West Custer County Library reports nearly 50,000 visitors in 2025; highlights outreach and digital services

West Custer County Library co-directors presented the library's 2025 annual report to the Custer County Board of Commissioners on March 18, highlighting increased visits, new services and community outreach.

Jenna Clackins, collections co-director, and Janet Rhodes, administrative co-director, said the library counted almost 50,000 visitors in 2025—about 150 visitors per open day—despite being open only Tuesday through Saturday. They said Libby e-resources (e-books, audiobooks and magazines), launched in 2025, have grown in use, and in-library event attendance rose nearly 30% over three years.

Directors described several new and expanded programs: an instrument-lending program (in partnership with local groups) that includes lessons; a "library of things" for nonbook lending (sports and camping equipment); Library2Go, a delivery program that brings books and tailored selections to residents who cannot travel to the building; and an oral-history digitization project to increase access to decades-old recordings. They also highlighted the relaunch of a state-supported virtual legal clinic that offers free 20-minute consultations with an attorney via Zoom.

The library representatives answered commissioner questions about telehealth booths and circulation trends. Staff said telehealth booths and telehealth kits are used regularly for connectivity and access needs; physical-book circulation has declined modestly as e-resources grow, but physical loans remain significant.

Directors noted that more than half of Custer County residents hold library cards, and they used two brief case examples (residents who receive deliveries through Library2Go) to illustrate the program's impact on mobility-limited patrons. The board thanked library staff for their work and encouraged continued outreach efforts.