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Sims Library reports rising use: Wi-Fi and programs surge, bookmobile expands outreach
Summary
Sims Library staff told the Waxahachie City Council that visitation, programming and Wi-Fi usage rose sharply over the past year; staff outlined new initiatives including adaptive story times and a dedicated bookmobile team.
Sims Library staff told the Waxahachie City Council on Feb. 3 that library use increased in several measures last year, including a 138% increase in Wi‑Fi usage, expansion of outreach through a newly staffed bookmobile and a rise in youth programming.
Library Director Jen (last name not specified in the transcript) said patrons saved $8,630,978 citywide by borrowing physical items rather than buying them, and reported nearly 181,000 circulated items with circulation up 5.5%. The library hired a dedicated bookmobile staffer and reported a 142% increase in bookmobile foot traffic; the school‑age (6–12) program grew by about 1,600 kids, an increase the presenter described as roughly 90%.
Program and outreach staff member Sarah said the library delivered 761 programs last year and boosted attendance across age groups. The staff reported visitor counts and active borrowers increased year over year and that social‑media followings and website traffic rose; Facebook followers were up 26% and website visits rose 4.5%. Staff noted computer-lab use declined by 11% even as Wi‑Fi demand rose, prompting plans to reconfigure the lab into more flexible study and work space.
Jen described new initiatives including adaptive story times for neurodivergent children, a renewed emphasis on staff development through professional conferences, and a coding database that produced national contest placings for local patrons. Staff also said U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey nominated Sims Library for the National Medal for Museum and Library Services; staff described that nomination as a community recognition requiring letters of support.
Councilmembers praised the library's outreach and encouraged staff to continue partnering with local organizations; staff said the bookmobile already partners with after‑school programs and Daymark and will explore further school‑day partnerships.
No formal action or funding request was made at the meeting; staff encouraged stakeholders to bring program needs forward outside of the budget cycle if immediate assistance is required.
