Newark Library reports 600,000+ visitors since opening, highlights programs and partnerships

Joe Stoner, division director for Newark Library, told the City Council on April 23 that the library has drawn more than 600,000 visitors since its August 2021 opening and has exceeded 1.1 million physical checkouts.

Stoner said Newark's Sunday hours (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and a steady program schedule helped drive attendance. "In the new library, we have seen just over 600,000 visitors since we opened," Stoner said, adding that last year's program attendance topped 16,000 and the library issued 456 meeting-room bookings in the Newark room. He said the library's hourly visitation rate on Sundays is about 50% higher than the daily yearly average.

The presentation highlighted specific offerings that staff said make the branch a community hub: a weekly Spanish-language adult book club that draws 30'40 participants and gives books to attendees through donations; a partnership with a local nonprofit that runs a South-Asian mental-health support group; a parent support group for families with special-needs children organized by La Familia; and a planned May 30 live watch party tied to the West Coast'wide One Book, One Coast program.

Stoner also laid out service metrics he said demonstrate sustained demand: nearly 5,000 visits during a single winter break period and high daily use on holidays and special events. He described the library's digital circulation footprint as well, noting approximately 162,000 ebook and e-audio checkouts attributed to the Newark branch as a share of countywide use.

Council members praised the library staff during follow-up discussion, thanking Stoner for volunteer engagement and partnerships. Council Member Grenal said the library's programming and community access make the building 'the best library'in the region, and Council Member Little credited the facility with providing much-needed event space for nonprofits.

The council also heard details about an upcoming recreation, wellness and sport fair co-organized by a council member and scheduled for Aug. 29; staff said plans will include nonprofit vendors, wellness resources and a fifth-anniversary celebration for the library.

What happens next: Council members asked staff to continue outreach and return with details as needed for specific program or facility requests. No formal action on library operations was required at the meeting.

Sources: Presentation by Joe Stoner, Newark Library (April 23, 2026).