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Library director reports rising circulation, passport revenue and awards $1.3 million park bid
Summary
The Derby Public Library reported increased circulation and passport-processing revenue; the council heard that Rhythm And Read Park will be built by Snodgrass Construction after a $1.3 million bid and aims for completion by August 2025.
Derby — Library Director Eric Estes presented the Derby Public Library’s 2024 report on Feb. 11, citing rising circulation, strong passport revenue, regional sharing growth and the award of a $1.3 million contract for a new pocket park adjacent to the library.
Estes said the library and partners estimate 4,000–5,000 attendees at the fifth annual Christmas in the Park community festival. The library reported roughly 375,000 total circulation transactions in 2024 (more than 60% of circulation remained print media), and the regional sharing consortium moved about 17,500 items out and borrowed about 15,000 items, producing a net local circulation benefit.
Estes said digital formats grew as well — the library circulated about 70,000 audiobooks — and library visits totaled nearly 170,000, with summer weekdays peaking higher. Passport processing continued as a major new revenue source: the library processed roughly 3,000 passport applications in 2024 and generated approximately $100,000 in revenue, funds the director said will help offset sunset of prior sales-tax support for library programs.
On parks and capital projects, Estes announced the library’s adjacent pocket park will be named Rhythm And Read Park; the council awarded a construction contract to Snodgrass Construction for $1,300,000. The park’s design includes a splash pad significantly larger than earlier concepts and a tropical-themed interactive play area; contract documents anticipate a summer completion target in August 2025, subject to equipment lead times for splash-pad components. Estes said roughly $400,000 in grants, private memorials and other contributions will offset project cost.
Council members commended library services and staff for public engagement and passport processing. No council vote was required for the library report itself; the park contract award appears in project and procurement records and will be scheduled for construction coordination.
