Mesa County Libraries Set Monthly Records

During the month of July, Mesa County Libraries saw record numbers, both in the number of patrons and in the number of items checked out. The increased numbers were contributed in part to the June 20 reopening of the expanded and improved Central Library at 5th Street and Grand Avenue in Grand Junction.

During July, library patrons checked out or renewed 147,323 items. This number exceeds the previous one-month record set in June 2011, which was 135,960 items. July’s circulation total also marked a 15 percent increase over July 2012.

Countywide, the 8-location library system was visited by 74,789 people during July. Of that total, approximately 61 percent (or 45,786 people) visited the Central Library. In July 2012 the Central Library had approximately 37,000 visitors.

In addition to attracting more visitors and generating more checkouts, Mesa County Libraries are also issuing more library cards. From June 20 through the end of July, the library system added 1,668 new cardholders. Currently, Mesa County Libraries have a total of 72,488 cardholders.