In 2011, Peoria Public Library was able to announce at the end of the year that they had broken all previous circulation records by circulating one million items by early December. In 2012 that landmark has come much earlier with one million items being circulated by the end of September.

In 2009, the last time all locations were open, total circulation was 891,905. In 2011, with locations opening and closing throughout the year, circulation was 1,070,264. That represents an increase of 20%.

The actual number for year-to-date 2012 circulation was 1,002,222 on September 30. Projections indicate that Peoria Public Library will reach at least 1,300,000 items circulated by the end of 2012, which will be a 20% increase over 2011.

The phenomenal growth in circulation figures is attributed to a variety of reasons, but the continued strong interest in reading and lifelong learning, combined with the new ease of use of the library are behind most of the increase.

One of the factors for increased circulation, which includes all items that check out, is the online catalog. Library users can peruse the catalog from anywhere they can access the Internet, as well as inside the library, and find and reserve items. The catalog offers many of the features of actually being in the library building by showing what items are on nearby shelves as well as a link to similar items by the same author.

The online catalog, RSACAT, also brings materials from across Illinois right to your computer screen where you can browse and select items and choose to have them delivered to you at any Peoria Public Library.

Circulation is also up simply because with the beautiful and efficient new buildings, Peorians are enjoying coming to the library.