Library director says visits and programs are rising as budget shows small decrease

Jefferson County's library director reported substantial year-over-year increases in public use and programming while presenting a slight requested reduction to the division's 2026 budget.

Library staff told commissioners that the division's budget request moved from $665,325 last year to approximately $662,372 this year, a reduction linked to employee reclassifications and lower salary/benefit projections. Emily, the library lead, summarized the library's workload: "In the last year there's been 7,200 visitors to the building. 6,600 computer sessions on our 80 public computers. 12,000 physical items have been checked out from our circulation. 6,200 have been from our ebooks and audiobooks collection that we offer."

Emily said programming has grown about 60% since the new librarian took charge, citing 336 active programs, 180 private meeting-room reservations, and outreach partnerships with local businesses. The library plans to modernize a public 3D-print workspace and is considering deep cleaning and ADA restroom improvements, and the purchase of a small cargo van to pilot a bookmobile to reach underserved communities.

Commissioners praised the initiatives and asked staff to include project line items and timelines in forthcoming budget materials.