Library leaders report rising visits, new programs and author events; staff additions noted

Library staff and regional representatives presented a quarterly and fiscal-year summary of the Alleghany County public library system's use statistics and programs, telling commissioners the library is reporting increased visits, program attendance and online use.

Why it matters: The library serves as a community hub, offers broadband access, hosts educational and cultural programming, and partners regionally for digital collections; rising usage has implications for local programming, service hours and county support.

Key points from the presentation: - Alleghany County library visits increased 5.59% year over year; patrons with library cards rose about 3.76%. - Program attendance and computer use increased significantly in the regional consortium: program attendance up ~26.2%, computer use up ~26.65% across the region; local program attendance also rose (Alleghany-specific program attendance up roughly 15%). - The library participates in NC Cardinal and NC Live, offering interlibrary loans and statewide digital resources; regional e-book consortia and Libby were noted as growth areas. - Upcoming events include the Writer's Roadshow in April and an author visit and workshop by North Carolina author Dale Neal; the library is hosting a Young Eagles aviation partnership for youth ages 8'17. - Staffing: Jen Marlowe was hired in May and is serving as a notary and newsletter editor; volunteers and the Friends of the Library contributed to grants and donations (including audio "wonder books" and Launchpad devices for children).

Administrative notes: A board replacement nomination (Burr Bost) was announced for information and will be voted on at a future meeting.

Ending Commissioners thanked library staff and the regional partners; library leaders asked for continued county and town support for services and programming.