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Weatherford library reports sharp rise in visits and summer-reading participation despite nonresident fee
Summary
Erin, the library director, told the Rutherford Public Library Board that visits, event attendance and summer-reading participation have climbed sharply this summer; the board discussed a $50 nonresident fee, Techshare borrowing limits and plans for building expansion.
Erin, the library director, reported to the Rutherford Public Library Board that visits to the library, event ticketing and in-library computer and Wi‑Fi use have risen sharply this summer compared with the previous two years, and the library has already surpassed prior summer-reading participation and minutes-read totals with nine days left in the program.
The director said the Friends of the Library hosted a sold-out luncheon featuring columnist David Lieber; proceeds funded performers, prizes and supplies that covered this year’s summer-reading costs. "We have really taken off as far as visits to the library...the number of people walking through our door has just increased drastically," Erin said, noting checkouts rose modestly while in-person attendance and program tickets climbed significantly.
Board members discussed the $50 nonresident fee charged to some county residents. Chair (speaker 2) asked whether the fee reduced use; Erin replied that participation and circulation figures are higher now than before the fee, and that most nonresident users appear willing to pay when staff explain that city property taxes fund the library. "We're prioritizing Weatherford patrons," Erin said, adding she has started purchasing extra copies and audiobooks of high-demand titles so local patrons wait less for holds.
Erin told the board she is pushing to allow Weatherford ISD students who live outside the city to obtain library cards, saying the students use the library heavily for programs and resources. Board members asked staff to explore options for reciprocal agreements with neighboring towns to reduce barriers for county residents.
Discussion also covered space constraints and possible facility improvements. Erin and members noted many programs draw full crowds in a room that seats about 100; suggestions included reconfiguring interior space, adding an attached children’s-library addition, a parking lot, an amphitheater and playground, and pursuing grants or partnerships with the parks department to fund outdoor improvements.
Board members and Erin also addressed interlibrary-access rules. A board member asked whether Techshare patrons can check out Weatherford materials; Erin confirmed Techshare use is restricted at Weatherford and said the board can limit some Techshare users to three items at a time. She advised patrons they may request items through the consortium or obtain an East Parker County library card to use Techshare privileges.
The meeting agenda included tabling approval of the March 25 minutes because of quorum concerns and tabling the appointment of a vice chair; both items were postponed. No citizens signed up to comment. The board adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
