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Allendale library reports surge in visits and plans Sunday hours, fine‑free policy
Summary
Allendale Library Director Nancy told the mayor and council that 2024 saw roughly 68,000 in‑person visits, strong program attendance and large digital usage gains; the library will expand hours (including Sundays), go fine‑free April 2, and add new digital and in‑person services in 2025.
Nancy, Allendale’s library director, told the mayor and council on March 13 that the library’s in‑person and digital use rose sharply in 2024 and that the institution will expand hours and services in 2025.
Nancy said the library recorded nearly 68,000 in‑person visits in 2024 and has more than 2,200 active newsletter subscribers. She cited a 105% increase in digital resources use year‑over‑year and said nearly 900 residents used the library’s museum‑pass program, a 67% increase from 2023. Nancy also highlighted the library’s volunteer‑tutor program, saying it provided about 780 hours of ESL tutoring in 2024.
“As libraries change, people still need the community space and services we provide,” Nancy said, arguing that expanded hours and community programming make the library more accessible. She announced the library will increase weekly hours from 54 to 62, add Wednesday‑night programming and open Sundays 12 p.m.–4 p.m. during the school year.
Nancy said the library will become fine‑free effective April 2, 2025, aligning with a regional trend intended to remove barriers to access. She also described capital and operational changes: upgraded electrical and LED lighting, recarpeting, improved signage and aisle numbers for better findability, a relocated recycling center to free interior space, new Wi‑Fi upgrades, replacement computers for the young adult room and a refreshed processing area for staff efficiency.
Program expansion was another focus. Nancy noted 274 adult programs, 210 children’s programs and 18 teen programs in 2024, with nearly 9,000 total program attendees. The library is launching new services in 2025 (including Mango language learning and expanded Hoopla/Libby subscriptions), a neighborhood book club, a Proche workshop for grades 4–8 and a dementia caregivers group created with Alzheimer’s New Jersey that currently has a waiting list.
Nancy also described the “Barn Beyond Books” lending collection (bulky items such as projectors and power washers) and a community showcase rotation. She said the library is planning a 125th‑anniversary celebration in December and is working with the Friends group on fundraising to create additional quiet and programming space.
Council members and the mayor thanked the director for the presentation and welcomed the expanded hours and Wi‑Fi improvements. The council publicly supported the move to fine‑free lending and the plan to increase service hours.
Next steps: the library will implement the April 2 fine‑free policy, begin the announced hours changes in the 2025 schedule, proceed with the Wi‑Fi and interior upgrades and continue collaboration with the Friends and borough staff on space and fundraising.
