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Coralville library reports rising digital use, Hoopla bundle purchase, W.A.R.M. stats and community events
Summary
Assistant Director Ellen Alexander told trustees on March 4 that circulation and Hoopla use rose year over year; staff purchased a Hoopla bundle for $80 (100 circulations). The board also heard Friends and Foundation reports, W.A.R.M. completion rates (403 registered, 338 completed; 86%), and event/volunteer notices.
At the March 4, 2026 meeting of the Coralville Public Library Board of Trustees, Assistant Library Director Ellen Alexander reported rising usage across services and several community-focused items. Alexander said overall traffic and electronic use were up compared with the previous year and that Hoopla use increased even while spending on Hoopla was slightly down because staff purchased a bundle for $80 that allows 100 circulations of a selected title.
Gifts and partnerships: Alexander reported checks from Iowa City Public Library and North Liberty Library toward a joint purchase of the Candid database, a resource the State Library had cut; the Foundation is discussing fundraising support for the 5th Street Library lawn landscaping project and added Jessie Harper to its board.
Programs and services: Alexander provided W.A.R.M. program numbers: 403 registered (three-quarters used paper logs) and 338 completed, a completion rate of about 86 percent. She announced a community meal scheduled for March 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. Trustee Pat Kenner noted that a UI Retirees group is seeking volunteer opportunities in April.
Facility and operations notes: Kenner asked about the hot water heater and Alexander said a needed part is expected and the hot water should be restored the next day. There was also brief discussion of vendor invoices: deNovo (the marketing firm that built and supports the library website), OCLC (EZProxy remote-login service), Ingram (slightly improved service after losing Baker & Taylor) and Hoopla billing trends.
Board actions: trustees approved the agenda, the February minutes and payment of the bills unanimously.
