Ensuring Library Services

The Library Board of Trustees is proposing a 0.75 millage in perpetuity to be placed on the November 2025 ballot.

Our Library is nearing 25 years since our last renovation and requires interior and exterior infrastructure repairs and replacements in the approaching years and long term.  Though current operating expenses are stable, capital needs are driving increased expenses in financial projections.

Our current library millage, originally authorized at a rate of 1.0 in 1981, has since been reduced to 0.79. The proposed levy would increase our total library millage rate to 1.54.

Library Use Remains High

The following data represents Richland Community Library use.

11 Circulations per Capita¹

The Richland Community Library circulates 2X as many materials as the average American library. The average taxable Richland household saved $443 over the last year by borrowing library materials rather than purchasing them.²

¹ This is the number of materials checked out / renewed divided by the total population of the library’s service area

² Calculated by dividing FY 2023-24 collection checkout rates by taxable Richland Township households, then estimating the average cost of materials according to the library’s FY 2023-24 collection replacement valuations and industry averages.

29 Visitors per Hour Open

The Richland Community Library has seen a 112% increase in library visitors from 2022 to 2024. In a 2024 library survey, 99% of respondents considered the library as a staple of our community. 46% of respondents said they use the library weekly and 37% stated they use the library at least once a month.

50% Growth in Program Offerings

At the community’s request, library staff have expanded programming offerings and community outreach, with 50% more events offered than at the start of our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. In 2024, the library held 497 programs for infants to adults. That’s an average of about ten programs offered per week from being open 251 days of the year. 

124% Growth in Meeting Room and Community Space Use

Library meeting rooms were reserved and used approximately 400 times in 2024 by remote workers, local groups, students, tutors, and community organizations. Meeting Room reservations have increased in usage by 124% since 2022.

33% Growth in Digital Resource Use

Over 16,014 eBooks and audiobooks were borrowed through our online platforms in 2024. Digital checkouts have increased 33% since 2022.