Sign of the Times?

I just launched my monthly circulation report to the powers that be: last month saw a 10% increase in borrowed items. My boss seems pleased with the continuing upward trends regarding patrons served and materials circulated. Initially, I thought perhaps more people were taking advantage of the Outreach Program because of the tanking economy. People are tightening their belts, staying home and enjoying low-cost or no-cost recreational activities. The library is an excellent source for free entertainment: books, CDs, and DVDs are great tools to keep folks occupied and entertained. Remember, though, I work with the elderly. Most seniors tend to stay in regardless of the economic climate. I began to think in earnest about the reasons for the higher numbers. As much as I would like to assume credit for my winning personality (wink, wink) and excellent customer service skills as the driving forces of those ascending numbers, I am but a small part of the equation. The real reason the numbers continue to rise is attributed to a simple matter of inclusion. The seniors are now part of a larger circle, one that extends beyond the four walls of their apartments. The Outreach moniker applies not only to the library program but also the to seniors themselves. They are getting involved in their residential communities. Many of them have started book clubs or coffee klatches. They look forward to discussions about books and current events. They recommend reading materials to one another and to me, too. The Bookmobile is a treasured community service for our elderly city population, and I feel privileged to administer an outreach program that fosters such positive growth among its participants.