Library reports record activity and growing digital use in annual update to commissioners

A library representative presented the annual report to the Duchesne County Commission on April 13, telling commissioners that the county’s two libraries circulated about 95,000 physical items and that digital circulation totaled about 64,000 checkouts last year.

The presenter said combined library circulation and service activities added to roughly 160,000 items served, an increase the presenter described as about 10% year over year. Children’s materials accounted for a large share of the physical circulation — the presenter said that about 43,000 of the circulated items were for children — and summer reading drew roughly 800 participants, about half of whom completed the program.

The report highlighted new grant-funded technology and infrastructure: grant awards supported audio‑book purchases and a battery‑backup installation for a library server room, and Wi‑Fi coverage was expanded to cover a branch parking lot. The presenter described outreach efforts including weekly stops at Tabiona and services to the local jail as part of sustained community programming.

Staffing adjustments were noted: the presenter said a full-time position was reduced to part time as part of budget balancing; the transcript does not specify the full budget line figures. The presenter also said the library is preparing a three‑year strategic plan in the coming months and listed upcoming exhibits and outreach events for late spring and summer.

Commissioners thanked the presenter and praised staff for high attendance and strong volunteer and partner support. No formal budget action was taken during the presentation; the library’s figures and program decisions will be reflected in future budget work if commissioners choose to act.