The Library Director reported the Ocean Shores Library signed up 34 new library cards during a multi-site outreach campaign and highlighted a slate of fall programs and events.

The report matters because the card campaign and the library’s programs show active local outreach and participation: the director said the campaign visited three locations and that staff aim to repeat the activity next year.

The director told the board, “Total, we signed up 34 new cards,” and added the effort produced 23 renewals. Staff spent about an hour and a half at each of three locations, and the pharmacy location drew the most local residents, the director said. The director described the effort as “great PR” and said staff used the outreach to tell patrons about library programs.

Staff described fall and early-winter programming: a banned-books display and handout tied to the national theme “Censorship is so 1984,” a teen Halloween party scheduled for Oct. 30 for grades 7–12 with snacks, karaoke and a costume contest, and recurring activities including Dungeons & Dragons, book groups and story times. The director said children’s displays this month focus on mushrooms following recent speakers, and that local artist Ed Scholl’s work is featured in the library this month.

The library’s virtual-reality offerings were expanded with three new programs funded by the Friends; staff said users can “walk on the beach,” fly an airplane, kayak and now “go cave spelunking.” The director noted local partners gave in-kind support (IGA donated pumpkins for a planned pumpkin-painting event).

The director also summarized the recent author fair: “We had 31 authors, and it went very well,” with roughly 150 people passing through across two sessions (10 a.m.–noon and 2–4 p.m.), staff said. Organizers said turnout was heavier in the afternoon and they will adjust future scheduling and promotions based on that feedback.

Board members asked logistical questions about program scheduling and author-session assignments; staff said authors choose session preference on the event application.

Less critical items discussed included continuing outreach planning and volunteer-supported programs. The board’s next meeting was scheduled for Dec. 10 at 3:00 p.m.