Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Library Report topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Marion Public Library reports higher visits, program growth and stable finances
Summary
Library board president Ross McEntyre told the Marion City Council the library recorded "over 180,000 visits," more than 3,700 new library cards and strong program growth in FY25, and finished the year within its adopted budget for the fourth straight year.
Ross McEntyre, the Marion Public Library board president, presented the library’s fiscal‑year‑25 annual report to the City Council on Nov. 18, highlighting large increases in use and new services that staff say broaden access.
McEntyre said the library recorded "over 180,000 visits" and "over 3,700 library card sign ups," which he described as “about 9% of Marion's population.” He also presented circulation figures and program metrics that he said show rising demand since the facility opened, and he credited the library’s strategic plan — focused on equitable access, community engagement, infrastructure and customer experience — for guiding the year’s work.
Bill, identified in the presentation as the library director, told the council the library finished within its adopted budget for FY25, marking the fourth consecutive year of budgetary compliance. On revenue sources, staff explained the library receives some reimbursements from the state and Linn County for serving residents outside Marion, interlibrary‑loan assistance from the state, meeting‑room and makerspace fees, and a formal agreement that allows Robins residents to use Marion’s services.
New offerings highlighted in the presentation included an adult book fair that drew an estimated 750 attendees, expanded book‑club kits, and the bookmobile, which launched mid‑December during FY25 and produced about 150 new card signups between December and June. Staff said they expect that mobile service to expand in FY26 with more stops and partnership opportunities, including outreach to retirement communities.
The presentation also noted volunteer recruitment work tied to the larger facility, and a new youth audio device McEntyre demonstrated during the meeting. Council members asked specifics about visitor counting and digital circulation; staff explained gate counters are used for aggregate counts while circulation data help indicate user types, and said digital circulation (Libby and other apps) is a cost borne by the library rather than a revenue source.
The council thanked the library delegation for the report and invited continued updates as services such as the bookmobile expand.
