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Swisher library reports program growth, new accessibility grant and space shortfall
Summary
The library reported a jump in programs and attendance, a drop in in‑building computer use tied to school device distribution, a state grant‑funded space assessment that found the building undersized, and an ALA grant used to add an automatic front door for accessibility.
Laura presented the Swisher library's annual report, telling the council the library's income comes from four main sources — City of Swisher, Johnson County, Shueyville and the state of Iowa — and that program offerings increased from 74 to 101 in the last fiscal year with attendance up about 900 people.
"The basic finding is we're too small for what we are," she said, summarizing a state‑funded space needs assessment that put Swisher at the high end of a 'B' library and close to entering the next size category. The assessment noted seating and restroom requirements tied to the state's classification system and recommended planning for more space as the town grows.
Laura said the library hired a part‑time assistant and two summer high‑school workers, which helped expand youth and adult programming. She also noted a marked decline in in‑building computer use because the local school distributed devices to students, while wireless sessions and parking‑lot use of the library's Wi‑Fi have increased.
On accessibility, Laura said the library received an American Libraries Association grant that paid for an automatic front door; the remaining grant funds are expected to fund a ramp at the back entrance. She told the council the library has right of first refusal on an adjacent building and lot and said the preferred expansion option is to add a south slope addition to the back of the current building.
Councilmembers thanked Laura for the report and asked follow‑up questions about space and next steps for planning.
