Palm Desert library reports strong first year: near-target cardholders, higher program use

Gary Schafer, director of library services, told the Palm Desert City Council that the city’s municipally run library nearly met its goal of 15,000 cardholders in its first year and exceeded most other performance targets.

Schafer said the library “surpassed our checkout goals, for books and laptops as well as in person and virtual visits,” highlighted its interlibrary access through Link+ to more than 400 other outlets, and reported staff-led outreach and fundraising successes. “Staff conducted over 83 outreach events,” he said, and the library’s used-book sales raised about $22,000 for the library friends group. Schafer also said 16 volunteers logged about 1,900 hours — “equivalent to 1 full time staffer.”

The presentation included program metrics: the library nearly doubled its target for “little learners” and exceeded goals for school-age and adult programming, while virtual-program participation reached about 75% of the library’s target. Schafer described the library’s net promoter score as “world class.” He said roughly 60% of the library’s Valley visitors are residents of Palm Desert and that 38.56% of visitors come from neighboring cities or seasonal visitors from other parts of the United States.

Councilmembers raised operational questions. Councilmember Quintanilla asked what the library’s “ready reference” service covers; Schafer said the service now includes practical, staff-assisted help such as small-business licensing guidance and computer assistance. No council action was required on the report.

The council’s comments included praise for staff and volunteers and multiple mentions that the renovated library has become both a local amenity and a regional draw. Schafer said staff planned to continue outreach and programming expansion going into the next fiscal year.