The reopening of the expanded and improved Central Library helped Mesa County Libraries set a one-month circulation record in July 2013.

During July, patrons of Mesa County Libraries checked out or renewed 147,323 items, eclipsing the previous one-month record of 135,960 items set in June 2011. July’s circulation total marked a 15 percent increase over July 2012.

July 2013 circulation at the Central Library alone, which reopened June 20 after a 10-month expansion and improvement project, registered a 19 percent increase over the same month a year earlier.

“Our branches have seen growth over the last several years. Now, with Central open, we’re seeing the growth here,” said Shana Wade, public services director for Mesa County Libraries. “We have more space that can accommodate more people.”

Countywide, the eight-location library system was visited by 74,789 people during July. Of that total, approximately 61 percent (45,786 people) visited the Central Library. In July 2012, before closing for the construction project, the Central Library had approximately 37,000 visitors.

In addition to attracting more visitors and generating more checkouts, Mesa County Libraries also are issuing more library cards. From June 20 through the end of July, the library system added 1,668 new cardholders. Currently, Mesa County Libraries has a total of 72,488 cardholders.