Jessica Dupitus, deputy community services director and city librarian, presented a data-rich update on Tempe Public Library services, highlighting growth in circulation, programming and community initiatives.

Key data: Dupitus said the library recorded 5.4 items circulated per capita in the most recent fiscal year, exceeding the council's circulation goal of 3.47 items per capita and the Arizona state average of 4.95; she also noted the Maricopa County Library System average of 1.7 items per capita for context. Dupitus described a continuing shift to digital access and higher youth-program participation.

Programs and initiatives: Dupitus described three signature reading initiatives: FanCon (an annual free fandom event), the summer reading program (this year's completion rate rose to 59% from 39% in 2021) and the 1 Tempe 1 Book community-reading program (past topics included disability and death; the 2025 theme will focus on storytelling with 1,500 copies of How to Tell a Story to be distributed). She told council the library will add a bilingual English-Spanish story time in October.

Facilities and access: Dupitus highlighted recent improvements including a new logo, a public library app for accounts and room reservations, a lower-level mural funded by Friends of the Tempe Public Library and an expanded mission and vision statement. The library continues to provide free public computers, study rooms, wifi and programming.

Council response: Council members praised the library's outreach and programs. Council Member Hodge asked whether the library needs help connecting to schools; Dupitus said the library has strong school partnerships but that school capacity and staff workload limit additional in-school programming. Mayor Woods and other council members commended the staff for engagement and new offerings.

Next steps: Dupitus said the library will continue to expand programming and outreach and to use the transportation and city networks to reach residents. No formal action or funding requests were made at the meeting.