Coralville Public Library reports rising use, Hoopla bundle purchase and community programming

At its March 4 meeting the Coralville Public Library Board of Trustees received reports showing increases in library use and updates on community programs and fundraising.

Assistant Library Director Ellen Alexander said annual statistics were up across the board, with increased electronic use and more people entering the building compared with the prior year. She explained that the library purchased a Hoopla "bundle" for $80 that allows 100 circulations of a title; Hoopla monitors usage and recommends bundle purchases based on demand.

Alexander reported receipt of checks from the Iowa City Public Library and the North Liberty Public Library toward a joint purchase of the Candid database, noting that the State Library had cut that subscription and local libraries and nonprofits had expressed interest in continuing access.

X. Cretzmeyer reported for the Friends of the Library that the organization’s last book sale drew 765 attendees and generated $6,235 in book sales plus $1,200 in memberships. Alexander reported that the Library Foundation recently voted to add Jessie Harper and discussed possible fundraising to support landscaping at the 5th Street Library.

Alexander also provided W.A.R.M. program figures: 403 registrants (three-quarters used paper logs) and 338 completions, a completion rate of 86%. She said the hot water heater repair is awaiting a part but should be resolved the following day. The library will host a community meal on March 27 from 5–7 p.m., and board members noted volunteer interest from a UI Retirees group for an April volunteer day.

The board approved routine procedural items and bills at the meeting; no further formal actions on programs or fundraising were recorded.