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Middleton library reports 463 children in summer reading, seeks space to join LINCS cooperative
Summary
Laurie Clark, Middleton Public Library director, told the council that 463 children registered for summer reading and staff are exploring options to join the LINCS interlibrary cooperative but currently lack space for book-return bins.
Laurie Clark, director of the Middleton Public Library, reported to the council that the library’s summer-reading season was its busiest: 463 children signed up across programs for ages 0–18. Clark provided program attendance breakdowns, described donated programming (including a free STEM visit from Dr. Picklestein at Boise State University), and shared patron feedback and donor support that she said helped make the summer successful.
Clark described participation by age group and program types: the youngest groups had several hundred attendances (staff readouts included about 442 for ages 0–5, roughly 489 for ages 6–11, and about 225 for all-ages events), and she noted donated prizes and community contributions such as a $30 Jackson’s gift card and a s'more maker supplied as incentives. Clark read cards from patrons praising staff and the library collection: one patron wrote they had moved from Salt Lake City and initially felt disappointed in the small library but came to appreciate the selection and service.
On interlibrary cooperation, a council member asked about the LINCS program that allows patrons to order and return materials across participating libraries. Clark said she and the library board want to join LINCS but face a physical constraint: the library lacks space for multiple return bins required to handle materials coming from other libraries. “I wanna be involved in it. The board wants us to be involved in it. We don't have space in the library for it right now,” Clark told the council. She said she is looking at options, including dedicating an approximate 8-by-8-foot room for materials handling.
Councilors praised staff for doing a lot with limited resources and thanked Clark for the update. The report was informational; no formal council action was required.
The library director said she will continue exploring practical options for LINCS participation and will return to council or staff with any developments.
