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County library directors report post‑COVID usage growth and mobile outreach
Summary
County library officials reported rising cardholder and checkout numbers, expanded outreach via a mobile 'Willow on Wheels' vehicle, and program growth across rural communities.
Directors from the Council Bluffs-area public libraries updated the Board of Supervisors on county library services, reporting growth in cardholders and circulation following COVID-era declines.
Presenters said Pottawattamie County has just over 4,800 cardholders who access digital and physical collections; the system recorded more than 51,000 checkouts systemwide in the past fiscal year. Library staff highlighted outreach efforts including a mobile outreach vehicle called "Willow on Wheels," attendance at farmers markets and community events, expanded programming (dozens to hundreds of programs and thousands of attendees across the system) and a focus on connecting rural residents to services.
Directors noted supply-chain disruptions had previously reduced access to new materials from some major distributors but said libraries pivoted and circulation is recovering. They encouraged supervisors and residents to use county library resources and to invite outreach programs to community events.
No action was required or taken on the update.
