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2024 Library Highlights: A Year of Growth, Reading, and New Beginnings

As we dive into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible year we had at Western District Library in 2024. From record checkouts to exciting new programs and resources, this past year was one for the books (pun absolutely intended). Whether you visited us to check out a bestseller, attended a program, or simply cozied up in one of our redesigned spaces, your support and enthusiasm helped make 2024 a year to remember.


 

2024 by the Numbers

  • Total Checkouts: 14,649 (2023: 10,184 checkouts)

  • New Patrons: 173 (2023: 165 new patrons)

  • Total Patrons: 1,305 (2023: 1,237 patrons)


Top Adult Books


Top Juvenile/Young Adult Books


Top Children's Books


Top Audiobooks


Top DVDs


Top Magazines

  1. People (2024)

  2. Cook’s Country

  3. American Patchwork & Quilting

  4. The Family Handyman

  5. Country Living

  6. Fine Gardening

  7. Real Simple

  8. Consumer Reports (2024)

  9. Woman’s Day

  10. Woodsmith

  11. People (2023)

  12. Consumer Reports (2023)

  13. Mary Janes Farm

  14. The Old-House Journal

  15. Midwest Living


Top Museum Passes

  1. Quad Cities Botanical Center

  2. Niabi Zoo

  3. Putnam Museum

  4. Figge Art Museum


New Programs, Resources, and Improvements in 2024

2024 was a year of exciting growth and change for our library! We launched several initiatives to better serve you, including:

  • 1000 Books Before Kindergarten: An excellent program encouraging early literacy and a lifelong love of reading.

  • New Online Resources: With the addition of Hoopla and TumbleBooks, we expanded access to digital content for all ages.

  • Updated Online Catalog: With improved features and a cleaner design, finding your next great read has never been easier.

  • Children’s Section Reorganization: We’ve made it easier (and more fun!) for kids to discover books they’ll love.

  • Teen Section Redesign: A fresh, comfy, and welcoming space just for teens—perfect for reading, studying, and hanging out.


 

Looking Back

Wow, what a year! Between all the Freida McFadden titles flying off the shelves and the kids obsessing over Bluey, it's clear that our patrons have some serious favorites. We love seeing these trends and learning more about what keeps you coming back.


And can we talk about those 14,649 checkouts again? That's nearly 40 items per day - every single day of the year (and we aren't even open every day)! Our shelves have been busy, and we wouldn't have it any other way.


Looking Ahead to 2025

As we turn the page to a new year, we're more excited than ever to keep serving our amazing community. Whether it's through new programs, even more book checkouts, or just a friendly face at the front desk, we're here to make your library experience the best it can be.


Here's to another year of growth, connections, and, of course, lots and lots of reading. Thank you for being part of our story - you're what makes Western District Library such a special place.

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