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Saint Mary's library reports rising use, outlines capital campaign and expanded programs
Summary
Library representative Leslie told the Saint Mary's City Council on April 21 that visits, program attendance and circulation rose in 2024; the library plans a capital campaign to replace windows and expand program space and will launch fundraising soon.
Leslie, a library representative, told the Saint Mary's City Council on April 21 that Saint Mary's Public Library saw increased visits, program attendance and circulation in 2024 and is preparing a capital campaign to address building needs.
Leslie said the library recorded more than 63,000 visits last year, was open 2,435 hours and averaged about 26 people per hour. “For example, this morning for story time, we had 45 kids come in with over 30 adults. So within 15 minutes, we saw almost a hundred people walk through the doors,” Leslie said.
The library reported 31,000 physical items circulated in 2024 and about 9,000 electronic materials borrowed. Its 2025 operating budget is $317,000, of which roughly $103,000 is expected from donations, fundraisers and grants; Leslie said the library raised almost $80,000 last year and will launch an annual fund drive within weeks.
The capital campaign the library is planning would fund building improvements including replacement of leaking windows and reconfiguring upstairs space to accommodate larger adult programs; Leslie said an elder-care program drew 63 people into a room with a 50-person seating capacity. The library also is expanding programs aimed at nontraditional users: two weekly STEAM sessions for middle schoolers, story time and a new “all-abilities” story time for adults with disabilities, caregiver support groups for dementia, a Knit & Crochet Club and adult movie and discussion nights.
Upcoming events Leslie highlighted include a screening of the documentary Taking Care and a discussion at 3 p.m. April 25 (about 38 minutes), a teen author visit on May 15 and a local history program series beginning May 19 at 3:30 p.m. She said the library has partnered with the school district to provide a bus drop-off for the after-school STEAM programs.
The library has also expanded its “library of things” lending program to include items such as a rototiller, auger, electric sweeper and saws to draw nontraditional users. Leslie said use of public Wi‑Fi and patrons’ personal devices has reduced public-computer signups while print and copying needs remain high.
Council members thanked Leslie and encouraged public awareness of cleanup and community events referenced later in the meeting. The library representative asked residents for program suggestions and said fundraising and grant writing will continue as part of the 2025 budget strategy.
