Branch Recommendations

Greenford Library
7441 W. South Range Rd.
Greenford, OH 44422

Photo:

Service Area:
1990 Census Population of Primary Service Area: 2,420
2000 Census Population of Primary Service Area: 2,508
2003 Population Estimate for Primary Service Area: 2,605
2008 Population Projection for Primary Service Area: 2,753

Six-Year Circulation History:

Circulation Trend:

Greenford circulation has been somewhat erratic. The 2003 circulation of 11,618 is down 22% since 1998; however, it reached 17,055 in the year 2000. There is a differential of over 30% between the high and low in the six-year period and the overall trend is down in spite of a population that has grown slightly. Limited hours make the Library inconvenient to use and its usage is also influenced somewhat by the proximity of the Salem Public Library, which is located 5.4 miles to the South.

Year Built: 1978

Year(s) of Additions: None

Year(s) of Major Remodeling: None

Year(s) and Nature of Refurbishing Projects: None

Total Size: 1,200 sq. ft.

Space Currently in Use: 1,200 sq. ft.

Reason(s) Total Space Not in Use: All space is in use

SF per capita (using service population): .46 sq. ft. per capita

Physical Condition Rating:
(5 point scale - 1 = Very Poor, 2 = Poor, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent)

Overall Condition: 4
Structural Integrity: 4
Roof: 4
HVAC: 4
Electrical: 3
Plumbing: 3
Fenestration: 4
Ambiance: 3
ADA Accessibility Issues: 4
Other (specify):

Site/Location Rating:
(5 point scale - 1 = Very Poor, 2 = Poor, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent)

Overall Site/Location Rating: 3
Convenience: 3
Visibility: 4
Curb Appeal: 4
Parking: 4
Size of Site/Expansion Potential: 4
Proximity (to shopping, services, etc.): 2

Distances to Nearest Branches/Main:
Salem Public Lib. 5.4 miles
Canfield 6.5 miles
Main 16.2 miles

Current Hours of Operation: http://www.libraryvisit.org/locations.htm

Estimated Annual Operational Cost (2003):
$ 43,119

Estimated Staffing Costs (2003):
$ 19,035

Professional/Clerical Bi-Weekly Pay Percentage (2003):
0.0 % Professional, 100.0% Clerical

Current Collection Size:
11,342

Cost per Circulation:
$ 3.71

Circulation per Sq. Ft.:
9.68

Circulation per Hour Open:
11.06

Visits per Capita:
3.14

Visits per Hour Open:
5.85

Reference Transactions per Hour Open:
No reference service is provided.

Turnover Rate:
1.02

Greenford summary:
The Greenford Library serves approximately 2,500 people from a 1,200 square foot facility that is open very limited hours and that offers a limited selection of materials. Because of these limitations, many people in the Greenford area use either the Canfield Public Library (6.5 miles away) or the Salem Public Library in Columbiana County.

Both circulation per capita and library visits per capita are respectable, demonstrating some community interest in the branch. However, because of the small population base, on average, the Library sees fewer than nine people per hour open (8.65) and circulates only slightly more than eleven (11.6) items during each hour it is open. Population in the Greenford area is growing slowly but steadily. The building, although extremely small, is in good condition.

Recommended Action for Greenford, adopted by Library Trustees on March 18, 2004:
The current population served by the Greenford Library is too small to make it a viable library. Furthermore, given the current rate of population growth, it is likely to be twenty years or more before the population reaches the critical mass necessary to consider a full-service facility. An argument can be made however for keeping the Greenford Library open, given the inadequacies of the nearest “regional” library (Canfield). Until such time as a new regional facility is opened in the Canfield area, population growth and library usage should be monitored. A determination could then be made as to whether the Library should be closed or should remain open based on the actual rate of population growth and any change in the level of usage of the Greenford Library, especially as impacted by a new library in Canfield.