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Guthrie library director reports steady usage, strong youth programming and low audiobook circulation
Summary
Library staff reported steady circulation and program attendance, highlighted revamped children's and teen programming (including a 19-teen lock-in), and flagged audiobooks as underused (under 1% circulation), prompting plans to weed and repurpose that shelf space.
The Guthrie Public Library director updated the advisory board on programming, usage statistics and collection management at the meeting.
Programming: The director described changes to children's programming that split story time into two themes—pre-literacy activities with songs and movement and a quieter "silent story time"—to serve different age groups. Staff reported the new format drew new families and allowed programs to run more smoothly. The director also outlined a pipeline from story time to tween council to teen council and summer volunteers. A teen overnight event (teen lock-in) drew 19 teens and ran without police involvement, supported by staff and vetted volunteers.
Adult and family offerings include a continuing book club, chess club and a new monthly family movie series shown under the library's existing movie license. Staff reported success with events such as a Cardboard Carnival created by library staff and volunteers; they invited board members to assist with future program support.
Usage and collections: Using state snapshot data, the director said roughly 50% of Oklahoma residents have a library card; the statewide average cardholder visits about 4.5 times per year and checks out about nine items annually. Guthrie's local averages are lower: about 3.33 visits per cardholder annually and roughly 4.64 items checked out per card. Devices (hotspots, kit inventory) are reported at roughly 81% availability; audiobooks (CDs and audio formats) circulate at under 1% and the director proposed weeding and reallocating that shelf space and reviewing the collection in February when weeding sales or giveaways could occur.
Volunteers and facilities: Staff have reorganized the makerspace and public boards, plan to add a business-card rack and display case, and asked for more volunteers to expand events like the Cardboard Carnival. The director noted some programming or expanded services (for example, homework help) would require strategic planning and additional staffing or volunteer support.
What happens next: staff plan to examine the audiobook and teen collections for targeted weeding, update display and makerspace equipment plans, and present any bylaw amendments or calendar changes to the board for formal consideration.
