The Los Alamos County Library Board convened on October 6, 2025, to discuss various updates and initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and library services. A significant highlight of the meeting was the mention of openings on several boards and commissions, including the Environmental Sustainability Board and the Health Council, encouraging community members to get involved.
The board also shared positive news regarding the Atomic City Transit service, which has been piloted on Saturdays for the past few months. This service allows residents to request bus rides via an app or phone call, facilitating access to the library and other locations in town. Feedback from users has been favorable, and a survey is currently underway to gather more community insights.
In addition, the Friends of Los Alamos County Library reported that they did not meet last month due to a lack of quorum but are expected to reconvene soon. This group plays a crucial role in managing surplus library materials, generating approximately $45,000 annually through sales, which are reinvested into library services. They have recently partnered with Thriftbooks to expand their sales reach online.
The library's manager provided an overview of circulation statistics, noting that September saw a total of 34,733 circulations, with 25,122 in print and 9,613 digital. The library hosted 68 programs that month, attracting 1,277 attendees. Notable events included a presentation by horticulturist Lee Goodwin on genetic diversity in crops and a successful puzzle competition, which will now be held quarterly.
Looking ahead, the library will host a concert and discussion with the group Love Call on the evening of October 7, further enriching the community's cultural offerings. The next Library Board meeting is scheduled for November or December, where further developments and community initiatives will be discussed.