Videos and the upgraded computer system increased in popularity more than most categories of books last year at the Weyburn Public Library, according to a report released by the head librarian to the library board's annual general meeting Feb. 11.

Michele Fedyk told board members that except for the category of adult paperback books, which showed an increase in usage last year, fewer books and magazines were borrowed by Weyburn and area library users.

Overall circulation dropped by 4.7 per cent, while several categories showed big increases. Computer usage at the library increased by 19.5 per cent in 2002, while the number of videos borrowed rose by 15.2 per cent, and the spoken word audio tapes increased by 19.8 per cent. The outreach service saw a 26 per cent increase over 2001.

Fedyk told the board the increase in the number of adult paperbacks borrowed, after a sizable purchase of new books, helped to inspire the materials budget for 2003. To encourage more borrowing in other categories of books, the board approved a 10 per cent increase in adult fiction books, a 15 per cent increase in adult non-fiction, a 10 per cent increase in juvenile non-fiction, and a 15 per cent increase in reference materials.

Other categories of materials will also increase, for a total of $45,200 budgeted for purchases this year. That figure is the same as last year.

The library received $16,500 in a grant from the city, and $2,300 from book sale revenue to help with costs in 2002.

The library board goes into a new year without long-time chair Isabelle Butters, who served 18 years in the position. Butters also served on the Southeast Regional Library Board for 31 years. Both contributions were recognized by the City of Weyburn at the annual meeting with a $100 certificate for materials from the regional library system, and two bound notices of appreciation.

In her final report to the board, Butters noted the Weyburn library has more circulation than any other branch in the regional system. She told board members the city deserves recognition for acknowledging the importance of literacy.

"I strongly urge (the city) to continue to adequately fund this valued service to the Weyburn community," she said.

The board also received a breakdown of this library's usage according to community. The information shows 76.9 per cent of library users come from Weyburn, 1.2 per cent from the RM of Lomond, 3.7 per cent from the RM of Weyburn, 1.3 per cent from the RM of Wellington, 2.6 per cent from the RM of Griffin, 1.1 per cent from the RM of Brokenshell, and 2.4 per cent from McTaggart.

The board elected former vice-chair Dianne Sander to be chair this year, while Glen Pegg was voted as vice chair. The city appointed two new board members, Lynn Kot and Linda Moffat to the board.