Program areas at Wood Library Association
Wood Library is a free Association Library chartered to serve the canandaigua city school district. As a member of the 4-county 42 member Library owwl Library system, it offers free services to residents of ontario, wayne, Wyoming, and livingston counties. Wood Library continues to see increases in usage post-pandemic. In 2023, 83,971 people visited the Library. More people registered for a Library card in 2023 than 2022, a 13% increase. 12,213 people used their Library card to check out 177,080 items. The Library saw an increase in usage of downloadable books with patrons downloading ebooks and audiobooks, up 31%. Patrons were also able to register for a Library card online - 259 digital Library cards issued. Staff supported reference requests, provided tech help, and notary services, which saw an increase of 38%. Wood Library provides programs of all ages. 24,421 people participated in 1,201 programs. Programs include book discussions, film series, craft programs, cooking classes, storytimes, book reviews, author talks, support groups, and various educational lectures. Adults who attended digital literacy classes learned computer basics and software programs. Problem devices could also be brought in and discussed with a tech tutor. Public internet computers were used 9,638 times in 2023, an increase of 11% and patrons logged 86,591 wireless sessions, up 20%. Patrons rely on the Library's internet access to conduct research, write reports and resumes, pay bills, apply for jobs, make reservations, apply for unemployment, bank online, take online courses and check email. The Library's many public hotspots for loan are popular among Library patrons. The aarp offers driver safety courses throughout the year and tax aide help during tax season. 488 persons received tax aide assistance through a partnership with aarp, an increase of 12%. Wood Library continues to loan museum passes for area attractions. Community rooms are available to outside groups for free and local artists can display their work to gain exposure. Wood Library is one of few owwl libraries open 7 days a week.