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Library reports growth in visits, makerspace expansion and community services
Summary
St. Helens Public Library staff reported a 24% increase in visits in 2024, rapid makerspace growth with expanding equipment and programming, new local‑history arrangements, Narcan distribution for the public and continued outreach and volunteer support.
Library staff presented a semiannual report to the St. Helens City Council on Feb. 5, outlining increased use, new makerspace offerings and programs that the library says are returning after COVID.
Library staff described 65,037 building visits in 2024 and said visits rose about 24% from 2023; patrons checked out nearly 66,000 items in calendar 2024. The library has 3,204 registered patrons, about 21% of the city population, and 6.1 full‑time equivalent staff handle programs, circulation and technology services.
The report highlighted a rapidly expanding makerspace, which recorded 105 users in January and has been adding equipment, including a recently donated 3‑D printer and a Glowforge laser cutter purchased with Friends‑of‑the‑Library support. Staff said makerspace open hours attract groups of 15–20 people and that volunteer and peer assistance is an important aspect of the space.
Staff also described community services: mobile hotspots and a “library of things” (tools, telescope, air fryer) are in circulation; Narcan is available free behind the front desk through the county public health program; the library served as a cooling center during heat events; and the summer reading challenge and children’s programs are being planned. The library is preparing to relocate local‑history materials to a lockable space within the building to improve access and preservation.
Councilors and attendees praised staff and volunteers; no formal action was required.
Ending: Staff said they would continue implementing maker‑space upgrades, complete the local‑history move and roll out summer programming.
