Agoura Hills Library reports rising attendance and expanded programs

Library Manager Nina Ho presented the library's quarterly update to the Agoura Hills City Council, summarizing recent and upcoming programs and attendance trends.

Ho told council that regular events — multiple monthly book clubs, an adult movie night, trivia, Sisters in Crime presentations and an expanded children’s program — are drawing increased attendance now that school is back in session. She said children's story time led by staff musician Sarah Hollins regularly attracts as many as 25 children and 20 adults.

Ho described new and repeat offerings: a September “book speed dating” event that gave away advanced reader copies, a monthly teen “scary short story” contest, an ongoing banned-books display during Banned Books Week, and a Pokemon-themed “Trainers League” board-game club for children supported by the Friends of the Library.

She said the library now runs an Instagram account and uses it for themed outreach (an example was a Taylor Swift-themed literary countdown). Ho noted that September–October features included Hispanic Heritage Month and Teen Read Month, and she announced a Native American pottery class scheduled for Oct. 25 in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

Council members thanked Ho for the report and asked about public reaction to the banned-books display; Ho said the reaction has been largely surprise when patrons discover familiar titles on the list rather than a direct commentary against display choices.

No council action was required on the report.