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Library director reports steady program attendance and statewide digital use
Summary
Library director Nicole Miller told the council the library ran 372 programs with 5,538 attendees in 2025, averaged about 3,031 monthly visits, and that digital checkouts via Libby extend the library's reach across Minnesota.
Nicole Miller, the city’s library director, presented the library’s 2025 annual report and highlighted program use and community engagement.
Miller reported the library hosted 372 programs last year with 5,538 attendees, averaging about 15 people per program and roughly 31 programs per month. "People are coming to our programs," Miller said, listing offerings such as story time, book club, author talks, musical performances and youth activities. She said monthly visits averaged about 3,031, used for services ranging from Wi‑Fi and public computer use to meetings and events.
Miller also noted digital circulation outside the city: materials borrowed through the Libby app demonstrate that Cannon Falls’ digital collection is accessed across Minnesota through regional sharing agreements. The director and staff are tracking quarterly reports and said they receive county-level support, though county funding could be subject to change in the county’s budget process.
Why it matters: Councilors and staff discussed a potential county-level funding reduction that had been reported as a possible 10% cut; Miller said she has been in contact with County staff (a contact named Brad) who is "fighting to keep the funding as is." City staff said internal reorganization could help absorb reductions without curtailing services.
Next steps: Library staff and the council said they will continue to monitor county budget developments and report back; library directors will meet again next week to coordinate advocacy and information-sharing.
