2009 was a tough year for ICFL and most libraries across the state, but there were also a lot of good things that happened last year. Here are 10 that came to mind.

1. Voters in Post Falls approved a merger with Kootenai Shoshone Area Libraries approving the ballot measure by a wide majority; Burley citizens approved a two-year operating override levy; and Snake River School District voters approved a $17 million bond, with 80% of voters in favor of the proposal.
2. Summer Reading numbers increase statewide by 38 percent! More children than ever maintained or increased their reading ability by reading over the summer months.
3. The Nezperce branch of the Prairie-River Library District moved to a nicer, bigger building. It looked like nearly everyone in the community pitched in to help move books and raise funds to make the move possible. Brand new beautiful branches opened as Boise Public and the Meridian District Library expanded their reach in those communities.
4. The Wal-Mart Foundation donated $100,000 to support a youth services grant program, allowing 14 libraries in the state to expand or start new programs that better meet the needs of Idaho youth and teens.
5. The Gates Foundation announced it will work with Idaho to get better broadband access in libraries.
6. Idaho was part of several continuing education grants from multiple states that were approved in 2009. The SWIM project will provide scholarships for several Idaho library staff to pursue their MLS degrees and ICFL was approved to send a select group of librarians to training on how to do better programs for adults. WebJunction enrollment was great and many people took their first online course in 2009.
7. School librarians completed the first statewide Impact Study, providing data on many aspects of their services. They also came out in force for the Partnerships and Conversation sessions.
8. Almost 1,600 voted for their favorite Teen Read Week idea from the 31 ideas that were submitted by Idaho public and school librarians. The creativity and fun ideas were great! The response to the “Teens & Technology” course and Teens and Tech week were also good.
9. The Talking Book Service went digital and patrons who have received the new machines say they are fantastic.
10. More Idahoans than ever are using their local libraries. There’s higher circulation, program attendance, and more people are coming through the doors in nearly every library.

I’m sure that just scratches the surface. What other things should we add to the list?? Comment below!