Celebrating Two Decades At Colbern Road Branch 1992 - 2012

October 31, 2012

Two decades, twenty years! On November 2, 1992, Colbern Road Branch opened its doors to become the 27th MCPL branch facility. Now that is something to celebrate, and we invite you, our dedicated Colbern Road Branch patrons and friends, to join with us all November long. Wednesday, November 7th is our official kick-off, so please come for birthday cake, workroom tours, and some fun surprises, too.

I remember opening day like it was yesterday. We carefully and deliberately hung a poster in the Library entry proclaiming, "Welcome to Your Library," because CR was a bonus branch built with remaining funds from a 10-cent, temporary 8-year building levy, passed by voters in 1983!

We truly wondered if anyone would come. After all, we opened this 15,204 square foot building, capable of housing roughly 121,000 volumes, with a measly 20,000 items; some were new, but most reassigned to us from other branch locations. From the vantage point of the circulation desk, we could see all the way through the stacks to the north and east walls. Also, we had a fairly rookie (but customer service driven) staff comprised of a manager, assistant manager, three full-time clerks, one half-time clerk, one substitute clerk, three pages, and a custodian.

But come, you did! And grow, we did! Our circulation for that first fiscal year 1992-1993 was 103,754 and patron count was 59,624. By comparison, in our last fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, we grew over five-fold, circulating 579,180 physical items and recording 242,543 patron visits. The citizens of Lee’s Summit value library services, and we extend our sincere thanks for your continued support!

One cannot experience twenty years of anything and not be affected by change. A few changes we have experienced together are: Internet computer access, Online Catalog & Online Research Databases, remote renewal of items & payment of overdue charges, Wi-Fi, Downloadable Audiobooks and music, blogging, a Facebook presence, and eBooks. Most recently, MCPL unveiled a mobile app through Boopsie that allows you to have your library in your pocket! For example, you can scan UPS book codes on your mobile device that then takes you directly into the MCPL catalog to that particular item so you can place it on hold. You can even check out your books using the app!

So, while library products and services have changed dramatically over the past twenty years (not to mention since the libraries of ancient times), our main goal is providing access; access to accurate information, leisure reading materials, interesting programs, Internet, lifelong learning, and access to a helpful, knowledgeable staff.

By far, the best thing about the past twenty years is the friendships we have made. We love when you share a great book with us, when you tell us about your travels or your children or your grandchildren, and when you simply give us a smile or a wave of the hand as you enter or leave the building. There is no doubt that changes to libraries and library services will continue into the future, but the one thing that will remain constant is a dedicated staff here to serve you. We look forward to the next twenty years serving this great community.

Gayla S.
Colbern Road Branch