Library reports doubled summer reading participation; wins two grants for storywalk and broadband/technology upgrades

Matthew Fletcher, Library Director, briefed the Uintexa City Council on the library’s summer reading results and two newly awarded grants during the Sept. 15 regular meeting.

Lede: The library reported a roughly 100% increase in participation for the summer reading program compared with prior years and said new grants will fund a story walk at Warren Park and a broadband‑focused library infrastructure upgrade that includes hotspots, laptops and server replacement.

Nut graf: The library’s summer goal was to encourage daily reading (15 minutes for up to 40 days). Staff switched tracking systems this year from ReadSquared to Beanstack, which Fletcher said helped family enrollment. The grants — a Texas Reads award and a larger infrastructure grant funded by leftover ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) monies administered by the Texas State Library — will support an outdoor story walk and new hardware and services to expand public broadband access and digital literacy programs.

Key details: - Summer program: Participation increased from prior years (2023/2024 participation numbers cited historically) to 1,437 registrants in 2025; about 409 people completed the program’s 40‑day target and staff reported about 27,000 total days logged, an average of about 20 days per participant. The library also reported increased adult participation (about 400 adults) and nearly 23,500 facility visitors in June and July, with monthly circulation near 20,000. - Texas Reads grant: The library was awarded $8,392 to install a weatherproof story walk (aluminum stands with acrylic panels) at Warren Park, rotate story pages quarterly or monthly, and host at‑park story times; Fletcher said the library will launch with a pop‑up event, targeted for January 2026. - Library infrastructure grant: The library received $122,000 aimed at broadband and technology improvements (an IMLS/State Library program using ARPA funds). Planned purchases include 25 smart‑hotspots with library dashboard controls, a server replacement (approximately $18,000 budgeted), ~24 new laptops (some configured for circulation and staff instruction), a laptop kiosk for self‑checkout, and up to three small study pods/booths for private use (telehealth/interviews). Fletcher said devices will include management tools to wipe user data at return and dashboards to manage service and usage.

Why it matters: Fletcher said improved digital access supports telehealth, online job interviews and remote learning. Councilmembers asked specifically about privacy and HIPAA concerns for telehealth; Fletcher said the planned single‑person, frosted study pods would provide privacy and can be hardwired for secure connections.

Timeline and conditions: The Texas Reads grant runs Sept. 1, 2025–Aug. 31, 2026. The library infrastructure project runs through Dec. 31, 2026; Fletcher said major equipment purchases are expected after the city’s new budget year begins to simplify accounting. Fletcher noted prices may change due to tariffs and supply conditions, and that final vendor procurement would follow city purchasing policies.

Ending: Councilmembers praised the outreach and grant success. Fletcher asked for continued support as staff deploy technology and begin digital‑literacy classes planned for January 2026.