Algona Public Library reports record summer attendance, broad community programming

Laurie Walton, director of the Algona Public Library, told the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors that the library’s summer reading program this year drew close to 650 registrants and a mix of events for all ages.

Walton said the library’s theme this year was “Level Up.” Sonia Harsha, the library’s young-adult and adult programming librarian, described the kickoff event, special guests and attendance: “We had 259 people come to play games” at the opening event and “close to 650 people register for our summer program this year,” including about 150 adults. Walton said regular story times averaged about 55 attendees and a goat-themed program drew about 250 people.

The library hosted authors and presenters, Walton said, including a speaker who discussed the Iditarod and a writing workshop organized with the Algona Community School Foundation. Walton named collaborators and funders the board should recognize: the Algona Community School Foundation, the Donald Teeth Charitable Foundation, Rotary and local donors. She said interns were supported by the Rotary and local service clubs and that the library’s summer programming is largely funded by grants and donations.

Walton said the library saw a sharp increase in visitors and checkouts over the summer: “Between May and June we increased by 2,500 people coming into the library in one month” and “6,293 books got checked out” in the June–July span she reported. She told the board the library’s programs drew participants from roughly 20 communities across Kossuth County.

The board asked no formal questions and the trustees thanked the presenters. Walton closed by inviting the public to view an American Revolution exhibit at the library that runs through Thursday.

The presentation was information only; no board action was taken.