Perry Public Library Director Mary Murphy presented their annual report at this week’s City Council meeting.

The report shows the number of library cardholders increased by 24, though checkouts are down almost 8% compared to last year.  Specifically in Perry, the number of checked out items is down 6.5%, rural Dallas County checkouts are down 13.5 percent and open access is down more than 11%.

The number of programs offered is up 13% over fiscal year 2011-2012, along with increases in reference questions asked, e-book checkouts and computer use.

However, website visits, online catalog visits and catalog page views also decreased over the previous year.

Murphy says the way people are using the library is changing which will continue to impact their focus areas in the future.