A Message from Sari Feldman

Executive Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library

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It has been a challenging year, not only for Cuyahoga County Public Library, but for public libraries throughout the State of Ohio and the United States. As we look to 2010 and beyond, we must remember that our customers need us more than ever. It is our responsibility to continue to provide them with the high level of service they deserve and expect.

For all of its challenges, 2009 was also a year of remarkable accomplishments. We set a new record for customer visits, and for the sixth consecutive year we set a new circulation record. Customers borrowed an incredible 19 million items from Cuyahoga County Public Library, making us the busiest library system in the nation between the east and west coasts. These record-breaking numbers represent the excellent customer service delivered by our staff, and our diligent effort as an entire organization to respond to community needs.

I am especially proud of the fact that 57 percent of those 19 million items were print materials. Supporting and fostering the reading public remains the core priority of public library service. Given what we now know about the link between habitual reading and civic engagement, physical health, and academic and professional success, it can’t be stated enough – reading is vital to the development of healthy individuals and communities.

I would like express my sincerest gratitude to our amazing and talented staff, whose hard work and passion for public library service have made Cuyahoga County Public Library the Number One library in the nation and a favorite destination for so many. I would also like to thank our Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Friends of the Library members, donors, government officials and, of course, our customers for their continued support and for recognizing the value of public libraries. It is a privilege to serve you.

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