Snapshot Day 2011

Did you visit a Hamden Library on April 13th? If you did, you were among 1,143 people who were counted during library’s second annual “Snapshot Day”. On that day 1,463 items were checked out, 15 new cards issued and 154 reference questions answered. 131 people used the library’s free computers, 335 people accessed the library’s website and 112 people attended programs.

Download the special Snapshot Day Edition of our Library Newsletter!

On Snapshot Day library users were also asked to respond to a survey to record the purpose of their visit for the day. From those surveys it was determined that 78% of visitors came to the library to check out materials, 29% to use computers, 27% for quiet study, 19% for research, and 10% to attend a program. Users also provided a variety of comments about the library. John M. said “I couldn’t survive without the library.” Cheri B. said, “The library helped me decide where to buy my home.” Meagan J. said, “It’s a place of peace to read,” while Chelsea N. said, “It’s a place where you can engage with people from all walks of life who live in our community.”

For further information about Snapshot Day results statewide and to see photos taken in many libraries, including Hamden, go to http://snapshotctlib.wordpress.com/about/. For further information about Snapshot day in Hamden, call 287-2680.

Snapshot Day 2011

On Wednesday, April 13, 2011, libraries all over Connecticut will be taking a ‘snapshot’ – collecting information to capture the impact that Connecticut libraries have on their communities on a typical day. We call it ‘Snapshot Day.’

Snapshot Day is a joint project of the Connecticut Library Association, the Connecticut State Library and the Connecticut Library Consortium. It is based on a project of the same name created by the New Jersey State Library and the New Jersey Library Association. The aim is to encourage libraries all over Connecticut to collect basic data – how many people use the library on a given day, how many people use computers, attend programs, etc. Connecticut’s libraries are busier than ever these days, with people coming not only to check out books, but use computers, look for a job or attend the many programs our libraries offer. All across the state, libraries are the cornerstones of their communities, places were people come together to visit, learn and share ideas.

Last year's first ever Snapshot Day was a huge success! In just one day more than 80,000 people visited Connecticut libraries, borrowing nearly 100,000 books, movies and other materials. 113,000 people visited our libraries' websites. 136 libraries participated in Snapshot Day last year.

Snapshot Day

On February 18, the Hamden Public Library, along with libraries throughout the state, took the time to record who was using the library that day in photos and with questionnaires. Patrons were asked to state the reason the came to the library that day, as well as any comments about the library in general. Some of the comments included:

* I would be 'sunk' business-wise without the public internet

* I use the computer to do a thorough job search

* Miller always has a very good selection of large print books; the people are always helpful and pleasant

* It is a quiet place that is good for concentrating on work.

* A safe place to accomplish things and network

* An important resource in difficult economic times

* I particularly enjoy the number of children and youth using Miller

* Keeps me mentally stimulated

* My 2 year old can have a wonderful time here being read to and socializing with other little ones.

* I like the small-town feel of my community library and enjoy chatting with neighbors

* I am a HUGE reader and could never afford to purchase the 5-8 books I read weekly.

* I bring my daughter-raising the next generation of readers.

* It is a special place where my children can learn to love books and reading

* We moved to this neighborhood in part because we are in walking distance of the library.

* It is a source of un-read books and un-watched movies

* The quiet environment promotes creativity, learning, thinking, relaxation and enjoyment. It is also a great meeting place

* Everyone is so helpful and courteous, always calling me with new books

* I hate television. If I didn't have the library, I don't know what I would do!

* It's a safe place to introduce my grand-daughter to the world of books, videos and DVDs. It is the fabric of our American way of life.

Reasons for coming to the library (based on answers from 166 respondants):

Activity	#	Percentage
Check out an item	130	78.3
Use a computer	63	38.0
Research	53	32.0
Attend a program	29	17.5
Attend a meeting	12	7.2
Get a library card	32	19.3
Quiet place to study	52	31.4
Job Help	19	11.4
Other	34	20.5

View a Flickr Slideshow of Hamden Library's photos from Snapshot Day

Snapshot Day 2010

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, libraries all over Connecticut will be taking a ‘snapshot’ – collecting information to capture the impact that Connecticut libraries have on their communities on a typical day. We’re calling it ‘Snapshot Day.’

Snapshot Day is a joint project of the Connecticut Library Association, the Connecticut State Library and the Connecticut Library Consortium. It is based on a project of the same name created by the New Jersey State Library and the New Jersey Library Association. The aim is to encourage libraries all over Connecticut to collect basic data – how many people use the library on a given day, how many people use computers, attend programs, etc. Connecticut’s libraries are busier than ever these days, with people coming not only to check out books, but use computers, look for a job or attend the many programs our libraries offer. All across the state, libraries are the cornerstones of their communities, places were people come together to visit, learn and share ideas.

On February 18, we hope to capture a slice of life of Connecticut’s libraries. There will be a chance for you to comment on what your library means to you, and to see pictures of other libraries from all over the state on the Snapshot Flickr page. Stop in on February 18
and become a part of Snapshot Day 2010!