AUBURN - As Seymour Library became more stacked with books and DVDs in 2008, officials saw a dramatic increase in circulation and library visits.

According to figures from the recently completed 2008 annual report, circulation skyrocketed 40 percent over the previous year with the greatest increases in lending adult non-fiction and DVDs. Additionally, the number of library visitors climbed from 113,725 in 2007 to 181,810 in 2008.

“The numbers show that we're getting more of what the public wants,” library Director Sheila Mikkelson said.

Mikkelson said these increases are tied to two measures the Auburn library began implementing more fully since she assumed responsibility of library director two years ago, the first being participation in a book leasing program.

The library subscribes to McNaughton, a program operated by Brodart that leases books and audio and visual materials to libraries across the nation. Through this service, Seymour Library automatically receives copies of books that make it onto the New York Times best seller list, and as the book increases in popularity, the library receives more copies. When and if the book's popularity recedes, the library returns the copies it doesn't need.

“Obviously we are trying to keep up with the most popular material,” Mikkelson said.

Patrons can also request items the library doesn't currently own, giving community members a voice in what they want to see available.

All of this is coupled with changes to library policy and public exposure. Since joining the library, Mikkelson changed some policies that were generally “restrictive” to borrowers. She eliminated the limit of items borrowed per call number to only holiday resources and allowed children to borrow books from anywhere in the library - before they were restricted to the children's section.

Through a $8,656 donation from the Allyn Foundation, the library has been able to install computer equipment and furniture to the lower level so checkout can occur in multiple areas, which cuts down lines.

The library also employs a part-time publicist to send press releases to news media, which in turn keeps the public in the loop with the goings-on.

At the same time, Mikkelson has worked on expanding the library's DVD collection. Her efforts are most exemplified by the increase in lending, with 12,881 DVDs circulating in 2008 while only 7,876 were taken out in 2007.

While the economy was teetering upon recession last year, Mikkelson believes changes in people's spending habits also contributed to more people using the library and its resources.

“I think people would rather borrow books and DVDs rather than buy them, if that is avoidable,” she said. “It gets expensive.”

Mikkelson said the recession has certainly made its mark on the library in the last six months. Computer usage is at an unprecedented high, which she believes is caused by people applying for jobs online, applying for unemployment or COBRA health insurance.

Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net