Butte-Silver Bow Library reports rising cardholders, program attendance in annual update

Butte-Silver Bow Library Director Steph Johnson presented the library’s 2024–25 annual report to the Butte‑Silver Bow Council of Commissioners on Sept. 17, reporting increases in cardholders, program attendance and several facility upgrades while the mall branch remains closed. Johnson said the library was open about 4,700 hours last year and recorded a gate count of about 66,000 people, with 14,000 cardholders — roughly 43% of the local population — and 3,000 program attendees. She said the library’s physical collection includes about 74,000 items and the state consortium delivers an additional 12,957 downloadable items to patrons. The director described recent capital and operating improvements: a new boiler system, energy-efficient lighting across four floors, and building maintenance brought partly in‑house after adding a service worker. She said those lighting upgrades helped push utilities costs well under budget. The library also cleared long-used storage space and advanced community garden improvements including decorative fencing and additional garden beds. Johnson said the library’s materials budget for physical items was increased this year, supporting programs such as a game-and-puzzle lending collection and expanded teen afterschool offerings. The library participates in interlibrary loan (831 outgoing loans, 727 borrows) and is part of the Montana downloadable consortium. On branches and outreach, Johnson said the mall branch has closed and there is no timeline for reopening; she has spoken with the mall’s new owners, who are reconfiguring spaces into larger leasable units that may be too large and costly for the library. She said the library is exploring alternative downtown locations, including possible space in the community center, and is pursuing grants and donations to support the Park Street community garden expansion and other outreach. Commissioners praised the library’s work. Commissioner Michelle Shea, who also serves on the library board of trustees, called the library a “safe space” and encouraged residents to obtain cards. Commissioner Chris Morgan asked about the mall branch timeline; Johnson said there is no firm timeline and the former 14‑year donated space likely will not be repeated without negotiation. Commissioner Dan O’Leary noted grant and donation sources for the garden renovations and that funding for this fiscal year included the library’s budget allocation. No formal council action was taken on the presentation; Johnson said she would return with updates on branch location and ongoing projects.