'IMAGINATION IS THE HIGHEST KITE ONE CAN FLY'

Annie Busch,
Executive Director

Actress Lauren Bacall wrote these words in her 1978 autobiography*, an adage that can apply to any human endeavor, including library management.

Providing library services in the same way that has been done in the past is not an option for the Springfield-Greene County Library District.

OUTSIDE THE BOX, OUTSIDE THE BUILDING, OUTSIDE OUR COMFORT ZONE

• Our two “destination” libraries—the popular Library Center and the transportation-themed Library Station—combine the best of traditional library services with conveniences and amenities that enhance the library experience. These successful libraries show that the challenge of creating something new from “boxes”—in this case, former home improvement and furniture stores—provides the momentum to imagine and implement ways to improve and expand upon our services to the public.
  
  
• We are taking away the institutional barriers inside our facilities by replacing large intimidating service desks with friendlier “Ask a Librarian” help stations.
  
  
• Our knowledgeable librarians are now freed from desks to be able to spend more time on the floor to help you find books and answer your questions.
  
  
• Future patrons—your children and teens—are a priority with us. Through our outreach services department and with help from the federal Every Child Ready to Read and Stories to Go grants, we have been able to bring Library services to children in daycare centers, parks and “Y” programs.
  
  
• With the help of Missouri State Library grants, we created a brand new space for teens at the Republic Branch Library and enhanced “The Spot” teen department at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library.
  
  
• This year, plans were made to open two new libraries—one in Strafford, a town in eastern Greene County, and another in downtown Springfield.

WE BROUGHT YOU NEW SERVICES

• Our vast collection of books now “floats” throughout the eight branches, making it easier to find the books you want to read.
  
  
• Check out Playaways—these credit card-sized, battery-operated digital audio books don’t need a player to operate.
  
  
• You can now register for a Library card online.
  
  
• Check out our two new award-winning web sites, Informed Decision and Hot Topics, at thelibrary.org.
  
  
• A cool new product, Business Decision (Library card required), uses GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to help you track demographic data.
  
  
• Picking up the books you have on hold was made more convenient at the Midtown Carnegie and Brentwood Branches.

THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY

• 3.3 million books and other items were checked out system wide.
• 1.6 million people visited the eight branches.
• 17,235 groups used the Library's meeting rooms.
• 44,700 children, teens and adults attended Library programs.

* Lauren Bacall: By Myself and Then Some