The Pamunkey Regional Library Board of Trustees introduced its new director, Zachary Roberts, and outlined service and operational changes affecting Goochland County residents.

Barbara Young, a library trustee, noted Roberts’ nearly 20 years in public libraries and educational credentials; Roberts said he was in his 13th day on the job and is meeting staff to assess services and organizational structure. “My plan is to meet with every single staff member of Pamunkey Regional Library,” Roberts said, noting a high part‑time staffing rate and elevated turnover: “83% of the library staff are part time and most of those people are very part time.” He said he is assessing programs and organizational needs during September.

What the board reported:
- Delivery and materials: the regional system acquired a new van that will visit Goochland daily (previously two days per week) and the old van will be repurposed for scheduled community events.
- Staffing and finance: Pamunkey hired an internal business operations manager, Ace Phillips, and the FY2025 audit is underway; the staff will present a preliminary FY2027 budget later in the month.
- Circulation and electronic access: electronic checkout limits were reduced (e.g., monthly electronic checkouts lowered to five for a specific provider, and OverDrive/Libby checkouts reduced to 15 at a time), overdue billing notices are now emailed, and extended library card privileges now renew once every three years.
- Programs and facilities: summer reading was highly successful; the library offers Richmond Times‑Dispatch electronic access to patrons; a newly installed bottle filler and outreach programs were highlighted. The board also noted a minor water intrusion issue at one branch and said staff is considering an awning or cover to prevent mold.

Why it matters: daily van deliveries can improve county patrons’ access to materials; reducing checkout caps and emailing overdue notices are operational changes intended to increase circulation velocity and customer service. The board also discussed using a $110,000 library proffer fund (restricted to Goochland library initiatives) to expand services such as lockers or kiosks in outlying locations; trustees said they are studying options with friends groups and will return with proposals.

Ending: Roberts will continue staff outreach in September, trustees will finalize recommendations for the proffer money, and the board plans further updates on budget and service changes.