The document summarizes statistics about Verona Public Library that show it ranks highly in the state and among peer libraries for various measures of circulation, visits, programs, and efficiency. It notes that library use has grown substantially in the last 5 years, but that staffing levels have not kept up and may threaten the quality of service if not addressed, as the library needs staff with diverse skills to meet community needs.

1. Out of 385 public libraries in the state, Verona ranks
as the 24th highest in circulation.

2. Libraries in communities specifically our size (10,000-12,000) are at least
310,000 circulations behind us. Verona Public Library is more comparable to
libraries in cities with populations between 20,000 or more.
Top 10 Libraries: Circulation per Hour Top 10 Libraries: Visits per Hour
119
300 120
263
250 100
78
200 180 80
70 69
150 60
122
100
40
50
20
0
0

3. Verona Public Library ranks in the top ten in measures of
productivity, volume of service, and efficiency, and many times it
is either ranking number 1 or 2 among these libraries.
Top 10 Libraries: Circulation per Capita
Top 10 Libraries: Circulation per FTE
30
45,000
41,491
40,000
25
35,000 32,802
30,432
20 30,000
25,000
15
20,000
10 15,000
10,000
5
5,000
0
0

4. Of the 52 libraries with populations 10,000-
27,000, Verona ranks #1 in program attendance.
Top 10 Libraries: Program Attendance & Offerings
Verona
13,576
21,994 Menasha
15,589 Wisc Rapids
342
298
581 Neenah
20,144
15,612 334 414 Menomonie
455
Middleton
657
18,542
Reedsburg
15,749
606
558 Sun Prairie
434
Oconomowoc
16,782 18,199
Kaukauna
18,011

5. Services are robust in spite of low staffing levels. The trend lines indicate that the
library is trending well for circulation, but it is in well below the trend of staff to
maintain that level of service. As the needs and expectations of the community
change, the library also must change. To continue to be a vital resource to the
community, the library will need detailed and skilled individuals to navigate the
technological changes (including multiple platforms and devices); proctor exams;
assist with distance learning, job searching, resume writing and small business
development; conduct literacy outreach; assist with scholarly research, and provide
direction to social and economic assistance in our community.
Top 10 Libraries: Circulation
1,000,000
900,000 917,496
800,000
700,000 591,661
600,000
500,000 393,842
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0

6. Library use has exploded in 5 years.
Library Use Growth in 5 Years Library Use Growth in 5 Years
700,000 25,000
2011
23,242 : 769%
projected
600,000 $592,824 : 21,994 : 155%
38% 591,661 :
118% Library Visits 20,000
500,000
$428,302 Checkouts 15,000 Program Attendance
400,000
Resident Library
300,000 Items Owned Card Holders
231,438 : 41% 10,000
271,383 Reference
8,630 7,211 : 19%
200,000 Questions Answered
City of Verona 6,054
164,695 5,000
89,374 : 61% Operating
100,000
Expenditures
55,482 2,675
0 0
2005 2010 2005 2010

7. In 2006, the new building made us a new library. The next challenge is to maintain funding
high enough to support the needs and expectations of the community. Verona is the
lowest cost per service out of the 52 libraries with populations of 10,000-27,000, and is one
of the lowest in the state out of 385 libraries. While the library has been extremely efficient
and productive in delivering the volume of services it provides, it is alarming that the library
is last in cost per circulation which could threaten the quality of service.