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Gladstone Library reports rising use at new facility; circulation, visits and programs up
Summary
Library manager Mitzi Olson reported strong first-year figures at the new Gladstone Library building: over 151,000 physical circulations (7% growth), a 20% increase in e-book/eaudiobook checkouts, a 44% rise in door counts (about 56,000) and a 50% jump in summer reading finishers.
Mitzi Olson, library manager for the Gladstone and Oak Lodge libraries, presented the Gladstone Library’s annual report and statistics for the first nine months of operations in the new Gladstone facility (opened Sept. 25, 2024).
Olson said the “circulation total of over a 151,000 physical items,” representing a 7% increase over the prior year, and reported a 20% increase in e‑book and eaudiobook checkouts. She highlighted a 50% increase in summer-reading program finishers (243 finishers) and annual door counts approaching 56,000, a 44% rise from the prior year. Olson described ongoing and new programming including baby and family story times, teen advisory groups, snackivities for school‑age children, rotating local art provided by Clackamas Arts Alliance and new amenities such as a 24/7 book locker and an installed donor wall.
Olson thanked volunteers, the Gladstone Library Foundation and partners who support seed packets, story walks and art installations. Councilors praised the attendance numbers and noted similar increases at the partner Oak Lodge library. The council accepted the report and encouraged continued community outreach for programming and fundraising for the donor wall.
Olson said the donor wall will include 50 spaces and donors who give $500 or more will be recognized on engraved placards; the art committee will finalize selections next week.
