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The Salina Public Library has released its 2024 Annual Community Report, showcasing a year of growth, engagement, and expanded services for Salina residents. With more than 500,000 items checked out, the library remains a vital hub for literacy, digital access, and community programs.
The report highlights increases in both digital and physical engagement. While traditional books remain the most popular checkout item, the library also expanded its online reach, connecting with 223,369 Facebook users—a 22.42% increase from the previous year. The demand for digital connectivity remained strong, with 2,967 hotspot checkouts offering free internet access to patrons. Technology assistance sessions saw an 83.54% increase, reflecting the library’s growing role in digital literacy support.
Programming at the library thrived, with 2,080 events drawing 29,002 attendees. Outreach efforts continued through Lobby Stops, which provided 905 items to assisted living facilities.
Community support played a significant role in the library’s success. A 29.05% rise in donors led 271 individuals to contribute to Youth Services and programming improvements. Library staff, nearly 50 strong, ensured accessibility seven days a week to meet patrons' needs.
One of the year’s standout initiatives was the first annual Nonprofit Showcase in October, which featured nearly 30 local organizations and distributed hundreds of free hygiene items to community members. Literacy remained a core focus during the Summer at the Library program, during which the community read 21,138 books collectively. The library’s McKenzie Center served as a summer lunch pick-up site, providing 3,034 free lunches to children.
"The numbers tell a powerful story of how much our community values and utilizes the library," said Library Director Melanie Hedgepeth. "We are excited to see such significant growth across various services, from technology support to event participation. Our goal remains to provide accessible resources and welcoming spaces for all."
Looking ahead to 2025, the library plans to continue expanding services, fostering community engagement, and ensuring access to resources that support lifelong learning.