West Fargo Library staff reported record digital circulation, a finished carpet project at the main library and rising meeting-room use during the board’s Oct. 9 meeting.

"September was the highest of all time," Library Director Jenna said, reporting 7,200 electronic checkouts through the Libby app for the month. Jenna also told trustees the library is 67% expended year to date and that circulation overall remains high compared with previous years.

Staff said the September Libby surge followed a decision to drop Hoopla and increase the library’s purchases on Libby, and that the library participates in the State Library Consortium for e-content. "When we dropped Hoopla, we did increase what we purchased ourselves on Libby as well to make sure that our patrons are getting access to what they're interested in," Jenna said.

The board heard several operations and outreach highlights: the library issued 213 library cards in September; meeting rooms were reserved for more than 75 hours (the highest usage seen so far this year); outreach circulated 255 items through events, senior-home deliveries and daycare deliveries; and youth programs reported strong participation — staff said about 800 Heritage Middle School students joined a fall reading challenge run in partnership with the school.

Director Jenna described the recent carpet replacement at the main library as a major logistical effort that required moving collections and operating temporarily from the satellite location at City Hall. Staff reported the project improved spacing and accessibility; Bridal, the collection development and technical services manager, led the collection moves and Alicia, the office manager, coordinated work with contractors. Jenna said staff found 13 books under shelving during the move and checked catalog status for each.

Programming highlights included a well-attended senior expo, a Medicare 2026 class presented by local insurance expert Kim Baker, a writing circle and a debt-management class presented by a BMO Bank representative. Staff also noted Sarah, the children’s librarian, presented at the regional library association conference and that the library will host a sensory-friendly "Blue at the Zoo" event at the Red River Zoo on Oct. 21.

Trustees were invited to the Friends of the Library used books and media sale on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jenna said staff will publish updated circulation and traffic statistics next month following the carpet project.