Laguna Woods Library reports expanded services after relocation, outlines 2025 program plans
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Summary
Orange County Public Libraries branch librarian reported steep increases in usage since the Laguna Woods Library opened at a new location in January 2024, highlighted a 2024 total of 27,000 attendees and 40,000 materials checked out, and previewed 2025 programs including the library of things and outreach to local schools.
Jolene Finn, branch librarian for the Orange County Public Library's Laguna Woods branch, told the City Council the branch has substantially expanded since moving from a six-foot counter inside City Hall to a full library space across the walkway in January 2024.
Finn said the branch's physical collection is about 5,000 items and that a Laguna Woods library card provides access to more than 1.7 million countywide materials in 13 languages and extensive digital resources. The branch is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., operates five public desktop computers with printing and free Wi-Fi during open hours, and has three full-time staff members (up from one at the counter).
Finn reported usage growth from roughly 10,000 visits in 2023 to over 27,000 in 2024, and a rise in materials checked out from 21,000 to over 40,000. The branch issued more than 1,000 library cards in 2024 and fulfilled many interlibrary loan requests for specialty or academic materials. Programming in 2024 included 108 programs with more than 2,000 participants; offerings ranged from gardening workshops and fire safety demonstrations to musical performances and passive grab-and-go activities.
Planned 2025 initiatives include participation in the library-of-things program (items such as ukuleles and stargazing kits), transitioning audiobooks from CD to Playaway/MP3 devices, a music appreciation series and UC Master Gardener monthly talks, and increased outreach to local schools including San Joaquin Elementary and two private schools (Geneva Presbyterian and Pathway School). Finn invited residents to view an accompanying display in the library and to subscribe to the branch email list for program notices.
Council members thanked Finn and suggested city publicity channels could help promote library events. There was no action required on the presentation.