Last year’s programs at Jackson County Public Library were a virtual success.

This is according to the 2020 annual report shared by Library Director Julia Aker during a recent Zoom meeting conducted by the library board of trustees.

In 2020, there were 730 take-and-make craft projects distributed at the library, and the virtual programs drew 7,530 viewers.

“Those were programs that the staff taped and put on the YouTube channel (MyJCLibrary), did live on Facebook or via Zoom,” Aker said. “There are a lot of different ways we’ve been doing programs.”

She said the library had programs in person for just the first two and a half months of 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“This was also during the winter when a lot of people don’t get out, but our staff was quick to get on the virtual programming,” Aker said.

She said the library is hoping to have its first in-person program of the year in mid-May, which would take place outside under a tent. The class is tentatively planned as a craft project for adults.

Aker also reported the library was closed to the public for 18 weeks last year, which included curbside service since the public didn’t enter the building.

“The library building was open 19 weeks and had limited occupancy for 14 weeks due to the pandemic, and also, there was carpet replacement at the Seymour Library,” Aker said. “As a result of the building being closed for an extended period, 2020 income exceeded expenses by $165,715.”

She said the reason for excess income was because with no one in the library for a long time, they didn’t use as much electricity, paper goods and other supplies and staff members weren’t going to meetings. All other service statistics were down from 2019 figures, too.

The door count in 2020 was 43,254 while the library was limited or open, down from around 174,000 in 2019.

“Our staff did a good job keeping up with things and we still ordered materials the whole time, even though people weren’t coming in and getting physical materials,” Aker said.

She said a lot of the people visiting the library now are older ones who have had both of their COVID vaccinations and feel more comfortable coming in.

Also, there are not many children’s items out at the moment. In the past, kids could play on the discovery stations and look for items, but instead of the stations, there is a story stroll where kids can walk along and do some activities without any contact.

“Now, a lot of people have learned about our online services too, so will they come back? That’s the question,” Aker said.

The libraries had a lot of Wi-Fi use in 2020, more so in Medora and Crothersville. People were there when the buildings were closed for kids to do schoolwork in the parking lot, and board President Dan Davis said he was glad the library was able to offer that service.

Also during the meeting, Library Administrator Mary Reed presented the 2021-22 capital projects, including new Seymour meeting room tables, which were delivered and being set up as of last week.

Other projects include three parking lot seal and stripe projects and Crothersville and Medora HVAC replacement in 2021 and Seymour door system upgrades in 2022.

Reed also reported additional contributions for the library summer learning program: $50 − Dr. Walters, $250 − Schneck Medical Center, $200 − Carpet Gallery, $100 − Jackson County Chiropractic, $100 − Grindlay and Grindlay,  $125 − Delta Theta Tau sorority and $100 − American Legion Post 89.

Total donations received this year so far for the summer learning program are $2,625.

The board’s next meeting is at 4:30 p.m. April 19. In person or via Zoom will depend on the state’s emergency status.