Liberty Lake Library Board announces growth and new community programs

Liberty Lake's library is experiencing significant growth, as highlighted during the recent City Council meeting on March 18, 2025. The library reported a remarkable increase in library card registrations, with numbers rising from 6,505 in 2023 to 7,428 in 2024. This surge reflects the library's expanding role as a community hub, with visitor numbers also climbing from 50,931 in 2022 to 69,575 in 2024.

The library's meeting room usage has tripled over the past two years, indicating a strong demand for community space. The transformation of a small computer lab into a study room has proven successful, with 455 reservations in 2024 alone. This trend is expected to continue as plans for a new library with multiple study rooms are underway.

In terms of book circulation, the library is adapting to changing preferences. E-book checkouts have increased from 25% to 30% of total checkouts over the past two years, aligning with national trends. However, physical book checkouts remain robust, with 97,926 physical books checked out in 2022 compared to 36,043 e-books. The library aims to maintain a balanced collection that meets the diverse needs of its community, especially for children, where digital options are limited.

The library is also enhancing its offerings with new apps, including Mango Languages for language learning and Canopy Streaming for movies and educational content. These resources are integrated into the library's catalog, making them easily accessible to patrons.

Community engagement remains a priority, with successful programs like poetry slams for teens and gardening classes led by master gardeners. The library is exploring the introduction of a seed library, allowing residents to share and borrow seeds, further promoting community gardening.

As the library continues to grow, the board emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration with the City Council and residents. The commitment to transparency and community involvement is evident, as the library seeks to expand its services and adapt to the evolving needs of Liberty Lake's residents.