Saint Marys library reports rising usage; requests temporary meter closures for July 2 event; pool opens but slide pump overheats

Leslie presented the Saint Marys Public Library’s annual report on June 10, saying building visits, public-computer use and Wi‑Fi sessions all increased year over year and that programming continues to be popular.

"We had 3,422 more Wi‑Fi uses than the previous year," Leslie said, adding that building visits rose by about 2,825 and circulation remains around 38,000 items annually. The library ran 289 programs last year with 8,112 participants, and Leslie described a lineup of summer programming including nine weekly children's programs.

The library asked the council to allow two parking meters in front of the library to be blocked on Thursday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the library’s 250th‑anniversary event featuring a bestselling author, local food vendors and family activities. The council clarified the request is for blocking spaces temporarily for event access and that any broader "free parking" policy would need separate council action.

In non-agenda public comments, parks staff reported the municipal pool opened for the season with roughly 100 visitors despite bad weather; contractors donated labor and the project came in under initial estimates. However, staff said a thermal event damaged the slide's water-pump system and they are investigating repair or replacement costs. Current opening hours and lifeguard staffing were described as sufficient through June with schedules to be set for July and August.

Council thanked library staff and volunteers and asked staff to coordinate meter-blocking logistics with the mayor and city manager’s office.