Library reports record room use, broadband and checkout activity in annual update

Library staff (referred to in the transcript as JD) delivered the library’s annual report to the council, detailing circulation, visits, programming, volunteer support and capital improvements.

Key metrics the presenter cited included more than 200,000 in‑person library visits; roughly 300,000 visits to the library website; more than 340,000 physical items borrowed; adult book checkouts of 121,000 and children's checkouts over 115,000; nearly 17,000 public computer sessions and more than 12,000 Wi‑Fi sessions; and more than 40,000 program attendances across fitness, wellness and lifelong‑learning offerings. The presenter also said the library sent a monthly e‑newsletter to roughly 84,000 email addresses and distributed about 500 printed newsletters per month.

Major projects described were a regional consortium transition to standardize systems and shared practices, a refurbished teen zone with new furnishings and technology, a community art project in the library gallery, a nine‑week Creative Aging printmaking series funded by a grant, intergenerational programs and swaps, and improved signage and accessibility within the building. Volunteers and local donors provided notable support: Friends of the Library logged about 2,200 volunteer hours, operated a bookstore, and invested nearly $17,000 in programs; the Library Foundation provided nearly $50,000 for furnishings, tech and events.

The presenter closed by noting the library was voted 'best library of North Idaho' in a public poll and asked council members to encourage residents to obtain library cards.

The presentation was informational; no council action was requested. Council members thanked the presenter and moved to subsequent agenda business.