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Romulus library reports steady use, expands 'Library of Things' and upgrades youth area
Summary
Patty Brady told the council the Romulus Public Library had nearly 50,000 visitors in 2024–25, growth in Wi‑Fi and digital checkouts, a new 'Library of Things' lending nontraditional items, and youth‑area upgrades funded by donations and in‑kind work.
Patty Brady presented the 2024–25 State of the Library to the Romulus City Council on Feb. 9, reporting continued community use and several new services.
"We had, close to 50,000 visitors," Brady said, and reported roughly 4,700 public computer uses (up about 3 percent) and Wi‑Fi use up about 21 percent. The library logged more than 66,000 total checkouts, including roughly 21,000 digital checkouts through Hoopla and Libby (up 9 percent). The library ran 281 programs with 5,785 participants and set a record summer reading kickoff attendance of more than 700 people.
Brady described a new “Library of Things” collection that allows cardholders to borrow non‑traditional items—tools (drill and grouting kits), musical instruments (violin, ukulele, keyboard), sports kits (pickleball, tennis) and specialty cooking pans—"so people can borrow it from the library, use it and then return it," she said. She also described new adult programs (a cooking and a music series) and recent youth‑area upgrades paid for by donations and assisted by DPW, including ADA‑compliant shelving, lounge furniture, fresh paint and improved play equipment.
Council members praised staff for programming and community outreach. Brady also told council the library had been awarded a Library Cooperative of Michigan marketing grant (one of seven in the state) and has added online electronic library card signup and a donated self‑checkout machine.
The library presentation concluded with Brady inviting questions; council members thanked library staff and encouraged continued outreach to Spanish‑speaking residents by noting the new Spanish‑language adult collection.
The presentation required no council action; it was provided for information and to inform future budget and program decisions.
