Calexico Unified says libraries are seeing major circulation gains, highlights diversity and staffing improvements

Carmina Ramirez, the district librarian, told the Calexico Unified School District board that the district has filled library staffing and focused on making libraries welcoming places to increase literacy and engagement. “The focus of our priority as library staff in the district is to create welcoming environments in our libraries and promote the love of reading,” Ramirez said, describing programming from kindergarten through 12th grade and a year of professional development for librarians.

Ramirez said the system now has 11 library technicians plus a lead librarian across 12 sites, with schedules adjusted so staff are on campus when students are present. She described collection work — weeding older books, purchasing new and more diverse titles, and professional development including LEGO Education training and a visit from a Demco specialist on book maintenance — as central to raising circulation and relevance.

The presentation included several metrics the district tracks: average age of items, items-per-student ratios and circulation counts. Ramirez said eight sites increased annual circulation by thousands and four sites doubled their circulation year over year; she highlighted progress toward a goal of at least 30 percent diverse titles at most schools.

Board members asked for additional context and for data that links library access and circulation to reading outcomes. A trustee requested a row showing student enrollment per site to make the items‑per‑student ratio clearer; Ramirez agreed to add that to future reports. Trustees also asked for analysis comparing circulation and diversity indicators with I‑Ready or other literacy measures for early grades.

The superintendent noted that primary funding for new library furniture and collections has come through the district’s LCAP and occasional literacy grants, and that the board should be prepared to continue allocating such funds. Ramirez also reminded the public that, under California Education Code, community members can challenge library materials and that the district maintains a formal process for handling those challenges.

The board thanked Ramirez and staff for the work and encouraged continued efforts to tie library metrics to student literacy outcomes and parent engagement.