Waverly library reports rising use, details $2.925 million renovation and funding mix

The Waverly Public Library Board of Trustees delivered its annual report to the City Council on Aug. 4, outlining library use, staffing changes, programs and final costs for a building renovation completed in November 2024.

The presentation, led by Sarah Meyer (library staff member) and Deanna McHugh (library board member and president of the library foundation), said the renovation project’s final cost was about $2.925 million and that a mix of public gifts, grants and city funds covered construction and finishing expenses. Deanna McHugh told the council the project received “a large grant” totaling about $583,000 and several state technology grants that together contributed roughly $83,000.

Meyer said the library was asked to cut $150,000 from its budget for fiscal 2024–25 and that staff identified roughly $130,000 in savings, largely by changing some contracts and reallocating funds. Meyer said switching integrated library systems is expected to reduce contract costs by about $20,000…