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Cape Canaveral library reports rising usage, asks council for a modest funding increase
Summary
Library directors told council the small Cape Canaveral branch circulated hundreds of thousands of items across five years and offered more than 300 programs last year; they requested a 3% increase to the city's $30,000 annual contribution (proposed $31,200) to keep pace with materials cost growth.
Library leaders presented an annual report to the council on June 17 highlighting increased circulation and program activity and asking for a modest funding increase.
John Russell, director of the Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral libraries, and Tina Shelfont, head librarian at the Cape Canaveral branch, said the library network has circulated more than 384,000 physical items over the past five years, welcomes roughly 55,000 visitors annually, issues about 600 new library cards and processes approximately 2,000 Libby digital downloads per month. They said the branch offered 376 programs last year (315 for adults) with combined attendance exceeding 4,100 participants.
The presenters described new services that include upgraded Wi‑Fi, mobile printing (Princh), an app (BCL Go), curbside pickup introduced during the pandemic and a 'Library of Things' lending items such as ukuleles and health monitors. They requested the City consider increasing its annual contribution from $30,000 to $31,200 for FY25‑26 to cover a 3% rise in materials costs plus 1% for growth; presenters said they would continue to provide services at the current level if an increase is not feasible.
Council members thanked the library staff and volunteers, praised the volunteer 'Pearly Girls' group, and signaled support for considering the modest funding increase during upcoming budget discussions.
