Richland Public Library Foundation pledges $100,000 as library presents 2024 report

The Richland Public Library Foundation pledged $100,000 toward construction of an outdoor amphitheater at the Richland Public Library, Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Kent announced during the April 15 City Council meeting. The pledge was accompanied by the library board’s annual report for 2024, delivered by Karen Buxton, chair of the Richland Public Library Board of Trustees.

The donation supports elements of the city’s strategic plan by boosting downtown vibrancy, recreational opportunities and financing for capital needs, Kent said. "I'm honored to stand before you today to acknowledge the generous support of the Richland Library Foundation," Kent said.

Buxton told council that 2024 was a productive year marked by higher program attendance and several new partnerships and services. "2024 has been a productive year for Richland Public Library and we're pleased to be here in order to share with you some of the many projects, events and accomplishments of 2024," Buxton said.

The board reported program and attendance increases in 2024: programs were up about 23 percent and attendance rose by about 21 percent compared with the prior year. The library’s summer reading program counted 393 adults, 185 teens, 640 children and 73 babies. The library distributed 688 take-and-make kits, and meeting-room use rose nearly 20 percent while personal computer sessions climbed about 33 percent.

Buxton said overall circulation increased about 1 percent year-over-year; physical circulation and renewals declined roughly 5 percent while digital circulation rose more than 22 percent, a trend the presentation said mirrors national shifts. The board used the American Library Association value calculator to estimate that Richland residents received about $10,000,000 in value from library services in 2024.

Trustees and staff described several service changes introduced in 2024 and early 2025: a mobile checkout and virtual library card option; a redesigned events calendar and room-booking interface; reciprocal borrowing that began in January 2025 with Mid-Columbia libraries and other nearby districts; and the addition of Oregon State Park passes and other museum/park passes. Trustees also reported growth in collections, including graphic novels and a nascent foreign-language collection in Spanish.

Buxton said the outdoor program and play space on the library’s northwest corner is expected to be completed this year, with staff hoping to open it in the fall. The Richland Public Library Foundation’s $100,000 pledge will be used specifically for the outdoor amphitheater. The council later approved a consent resolution on April 15 (Resolution 202553) accepting the donation.

Council members thanked trustees and volunteers. Council member Joanna Jones asked about access for residents who cannot visit the library to pick up physical cards after applying online; Buxton said staff can arrange card issuance by phone and the library is exploring further digital verification options.

The trustees also credited the Friends of the Library for contributing more than $250,000 annually to support community engagement and noted other partnerships including the Hindu Society of Eastern Washington (Diwali Festival), Columbia Basin College, the Department of Energy and WSU Tri-Cities.

The board outlined priorities for 2025 and 2026, including continued reciprocal borrowing, expansion of teen outreach, a planned assessment to gauge interest in South Richland services, updates to lobby and exhibit furnishings, addition of outdoor-equipment loans (pickleball paddles, croquet) and work-group planning for staff development.

Buxton closed by thanking the council, the trustees and community volunteers for support of the library’s programs and projects.