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Library board and new director outline priorities to modernize Lodi Public Library
Summary
Library Board President Brian Campbell and Director Jenny Fontenella presented the library’s priorities—space optimization, expanded outreach, stronger literacy programs and digital services—and described current usage: about 90,000 annual visits, nearly 200,000 annual circulations and roughly 37,000 cardholders.
Brian Campbell, president of the Library Board of Trustees, and Jenny Fontenella, Lodi Public Library director, presented an overview of library operations and a four-part strategic plan during the Oct. 15 City Council meeting.
Campbell described the board’s oversight role and credited community partners, including the Friends of the Lodi Public Library and the Library Foundation, for fundraising and volunteer support. He said the Friends raised more than $47,000 this year and provided volunteer hours that support programs such as the summer lunch program.
Fontenella laid out four priorities: optimizing interior space (including a possible renovation and expansion of the makerspace), expanding outreach to seniors and other community sites, strengthening literacy and workforce-readiness programming, and modernizing digital collections and systems. “We are looking forward to building a modern library with a local heart,” Fontenella said.
The presenters highlighted current usage and services: roughly 90,000 visits a year, nearly 200,000 items circulated annually, roughly 37,000 registered cardholders, free preapproved ADU-style plans for homeowners on the planning website (for a separate city service), lunch-at-the-library programming for youth, and partnerships to deliver workforce and digital skills training.
Council members asked about school outreach, historical research collections and expanded hours; Fontenella said class visits and a goal to reach ‘every child with a library card by third grade’ are in progress and that expanded hours are planned once new staff are onboarded.
The presentation was informational and no council vote was required.
