The local library has seen a significant surge in participation for its summer reading program, registering 1,099 participants this year, far exceeding the initial goal of 700. This increase includes registrants from neighboring areas such as Kejira, Adel, and Ocilla, highlighting the program's growing appeal beyond county lines.

In addition to the reading program, the library has successfully secured three grants aimed at enhancing community engagement and literacy. The completed Bron Time Literacy Grant, which focuses on bilingual education, has allowed the library to host families, providing meals and transportation while fostering family bonding. This initiative has also contributed to the growth of the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, which has expanded from six to over 20 regular participants.

The library has also been awarded the National Endowment for the Arts' Big Read grant, making it the only library in Georgia to feature programming with author Carmen Agra Deedy and native storyteller David Shadow. This initiative will include various events for school children and local community members.

Furthermore, a new digital literacy grant from the Public Library Association and AT&T will target the local Hispanic community, offering basic computer skills training in Spanish. This program is set to launch in the fall.

Despite these advancements, the library is facing financial challenges due to increased costs associated with the state health benefit plan, which has risen by $1,000 per full-time employee. In response, the library has reduced one position to part-time and is seeking an additional $14,000 to restore its children's librarian to full-time status. The last funding increase from the county was in fiscal year 2018, making this request a critical step toward maintaining essential services and ensuring the library's financial sustainability.