MCPL director reports record OverDrive and Freegal use, outlines weather and reporting changes

Monroe County Public Library Director Greer reported to trustees Feb. 18 that January saw record use of the library’s OverDrive ebook platform and the Freegal music service, marking the second consecutive month of unusually high digital engagement. Greer said Freegal provides access to the Sony Music catalog and allows patrons up to five downloads per week that remain DRM-free.

Greer also told the board that the library’s partnership with Health Net — which provides space, basic health support and referral services for patrons experiencing homelessness — resumed in January after a brief hiatus. She said those services are intended to connect patrons with higher‑level care when needed.

Greer said the system closed to the public during the winter storm on 01/25/2026; that closure prompted a review of internal inclement‑weather communication with staff and the planned adoption of an automated messaging system. Public notice practices will remain the same (website banner, mainline voicemail and social media posts), while staff notification procedures will move to the new automated system.

On funding and philanthropy, Greer thanked the Friends and Foundation for their ongoing support and said donations exceeding $110,000 cover the majority of programming costs. She also noted the annual report filed with the Department of Local Government Finance is now included in the packet for board review following an auditor recommendation and that the State Library’s vendor change delayed distribution of the state’s annual portal; Greer said the library expects to receive the state report PDF later in the year and will complete its filings when the portal is available.

Greer closed by offering to answer questions; trustees had none at that time.