Laurie Burgess, interim director of the Fond du Lac Public Library, told the City Council on Wednesday that the library is focusing on community partnerships, accessibility and expanding experiential learning as it prepares for the 2026 budget year. Burgess described programs, facilities and usage metrics and said the library’s board retains statutory control of library funds.

"The library is a vital part of the community," Burgess said, summarizing the mission to support reading, lifelong learning and community involvement. She highlighted work to diversify services and to make the building and collections more welcoming, including new adjustable-height service desks, reconfigured public computers and carpeting changes to help patrons with dementia navigate the space.

Burgess reported 2024 activity levels and recent program metrics: about 370,000 physical items checked out last year, roughly 125,000 electronic checkouts via the Libby app, a physical collection near 200,000 items, about 13,000 items added annually, more than 20,000 cardholders and roughly 250,000 visitors. The library hosted more than 800 programs with more than 30,000 attendees. She said the library invested in new experiential offerings, including a suite of "experience passes" to museums and attractions; Milwaukee County Zoo passes were among the most checked out.

Burgess described a special grant program: the library is one of three recipients nationally of a federally funded DesignLab program that reached 165 third- through fifth-graders this year; funding for a fifth year remains uncertain and the library is awaiting a decision. She also highlighted the Idea Studio makerspace, which offers 3-D printers, a laser cutter, sewing machines and other equipment for public use, and an equipment collection that includes items such as snowshoes, cake pans, bike locks and assistive devices.

Burgess explained how the library board is constituted: 10 members, seven appointed by the city council and three representing the city council, county supervisor and school district. She noted council President Vrault serves as the city’s representative on the board. Burgess invited councilmembers to tour the library and to attend monthly library board meetings.

Councilmembers thanked Burgess for the presentation and asked follow-up questions about classic collections, the Idea Studio and fine-free policy outcomes; Burgess said the library keeps core classics, seeks to shorten waits for electronic titles, and has seen return of some patrons since eliminating fines on most reading materials.