Library director highlights record use, programs and National Library Week events

Kathy Walsler, Haywood County library director, gave the Board of Commissioners a year‑in‑review on April 6, saying the library system has seen substantial usage and new services. Walsler reported the system welcomed more than 80,000 visitors and processed over 90,000 checkouts during the reviewed period; she also cited roughly 19,000 audio/video loans, about 1,195 new cardholders and thousands attending programs across branches.

Walsler described recent capital and program investments: a Fred Chapel memorial sculpture at the Canton branch, new Little Free Library infrastructure funded by an American Library Association disaster‑relief grant, improved wayfinding and flooring work at Waynesville, and HVAC upgrades that reduced energy use. She also said library staff helped more than 468 patrons with notary services at Waynesville and Canton.

"Libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning," Community Engagement Librarian Zachary Jones read from the National Library Week proclamation and used that message to preview local events for the April 19–25 observance. Jones outlined a bookmark contest, storytimes, take‑and‑make activity kits for patrons, and a youth chess program at the Canton branch.

Commissioners praised the library's community role. Walsler told the board the library had received a roughly $14,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina to improve landscaping at the Waynesville branch, add pollinator plantings, benches and a short walking path. She said the library will report back next year on the landscaping work and other community partnerships.