Dear Residents and Patrons, Wright Library was the place to be in 2024, where our community gathered together to learn, connect, and experience moments of wonder. Two events in particular — the solar eclipse on April 8th and the community read of The Anxious Generation in the fall — signified the critical role your library plays in the community. Read more about these events on the next page. Beyond these signature events, Wright Library continued to support a growing collection of non-traditional library materials along with books, resources, and programs to inspire lifelong learning and community connections. Increases in visitors and circulation proved that Wright Library users were responsive to these offerings. Even as we celebrate these successes, we are closely monitoring changes in state and federal funding that could impact library services (see back page). Public libraries are essential to strong, thriving communities, and we remain committed to advocating for the resources needed to sustain and expand our offerings. We are deeply grateful to our generous donors who gave more than $100,000 to the Wright Library Foundation Annual Campaign in 2024. Private gifts are more important than ever when state funding is at risk. Thank you for your role in making Wright Library the place to be. We look forward to another year of growth, learning, and connection. Kristi Hale, Director, Wright Memorial Public Library 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 1776 Far Hills Avenue | Oakwood, Ohio 45419 | 937.294.7171
YOUR LIBRARY is the place to be 2,017 meeting room reservations 215,652 research database use 125,135 library visits 364,222 materials circulated A PLACE FOR community Wright Library brought the community together in 2024 through thought-provoking discussions and awe-inspiring moments. The solar eclipse presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience totality. In the months leading up to this historic event, Wright Library held educational programs, including visits with Space Ambassador Kurtz Miller, and distributed more than 2,000 pairs of free eclipse glasses to ensure that as many people as possible safely enjoyed this rare celestial event. On that day, more than 350 people chose to share the experience together on the library grounds in Katharine Wright Park. In the fall, Wright Library partnered with Oakwood City Schools for a community read and a series of discussions around Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation. The book sparked important conversations about the impact of technology on young people’s lives and mental health. The discussions gave caregivers and educators tools to make informed decisions about children’s well-being in a rapidly changing world. At Wright Library, learning, discovery, and community go hand in hand. LIBRARY USE INCREASED IN 2024 11,906 youth program attendees 12,312 computer sessions 15,496 Wright Library card holders +11% +32% +20% +13% +4% +27% +7% I love the aura of the library. - Teen Patron “
At every age and stage of life, people made the most of Wright Library — gathering, learning, and discovering new possibilities. Usage Soared Readers checked out more books in 2024, exploring both print and digital formats. Usage of Wright Library’s Library of Things soared 71% as more users explored this collection of non-traditional offerings such as Little Learner Backpacks, Roku streaming devices, Doorway to Dayton museum passes, tools, board games, and more. Databases also saw double digit use increases with popular offerings such as Consumer Reports, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. A Gathering Place for Work or Play Visitors to Wright Library increased by 11% overall while school and community groups, teens, and neighbors drove a 32% increase in meeting room use — making Wright Library a favorite community space. Students experienced the library through field trips and as musical, dance, and theatrical performers. With the new Memory Digitization Lab, patrons digitized photos, documents, and outdated media to preserve precious historical materials. New Programs, New Audiences Wright Library increased its number of programs by 17% and offered topics that attracted new audiences. Entrepreneurs learned methods for building a business plan. Kids enjoyed handson STEAM learning experiences that brought science and history to life. Adults engaged in learning opportunities to deepen their understanding of aging-related challenges including financial planning and a Signposts of Dying workshop. Community Outreach Wright Library expanded its outreach into the community in a variety of ways. More households embraced home delivery — up 29%. Visitors at the Oakwood Farmers’ Market and other local events browsed books straight from the library’s new e-bike Book Peddler. Librarians brought the magic of storytime to Oakwood classrooms and Brookdale Senior Living. Teachers continued to enhance their classrooms with curated collections from Wright Library. A PLACE FOR growth 2024 was about connecting people to the resources they needed. Whether the need was a passport, a notary, access to a printer, or help with a new laptop — Wright Library had you covered. Tech Tutoring requests jumped 65%, notary services rose 77%, and passport processing grew 17%. Computer use kept climbing, giving patrons reliable access to technology for work, school, and daily life. Wright Library remained a place where people sought knowledge, uncovered stories, and connected with the world around them. Early Literacy: The Heart of our Mission Three mornings a week, Wright Library came alive with the sounds of curious young minds at storytimes — all carefully crafted to prepare little learners for school. Throughout each day, the library’s play area remained a fun and welcoming play space to help build foundational skills. Making Learning Fun for Youth, Tweens, & Teens From school field trips and classroom collections to fun STEAM programs, Wright Library was both a resource and a destination for school-age kids. The library provided convenient meeting spaces for school groups like Destination Imagination, Academic Decathlon, and Speech & Debate teams, as well as providing a welcoming and safe place to volunteer or hang out with friends. Fueling Curiosity for All Ages In a partnership with Green Oakwood and ecology experts, Wright Library offered insightful programming about quilt lawns, ancestor trees, native plants, and the captivating lives of fireflies. Lifelong learners and history buffs unraveled Civil War and Codebreaking mysteries, explored local history with the Far Hills Speaker Series (in partnership with the Oakwood Historical Society), and celebrated Katharine Wright’s 150th birthday — honoring her role in aviation history. Art enthusiasts had many creative opportunities and book enthusiasts had more access than ever to both in-person and virtual author talks. Other programs supported adult health, finances, wellbeing, and information literacy. A PLACE FOR lifelong learning A PLACE FOR productivity I learned SO much and I’ve been sharing factoids ever since. Soooo interesting! - Nadja Turek on gardening for fireflies “
Wright Library continued to operate with conservative fiscal management as 2024 expenditures remained under budget and within the forecast for long-term sustainability. Public Library Fund (State Taxes) – Wright Library received 12.9% less ($199,096) in Public Library Fund (PLF) revenue in 2024 compared to 2023, caused by a decline in state revenues and a lower percentage of the PLF Montgomery County distribution. Additional reductions in state revenue are anticipated for 2025. Wright Library will continue to economize and maximize efficiency while seeking ways to offset these losses. Community Support: The Wright Library Foundation Thanks to generous donor support to the Wright Library Foundation, Wright Library had financial resources in 2024 to provide the very best in library services to Oakwood residents. Foundation funds were used to offer exceptional lifelong learning experiences for all ages, including family passes to local attractions, streaming services, a Memory Digitization Lab, author visits, teen exam breaks, staff development, and many dynamic programs. 2024 financial health Thank you 2024 Annual Campaign Donors! $100,000 raised! SCAN TO SEE THE LIST OF 2024 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN DONORS Wright Library Financial Summary 52% $1,343,646 State Taxes (Public Library Fund) Revenue FY2024 | $2,618,457 3% $68,648 Patron Charges 3% $90,592 Contributions, Gifts, & Donations 37% $964,773 Local Property Taxes 5% $150,798 Investment Earnings/Other 57% $1,382,475 Salaries & Benefits Expense FY2024 | $2,483,779 2% $119,107 Supplies & Capital Outlay 11% $259,168 Materials 13% $310,466 Purchased Services $412,563 Debt 17%
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDQ4NTQ1