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 With the new Memory Digitization Lab, patrons digitized photos, documents, and outdated media to preserve precious historical materials.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 “
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