Cascade Library reports large increases in circulation and visits after renovation

Lula Brown, district manager for the Kent District Library's Cascade branch, told the township board the renovated library is seeing a substantial surge in use: May physical circulation topped 28,000 items (a 60% increase over last year), renewals rose 44% and roughly 67,000 people have visited the branch so far this year.

"For many visitors that are coming back this summer, returning for the first time, what you can often hear in the mornings is, 'Wow,'" Brown said, describing visitors' enthusiastic responses to the refreshed space and the creation of quiet study zones alongside family areas.

Brown said outreach continues: staff attended 13 events serving nearly 1,000 community members, school partnerships reached about 700 children, and summer programs draw large crowds (some programs attract 700 attendees). The branch also continues food-access partnerships; she said 15 locations provide free weekday lunches for children and teens and the bookmobile supports lunch distribution at stops.

Brown noted Friends of the Library volunteers (about 80 active volunteers) have increased fundraising capacity post-renovation. She said KDL is entering a strategic planning process for 2027'28 and encouraged board members and residents to participate. The library is also offering Millennial Park passes for two adults and four kids and plans community projects such as a temporary story walk and a rock-snake art installation in the children's area.

Board members asked about parking and whether the library could propose more spaces; Brown invited ideas and said she would return with staff and leadership for a fuller update later in the year.

Brown closed by thanking the township and residents for support and noting the library's role in serving multiple age groups and needs.