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Hot Springs library reports 4,079 patrons and plans summer programs; council accepts 2024 survey
Summary
Library Director Mary Taronis reported library usage, programming and resource challenges tied to state-level cuts; the council voted to accept the 2024 South Dakota Public Library annual survey.
Mary Taronis, Hot Springs Public Library director, told the council the library currently has 4,079 patrons, including about 2,372 Hot Springs residents and roughly 1,300 people from Fall River County. The library averages about 64 new library cards per month and holds about 23,000 titles across books, audiobooks and DVDs.
Taronis described recent "extreme weeding" of damaged or outdated materials and said salvageable items are donated to the Book Barn; proceeds support the library. "If they're not in a horrible condition, we will give them to the Book Barn," she said.
She reviewed upcoming programming: summer reading will run June 9 through July 31 with sessions Wednesday and Thursday for ages 1–18 under the theme "Color Your World," and highlighted planned events including a puppet show and a magic show. Story time wrapped April 10 with average weekly attendance about 18 preschool-aged children.
Taronis described impacts from cuts at the state library level: Libby (the ebook platform) is expected to continue, she said, but interlibrary loan and some institute accreditation components face reductions. "The interlibrary loan ... is gonna face some troubles," she said, adding the library relies on state databases and other shared resources.
Council later approved a motion to accept the 2024 annual survey of the South Dakota Public Library as presented by Taronis and approved by the Library Board. The motion passed by voice vote.
Council members praised Taronis and library staff for outreach and service; one councilor reported visitors from the eastern part of the state had complimented the facility and staff.
The council also approved travel/training requests for Taronis and librarians Heather Lee, Nicole Clark, Cassie Garner and Laura Blue to attend a Black Hills library mini-conference in Rapid City on April 28.
