United Way survey spotlights library access gaps in Box Elder County; commissioners request follow-up

Heather Crockett of United Way of Northern Utah presented results of a library-access survey to the Box Elder County Commissioners, arguing the county should consider options to expand full library access for children in outlying communities.

Crockett said the Box Elder Early Childhood Coalition runs Read, Talk, Play Everyday, an outreach campaign to boost preschool enrollment and readiness. The coalition's survey received 53 responses; Crockett reported the following key findings from that survey and additional data she compiled:

- 53 survey responses were received. - 74% of respondents said they do not use the bookmobile. - When asked how important access to checkout books is for children in outlying areas, 95% said "very important." - United Way reported it helped enroll 62 more children in preschool last year through its campaign. - Brigham City population cited at about 20,000; the city library reportedly has about 6,000 active library cards (roughly 31% of residents) and an annual budget of about $1,000,000. Crockett said the bookmobile budget is about $500,000. - United Way's estimate to expand full library access to areas currently served by the bookmobile was roughly $319,000 (presentation figure). - Nonresident library cards currently cost $60 and are expected to increase; other counties cited lower nonresident rates (Weber County $30). Crockett said a countywide tax-rate equalization could move a $55 rate to as high as $137 per household in their county-rate example.

Crockett presented two options for expansion: raise property taxes to fund countywide library card access or pursue grants. She said United Way identified eight potential grants in the Candid database and offered to support grant research (United Way would not apply as it is not the county).

Commissioners and staff asked clarifying questions. Commissioner Perry asked whether the survey captured respondents' locations; Crockett said she did not ask geographic location in the survey. A commissioner asked whether any grant would require carrying particular books an applicant might not want; Crockett said she was not aware of grants that required the county to carry specified books and advised reviewing grant terms individually. Commissioners asked that Crockett's slides be shared with the county and the bookmobile director.

Nut graf: The survey and accompanying county-level budget figures were intended to frame options for expanding library access to children who cannot obtain full-service library cards under the current arrangement; the discussion did not produce a firm policy decision but commissioners requested follow-up materials and suggested exploring grants and budget options.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to accept Crockett's presentation materials for distribution to the bookmobile director and indicated an openness to further conversations about funding options or grant applications; no county funding decision was made at the meeting.