Branch Recommendations

Poland Library
311 S. Main St.
Poland, OH 44514
(330) 757-1852

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Service Area:
1990 Census Population of Primary Service Area: 19,522
2000 Census Population of Primary Service Area: 21,272
2003 Population Estimate for Primary Service Area: 21,653
2008 Population Projection for Primary Service Area: 22,226

Six-Year Circulation History:

Circulation Trend:

Circulation at the new Poland Library in 2002 and 2003 has been almost double what it had been when service was provided from the old facility on the same site. While the 2003 circulation dropped off by nearly twelve percent (11.9%), it was still more than double the 1999 circulation (the last full year of operation from the old building). It is very typical for new libraries to experience a circulation pattern that includes a sharp increase followed by a slight decline, followed by a leveling at a new, higher plateau.

Year Built: 2001

Year(s) of Additions: None

Year(s) of Major Remodeling: None

Year(s) and Nature of Refurbishing Projects: None

Total Size: 35,610 sq. ft. (approximately 19,690 is actual usable library space)

Space Currently in Use: 19,690 sq. ft.

Reason(s) Total Space Not in Use: Some space included in the total square
footage (for example the "catwalk") was not really designed for active use.

SF per capita (using service population): .91 sq. ft. per capita

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

Overall Condition: 5
Structural Integrity: 5
Roof: 4
HVAC: 5
Electrical: 5
Plumbing: 5
Fenestration: 5
ADA Accessibility Issues: 5
Other (specify): (retaining walls)

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

Overall Site/Location Rating: 4
Convenience: 4
Visibility: 4
Curb Appeal: 5
Parking: 3
Size of Site/Expansion Potential: 2
Proximity (to shopping, services, etc.): 4

Distances to Nearest Branches/Main:
Struthers 2.8 miles
Brownlee Woods 2.8 miles
Boardman 3.9 miles
Campbell 5.1 miles
East 5.6 miles
South 5.8 miles
Main 6.5 miles

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

Estimated Annual Operational Cost (2003):
$ 758,837

Estimated Staffing Costs (2003):
$ 513,438

Professional/Clerical Bi-Weekly Pay Percentage (2003):
50.46% Professional, 49.54% Clerical

Current Collection Size:
67,385

Cost per Circulation:
$ 2.67

Circulation per Sq. Ft.:
14.45 (applying usable space of 19,690 sq. ft.)

Circulation per Hour Open:
86.90

Visits per Capita:
7.04

Visits per Hour Open:
46.55

Reference Transactions per Hour Open:
2.83

Turnover Rate:
4.22

Poland summary:
As the largest branch facility in the PLYMC system and as one of the newest libraries as well, Poland has become a popular destination for residents from a broad area of Mahoning County. The Poland Library has become the standard by which library services in the County are measured. The amenities provided at the Poland Library, including the café and comfortable, homelike seating areas, are now expected and appreciated by the public.

Regardless of how usable space is calculated, it exceeds the .75 per square foot per capita recommended for regional facilities and therefore is unlikely to require expansion for decades, if ever. The building is extremely attractive, houses a large collection of materials and is open reasonably good hours, including Sunday afternoons. On average, over forty-five (46.55/hr.) people visit the Library during every hour when it is open and it is estimated that this number more than doubles during peak hours of use. In spite of Poland's considerable staff size, cost per circulation is quite reasonable at $ 2.16.

Recommended Action for Poland, adopted by Library Trustees on March 18, 2004:
Given the high level of circulation at this location, self-checkout technology should be installed.