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Derby Public Library reports record passport revenue and awards $1.3 million bid for new 'Rhythm and Read' park
Summary
Library Director Eric Estes reported rising circulation and passport processing revenue that will help fund programs, and announced the city awarded a $1.3 million construction bid to Snodgrass Construction for the Rhythm And Read splash‑pad pocket park, with completion targeted for August 2025.
Derby Public Library Director Eric Estes told the City Council on Feb. 11 that the library continues to expand services and non‑tax revenue, and that the city has awarded a $1.3 million construction contract for the Rhythm And Read pocket park adjacent to the library.
Estes said library circulation climbed to about 375,000 items in the last year, with more than half of media circulation now electronic, and roughly 60 percent of circulation remaining in print. Library visits were about 170,000, and passport processing generated roughly $100,000 in revenue in 2024, a level Estes said will help replace a sunset sales‑tax funding stream.
"Passport revenue is what's building the park behind the library," Estes told council members, noting passport services also increase public traffic and use of library meeting spaces. The library processed about 3,000 passport applications last year, he said.
On the park project Estes said the city bid the Rhythm And Read Park in January and awarded the job to Snodgrass Construction for about $1.3 million. The park's splash pad was redesigned after community feedback to be larger and more interactive; Estes said Snodgrass has constructed successful local projects and the contract anticipates breaking ground within 30 days of award. Completion was targeted for August 2025, with roughly $400,000 in grants and private memorial funding offsetting the cost.
Estes summarized other library programs and facilities: summer reading participation, nearly 20,000 public computer/wireless uses, interlibrary sharing with eight regional libraries (17,500 items loaned out, 15,000 borrowed), rising adult participation in programs, and high demand for rental venues the library manages. He told council the library is exploring additional grants to fund a mural and sidewalk art tying the park to the library's theme.
Council members praised staff service and the passport program. Several asked about parking for the new splash pad; Estes said staff analysis showed excess capacity on the west end of the existing lot and that two new handicap spaces are planned near the park entrance.
No ordinance or budget appropriation was adopted at the meeting; the park contract award was announced in the presentation and will be finalized through the city's procurement and contracting processes.
