Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Library Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cedar Park library and parks departments report sharp attendance gains, new makerspace staffing and robust spring lineup
Summary
Library managers said visits, checkouts and new library cards have risen sharply since reopening; parks and recreation reported rising resident participation after a registration policy change and outlined spring events including concert series, movie nights, Earth Day activities and a Mario Kart esports tournament.
Marjorie Goodson, public services manager for the Cedar Park Public Library, told council members on March 11 that the library’s recent opening produced a sizable uptick in usage: compared with the prior November–February period, the library recorded more than 30,000 additional physical checkouts and issued roughly 6,000 new library cards versus about 1,000 in the earlier period.
"We've more than doubled the visitors," Goodson said, and she highlighted a long roster of spring programs including Spring Break activities, instrument lessons for adults, a themed dance party on March 19 and a community-run book sale April 12–14. Catherine Ingram, assistant library director, added that makerspace offerings are expanding; the library is hiring another part‑time makerspace specialist to reduce wait times for tools such as a forthcoming laser cutter and sublimation printer.
Josh, recreation manager for Parks and Recreation, told the council that a revised priority-registration policy for Cedar Park residents has increased participation by roughly 30 percent in the sample reviewed. He cited sold‑out events (skate and arcade night), a successful introductory archery class and more than 22,000 membership check‑ins at the recreation center during January and February (membership-only check-ins).
Josh outlined the spring events calendar: a glowing bike ride, a movie-in-the-park series, a four‑concert “Live at Lakeline” series beginning April 4 (with a tethered hot‑air balloon display subject to wind limits), a May 16 Queen‑cover concert and an Earth Day celebration April 27 hosted by the Parks and Trails Foundation. He also previewed an April 26 Mario Kart esports tournament for children and additional youth and adult classes.
Council members praised staff for the increases in engagement and the library’s award recognition; staff said they would continue to expand makerspace hours and program capacity as hiring permits.
