Keller Public Library reports rising use, plans makerspace and new programs

Anne Fenimore, director of the Keller Public Library, updated the City Council Tuesday on staffing, collections, programs and planned projects, saying the library’s in-person and digital use remain well above state averages.

Fenimore said the library serves more than 32,000 cardholders and circulates roughly half a million physical items each year — about 12 checkouts per resident, compared with a Texas average of about 3.35 per resident. “Nobody loves data more than a librarian,” Fenimore said, adding the digital collection now approaches 2 million items across Libby, Cloud Library and Hoopla.

The library director told the council the staff currently totals 21 employees (15.52 full‑time equivalent) and that volunteers donated 3,483 hours last year. “If we had paid them what we pay our least paid employee, that would have cost us almost $50,000,” Fenimore said, describing volunteers’ role in shelving, programs and general operations.

Fenimore described program activity and demand: the library ran 661 programs last year with 17,348 participants. She noted children’s programs account for the largest share of attendance while adult classes often have capacity limits. “We support lifelong learning and fun through books, programs, and media in order to transform lives for a better community,” Fenimore said, reading the library’s mission and highlighting services for all ages.

On collections and services, Fenimore said the physical collection totals more than 82,000 items; the “library of things” (tools, musical instruments, games and similar loanable items) is growing; and eAudiobooks are among the most-used digital formats. The library provides meeting rooms (for nonprofits/community groups), printing and scanning, test proctoring, notary service (one notary on staff, with two more in process), and a home-delivery program for patrons unable to visit.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, Fenimore said the library plans to add a public makerspace with equipment such as a 3D printer, sewing machine and laser engraver; to add two weekday preschool story‑times; to partner on events marking Keller’s 70th incorporation anniversary; and to hold more evening “Late Night at the Library” events. She also said the library received a $2,500 competitive grant from the Texas Book Festival this year and a $50,000 grant from a local foundation to support several upcoming events.

Council members asked logistical questions about hotspots, computer use and staffing. Fenimore said public computer use declined for several years but rebounded this fiscal year; Wi‑Fi hotspots remain in high demand and carry wait lists. She also said three staff members hold master’s degrees in library science and three more are pursuing that degree.

Fenimore closed by thanking two longtime library board members, Jennifer White and Rick Peters, who attended the meeting; the council offered several compliments and thanks.

The library will return with additional performance data and, when ready, specifics on the planned makerspace and scheduling for new programs.