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Rock Island Public Library reports steady use, seeks 5% levy increase for 2026
Summary
Library director presented the annual report and a 2025–2030 strategic plan, reporting steady circulation, an 11% rise in electronic checkouts, a roughly $800,000 reserve and a board decision to request a 5% increase in the local library tax levy for 2026 to cover wage and digital-resource costs.
The Rock Island Public Library presented its annual report and a new strategic plan during the city council study session, reporting steady overall usage, expanded digital access and a request to increase the local library tax levy for 2026. Angela, the library presenter, said most 2024 revenue came from municipal and district tax levies and that state grants, donations and ARPA funds supplemented those sources.
Angela said operational spending for the year was "a little over 2,800,000" and that capital work included an external stone restoration. On reserves, she reported the library maintains a 90‑day operating reserve of roughly $800,000 and that amounts above the reserve are assigned to capital projects for emergencies and planned upgrades.
The library reported it holds more than 160,000 print items and that physical materials circulation was about 148,000. "Our electronic circulation ... [is] up 11%," Angela said, and added that partnerships with local schools—where freshmen received electronic library cards in class—helped boost online resources and homework‑help usage.
The library highlighted community programming and partnerships: more than 300 off‑site live and virtual programs reached over 10,000 attendees last year, and more than 75 partner organizations participated. Presenter examples included summer reading events, a Lantern Parade and a "Reading with a Cop" program. The Watts Midtown Library debt was paid off this year, and the library foundation has remaining pledge payments that will enable future capital campaigns, Angela said.
On funding, Angela said the board discussed 2026 fund requirements and decided to ask for a 5% increase in the local library tax levy to cover negotiated union wage increases and rising costs for electronic materials and databases. The presenter framed the request as necessary to preserve a balanced budget while meeting increasing electronic subscription costs.
The library also described its strategic plan for 2025–2030, developed largely in‑house with input from staff, a public survey (over 1,200 responses), internal committees and community conversations with Parks & Recreation and Rock Island High School teens. Key objectives include trauma‑informed services, accessibility improvements (ADA bathroom renovations planned in stages), development of a teacher portal and exploration of supports for micro and small businesses as part of downtown master planning. Angela said an RFP to select an architect for downtown master planning opens Friday; that master plan will be needed to pursue some public library construction grants.
Angela said a library AI policy is being drafted to safeguard patron and city information and that web accessibility work continues to meet federal guidance. Council members and audience representatives thanked library staff and foundation volunteers before the session moved on.
The council did not take a formal vote on the levy request during the study session; Angela offered to provide additional information to council members or members of the public who requested it. The council adjourned the study session and scheduled the regular meeting for 6:45 p.m.
