Library director reports strong circulation, record digital use and growing outreach

At the Nov. 13 meeting the West Fargo Public Library Director Jenna reported finances at 78% expended for the year with an available appropriation of $583,284 and outlined operational highlights, circulation data and program updates.

Jenna said the library compiled a year-end wish list for remaining purchases and that the carpet replacement at the main library has drawn largely positive patron feedback—including a note from one patron who said the prior carpet was a vertigo trigger. She reported increased use at the satellite during the main-library carpet project and that the satellite made 16 new library cards in October. At the main library, the board heard that more than 1,000 West Fargo Public Schools student cards were issued this year and 194 regular cards were created; physical item circulation at the main library exceeded 11,000 in October and door counts were "just under 6,000." Jenna also said the library saw record-breaking digital circulation via Libby and roughly 62,000 social-media views in October tied to carpet and programming posts.

Programming highlights included youth and teen engagement (an escape-room event and a new Next Chapter story time with initial attendance of eight that rose to 11), adult programs such as a writing circle and a presentation by master gardener Tristan Veil, a successful genre reading challenge with 72 participants, and outreach stops to senior centers that have grown to about 340 outreach items. Jenna credited outreach coordinator Cass for tailoring selections to patron interests and noted that outreach is a critical connection for residents who cannot drive.

Board members praised staff for recent work on carpet, programming and outreach. The meeting closed after routine adjournment.