Program Description

After being closed to the public for most of FY2021, the Library welcomed the public back into the building in June of 2022. By September the Library reopened to all pre-pandemic hours of 52 hours a week Monday thru Sunday. Throughout the pandemic and through the recovery, the Provincetown Public Library continued to be a community anchor and cultural center by delivering enriching programming, expanding digital resources, and providing space and place for people to pursue their interests and connect with others both in-person and virtually.

Programming and Partnerships

The Library continued to offer a strong schedule of programs and workshops spanning a wide range of topics. These programs foster a strong sense of community, provide interesting and informative events for patrons to attend year-round, and cultivate and encourage Provincetown’s literary and arts community. In FY 2022 the Library offered 400 in-person programs, 159 virtual programs with a total attendance of 4,274. Some highlights of the Library’s programming and partnerships included the following: The Library welcomed Provincetown School children to the first Library Scholastic Book Fair. The Friends of the Library provided each child with one complimentary book of their choice and each child go to have their picture taken inside the whale from the Jimmy Kimmel Show that was created for Michael Packard’s appearance on the show after he was “shallowed” by a whale. Winter Wednesdays/Whenevers program continued by offering free courses to the community both in-person and virtually through the darkest months to offer opportunities for connection, togetherness, and pursuing interests.

Achievements

In April of 2022 the Library returned to in-person Moby Dick Marathon with 93 different readers and 347 attendees. In September of 2021 the Book Festival returned to the Library for the fifth time. The Book Festival offered 14 programs over the weekend with over 400 attendees. The Board of Library Trustees honored Karen Finley with the Rose Dorothea Award.

The Crop Swap, initially a collaborative project between the Library and the Health Department launched in September 2019, has distributed over 12,886 lbs. (6.4 tons, which is also the size of three hippos!) of fresh produce to the community. Additionally, the Library installed two hydroponic Tower Gardens to sustain the Crop Swap with year-round production of greens.

The Library began circulating a “Library of Things” to support a culture of borrowing and sharing. The Library of Things includes wifi hotspots, kitchen aid, video projector, craft supplies, Dremel, drill, battery packs, food dehydrator, sewing machine, and other “things” that people need from time-to-time, but do not necessarily need to own. The Library took part in the Carnival Parade and the Rec Department’s Greet n’ Treat with the Library Book Bike, purchased by the Friends of the Library, and resident Book Fairy.

The exterior of the Library was painted for the first time since 2009. Sherwin Williams SW2446 Edelweiss was chosen as the color since it is a commercially available color that is the closest visual match to the Munsell Color System: l0YR 4/6 color which was identified in the Building Conservation Associates paint analysis of trim pieces from the historic building.

Conclusion

In June 2021, after a year of offering "streetside pick-up" of library materials, personalized browsing, and printing services the Library began to slowly re-open to the public. By September 2021, the Library resumed its seven days a week/52 hour a week schedule. The reopening of the Library building marked a much needed and anticipated return to “normalcy” for staff, patrons, and visitors. The Library is deeply committed to providing access to residents through the slow winter months when the library is the only literal and metaphorical light, as well as, during the summer season when the Library can be a respite from the stimulation and excitement of a densely populated beach town. The Library is that great “third place” free from consumerism and any requirements for entrance or enjoyment. The Library continues to work to eliminate any barriers to access because the Library is for everyone!

Budget Statement

The Library presents a reasonable budget request designed to meet state-wide public library budget requirements, provide the community with quality library service, and to improve Library programs and services.

Statement of Goals FY2024

• Meet all statutory and regulatory requirements to receive State Aid to Public Library funding and be in full compliance with state standards, requirements, and best practices.
• Further develop the Library’s community outreach services, enhance the Library’s customer service model, be responsive to changing demands on library services, and work to maximize workflow and service of the building
• Continue to grow three major annual events which also enrich the Library’s cultural role in the community: Provincetown Book Festival (including the Rose Dorothea Award) and Moby Dick Marathon Reading.
• Support Town-wide sustainability and DEI goals with programs and collections.
• Enhance access to local history resources.