facilities Master Plan (83 pages; PDF).

Read the Complete Announcement

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