Duchesne County Library branch set to open with community activities on April 12

The Duchesne County Library Board convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss several key topics, including the upcoming grand opening of the new Duchesne County branch and the annual library report for 2024.

The meeting began with an enthusiastic discussion about the grand opening scheduled for April 12. Board members confirmed collaboration with the USU Extension and the senior center, which will provide cookies and hors d'oeuvres for the event. Plans for activities and refreshments are in progress, with further details expected after a meeting among the involved parties later in the week. The opening is tentatively set for 10:00 AM, with discussions on the duration of the event and potential staff participation.

Following the grand opening discussion, the board reviewed the 2024 annual library report. Highlights included a notable increase in circulation numbers, with Roosevelt's physical collection reaching 80,000, marking a 9% rise and the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital circulation also saw significant growth, with Hoopla checkouts increasing by 43% to 6,500, contributing to a total of 50,000 digital checkouts for the county—a 25% increase from the previous year.

The report also noted that overall library circulation reached 144,500, a 2% increase, despite challenges posed by the closure of the Duchesne branch for over half the year. Wi-Fi usage surged by 23%, and computer sessions rose by 7%, indicating a strong demand for library services. The library hosted a record 470 events, with attendance surpassing 11,600, reflecting a 30% increase.

The board acknowledged the hard work of the staff in achieving these results, especially in light of the challenges faced during the year. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism for the future, as the library continues to adapt and grow in response to community needs. Further updates and follow-up actions are anticipated as the grand opening approaches and the library prepares for another year of service.