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Lebanon Community Library reports record usage in 2025, seeks $100,000 for 100th anniversary
Summary
Kathy Kolbitski, a Lebanon Library board member, told the City Council the library recorded tens of thousands of checkouts and nearly 92,010 visitors in 2025 and is launching a $100,000 fundraising goal tied to its 100th‑year gala to support programs and potential mobile services.
Kathy Kolbitski, a member of the Lebanon Community Library board, told the Lebanon City Council on May 26 that the library’s 2025 activity reflected sustained heavy use and community engagement. "Printed books borrowed was 47,791," she said, adding that e‑content checkouts numbered 21,904 and children’s items totaled 42,742. She reported 383 programs with 6,881 attendees and said 92,010 visitors used the library last year.
Kolbitski thanked the city for a $37,000 contribution last year and described plans tied to the library’s 100th anniversary, including a gala with a $100,000 fundraising goal and sponsorship opportunities. "Libraries are free. Library cards are free," she said, urging continued public support for programs and services.
Council members and Mayor Sherry Capello questioned trends in borrowing. Kolbitski said e‑book lending has "definitely increased," but she did not identify a measurable decline in hard‑copy borrowing and noted the library offers tech help and delivery services for patrons who cannot visit in person. She said the board has discussed a mobile library but cited cost as a primary barrier; the centennial fundraising could help underwrite outreach or a mobile unit.
The presentation included program and usage statistics and calendar items for summer programming: a game night on June 8, summer learning beginning June 1, and a gala planned for Oct. 15 at the Lebanon Country Club. Kolbitski invited sponsorships and community support and said more detailed program-level fundraising plans are still being developed.
The council did not take formal action during the presentation. The library’s use figures, proposed centennial fundraising and outreach ideas were presented for council and public awareness; Kolbitski offered to follow up with more precise historical e‑book trend data on request.
