Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 has been an exciting year of strengthening community, creating awareness, and celebrating the launch of a building revitalization project in partnership with the Simi Valley Library Foundation. Keep on reading to see how your Library met needs this past year and discover new ways to build a library Simi Valley can be proud of for years to come.
– Kelly Behle, Library Director
Service Hours
LIBRARY VISITS
Library CARDHOLDERS
ITEMS BORROWED
Community
Our Library building, staff, and services form a community hub, impacting the quality of life in Simi Valley for the better. Revitalizing the building’s layout and appearance will shape the Library and the community for years to come.
Groups reserve rooms or informally meet up in our Library every day. Several Simi Valley organizations know the Library is a place to work together to bring positive changes to the community.
Sifi Networks generously donated $10,000 for furnishings and technology in the new Adult Literacy Lab. Simi Sunrise Rotary completed the refreshed room with donated carpet from local Hawse Abbey Carpet & Floor.
Staff enjoyed meaningful work in FY 2023-2024, such as helping seniors learn technology skills to stay connected with out-of-town family members. We welcomed Mobile Library Services Coordinator, Mia Lopez, and anticipate the Mobile Library van to launch services in early fall of 2024.
Assistant Director Stephanie Erbe and Adult Literacy Coordinators Julie Wang and Valentina Guevara recruited learners and trained volunteers to help local adults meet their reading and English conversational goals. Improving literacy empowers adults to reach aspirations for themselves, their families, and their futures.
Building Awareness
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INCREASE IN FACEBOOK REACH
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INCREASE IN INSTAGRAM REACH
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INCREASE IN FACEBOOK PAGE VISITS
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INCREASE IN INSTAGRAM PROFILE VISITS
Engagement
Programs
Attendees
Storytime Attendees
Baby Storytime weekly attendance doubled during the year.
Library programs inspire and meet the diverse needs and interests of everyone in the community. From Baby Storytimes to Teen Escape Rooms to Senior Fitness, there is something for all ages and abilities.
Meet Me at the Library – Simi Valley Unified School District librarians and teachers invited students and their families for special evening, teacher-led library tours, activities, and library card registrations.
SVUSD Librarians’ Open House – Librarians were invited in for a late afternoon reception to honor the work they do.
Simi Valley Teens led programs such as Teen Advisory Group Crafts and the Newspaper Club. Youth interested in journalism met with staff weekly to create and publish content of interest to Simi Valley Teens.
Library programs with a charitable theme – For two weeks in December, families stopped by to gift wrap donated books, which Library staff then delivered to charitable organizations for distribution.
350 people attended the Youth Employment Services Job Fair, where employers met with prospective jobseekers.
In partnership with Soroptimist of Simi Valley, Women’s History Month was celebrated this past spring with a presentation by historical researcher, Kristine Gunnell.
Volunteer Engagement – Volunteers worked 9,988 hours in the Library gardens, summer programs, bookstore, and more.
Local leaders inspired children by sharing their favorite books and facilitating fun activities at Read Across America. Guest readers included original cast members from The Little House on the Prairie, who were in Simi Valley for the show’s 50th Anniversary.
The Monthly Library Unlimited program provided themed activities and personalized assistance finding books and DVDs for adults with adaptive needs.
Learning
Literacy-related programming, early storytimes, adult learners’ assistance, career workshops, and STEAM-related programs were enjoyed by many in FY 2023-2024.
Children become lifelong learners when family is involved. Early learning programs at the Library empowered parents and caregivers. Four storytimes were offered each week, and in FY 2023-2024, the total weekly average storytime attendance grew by 60%.
Simi Valley children learned strategy in Chess Club, the fastest growing program for 7-12 year-olds this past year.
Six Escape Rooms were offered to children and teens and more than 340 participated, gaining new skills in team problem-solving.
Workshops on financial literacy, job and interview skills, and college entrance preparation helped local teens looking for out-of-school assistance.
Teens gathered for Final Exams Café sessions in December and May. Over the years, the need for both quiet and group study locations for teens became evident, and the Library built a proper environment to meet those needs.
Readers of all ages enjoyed summer, fall, and winter reading challenge programs.
Reading Challenges are offered throughout the year: in fall, winter, and summer for an extensive Summer Reading Program offered seven weeks throughout June and July. Readers and pre-readers of all ages are encouraged to choose interesting material and keep track of their progress. Reading for personal enjoyment is an important indicator for exploring and appreciating lifelong literacy.
Meet Me at the Library Attendees
Fall, Winter, and Summer Reading Challenge Participants
Hours of Adult Literacy and English Language Instruction
Featured Community Partners
In June 2024, proposals were requested from architectural firms for the renovation of the Library building. A clear vision for a revitalized Simi Valley Public Library arose from the growth of programs, expansion of services, and competing needs for quiet and gathering spaces this year. Reach out to the Simi Valley Library Foundation to find out how this generation of Simi Valley residents can invest in future impact.
The Library Board of Trustees provide oversight and support for the Simi Valley Public Library. The Board’s commitment to meeting community needs through library services and its vision for the future are fundamental to the operation of the Library.
The Friends of the Simi Valley Public Library have been a part of the community for more than 50 years, helping support the Library with supplementary funds. This year, the Friends brought the annual Family Book Festival back to Simi Valley, a wonderful treat for families and children of all ages.
The Busy Hands Garden Club maintains the Rose Garden and made improvements this year with the addition of trellis roses.
The Simi Valley Library Foundation began raising funds to revitalize the Library facility. The Foundation board envisions a destination-spot Library where the community can gather for inspiration and exploration. This year, the Board planned for the launch of fundraising strategies to include gala events, naming opportunities, and planned giving.