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Royal Oak Public Library reports rebound in visits, lays out capital plan
Summary
Library Director Erwin and board members reported nearly 186,000 visitors last year, 26,851 cardholders (about 46% of city residents), 439 programs with ~15,000 attendees, and a 6-year capital improvement plan funded by a millage passed in 2023; library plans include roof replacement, HVAC upgrades and solar.
The Royal Oak Public Library presented its annual report to the City Commission on Jan. 13, detailing operations, capital needs and outreach.
Director Erwin said the library's millage (started July 2023) increased revenues and allowed the board to adopt a six-year capital improvement plan. Work in the past year included waterproofing a boiler room and planning for roof replacement and HVAC upgrades; the city is funding solar on the roof when feasible. The library launched a mobile app for unified card management, a new event and room-reservation system, and an ebook comics platform (Comics Plus). The library hosted partnerships (Automotive Hall of Fame exhibit), a local author fair and student art shows.
Erwin gave usage figures: 439 programs with over 15,000 attendees; approximately 26,851 cardholders at fiscal year end (about 46 percent of Royal Oak's residents) and nearly 186,000 visitors. He said database use and collection size have fallen post‑COVID, prompting 'weeding' of outdated or poor-condition items; electronic circulation accounts for roughly one-quarter of total circulation. Computer lab use remains high despite reduced terminals (eight computers).
Commissioners praised library staff and volunteers and asked about project timelines and screening/scavenger-hunt signage; Director Erwin noted staff will continue work on a roof replacement and sustainability upgrades. The library board announced a new book-vending machine recently placed at Woodward Corner Market to serve the city's North End.
