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Library reports rising digital use, new software rollout and plans for EV chargers; Friends pledge $55,000
Summary
Library staff reported February circulation of 22,120 print and 10,030 digital checkouts (32% of total), a September go-live for a new catalog system, grant-funded EV chargers at the main library planned for early summer, and a $55,000 block grant commitment from the Friends of the Library.
At a regular meeting of the Los Alamos County Library Board, staff reported monthly usage and program metrics and outlined several upcoming projects, including a library-software replacement, EV charging stations at the main library and a Friends of the Library block grant commitment.
Beth Stell, chair and senior librarian, reported February print circulation of 22,120 and digital circulation of 10,030, which she said comprised 32% of total circulation for the month. "For the month of February, your print circulation was 22,120. Our digital was 10,030, which was 32% of the total," Stell said, and noted the library is seeing steady month-to-month increases in digital use.
Program activity in February included 64 events with 1,395 attendees; highlights were an opening reception for an all-schools art show and a Discover series course on cell-phone photography that filled its 15-person cap and created a waiting list. Stell said the library will offer follow-up classes to meet demand.
Stell also outlined projects underway: the county will seek approval for a new library software implementation that will begin in April and aim to go live in September to avoid the busy summer months. The public-facing catalog will be part of that project but will operate separately from the new website. "The project will begin in April and will go live in September," Stell said, describing a multi-month implementation window for configuration and staff training.
On facilities, Stell said the county manager’s office has awarded a grant to install EV charging stations at the main library and that the stations are expected to be installed by early summer. Staffing remains stable, with current hiring focused on casual (substitute) positions.
Funding news included a report that the Friends of the Library Board voted to award the library $55,000 as their block grant commitment for the year, funds typically turned over in March–April under the existing agreement. "The Friends of the Library Board voted to award the library $55,000 as their block grant commitment for this year," Stell said.
David Reger, the new Council liaison, said there has not been significant library-specific activity at Council recently but encouraged the board to collect recommendations for the upcoming Council work-plan presentation. The board set its next meeting for April 6 at the White Rock Branch Library with a Zoom option.
The board did not take any formal budget votes at the meeting; routine informational updates and project timelines were the primary items on the agenda.
