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Stow City library reports record circulation and expands outreach, adds bookmobile
Summary
Library staff told the Parks & Recreation Board that 2024 was the library's busiest year on record, with 752,000 checkouts, expanded outreach (including a bookmobile) and completed renovations funded from accumulated reserves.
The Stow City library reported a record year in 2024, with 752,000 total checkouts, 159,574 visits to library buildings and nearly 50,000 visits to the library’s play-and-learn area. The report, presented during the Parks & Recreation Board meeting, said the library completed several facility and service upgrades and expanded outreach to seniors and people in day care.
Library leaders told the board the circulation increase came despite a renovation project. Renovations completed last year included a remodeled circulation area and entryway, a new outreach unit focused on seniors and day-care outreach, acquisition of a bookmobile and a renovated parking lot and pavilion. The library also reported that Centennial-year projects were nearing completion.
Board members and staff emphasized that the improvements were funded from money the library had accumulated over the past 15 years rather than new taxes. The report noted the popularity of self-checkout (about 64,000 self-checkout transactions in 2024) and rising building use: the 159,574 building visits amount to roughly 430 visitors per day on average.
The library plans a new community survey this summer to guide the next planning cycle; speakers said prior projects had been tied to patron feedback from the previous survey. The library also flagged ongoing accessibility work, including web design updates to improve access for all patrons.
Board members thanked library staff for programming and outreach efforts and noted the library’s expanded role as a community hub. The library did not present any formal actions or requests for new funding at the meeting.
Looking ahead, staff said the Centennial project wrap-up and the upcoming community survey will guide program and facility decisions for the next multi-year plan.
