By Heather Lusk
The Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library had a record-breaking year in 2018. More than a half-million items were circulated, and 31,993 people attended library programs.
The library recently begun tracking visitors. A total of 212,823 visited in 2018, which is the equivalent of eight visits per Zionsville resident.
“Zionsville really values this library,” said Virginia Hilbert, the library’s marketing director. “The comments customers make to you at the desk are reflected in how much they use this library. It makes you proud to work here.”
With 121 libraries in the Evergreen Indiana consortium, patrons have access to more than 7 million items, including books, CDs, DVDs and downloadable material.
Through this month, library patrons can erase up to $20 in fines on their accounts by bringing in non-perishable food and personal care items for the Zionsville Food Pantry. The library has offered the Food for Fines initiative for 22 years.
“We really like being able to benefit the local food pantry as they’re getting ready for spring break because it helps children who may rely upon school for meals,” Hilbert said.
Some patrons donate items during February even if they don’t have fines.
“They’re just contributing. It’s gratifying,” Hilbert said.
To help patrons avoid future fines, the library recently added automatic renewal to all accounts. Items will renew as long as renewals are available and the item isn’t on hold for another patron. An email will be sent notifying the customer that the item has been renewed with the updated due date.
Patrons who don’t have an email address associated with their account can add one online or at the library help desk.
