Bookstacks more popular than screen time

Are you a fan and frequent visitor to the Southlake Public Library? You’re in good company.

In 2019 alone, the library received more than 135,000 visitors.

According to a recent Gallup poll, Southlake isn’t the only city across the country receiving attention from visitors. The survey, taken from December 2-15, 2019, revealed that Americans visit their local public library an average of 10.5 times per year. That’s nearly twice as much as attending a movie at a movie theater, which occurs at a rate of 5.3 times per year.

A quick stroll through Southlake’s Public Library, and you’ll understand its popularity and draw. From free coffee or tea to reading nooks for children and adults alike, the library has a cozy, quiet atmosphere. It also has a host of resources for all ages, including computers, meeting rooms and, of course, stacks of books.

If the book stacks are intimidating, you might ask the library staff for help locating a book or even reading suggestions. If there’s a younger reader with you, the team might suggest checking out their most popular book, Barbie: A fairy secret, which has been checked out 1,093 times!

While books may line the walls, the library offers much more than just reading material.

“Our goal is to make the library a fun place for discovery and a welcoming place to spend time,” Cynthia Pfledderer said. “We look at every aspect of the Library and ask – how do we make this the best it can be with our available resources?”

For staff members, improvement at the library is always a moving target because the needs and interests of the community are continually evolving.

“Fortunately, our staff is energized by the challenge. We love finding new ways to delight our patrons,” Cynthia said. “There’s just no substitute for knowing your community, and the trick is to stay connected to them so the ideas come organically.”

Items available for check out at the Southlake Public Library include audiobooks on CD, eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, DVDs, music CDs, magazines, business journals, online research databases, and online children’s books. Library cards are available to Southlake residents with a proof of residence address or property ownership. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to obtain a library card.

The Southlake Library is located on the first floor of Town Hall in Southlake Town Square at 1400 Main Street, Suite 130, Southlake, TX 76092. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and closed on Sunday.

For more information on the Library, visit https://www.cityofsouthlake.com/93/Library.