Library to become passport acceptance agency; director outlines makerspace and partnership plans

Library Director Angela Brady updated the board on a slate of service expansions and community partnerships, including formal notice that the White House Public Library has been approved by the U.S. Department of State to become a passport-acceptance agency.

"We have been approved by the US Department of State to become a passport acceptance agency," Brady (S2) told trustees, adding that the library will schedule training, likely in March, and that every full-time staff member has agreed to serve as a passport-acceptance agent. She said the library expects to begin accepting passport applications shortly after training is completed.

Brady described partnerships to promote early-literacy programs through the Imagination Library (working with the United Way of Greater Nashville) and a community blood drive with Blood Assurance scheduled for the 26th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. She said WSNV visited the library for an interview tied to the Imagination Library campaign and an event to mark Dolly's 80th birthday in mid‑January.

On facilities and programming, Brady outlined exploratory plans for a makerspace that would require reconfiguring the circulation desk, relocating magazine and newspaper areas and creating a dedicated teen space. She flagged questions to be investigated: equipment needs, staffing, training and potential grant opportunities.

Brady reported that physical-item circulation in 2025 exceeded about 96,000 items (exclusive of e-items) and set a 2026 target of more than 100,000 physical circulations. She also said the library will close April 14 so staff can attend a staff day in Clarksville, subject to board approval and city coordination.

Board members welcomed the proposals and asked for follow-up on staffing, budget implications and concrete timelines before formal implementation.