Gadsden Public Library reports record use, launches vending kiosks and previews May golf fundraiser

Craig Scott, director of the Gadsden Public Library, briefed the Gadsden City Council on the library’s 2024 activity and programs during National Library Week.

Scott told the council the library reported 22,803 registered cardholders and roughly 114,891 visitors for 2024, an increase from the prior year. He highlighted 2,612 volunteer hours recorded by the library’s “Friends” volunteer group, and he credited staff and community volunteers for supporting programs across children’s, teen and adult services.

Scott said the library installed two “LibCabinet” vending kiosks last October to expand access in the East Gadsden and Carver communities. He told council members the machines had a communications issue with the library’s integrated system that was resolved late the prior week; once active, patrons with a library card will be able to check out items. Scott said each kiosk holds about 150–160 items and includes children’s, teen and adult materials.

Scott also said he is the current president of the Alabama Library Association and that he will hand the statewide association’s gavel to James Galbreath of UAB at the statewide convention. He invited council members to the library’s golf outing fundraiser on May 9 at Twin Bridges and noted the library is partnering with Darden Rehab this summer to supply additional volunteers for the busy June–July summer reading period.

Council members asked for a zip-code breakdown of registered patrons; Scott said the library can report that data and noted a recent estimate that roughly 60% of cardholders live inside Gadsden and 40% live elsewhere in Etowah County.

Scott’s written “scorecard” for the council emphasized the library’s role as a community hub, including increased in-person visits, volunteer engagement and outreach programs.