Christina Hancock, the library manager, told the Lacey Library Board on Jan. 15 that the library’s October–December 2025 quarter included several community programs, facility work and a milestone in digital lending.

"We also hit 15,000,000 digital checkouts on December 24," Hancock said, noting that the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) system’s digital circulation has risen even as physical checkouts declined during the library’s temporary closure.

Hancock outlined upcoming and recent programs: a teen writing and art contest is underway; bookmark contest winners will be recognized at an upcoming City Council meeting; a "meet the author" event featuring Renee Watson is scheduled for Feb. 12 at the Koval Performing Arts Center; and the library will host a "touch a truck" family story time in partnership with the city’s Public Works department.

She also described facility and staffing updates. The library was closed for 16 days for a restroom remodel that included new stalls, countertops, fixtures and epoxy floors and reopened Dec. 18. Hancock said the library is conducting interviews to hire an additional library supervisor (interviews began Jan. 9 with more planned at the month’s end).

On services, Hancock described a district partnership with WorkSource staff who assist with job searches and resume help; WorkSource will be at the library Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m. She also confirmed tax-assistance services will resume in February once printed forms arrive and said she would provide a concrete date by email.

During questions, a board member asked whether digital checkouts cost the library per checkout; Hancock said contract arrangements vary and she would follow up with details about the library’s contract model.

The report also noted a recent visit by Michael Threats and local YouTube creator Workman MJ, who toured the library and used the automated materials handling (AMH) machine. Hancock said she shared a short video of that visit with the board via email.

The board did not take formal action on the items in this report; staff will follow up on contract specifics and the exact date for tax services in February.