Crawford library reports rising usage, requests extra staffing

The Crawford Library reported a rise in patron activity during January and asked the council for extra staffing support to keep pace with programming and technology upgrades.

Library staff reported 470 patron visits, 68 computer users, 273 physical materials circulated and 206 Libby (digital) circulations in January. The library held seven events during the reporting period with total attendance of 154. Staff noted Microsoft 365 had been successfully installed on public workstations in the computer lab.

Lisa Stocker of the Library Board presented the annual library report required by state statute (Neb. Rev. Stat. 51‑213), reviewed the board’s financial and inventory figures for fiscal 2024 and commended librarian Ashy Blacksheep for programs and community outreach launched since joining the library. The board said the workload and programming justify adding support staff.

Council approved the appointment of Barb Moody Richards to the Library Board of Trustees. No council vote on staffing was recorded; the board and librarian indicated they will pursue additional support through usual staffing and budgeting channels.

Upcoming library events noted by staff include a Crawford Serving Humanities meeting (Feb. 18), a game night (Feb. 28), a Friends of the Library meeting (Mar. 4), a reading group (Mar. 7) and a Gumbo Pioneers gathering (Mar. 9) to discuss the Moody Family.