Tooele library reports higher visits and summer-reading participation; council liaison highlights local job growth

Tooele City Public Library Director Chase Randall reported that library usage and program participation rose compared with the prior year, and council liaison Councilwoman Melanie Gochis described recent commercial growth in Tooele that she said is increasing job opportunities.

Randall told the board the library’s summer-reading program recorded "3185738 minutes read," which he said was about "300,000 more than last year." He reported 1,671 participants across ages, an increase of 142 from the previous summer. Randall also said the library logged 163,053 visits this year compared with 139,349 the prior year.

"So we're definitely growing, and we're about hitting what we were pre-COVID," Randall said, noting that more patrons now use personal devices and Wi‑Fi rather than library computers. He described operational improvements completed this year: a completed canopy on the north side that protects staff at the book drop, an additional book drop to handle holiday overflow, conversion of the north side landscaping to water-wise plantings and an order for three new picnic tables (two for the public and one for staff).

Councilwoman Melanie Gochis, the board’s city council representative, reported on recent economic development events she attended. She said a ribbon-cutting was held at the Peterson Industrial Depot for a company called Central States that will manufacture building sheeting and is expected to employ about 95 people. She said trucking company "JV Hunt" is also locating in Tooele and that the Founders Point retail area has new stores; Smith’s grocery, she said, has announced an opening in December.

Randall also said the library has no active federal grant applications at the moment and is monitoring federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. He said the state-funded CLEF grant is expected to continue and is approximately $9,480. The director described other upcoming public programs, including the library’s Haunted Historic Park in October, teen and tween programs and additional spring grant planning.

Randall said the canopy and book-drop changes were intended to reduce weather‑related damage and to improve staff safety when handling returns. He told the board that staff and the city’s IT director have reviewed privacy and other policies that were discussed later in the meeting.

Board members did not take any formal votes tied to the director’s operational reports; the items were presented for information and planning.