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Swisher library reports rising programs and attendance, says building is too small for projected growth
Summary
The library reported program growth (74 → 101 programs) and attendance up by about 900; a state space‑needs assessment concluded the library is undersized for projected population growth and recommended planning for expansion; the library also received an American Library Association accessibility grant.
Laura presented the library’s annual report to the council on Sept. 23, saying the library’s programming and attendance have grown substantially and that a state space‑needs assessment recommends planning for more space. “We went from 74 programs… to 101 and our attendance went up 900 people,” she said, crediting part‑time staff and student workers with expanding services.
Laura said the library’s income comes from four main sources — City of Swisher, Johnson County, the city of Shueyville (contract), and the State of Iowa — and that changes in patronage affect how county and city contributions are calculated. She also noted a drop in in‑building computer use after schools issued devices to students and a rise in wireless sessions as patrons increasingly use their own devices.
The state‑funded space‑needs assessment found the library is near the upper limit of its A/B classification and will not meet C‑level requirements without expansion. Laura said the library has right of first refusal on an adjacent building and is exploring options; she cautioned that South Slope’s emergency switching equipment on the nearby lot complicates relocation or expansion plans.
The library has also used an American Library Association grant to install an automatic front door to improve accessibility and may spend remaining grant funds on a small ramp at a rear entrance.
What happens next: staff asked council for feedback on long‑term space planning; the library will continue to pursue grants and may return formal expansion proposals or acquisition costs to council for consideration.
