Library requests restored line item, cites surge in summer programs and e‑book use

Tanya Garden, who presented the library’s annual overview, told the commissioners the library has seen notable program growth and rising digital usage and asked that the county restore a $2,500 line item to support operations and outreach. “Book Buddies is our most popular event,” Garden said, noting the program pairs adult volunteers with children for 30‑minute reading sessions. She reported 15,292 e‑book checkouts last year and said the library contributes about $3,000 to a regional e‑book consortium to expand the digital collection.