Watertown Regional Library reports record visits, growth in digital lending and programs

Maria, the Watertown Regional Library director, told the City of Watertown council on Feb. 17 that the library logged 91,704 visits in the past year and has seen steady growth in digital lending and program attendance.

The presentation, required by state statute, highlighted the library’s holdings and operations: 101,147 print books, 13,475 purchased ebooks, 1,574 purchased audiobooks, 9,600 DVDs and a collection of 250 “library of things” items such as bikes and junior kits. Total circulation reported was about 124,100 items; e-audio checkouts reached roughly 38,000. Maria said, “EAudio has really been trending up every year,” and that the library is open seven days a week.

City funding provided roughly 96% of the library’s operating income, about $1,074,000, with other operating income (fines and grants) near $41,550. The director said 52% of operating expenditures went to salaries and wages and another 18% to employee benefits. She described program growth as a major driver of increased visits, noting 390 children’s programs with 6,274 attendees, 173 young-adult programs with 2,082 attendees, and 150 adult programs with 2,516 attendees. Maria also said the library is piloting new offerings, including American Sign Language classes in the spring.

Council members praised the presentation. Councilman Shetty said, “Everything that you guys do there, it’s been a pleasure,” and Councilman Allen called the library “a tremendous asset” to students, families and adults.

The library director answered council questions about trends and services, noting that children still favor print books while adults increasingly use digital materials and that “library of things” items have high circulation. No further action was required; the council moved on to other agenda items after the presentation.