The last several months at the Center were fun - over 100 people came each day, lots of items were checked out and then returned, computers and rooms were used constantly. Starting with September 2005, each month has been substantially busier than the same month one year ago. Usually, the peak season at the UEC is September through April. Universities in Kyiv have different schedules, have different schedules, but generally students are either starting or already busy with classes in September and finish up or prepare for their finals in April. The need for the UEC's services increases during this time.

The factor in our statistics that we value the most from the last season is that the number of active patrons (the number of different people who use the library) has steadily grown. In April 2005, we had 434 active patrons. This April, we served 539 active patrons. This dramatic increase shows not only that more people are using the Center each month but that the library remains a valued service and is much needed. 221 new patrons have registered so far in 2006, an increase of 36 over last year at the same time.

Many new people who joined our community last September stayed with us, valuing our services and using them to enhance their educational efforts. All other statistics - the total number of visitors each month, the number of items taken and returned, the usage of our database - have increased also as a direct result of the increasing number of active patrons.

The UEC staff thanks God for His help and for all our supporters who continually pray for us, donate library materials, and provide financial assistance. We do our best in serving Kyiv patrons and pray that God does His work in their hearts.

Posted 09 May 2006