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San Rafael library reports rebound in programs, notes digital-circulation trend
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Summary
At the Feb. 10 meeting the San Rafael Public Library reported FY24–25 usage and program figures — 6,214 open hours, about 160,000 visits, 32,099 cardholders and 379,232 total circulations — and discussed a consortium projection that digital checkouts may surpass physical by 2029.
Library staff presented fiscal-year 2024–25 performance figures and facility updates to trustees at the Feb. 10 meeting, framing the year as a transition period while the Carnegie branch was closed for renovation.
Presenter (staff) said the library maintained 6,214 open hours in FY25 — "the highest of the last 3 years" — and reported roughly 160,000 in‑person visits during the reporting period. Staff said there were 32,099 resident cardholders and a physical collection of about 90,092 items after collection maintenance. Total circulation for fiscal year 2025 (physical and electronic combined) was 379,232: 200,772 e‑materials and about 178,000 physical items. Interlibrary loan activity totaled about 62,000 items (41,000 coming in, 21,000 going out).
Programs rebounded: staff reported 503 programs with 17,406 participants — the highest totals since 2022 — and 54 passive programs with 798 participants. The library used 52 volunteers who contributed approximately 6,800 hours and handled about 39,000 reference questions; staff noted the decline from 53,000 reference questions the previous year was related to closures during renovation.
Trustees and staff discussed a consortium projection that digital circulation could surpass physical circulation by 2029 (an earlier projection had estimated 2031). Presenter said this will require rethinking purchasing and vendor allocations: "we're gonna have to be utilizing a lot of our data to reanalyze how our purchasing looks like and how we allocate those assets to digital versus print material."
Facility and project updates included a Pickleweed site targeted to open in May–early June with weekly owner/architect/contractor meetings and a 17‑month extension being negotiated for the Northgate location while the mall redevelopment proceeds. Staff also described new "booths" (cozy diner‑style seating) requiring reservations (two hours per day per patron) that have proved highly popular.
Staff reported results from the California State Library's "Every Story Counts" survey (164 local responses) and said the library’s friends group and foundation are forming a Measure D renewal committee ahead of a June ballot renewal. No binding budget or policy changes were adopted at the meeting; staff will return with further data and recommendations as needed.
