Viking Library System seeks 2.5% increase from Stevens County, cites outreach and bookmobile usage

Erin Smith, director of the Viking Library System, presented the system's 2025 annual report to the Stevens County Board and asked the county to approve a 2.5% increase in its 2027 appropriation.

"My name is Erin Smith and I'm the director of the Viking Library System," Smith said, before outlining services across six member counties and 11 member libraries. She said the system provides direct outreach — including a bookmobile — and technical and network support for member libraries in the region. "A total of $71,159 is the appropriation request that we're seeking," Smith told commissioners, specifying the request represents a $1,736 increase from 2026 budget levels.

Smith noted Viking's 50th year of regional service and highlighted delivery and outreach numbers: five regular bookmobile stops in Stevens County (circulating 1,564 items at those stops in 2025) and 27,490 items delivered via weekday rotation to local libraries. She described a planned request for proposals later this year to review the system's integrated library system vendor and cited continuing state funding for administration and e‑resources.

Board members asked routine operational questions about scheduling and stops; Smith said staff adjusted bookmobile timing to avoid daycare nap times and expanded outreach kits for childcare providers. The presentation concluded with the county's consideration of the appropriation request; no final county appropriation vote appears in the transcript.