Library director outlines usage growth and facility needs, asks commission for staffing and repairs

Donna Campbell, Harlingen Public Library director, presented a detailed report on library operations, usage and needs at the City Commission meeting.

Campbell said the library has over 100,000 physical items and last year recorded 141,229 checkouts; the digital collection includes about 120,000 e‑books and audiobooks with 23,971 digital materials checked out last year. She described staffing (23 full‑ and part‑time employees), program participation (about 16,961 attendees in 1,169 programs), 60 public computers with over 15,217 users last year, and popular offerings such as STEAM bags, family‑place workshops and digital services (a new NewsBank subscription and an upcoming Hoopla rollout).

Campbell outlined capital and operating needs: two additional full‑time library assistants, one full‑time library associate or volunteer/outreach coordinator, LED lighting upgrades, ceiling tile replacement, new carpeting and restroom updates to improve family‑friendliness. She listed grants and donations that have supported prior renovations (Junior League of Harlingen, Texas State Library grants, Friends of the Library) and said the library has received about $1.2 million in donations and grants since 2016.

Commissioners thanked Campbell, noted the library’s community value and said the commission will consider support during the budget process and explore additional grant opportunities.

The report provides the commission with usage metrics and a prioritized list of building and staffing needs for budget planning.