Caldwell library plans passport service and requests adult‑services staff amid rising demand

Caldwell — The Caldwell Public Library outlined budget priorities for FY27, including a proposed new passport service and a request to add a full‑time adult services assistant to meet rising patron demand.

The library presenter, identified in council questions as Alicia, said the library currently employs 19 full‑time staff plus a part‑time youth programming assistant and seasonal workers. The library plans to roll out passport acceptance services by appointment beginning fall 2026, charging a $35 execution fee comparable to neighboring libraries and county practice. "They have offered passport services through their library since 2019 and have averaged about $100,000 a year in revenue that they've generated there," the presenter said when noting nearby examples; the presenter emphasized Caldwell will begin modestly and keep appointments limited while three staff members complete training.

A major driver of the proposed FY27 increase — and the reason for the adult‑services request — is the growth in reference and programming demand. The presenter described one‑on‑one technology tutoring, expanded outreach and a backlog of digitization/cataloging work in the Idaho collection that has gone underserved. The presentation showed a proposed $251,818 increase in expenditures over FY26, primarily attributable to the requested adult services position and rising allocations for health insurance and shared services.

Councilors asked whether passport services would require a new specialist position (the library indicated three current staff will be trained initially and the service will be appointment‑only; a dedicated position could follow if demand justifies it). They also asked about property and shared facility arrangements with the senior center; staff clarified the city owns and maintains the senior‑center building and the library is exploring phased facility options.

What happens next: Library staff will train personnel for passport processing, start with appointment hours (including evenings/weekends), and return to council with any request for a dedicated passport or additional staff position if demand exceeds the pilot capacity.

Sources and attributions: The library presenter (identified as Alicia in council questions) delivered program and staffing details; councilors raised procurement and facility questions. The presentation materials distributed at the meeting include revenue and expenditure breakdowns.

Ending: Council did not take final action on the staffing request; library staff will begin passport training and report back with utilization data and any revised staffing needs.