CASE STUDY: WORTH-PINKHAM MEMORIAL LIBRARY

When I was hired as WPML's director in early 2015, I knew the library needed help. The recession had brought with it a shrinking budget, and years of stagnant leadership had caused circulation and patron engagement to plummet. Although I had my work cut out for me, I looked forward to the challenge; Ho-Ho-Kus residents deserved a great library, and I was determined to give it to them. ​

By the end of my second year, the library had transformed into a more vibrant community space while still maintaining the its charm as one of the smallest in its system. 2016 saw a 21% increase in circulation over 2015, as well as a 295% increase in program attendance. In 2017, circulation climbed another 6%. Residents were once again excited about the library. Some of the steps I took to improve these metrics included:
  • Consistent collection development, including more regular purchasing and aggressive weeding of outdated and poorly performing collections
  • Creation of a dedicated Young Adult Room; previously, YA had been housed in a corner of the Children's Room.
  • Better fiscal management, including transitioning the library into handling its own accounts payable and advocating for a fairer allocation from the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus
  • Implementation of year-round programming across all age groups and demographics
  • More efficient staff workflows, and the hiring of a dedicated youth services librarian
  • Total rebrand of the organization, including designing a new website, choosing a logo, creating social media channels, and marketing services to local schools and organizations

Other noteworthy accomplishments at WPML include the formation of a new, 501(c)3-designated Friends of the Library organization, spearheading a feasibility study for the expansion of the building, and purchasing the library's first dedicated digital content.