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Editor's Note: The Friends are able to help fund many events, programs and equipment needs of the Cascade Branch of KDL thanks to the donation of time, money and used books from members of the community. Here are some of the ways that your generosity has been put to work in recent months. These activities are sponsored in whole or in part by the Friends.
The Cascade Branch of KDL continued to justify its reputation as a programming leader during the first quarter of 2024 by hosting 138 separate Friends-sponsored events, which attracted 4,441 participants to what is inreasingly becoming an important hub of community interaction, according to Lulu Brown, Regional Manager of the Cascade & Caledonia branches.
“Young families account for 70 percent of our program attendance and circulation,” she said. “Our storytimes have grown significantly in 2024, with many parents saying their favorite parts of storytimes include choral reads and great sensory bins, which were purchased with help from the Friends.
“We are continuing to offer programs for families with childrean ages 0-5 Monday through Friday at 10am,” she added. “No other branch in KDL offers this level of investment into our littlest patrons.”
While the kids are often at the heart of programming, librarians are also finding ways to engage adult patrons. “The turnout for the Puzzle Tournament on February 19 exceeded our expectations, with 89 participants enthusiastically engaging in the challenging puzzles and lively competition,” Brown explained. “It was truly heartwarming to witness the spirit of camaraderie and curiosity that filled the room throughout the event. We are planning to repeat this event on June 8 due to patron interest.”
Registration for the puzzle tournament opened on May 9 and is limited to 15 four-person teams. If there are any spots still open, you can register at kdl.org.
‘Spring Break Staycation’ Wows the Kids
Spring break often leaves parents and grandparents wondering how to make the time fun and interesting for the kids whose families aren’t heading off to Florida or Cancun. Well, the Cascade branch had an answer for them this year with its “Spring Break Staycation,” which drew 3,362 patrons—mostly smiling children—into the library for 10 events over the first five days of April.
“Spring Break Staycation began as an idea to serve families who expressed a desire to visit the library more often during Spring break in 2023,” Brown explained. “This year, the branch focused on creating activities that would make spring break memorable in an effort to encourage connection to the library and its resources.”
Increased traffic and excitement had a positive impact on the number of items checked out of the library, a metric that continues to improve, according to Brown.
“As we look to refine the times we offer programs and lean into times when families need educational and fun programming, we are making progress with increasing our circulation. In fact, Staycation led to an 18% increase in the number of items checked out compared to previous years.”
These are just a handful of the fun moments at the Spring Break Staycation.
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