This chart is just one snapshot of just how this growth has impacted the Library. The numbers are fresh from our recently released 2003 Annual Report.

In the last decade, our collections have grown 61% . . . circulation is up 30% . . program attendance grew 25%. . . volumes loaned to other libraries are up 85% . . . and borrowing from other libraries is up 150%. And reference inquiries are up 59%.

When you are faced with meeting increased demand in an inadequate facility, the staff becomes very creative and somehow finds a way to get the job done. And Jo Piracci and her staff should be commended for getting the job done in less than ideal conditions.

In fact, our Library is one of the most productive in the area when you compare the circulation on per square foot basis. Clifton Park-Halfmoon had the highest capacity utilization of any Library we looked at, including Saratoga, Bethlehem, East Greenbush Guilderland and Colonie. But creativity has its limits and we have hit a wall in terms of accommodating growth.