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Hillsboro library reports rising visits, bilingual services and new digital supports
Summary
Library board reported a nearly 10% increase in visits, expanded bilingual programming, a new ‘pod’ at Shute Park Library, Chromebooks and a digital navigator pilot, and requested future council work sessions on a department strategic plan.
The Hillsboro Public Library Board presented its annual update to council, reporting increases in visits and use and outlining new programs to expand access and inclusion.
"Together we build a stronger more connected community 1 page at a time," said Linda Boakler, chair of the library board, as she summarized fiscal-year 2023–24 results including a nearly 10% increase in total visits (more than 625,000) and growth in circulation and program attendance. The board reported more than 2.5 million checkouts (including digital loans) and over 1,100 programs reaching tens of thousands of participants.
Library staff highlighted bilingual services at Shute Park Library — "12 of our 19 librarians are bilingual," the board said — expanded 'Library of Things' checkouts (including Chromebooks and adaptive toys), new computer classes in English and Spanish and an upcoming digital navigator pilot in partnership with Washington County Cooperative Library Services to support patrons’ technology needs.
The board also described outreach to community organizations, juvenile programs and culturally specific collections, and noted a recently approved library rules of use policy and a new safety liaison position at the Shute Park campus created with parks and risk-management partners.
Councilors praised the library’s outreach and metrics and invited the board back for a future work session to discuss a staff-led departmental strategic plan.
