Muriel Wheatley, manager for the Centralia and Chehalis branches of Timberland Regional Library, presented 2024 statistics and the branch’s summer program plans to the City Council on May 27.

Wheatley said Centralia had a strong year: circulation rose (noting a shift from physical to digital checkouts), computer sessions increased, and Centralia printed nearly a quarter-million pages in 2024. The system ran 536 programs across Centralia and Chehalis — a 25.8% increase over 2023 — serving 11,580 participants. Outreach included 72 off-site events that reached 5,174 people.

Wheatley previewed the summer library program, which runs June 1 through Aug. 31 and is free to all ages. She highlighted partnerships that provide prizes and incentives, including the Southwest Washington Fair and local businesses, and listed large upcoming events: a police story time June 27, magician Jeff Evans July 3, a FireCraft survival class July 12, Reptile Lady July 17, Pegasus Puppets July 31, and an epoxy resin art class Aug. 2. The library’s STEM “Sub 0” ice-cream program (liquid nitrogen demonstration) was also mentioned.

Councilors questioned outreach to the Hispanic community and safety around the library. Wheatley acknowledged gaps in Spanish-language engagement and invited collaboration to better serve Spanish-speaking families. On safety, she said the library uses bathroom sensors to detect vaping or extended occupancy, has hired a library safety specialist to connect patrons to resources and address behavior, and coordinates with the police department on visible presence for high-attendance outdoor programs. "If you are seeing something that is concerning in the library or around the library, please come in and tell us," she told the council.

Councilors praised the library’s work and asked staff to continue outreach. No policy or budget decisions were made at the meeting.