b'LibraryMission StatementThe Beaufort County Library serves and supports the community for learning, for leisure, for life.Goals and Objectives1. Communication. The public will receive timely, relevant communication from the Library in order to have a goodunderstanding of what the library system oers and how to access it.2. Facilities. Library spaces will be welcoming and convenient places that are comfortable, inviting, safe and accessible.Libraries will have up-to-date and reliable technology including computers, infrastructure, printers, Wi-Fi, and other relatedequipment. Opportunities for growth, expansion, and renovation will be explored.3. Collections. The Library will seek to oer a wide range of collections in contemporary formats that are reective of theneeds, interests, and abilities of all the people the library serves.4. User Experience. The Library will strive to provide library visitors with a friendly, informed, and user-focused experience.Department Description:The Beaufort County Library System is comprised of ve branch libraries and two Bookmobiles. The Library provides allcounty residents open and guided access to a wide variety of media and programs to inform, inspire, and empower people intheir pursuit of lifelong learning, personal enrichment, and cultural understanding. At present, the Beaufort County LibrarySystem employs 78 sta members, 64 full-time and 14 part-time.Performance MeasuresPhysical Items Borrowed: 666,191Digital Items Borrowed: 182,852Physical Items Added to the Collection: 36,784Visits to the Library: 240,689Active Library Cardholders: 91,618Digital Items Available: 1.6 millionWebsite Visits: 304,575Wi-Fi Sessions: 50,000Reference Questions Answered: 55,555Volunteer Hours: 7,586Pages Sent via Free Fax/Scan/Translation Service: 35,492In June 2022, Beaufort County Library made available digital access to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.Budget highlights and special notes:In FY23, Library Administration and the Library Board of Trustees analyzed community feedback to update the LibrarysStrategic Plan (2023- 2025).In response to population growth across Beaufort County, we continue to search for a site for a library in the NewRiverside/Pritchardville area as well as investigating service options for Burton Wells Recreation center and opening a libraryin a vacant county-owned building in downtown Port Royal.In the Spring of 2023, Beaufort County Library began transition to a new software platform that will provide enhanced featuresto provide cardholders with an improved online experience. The new platform is scheduled to launch late June 2023.Expenditures SummaryBeaufort County, SC | Budget Book 2024 Page 293'