2009 was the busiest year on record for the Dakota County Library in terms of additions and improvements to our library facilities, the development of new technologies to respond to customer needs, and new and record levels of use. See our highlights below or read our complete Annual Report.
Community Participation
- 380,734 residents served
- 5,327,447 items checked out
- 2,193,975 library visits
- 20,291 children and teens participated in reading programs
- 138,272 participants in library and library sponsored programs
- 11,638 volunteered hours
New and noteworthy
- 142,243 books, magazine, audio and video items were added to the nine branches and bookmobile
- Vietnamese language collection added to Galaxie branch
- New online calendar software to provide more user-friendly viewing of and registering for library
- Two public computer labs opened at the remodeled Wescott branch and the newly opened Robert Trail branch
- DCL and County Communications introduced the new library branding, “Come to Know”, that is now used on Library informational/programming materials.
- AskMN is 24/7 chat reference service launched to enable people to chat with a librarian any time day or night.
- Twenty-six flat panel monitors were added as more energy efficient and ecologically friendly upgrades.
- Wescott Library renovation completed January 5, 2009.
- Robert Trail Library grand opening on February 12, 2009.
2009 FINANCIAL & STAFF SUMMARY
2009 Revenue
County funds $11,401,200
Local/regional $ 2,554,392
2009 Expenditures (Operating and Capital)
Personnel $10,091,463
Library materials $ 2,116,711
Other/Equipment $ 553,971
2009 Staff Summary
Personnel
Total librarians 67.43
Total other staff 91.50
Total paid staff 158.93