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Ephrata Public Library outlines programs, notes OpenAI grant and passport acceptance closure
Summary
Library Director Abigail Balmer reported 2025 statistics, new services including Hands-On House passes and Wazoodles audio systems, scaled-back Digital Library Assistant programming due to limited grant funding, receipt of an OpenAI grant for AI-related content access, the February 2026 closure of the passport acceptance facility, and upcoming Summer Reading Program plans including a Smithsonian bus trip.
Abigail Balmer of the Ephrata Public Library gave the municipal moment presentation during the March 9 meeting, summarizing 2025 activity and describing new and continuing services. The library added Hands-On House Children's Museum passes for families, Wazoodles screen-free audio speaker systems with themed content, and a dedicated phonics book collection. Balmer said programming ranges from children's storytime to adult offerings and invited council participation in a Junior Friends escape-room project.
Balmer said the Digital Library Assistant program was scaled back because of limited grant funding, though one-on-one computer training will continue. She reported the library received a grant through OpenAI that provides access to AI-related content (no dollar amount was recorded in the minutes). Balmer also noted the borough's passport acceptance facility closed in February 2026 and staff are adjusting operations and finances to offset that lost revenue.
Balmer previewed the Summer Reading Program for 2026, which will include a bus trip to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and conclude with a mini-golf transformation of the library. Council members praised the library’s work and thanked Balmer and library staff for the programs and outreach.
