Duchesne County library reports highest combined circulation since 2014, cites rising digital use and tight budget

Daniel Lockley, who presented the Duchesne County Library’s 2024 annual report, told the board on March 18 that the system saw its highest combined circulation since 2014 and strong growth in digital use.

"Roosevelt’s physical circulation reached about 80,000—up roughly 9 percent—and combined digital and physical circulation for the county reached about 144,500," Lockley said during the presentation. He said digital checkouts across Hoopla and OverDrive totaled about 50,000, a roughly 25 percent increase over 2023.

The report highlighted several record figures: 470 events were held systemwide last year, with roughly 11,600 attendees; Wi‑Fi sessions at Roosevelt rose about 23 percent to nearly 25,000 sessions. Outreach services also expanded, with Fruitland reaching about 1,300 circulations and the jail outreach checking out about 250 items in the year.

Lockley reviewed new or relaunched services, including self‑checkout, a print‑from‑phone system and the circulation of LaunchPad tablets for early‑learning activities. He also noted two recent librarian hires (Jada Murray and Vanessa Lucas) and a merit award for the Roosevelt building from the American Council of Engineering Companies.

On funding, Lockley said total 2024 revenue, including grants, was $1,012,261 and operating expenditures were $1,001,840; those figures do not include a separate $140,000 loan payment. He told the board the system has dipped into savings in recent years but that an auditor advised the board it was not necessary to pursue a truth‑in‑taxation action at this time. "We're keeping a close eye on FTE and benefits to manage costs," he said.

Board members asked for further breakdowns of circulation by age group and pressed staff on the sustainability of high‑demand digital services. Lockley said the library intends to limit Libby purchases to items with three or more holds to control costs and will continue to seek grant funding for technology projects.

The board was also briefed on literacy and tutoring efforts. Staff described a small, one‑on‑one tutoring program piloted locally and discussed shifting some tutoring to a volunteer model to expand reach within budget limits.

The report concluded with near‑term capital details: furniture and shelving purchased for the Duchesne remodel and arrival of a new circulation desk and history‑center shelving. Lockley said those capital expenses accounted for a sizable share of recent spending but that grants—such as a roughly $22,000 award routed through the Utah Education Network using American Rescue Plan Act funds—helped pay for Wi‑Fi improvements and battery backup for the Duchesne site.

The board did not take formal action on the report; staff were asked to provide more granular circulation breakdowns and to return with follow‑up financial detail.