Waynesboro library reports rising use, mayor proclaims April as National Library Week

The Waynesboro Public Library reported rising use of its physical and digital collections and expanded outreach programs at the March 24 Waynesboro City Council meeting, and Mayor Kenneth B. Lee Sr. read a proclamation declaring April 6–12, 2025, National Library Week.

Library Director Susan Berson told council the library’s strategic plan through 2026 is organized around six pillars: a balanced collection (including digital access), early literacy, library technology and digital literacy, programs and services across ages, marketing and outreach, and building improvements. “This is our mission and vision statement. These guide what we do and why we do it,” Berson said.

Berson said most service metrics have increased over the past five years: circulation and e-resources are up, Wi-Fi sessions numbered about 53,000 last year, and in-person public computer use has declined as more patrons bring their own devices. The library has about 14,000 cardholders, she said, and its programming and outreach — including visits to retirement communities and low-income housing — have expanded since hiring an outreach and engagement coordinator in 2022.

Berson highlighted several programs and services: Paint-and-Sip events funded in part by a Virginia Commission for the Arts grant (booked through June), an authors’ festival that drew 22 authors and roughly 300 attendees in 2024, a second annual winter market, story times and early-literacy programs including the national “A Thousand Things Before Kindergarten” initiative, STEAM and memory kits for people living with dementia, and culture passes that include two free tickets to some American Shakespeare Center performances. Berson also noted the library provides limited bus passes from Augusta Health, COVID tests, a free food pantry that distributed about 5,000 pounds of food in calendar year 2024, and a “hiker’s corner” serving long-distance hikers.

On funding, Berson said approximately 80% of the library’s operating funds come from local sources and roughly 20% from state aid — the latter primarily supporting collections; she added that 12 of the library’s 18 databases are provided through the Library of Virginia using federal funds. Berson also described room use statistics: the library logged 163 non-library meeting-room reservations in fiscal 2024 and had recorded 89 through February of the current fiscal year; study-room reservations were 919 for fiscal 2024 and 612 through February.

The council received the library’s 2025 annual report and Mayor Lee read and signed a proclamation commending observance of National Library Week and encouraging residents to visit the library.

Looking ahead, Berson said the library plans to expand delivery to homebound residents through a partnership with VPAS and Meals on Wheels, continue outreach and partnerships, begin a strategic-plan refresh in 2026, and address building maintenance needs (the building last underwent a renovation in 2012). Summer reading registration was announced for June 1–July 31, and the library expects a combined job fair with partner LifeWorks on April 30.

The council did not take a separate vote on funding during the presentation; the meeting record shows the library’s report was received and the proclamation read.