Citrus County libraries report rising program use, Canopy streaming expansion and interlibrary loan return

Director Chang and library staff used the meeting to present operational and program updates for the Citrus County Library System. Chang noted that staff had combined Commissioner Kennard's suggested changes with existing policy language and forwarded a draft for legal review, and then outlined multiple program initiatives.

Key service updates included an interlibrary loan reintroduction (the limit was reduced from five items to four to fit budgeting constraints) and upgrades to print kiosks. Chang described Canopy, the library's streaming service, moving to a ticketing model and opening access broadly: "I believe that's about 30,000 items that people, now have access to," he said, adding that patrons receive 14 tickets per month under the new system.

Staff reported the library checks out roughly 50,000 items per month and that digital engagement tactics are strong (nearly 700,000 outgoing patron emails since April for various notices and newsletters). The library also has a strategic plan emphasizing early literacy, expanded open hours and renovation/maintenance projects across branches.

The youth services presentation highlighted a 238% increase in story-time participation since 2021, expansion of permanent youth librarian staffing at Floral City, and enrollment in the "1,000 books before kindergarten" initiative (about 373 readers enrolled). Staff said programs such as "Happy Tales" (a reader-dog program) and outreach at festivals and schools are central to the librarys efforts.

Chang also reported operational items: a foundation fund balance near $463,000 after prior withdrawals for renovations, the retirement announcement of longtime staff member Debbie Riley, and plans for landscaping and facility updates at branches.

The board and staff invited the public to use formal request forms to suggest additions and to participate in a community needs survey; staff reported 1,831 completed surveys for the master-plan process.