Measuring What Matters
The Excellence Library tracks our community impact through rigorous data collection, participant surveys, and partnership with Ohio State University’s College of Education research team. Our annual impact assessment ensures accountability to our donors, volunteers, and the Columbus communities we serve. Below, we share our cumulative and annual program metrics for full transparency.
Cumulative Impact Since 2006
Annual Program Report
After-School Reading Club
- Participants served: 187 unique students
- Sessions held: 312 (Mon–Wed, Sept–May)
- Books circulated: 4,620
- Reading level improvement: 78% of participants showed measurable gain (avg. 1.3 grade levels over academic year)
- Attendance rate: 82% average across all sessions
- Parent satisfaction: 94% rated program "excellent" or "very good"
Adult ESL & Literacy
- Learners enrolled: 84 adults from 17 countries
- Classes held: 192 sessions (Tue & Thu evenings)
- Completion rate: 71% completed their enrolled level
- Level advancement: 58 learners advanced at least one level
- Citizenship test prep: 12 learners completed prep; 10 passed
- Languages supported: Spanish, Somali, Nepali, Mandarin
Senior Digital Skills
- Participants: 96 seniors (ages 62–89)
- Workshops held: 156 sessions
- Digital Literacy Certificates awarded: 72
- Post-program confidence: 88% reported feeling "comfortable" or "very comfortable" with email and video calling
- Telehealth adoption: 64% successfully completed at least one telehealth appointment independently
Bookmobile Service
- Neighborhood stops: 18 across Columbus
- Total visits: 1,248 stop-visits (Mon–Sat)
- Books lent: 8,940
- New registrations at bookmobile: 340
- Program referrals generated: 156 (people connected to ESL, reading club, or digital skills through bookmobile outreach)
Additional Program Outcomes (FY2025)
Summer Reading Challenge
214 participants (K–12). Average books read per participant: 14. Forty-three readers completed the full 20-book challenge. Post-summer assessments showed participants maintained or improved reading levels compared to a documented average 2-month regression among non-participants.
Creative Writing Workshop
28 regular participants (teens and adults). Published 42 pieces in the annual Pages & Bridges literary journal. Three participants subsequently published work in regional literary magazines. Two workshop alumni now serve as volunteer mentors for new members.
STEM Story Hour
42 sessions held reaching 380 unique children. Topics covered included weather science, space exploration, animal habitats, plant biology, ocean ecosystems, and simple machines. Post-session parent surveys indicated 91% of children asked to continue exploring the topic at home.
Financial Stewardship
As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 31-2839401), The Excellence Library is committed to transparent financial management. Our FY2025 operating budget of $482,000 was funded through individual donations (38%), foundation grants (32%), corporate sponsorships (18%), and government grants (12%).
$404,880 invested directly in literacy programs, bookmobile operations, and materials
$48,200 for office operations, insurance, and accounting
$28,920 for donor communications, grant writing, and events
Help Us Grow Our Impact
Every dollar donated directly supports free literacy programming for Columbus families. Your contribution is tax-deductible and makes a measurable difference in the lives of children, adults, and seniors across our community.