Ela Library Breaks Annual Attendance Record

Ela Library is celebrating another milestone - record-breaking attendance. During the fiscal year that ended June 30 (FY 15-16), visitorship reached 421,366. This is the highest attendance since 2010 when 405,530 people used the Library.

"This record-breaking visitor count is a good indication that our facility, programs, and resources combine to create an appealing and valuable community hub," said Executive Director Matt Womack.

A year ago, attendance peaked at 362,498 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. The new record-breaking statistic is a 15 percent increase from last year.

"The number is equivalent to each resident of the district visiting the library every month," added Womack.

In the spring of 2015, the Library completed a $1.75 million renovation of the Children's Department and teen area with improved spaces on the first and second floors. Forge, a makerspace equipped with innovative technologies, tools and enrichment opportunities, was established for Library users to develop new skills, pursue hobbies, create and discover.

Additional highlights from the record-breaking year will appear in the fall issue of Footnotes, the Library's newsletter, and online at www.eapl.org.