Library reports program growth, volunteer gains and plans to revive homebound delivery

Library Director Tiffany Anderson told the Richfield Public Library Board on Jan. 17 that strategic planning and recent programming have produced stronger community engagement and higher attendance, and she outlined next steps for volunteer recruitment and a proposed homebound-delivery program.

Anderson said the library completed a strategic plan and used a community survey to set priorities; she reported that many of the changes requested by respondents have been implemented in the past six months. The director said the "Mom and Me" program has returned and that staff are running multiple weekly sessions to meet growing demand.

Staff reported a large turnout for recent events: the library's birthday event drew an estimated 200 people over 3½ hours, with 77 counted inside the building and additional attendees using outdoor and shed space. Anderson said the library deleted roughly 9,500 items from its catalog in 2024 and moved a substantial number to the shed to clear space; the board discussed options to sell or otherwise dispose of materials, and trustees suggested a dedicated booksale room if the library secures a new building.

The board also discussed volunteer and outreach work. A special-needs intern is volunteering weekly to shelve books, and a returning volunteer has offered to serve as a story-time substitute. Anderson proposed restarting a homebound-delivery program where staff or vetted volunteers would deliver or exchange materials at a doorway for patrons unable to visit the library. The board discussed safety and procedure: deliveries would generally be doorway exchanges, staff would not routinely enter private residences, and any mileage reimbursements for volunteer drivers could be handled through regional programs like Region 6 (Meredith Peterson was referenced as a Region 6 contact). The board noted that Region 6 may reimburse mileage up to specified limits for eligible volunteer delivery work.

Trustees also discussed staffing and budget implications tied to program growth. Anderson said the library is about 58% through the fiscal year with 53.9% of budget spent and 55.3% of projected revenue realized; a temporary employee’s wages increased temporary-employee line items, but the board has negotiated benefits to cover costs. Anderson said she supports monthly staff meetings and increased community outreach now that program capacity has improved.

Board direction: staff will refine the homebound-delivery procedures (doorstep delivery, safety rules, volunteer enrollment and mileage reimbursement options) and continue volunteer recruitment and program scheduling.