National Library Week, from April 8-14, is an annual celebration of the power of libraries to transform communities. Here at New Ulm Public Library, we strive to be a valuable community partner that provides a welcoming environment for all.

To realize those goals, we have a staff of 17 people who are united in our love of literacy, books and community engagement. Ask any of us what we’ve been reading, and you’ll get an instant book report because we love to recommend titles. But that’s just one facet of our work. We also greet you at the Service Center and children’s desk; check out, check in and shelve materials; purchase and process materials; answer questions; proctor tests; schedule and publicize events; place holds; present storytimes; maintain the building; and more. What I appreciate most about our staff is that everyone has found a niche to contribute her or his unique talents and skills, and together we make the library a vibrant community space.

National Library Workers Day is April 10, but here’s an early acknowledgement: Thank you, library staff, for your dedication and public service. We couldn’t do all we do without a team effort. I appreciate each and every one of you.

No doubt about it, the library and staff make a difference in New Ulm. We know that because librarians love statistics, and we track a lot of points of service, not only for our own edification but because it’s required by the Minnesota Department of Education, of which State Library Services is a division.

In 2017, there were more than 78,000 visits to New Ulm Public Library, and patrons asked staff more than 11,000 questions – everything from how ebooks work to the next book in a series to locating a phone number.

The library offers free computer use for the public, and although we saw a decrease in the number of people accessing the physical computers, we saw a dramatic increase in use of the library’s wireless network. Nearly 38,000 wireless sessions were logged last year. In addition, we have three wifi hotspots available to check out on a first-come, first-served basis, and most of the time all three of them are in use. We know the library is considered a place to get free Internet access, and we will continue to monitor how best to provide that service.

Special events often draw new users to the library. With storytimes, book groups, live music and speakers, we try to appeal to a range of interests. Last year, we produced 381 programs that had a total attendance of 8349.

Finally, it’s important to remember that books are the library’s primary business. Not only do we have about 70,000 of them in the building, patrons logged more than 111,000 book checkouts last year. Total circulation of all items, including electronic books, was 151,000. That’s more than 23 items checked out per borrower.

Speaking of borrowers, we have 6400 registered users, and we’d love to have more. Stop in, say hello and see how New Ulm Public Library can make a difference in your life.

Editor’s Note: The City of New Ulm presents a weekly column highlighting activities in different departments in the city government. Once a month the city will answer questions from readers. Questions on New Ulm city issues can be sent to comments@ci.new-ulm.mn.us.