Roseville library reports big gains in visits, circulation and program attendance; board elects chair and vice chair

The Roseville Public Library reported marked increases in use and participation in 2024 and outlined plans for outreach, collections procurement and student access, City Librarian Narinda Sufi told the library board at its Jan. 27 meeting.

“We had 410,857 visits to the libraries. Our circulation was 1,400,000 and digital downloads were over 279,000,” Sufi said, adding that program attendance and outreach also rose. She told the board that the library increased the number of programs by 23% and saw a 44% jump in program participation year over year.

The figures were central to a broader “year in review” presentation that covered services at the three library locations, the Maidu Museum and Historic Site, and cultural-arts partnerships. Library supervisor Cambria Evans and community engagement librarian Sarah Schleyhoffer described program highlights ranging from story times and teen coding to adult “Push Pause” drop-in activities. “The library's mission is to enhance lives and the community by providing exceptional experiences,” Evans said.

Why it matters: board members said the statistics suggest stronger community engagement and validated efforts to expand off-site programming. Sufi and staff said the increases stem from new programs, targeted outreach and partnerships with city departments and local organizations.

Key details and next steps

- Outreach and tours: Staff reported nearly 1,600 student tours in 2024 and about 1,800 tours already scheduled through May, with an anticipated additional 900 visits. Tours are requested through the city’s My Roseville app and frequently coordinated with the Utility Exploration Center to create full-field-trip experiences.

- Student Success Card: Sufi briefed the board on state legislation (identified in the meeting as "SP321," a 2023 law) that establishes a local public library partnership program to promote library access for students through third grade. She said the program has not had dedicated funding statewide and that Roseville staff will complete a state survey about participation challenges, noting high turnover at school contact points as a local obstacle.

- Collections procurement: The library issued a request for proposals (RFP) for library materials and vendor services; proposals are due Feb. 19, and the current vendor contract is scheduled to end in June 2025.

- Operations and policies: Updated policies for borrowing, collection development and public PC/Internet use are now posted on the library website. The department reported active recruitments for two library assistant positions and a part-time courier role.

- Sustainability change: Self-checkout printed check-in receipts will be phased out to reduce nonrecyclable paper; patrons may still request printed receipts at service desks.

- Cultural and museum items: The Maidu Museum reported more than 13,000 visits and ongoing volunteer docent recruitment; the museum plans a birthday celebration with free admission on Feb. 13. The Friends of the Library and Union Pacific are sponsoring a $10,000 mural at Johnson Pool to be installed by June 2025.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (Nov. 25, 2024): motion to approve made and seconded; chair declared motion adopted after a voice vote in favor.

- Election of officers: Barbara Fulmer moved to elect Kayla Scott as board chair, seconded by Eileen Speaker; the board voted in favor and elected Kayla Scott as chair. Eileen Speaker was nominated and elected vice chair by voice vote.

Speakers quoted in this report are identified in board minutes and the meeting transcript.

Board members and staff praised the expansion of programs and outreach. Board member comments included appreciation for monthly create activities and school tours, and several members said they were impressed by the variety of services reaching children, teens and adults.

Sufi said the department will continue to work on implementing the student-success card effort locally, completing the state survey and strengthening school contacts. Staff also encouraged residents to watch the library website for 2025 program listings, exhibit dates for a library card design contest and Maidu Museum events.

The board adjourned at 6:40 p.m.