Farmers Branch library reports busy summer schedule, digital-hold frustrations and new director starting June 16

Farmers Branch library staff reported a busy summer lineup, patron feedback about digital holds, and staffing news at the Library Advisory Board meeting on June 12.

Ryan, staff liaison for the Farmers Branch Library, told the board the library ran a summer reading kickoff in May that drew about 170 people, and a rescheduled Harry Potter event that had about 45 attendees. He said the library is offering roughly 150 programs across June and July, most run by staff, and is partnering with the Frog Pond for an end-of-summer swim celebration on July 31. Staff set a summer reading goal of 1,400 challenge cards (the library recorded just over 1,300 last year) and plan a “color librarian” event if the target is met.

On patron feedback, Ryan explained that Farmers Branch participates in the Northeast Texas Digital Consortium, which affects Libby e-book hold queues. He said some high-demand titles draw large hold lists because multiple libraries in the consortium compete for copies; the board discussed the library’s “advantage account,” which buys copies restricted to branch patrons to reduce holds. Ryan noted that some libraries in other systems allow far larger hold limits (he referenced holds up to 50 at some libraries), and encouraged patrons to use additional library cards from nearby systems when eligible to reduce wait times.

The board also heard that Tracy Kreibaugh will begin as the library’s new director on June 16; staff described her strengths in outreach and school connections. The meeting included logistical items — name tags and bylaws distribution for incoming board members in August/September and election of officers later in the summer — and discussion about early planning for the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebration in 2026.

The discussion included practical trade-offs: staff noted adding local copies to reduce holds is sometimes cost-prohibitive, and the board considered options for circulating kits versus in-branch-only materials for new services such as bullet-journaling kits. No formal policy changes or budget approvals were recorded during the meeting.