Vernon Township Public Library reports card growth, expanded outreach and new calming-corner grant

The Vernon Township Public Library reported year-over-year growth in library cardholders, program attendance and outreach during a presentation to the Mount Vernon Community School Corporation board.

Library Director Ashton Bennett said cardholder totals rose about 25% from the prior April to the current April and highlighted the library’s participation in the Evergreen Indiana consortium, which gives local cardholders access to roughly 8,000,000 items through resource sharing. Bennett said the library handles about 15,000 material transits per year under that arrangement.

Bennett described program growth and outreach: the library hosted 265 programs last year with 5,622 total attendees; it expanded partnerships (including Ivy Tech and local fire and rescue organizations) and added outreach visits to preschools and senior living facilities. The library also charges a $35 nonresident card fee, she said, and maintains reciprocal borrowing arrangements with area libraries so students and residents can use libraries across county lines.

On services for patrons with sensory needs, Bennett said the library received a grant to create a “calming corner” with sensory seating, headphones and manipulatives to serve patrons who need a lower-stimulation space. Bennett said the program of early literacy and summer reading will continue to be a focus and that staff will increase community-based events as the area grows.

Bennett, who told the board she joined Vernon Township in January 2024, asked board members to share the library’s contact details with community members who want more information or to schedule visits.