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Oxnard Public Library reports big program growth, plans tech and safety upgrades
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Summary
Library Manager Kathleen Ashmore told the City Council the Oxnard Public Libraries saw a 50% rise in visitors since 2023, program offerings jumped from 222 (2021) to over 1,000 (2025), and staff are pursuing a multiyear technology refresh and safety improvements while reestablishing a five‑member library board.
The Oxnard Public Library presented its 2026 annual report to the City Council, reporting sharp increases in usage and a plan of multi‑year improvements. Kathleen Ashmore, the library manager, said visits have risen roughly 50% since 2023 and program attendance has grown about 40%, with total program offerings climbing from 222 in 2021 to more than 1,000 in 2025.
Ashmore told the council the library has reestablished a five‑member library board following guidance from the California Attorney General and an ordinance adopted in May 2025. She outlined units and services — circulation, information/reference and programming, technical services and branch operations — and highlighted partnerships with more than 20 nonprofit and county partners, including Many Mansions and Mercy House.
On safety and staffing, Ashmore said the system has added a security monitor at the South Oxnard branch, installed bubble mirrors to reduce blind corners, stocked Narcan dispensers, and implemented staff training in de‑escalation and behavioral‑health awareness. She also described space redesigns for teen and children’s areas, new furniture for homework centers, and plans for makerspaces and improved help desks.
Technology upgrades are planned as an extended project. Ashmore said the library has been working for more than a year with the city IT department and outside consultants to assess systems, add wireless access points, install new firewalls and update filtering, and that the library will seek E‑Rate funding to offset costs for internet and eligible construction work. She said Oxnard currently receives a 90% E‑Rate discount under federal rules tied to local demographics.
Council members praised the outreach to South Oxnard and the library’s emphasis on workforce and ESL programming. Council members asked for comparisons of event and program fees at peer cities and for continued outreach to nonprofits and volunteers. The council received the report; no formal action was required.
