Chattanooga Public Library reports rising attendance, outreach expansion and new services

Willa Hearn, executive director of the Chattanooga Public Library, briefed the City Council on the library’s quarterly results and a multi‑year strategic plan. Hearn said usage and program participation have risen substantially, and described new outreach and “Beyond Books” offerings that expand the library’s services beyond traditional collections.

Key metrics and initiatives: Hearn said the library is on track for more than 450,000 visits across five locations this year and reported almost 40,000 program participants for the quarter (a 23% increase from the prior quarter). She told council the library has more than 20,000 active digital users and over 100,000 items borrowed systemwide. Hearn credited recent facility investments for improving accessibility and service delivery.

New services: Hearn outlined expansions to the library’s Beyond Books collection (including workout kits and a toy library), plans to pilot check‑outable meeting rooms and a new outreach van called 'Poppy.' The library is also creating a new social‑worker role to support patrons who seek social‑service assistance during visits, and is expanding partnerships with CARTA to improve transit access for West‑Side patrons.

Why it matters: Library leaders said the services respond to increased community needs, including digital access, workforce support and help accessing benefits such as LIHEAP. Hearn said partnerships and recent budget investments enabled many of the improvements and that the downtown library will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Oct. 17 (save‑the‑date announced to council).

Quote: Willa Hearn said the library is “on track to go over 450,000 people this year to come to all 5 of our library locations.”

Next steps: The board‑approved strategic plan will be posted publicly; staff invited council members to visit the outreach van during the meeting recess and asked for continued support for site upgrades and outreach programming.