Library Board presents 2024 annual report highlighting record summer participation and rising visits

Rich Hunt, 2024 chair of the Livermore Library Board of Trustees, presented the board’s annual report to the City Council, summarizing the board’s role, 2024 accomplishments and priorities for 2025.

Hunt told the council the board is an advisory body that recommends policy, supports strategic planning and advocates for the library. He listed board members, described partnerships (noting Friends of the Library and collaboration with the school district during Maryland Avenue School construction) and highlighted expanded programming such as Spanish‑language story time, American Sign Language story time and a sensory story time. Hunt said Sycamore Grove Park now features a story walk.

On outcomes and usage, Hunt reported nearly one million total checkouts across library branches in 2024, more than 330,000 physical visitors (about a 10% increase over 2023) and roughly 11,000 volunteer hours (about 10% above 2023). He said overall program attendance is about 18% higher than 2019 levels and that 5,635 people participated in the summer learning program, a record. Hunt said the library has seen a steady increase in partnerships and community events, and that the board reviewed two policies last year (the display and exhibit policy and the meeting room policy and permit).

The board’s 2025 goals, Hunt said, include increased community outreach, advocacy for library funding, additional policy review, a continued focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, and improved knowledge of state and local laws affecting library operations. Several council members praised the board and library staff for their outreach; Council Member Wong specifically thanked Library Director Dr. Anwan Baker for leadership.

Hunt closed by referring the council to the board’s work plan for more detail on the objectives.