Mitchell Public Library reports record June circulation, adds staff to meet demand

Kevin, the Mitchell Public Library director, opened the meeting'9s director'9s report by saying June circulation was "by far the largest monthly circulation" since he started in 2020 and that the library is on track for a higher monthly average this year than previously recorded.

The board heard that the full-time vacancy has been filled by Megan Davids, a current city employee at the landfill who will transfer to the library and begin work three weeks after the meeting. Kevin said the board had also been approved for four part‑time positions and the staff hired three new part‑time employees—Michelle Swanstrom, Amber Harris and a high‑school student from Mitchell Christian—to increase scheduling flexibility for programs and peak days.

Staff and board members attributed the rise in circulation to several factors: expanded statewide digital lending (OverDrive), more and larger in‑person events during the summer reading kickoff and an art‑bus event that drew visitors into the community room and the library. Kevin said the library saw roughly 1,800 more checkouts in June than in May and described increases across both print and digital collections.

Board members thanked staff for programming and cited high attendance at off‑site events—one board member noted roughly 200 children and parents attended an outreach program at an Indian village—while staff said they would monitor collection needs and staffing as usage trends evolve.

The board approved the director'9s report by voice vote. The director indicated planned hires are intended to sustain programming growth and to defer adding another full‑time position until circulation and service patterns justify it.