The Harford County Public Library is still seeing a downward trend in circulation, according to Library Director Audra Caplan.

During the Harford County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting Jan. 21 in Bel Air, Caplan announced circulation statistics for December 2009.

In December, circulation was 327,847, dropping from 353,282, or 7.20 percent, in December 2008.

Part of the reason for the decrease in circulation was because of the closing of the Whiteford branch, which reopened to the public on Jan. 2.

“It’s been busy since it reopened,” Caplan said.

Budget cuts, which resulted in reduced services, materials and hours, have contributed to lower circulation numbers as well.

But virtual visits to the library’s network increased 61.09 percent from last year. More than 561,000 people visited the library via computer in December 2009 compared to 348,264 computer visits in December 2008.

Since the Fallston branch was in jeopardy of closing because of budget cuts, Caplan said, “People have been stepping up to the plate, which is great.”

More than 200 volunteers worked 1,828 hours during December.

As the state and county prepare for fiscal year 2011, Caplan said the library’s budget is expected to remain the same as last year.

“The best case scenario is to maintain the budget from last year,” Caplan said.

Greg Seltzer, who represents the Fallston area on the library board, encouraged board members to become advocates for the library and reach out to the county’s state delegates and senators for support.

Also during Thursday’s meeting, the board approved the library’s new strategic plan.

Caplan said the purpose of the update was to change the focus to relate to people.

“Libraries make a difference in the community,” she said.

Three goal areas were identified in the new strategic plan: library services, resource development and advocacy.

Part of the library’s goals is to “respond to the needs of customers in the current economic recession and recovery period,” Caplan said.

In other news from Thursday’s meeting:

The library launched its new Web site and mobile app for smart phones at the beginning of the year.

The app allows users to quickly connect to the library and features information about branches, upcoming programs and new releases.

Caplan said the design for the Churchville branch is scheduled for completion in the spring, but construction will begin when funding becomes available, which is estimated to be fiscal year 2012.

The Harford County Public Library Foundation raised $1,360 from Barnes & Noble Day on Dec. 3, 2009. The library had an information table, storytelling and craft stations and various local author signings at the Barnes & Noble in Bel Air.

The foundation’s countywide mailing campaign took place from late November through the end of December and, as of Dec. 31, raised $19,654.05 before expenses.

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