Library director announces Ancestry subscription, author events, expanded youth programming and grants

Library Director John presented program and outreach highlights to the Churchill County Library Board, including a proposed Ancestry Library subscription, expanded author events, youth programming, and recent grant funding.

John said the library plans to add Ancestry Library to its online databases at a cost of $1,585.20 charged to the e-materials budget. "It costs $1,585.20, and we have budget for that in the ematerials," he said, adding the library will evaluate continued subscription based on usage after one year.

On programming, John outlined an almost-monthly slate of author talks through December and called out a Super Smash Brothers Ultimate youth tournament on Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m. for ages 10 to 18, with a planned round-robin format and first- and second-place prizes. He also described a family-friendly program featuring farm animals, scheduled the same day at 1 p.m., hosted with UNR Extension.

The director reported the library received $2,500 in grants for a historic book club and said the library's baby/toddler story time has grown, with strong attendance at weekly events. He also noted that volunteers contributed 703 hours during the 2025 calendar year and that staff began tracking patron interactions at the circulation desk in February to better monitor services.

Trustees asked operational questions about tournament signups and how statistics would be reported; John said current signups were about five and that the library expects walk-ins and will eventually provide year-over-year statistics.

John invited trustees to a fundraising "Meet the Director" event on April 16 at the library, which will include raffle items and refreshment stations to showcase library programs and to engage stakeholders.