Goodhue County libraries report 2025 growth in visits and services

Library leaders told Goodhue County commissioners that county libraries expanded usage and continued to play a central role in digital access and community support in 2025.

Dan Brower, director of the Red Wing Public Library, said the six‑library system recorded about a quarter of a million visits last year and roughly 400,000 physical circulations (about 25% of those to county users). Brower said the system hosted about 1,400 programs with nearly 29,000 attendees; program count dipped 12% during a spring software migration, but overall attendance grew about 1% from 2024.

Brower highlighted technology use and digital‑inclusion services: county libraries average about 64 public computer sessions per day systemwide, roughly 58 daily Wi‑Fi logins at an average branch, and hotspots/Chromebook lending. “A quarter of a million people visited all of our libraries,” Brower said, and he warned that many residents rely on library internet access for job applications, college forms and government paperwork.

Presenters demonstrated that FCC coverage maps can overstate local availability, noting pockets of poor service even within Red Wing. The presentation emphasized libraries as points of access for residents who lack reliable home internet; one staff example described a family that used library notary and computer services to complete naturalization paperwork and repeatedly returned for follow‑up assistance.

Library representatives also described nontraditional circulating items and partnerships that broaden community services — framed art, disc‑golf sets, state park passes, notary services, food distribution and multilingual staff — and stressed the libraries’ return on investment. Brower said the system’s estimated return is roughly $4–$5 in services for every $1 of tax support.

Commissioners thanked presenters and discussed budget pressures: county staff noted the county is considering a funding freeze for outside agencies to hold levy increases in check; commissioners said they value libraries but must balance that against overall levy constraints.

Next steps: Library leaders and county staff will continue contract and funding discussions; commissioners requested further details on a draft addendum to hold funding for one year and additional research on school‑district items before making funding decisions.