Trapine Hickman Library marks first year with surge in visitors, programs and event rentals

Brenda Bail, library director, told the Cedar Hill City Council on June 24 that the Trapine Hickman Library has seen rapid use in its first year, with large increases in visits, circulation and program attendance.

The presentation detailed why the library matters locally: it has become a regional draw, expanded program offerings and new event-rental revenue while hosting community and cultural programs tied to the city's broader parks and downtown goals.

Bail said the library has recorded roughly 210,000 visitors since opening and that circulation has increased by more than 80% compared with the old Zula B. Wiley Library. "We check out more in one week now than we did in a whole month at the Zula B. Wiley Library," Bail told council. She said the library hosted more than 40,000 program attendees in its first year (a 16% increase compared with the prior facility) and reported a 32% increase in the number of programs offered.

Bail highlighted several operational and outreach items: an automatic material handling (AMH) machine that other regional libraries viewed during a recent visit; a newly upgraded library website; a March-launched mobile app ("My Libro") that allows patrons to put books on hold and reserve study rooms; and volunteer support (more than 125 volunteers at the grand opening and a continuing volunteer program). She also described event-rental activity, including rooftop and multipurpose spaces that have hosted celebrations, weddings and business events and provide discounted rates for Cedar Hill residents and 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

The library noted awards and recognitions tied to the project: LEED certification (the city's first LEED-certified building), a Texas Municipal League recognition, and a Keep Texas Beautiful award for the project and youth engagement. Bail said the library team is pursuing additional partnerships, including with the Cedar Hill Museum of History and potential joint humanities grant work.

Staffing and operations changes were included: the library expanded its team from about 17 to 27 positions during the project and promoted Corrine (full name not provided) to library assistant director. Bail discussed lessons learned about facility maintenance, interior layout adjustments based on patron feedback and communication practices among a growing operations team.

Council members asked clarifying questions about noise and use patterns. Council Member Alan Allen Sims said the "first floor is not a quiet place" while the upstairs provides a quieter environment; Bail agreed and said the library intentionally provides different "vibes" on different floors to serve varied uses.

Bail closed by presenting council members with a commemorative plaque and postcards and asked council to direct staff to supply any additional information requested. She said staff would follow up if questions remained.

The presentation and council Q&A ran during the briefing portion of the June 24 session; Bail and assistant staff supplied the usage figures and operational details during that briefing.