Current FY21 total is 24% less than previous FY20.  This reflects several factors:  impact of the pandemic and closed branch libraries, and reduced hours of service at libraries that were open.  Another factor is that the vendor and automated system used to collect and report visits was changed between fiscal years.  Current fiscal year stats reflect and newer system that is considered to be more precise; Therefore comparisons of the stats between FY has limited value.  New base trends are being established for each library location using the new system and reporting tools.

Current FY21 total represents an increase of 8.3% more items checked out over previous year FY20.  This increase is attributed to a few factors:  Complete closures of all branch locations from March 13 through mid-May, increased use of e-books and increase size of ebook collection of materials available in FY21, and the total reopening of all branch libraries and restoration of total operating hours in FY21.  For the first time ever, the Library had over 1 million electronic book checkouts during this fiscal year.