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Assante branch reports sharp growth in room bookings, programs and visits
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Summary
Assante branch staff told the Surprise Library Advisory Commission that community use of the branch is rising sharply — public room reservations are up about 44% year-over-year and gate counts have grown about 58% since 2023 — straining space and prompting plans to add programming and temporary support.
The Assante branch reported significant increases in in-person use and program attendance at the Library Advisory Commission meeting on April 9.
Branch manager Betsy, speaking for the Assante team, said staff have tracked higher demand across several measures as patrons return to in‑person activities. “My team loves to come to work here,” Betsy said, adding staff pride in their growing engagement with patrons. Staff also reported that public room bookings are up roughly 44% from the same time last year and that the branch’s gate count has increased about 58% since 2023.
Those metrics reflect program growth and heavier daily traffic: the branch averages dozens of story times and runs about 55–65 regularly scheduled monthly programs. Staff said story‑time attendance often reaches the 30s to 50s, and some programs see standing‑room crowds. Volunteers, interns and part‑time aides support those activities; staff reported 102 volunteers performed 786 hours of work systemwide, a value they estimated at roughly $21,936 if paid.
The Commission heard that staffing and space are the two main constraints. To meet demand, staff are hiring temporary interns to help with a multi‑phase collection retro‑labeling and re‑shelving project, adding furniture and seating, and considering additional story‑time slots to reduce overcrowding. Staff also flagged ongoing pilot initiatives that grew locally — a seed library in partnership with the University of Arizona Master Gardener program, expanded STEM programming, a Gamer’s Lounge and community partnerships with local schools and city departments.
The branch also highlighted programming that reaches new users: a monthly “book dog” event, star parties with an astronomy club, and a mayor’s literacy kickoff that drew large attendance. Staff said they expect to mark a system milestone — the combined three‑library system reaching one million visitors — with community recognition, though the presentation did not give a precise calendar date for that celebration.
Procedural matters were brief: a committee member moved to approve the March 12 meeting minutes; the Chair called a voice vote and the motion carried. No policy votes related to branch operations were taken during this presentation.
What’s next: staff said they will continue adding targeted programming and temporary staffing to manage growth; the Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for May 14 at 6 p.m.
