Local library reports 22,000 cardholders, asks for volunteers and support

Laura Millison, senior community library manager stationed at the Pittsburg Library, told the council the branch serves roughly 22,000 cardholders in a city of about 77,000 residents. Millison said the library circulates about 50,000 items annually, receives about 75,000 visits and hosts about 8,000 program attendees each year. The branch distributed 2,500 brand-new books to the community and issued 500 student library cards during the school year.

Millison described core adult services including Project 2nd Chance tutoring, ESL conversation classes led by local volunteers, and a Career Online High School program funded through a State Library grant that offers a free online high-school diploma for eligible participants. She asked for volunteers (two spare hours per month) to support tutoring and Friends-of-the-Library fundraising projects.

During public comment on the library item, a retired teacher asked the council to consider restoring Monday hours and to prioritize children’s and adult services when balancing budget choices.