Jervis Public Library Newsletter   April 2026 Jervis Public Library Newsletter   April 2026 Jervis Public Library Annual Report to the Community   A message from Library Director Lisa Matte:   In 2025, the Jervis team continued to explore what a library can be for Rome and surrounding communities.   While books remain the heartbeat, they are just the beginning of the story. Last year, Jervis was a high-tech hub, a community box office, a creative sanctuary, a space for play and learning, and a vital lifeline for social and government services. A message from Library Director Lisa Matte:   In 2025, the Jervis team continued to explore what a library can be for Rome and surrounding communities.   While books remain the heartbeat, they are just the beginning of the story. Last year, Jervis was a high-tech hub, a community box office, a creative sanctuary, a space for play and learning, and a vital lifeline for social and government services.     The Digital Shift:   Access Without Boundaries   People borrowed approximately 195,000 items last year. While physical items are still the majority in borrowing patterns, the digital branch saw a booming business.   • 23% of  circulation took place in the Libby app, a 20% jump from the prior year. • Jervis patrons borrowed nearly 18,000 digital audiobooks and 11,000 digital magazines in the Libby app.   The Impact: While these digital formats are more accessible for people with visual or physical impairments and also for those who are unable to make regular trips to the library building, they are significantly more expensive for the library to purchase. Public support ensures cost is never a barrier to access. The Digital Shift:   Access Without Boundaries   People borrowed approximately 195,000 items last year. While physical items are still the majority in borrowing patterns, the digital branch saw a booming business.   • 23% of  circulation took place in the Libby app, a 20% jump from the prior year. • Jervis patrons borrowed nearly 18,000 digital audiobooks and 11,000 digital magazines in the Libby app.   The Impact: While these digital formats are more accessible for people with visual or physical impairments and also for those who are unable to make regular trips to the library building, they are significantly more expensive for the library to purchase. Public support ensures cost is never a barrier to access.     More Than a Checkout Desk Did you know that only 20% of library visitors come in to borrow a book? Jervis has evolved into the community’s concierge service. Last year, Jervis helped many people get where they were going:   919 tickets sold for RFA events   60 Water Safari adventures launched   44 EZ Passes purchased and registered More Than a Checkout Desk Did you know that only 20% of library visitors come in to borrow a book? Jervis has evolved into the community’s concierge service. Last year, Jervis helped many people get where they were going:   919 tickets sold for RFA events   60 Water Safari adventures launched   44 EZ Passes purchased and registered     Summer of Record-Breakers   The sun was out, and so was the community. The Summer Reading Program included 646 participants, shattering 2024’s record by 20%.   Busiest Days:   August’s Annual Book Sale brought in 908 people in a single day.   On Monday, July 14, nearly 600 items were borrowed.   Community Care: Our first-ever Red Cross Blood Drive was held on the same day as Lemonade on the Lawn and attracted 659 visitors through the doors.     “The best thing about the Summer Reading is that it forced us to get out of our comfort zone and try new things. It also brought us into the library whereas I may not have come in otherwise. ” — 2025 Summer Reading Participant     “The best thing about the Summer Reading is that it forced us to get out of our comfort zone and try new things. It also brought us into the library whereas I may not have come in otherwise. ” — 2025 Summer Reading Participant     Creativity & Connection   The Makerspace celebrated its second anniversary as a local favorite. Between formal workshops and informal open hours, hundreds of people came in to build, craft, and create.   669 Programs: From ASL-interpreted story times to the Tiny Art Show, the library hosted more than 15,000 attendees at on-site programs.   Digital Literacy: We processed more than 20,000 print jobs and acted as a vital tech navigator helping neighbors manage everything from Medicare sign-ups to the new online traffic ticket portal.     Jervis in the Community   We don’t wait for the public to come to us;   we meet people where they are.   • Outreach: At 82 events serving 16,000 people, the library distributed 7,700 books thanks to partners like Rome Rotary and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and individuals who donated through Mohawk Valley Gives. • Online Reach: The website received 53,000 visits, and social media saw a remarkable 438,000 interactions.     More Bang for Your Buck!   For every dollar our community invests in Jervis Public Library, our taxpayers see over a ten dollar return on investment. This number includes physical and digital materials to borrow, library events to attend, and services available to all.   The kindness and expertise of our staff and our relationship to our wonderful community remain priceless.     The Road Map for 2026   Whether it’s checking out a lawn game or snowshoes from the Library of Things or navigating a government website, the Jervis staff takes immense pride in its diverse offerings.   We are deeply grateful to our employees, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, community members, and city and county government. Thanks to their financial and in-kind support, Jervis isn't just a building with shelves. It’s a vibrant hub in the community.   Here’s to another year of growing together.     Visit our website to see more information about current and future library happenings!