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Newton Public Library reports rising use, hires resource navigator and seeks 5% levy increase for 2026 budget
Summary
Library director Carrie Cusick told the commission the new library has driven increased visits and circulation and announced a partnership to place a United Way-hired resource navigator at the library. The draft 2026 budget includes a roughly 5% increase in tax-levy revenue and a scheduled payment toward the new building.
Carrie Cusick, executive director of the Newton Public Library, presented the library's 2026 budget proposal and service updates to the Newton City Commission.
Cusick said the new library has substantially increased usage: "In an average day that the library is open, we will see 298 people come in the door. We will check out 398 physical items. We'll check out another 159 digital items in our online collection." She said year-over-year circulation is up 18% and children's program attendance is up 48% in the first nine months in the new building.
Cusick described a formalized partnership with United Way of…
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