Calvert Library reports FY25 rebound, moves southern‑branch planning into CIP

Calvert Library told the county board May 5 that library usage and program attendance have largely recovered from pandemic declines and that the system is preparing a facilities master plan to guide branch upgrades and a new southern‑branch facility. Executive Director Carrie Wilson said the library recorded more than a million combined physical and digital circulations in FY25, tens of thousands of program attendees, and substantial volunteer support.

Wilson said the system is addressing accessibility requirements, expanding sensory spaces, and increasing outreach. She told commissioners planning funds for a southern branch are included in the county capital program (planning anticipated in FY28; construction in FY29–30) and said the final square footage and design will be developed through the facility master plan and community engagement.

Library leadership also requested staffing support for four administrative positions to sustain operations as service area and facility footprint have grown. Commissioners asked about funding ratios for prior projects and were told state capital grants historically cover around 40–45% of some library capital projects, with the county covering the remainder.

Next steps: the facility master plan will return to the board in coming months; staff will pursue state capital grant timelines for FY28 planning and future construction phases.