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Home My WebLink About2025-10-22; Library Board of Trustees; 01; Library Reports for September 2025Meeting Date: Oct. 22, 2025 To: Library Board of Trustees From: Andrea Hilliard, Principal Librarian Laura Stanger, Principal Librarian Staff Contact: Andrea Hilliard, Principal Librarian andrea.hilliard@carlabadca.gov, 442-339-2041 Laura Stanger, Principal Librarian laura.stanger@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5526 Subject: Library Reports for September 2025 District: All Recommended Action Receive the Narrative Report and Statistical Report for September 2025. Executive Summary The library’s monthly narrative and statistical reports for September 2025 provide a summary of work completed across all Carlsbad City Library locations, as well as data and information about the services and programs provided for the community. Explanation & Analysis None. Fiscal Analysis No financial impact. Next Steps None. Environmental Evaluation The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed action to report on the library’s monthly narrative and statistics is an organizational or administrative government activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed action may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or CEQA Guidelines. Exhibits 1.Narrative report for September 2025 2.Statistical report for September 2025 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Oct. 22, 2025 Item #1 Page 1 of 6 Exhibit 1 Carlsbad City Library Monthly Library Report September 2025 Highlights: 1.Net Promoter Score online feedback The library launched Net Promoter Score on the library website to capture patron feedback on Sept. 11. Patrons can click the green ‘Feedback’ button to rate their satisfaction with library programs and services on a scale of 1-10. The use of this software enables the library to gather actionable feedback and complements the paper comment cards available at library locations. Programs: 2.Tinker Tuesdays at Dove Library The kid’s craft program, Tinker Tuesdays, featured crafts with a pollination theme, including a beehive and a bee on a flower. Attendance at this Sept. 9 event totaled 65. 3.Paws to Read On Sept. 18, Dove Library welcomed 46 attendees to its beloved bimonthly children’s event, “Paws to Read”. This program invites young readers to spend time with gentle therapy dogs, helping them overcome reading hesitancy while bonding with the dogs. Oct. 22, 2025 Item #1 Page 2 of 6 4. Tuesday Afternoon Adventures at Cole Library Children attending Tuesday Afternoon Adventures on Sept. 30 learned about their five senses and how they work together with the brain to interpret information. The children were challenged to determine by touch the contents of nine mystery boxes, which included coarse salt, popcorn kernels, dragon fruit, shaving cream, and a warty pumpkin. Twenty patrons attended this hands-on program. 5. New Teen Programming In September, Library Technician Manny Rendon spearheaded the launch of new weekly teen programs at the Dove Library to take place on Wednesday afternoons at 4 p.m.: •Dungeons and Dragons (twice monthly) •Teen Manga & Graphic Novel Club •Teens Geek Out, featuring a monthly rotating theme A total of 50 teens participated across all four sessions with Dungeons & Dragons Adventurer’s League being the standout favorite drawing 44 attendees in just two sessions. The average age of participants is 11. Scheduled to continue through December 2025, these programs will be re-evaluated at the end of the year to guide future planning. 6. True Crime Author Talk True crime investigative reporter Caitlin Rother visited the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium at the Dove Library on Sept. 27 and spoke to 32 attendees about her latest release, “Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder & An Elusive Quest for Justice.” Ms. Rother’s book examines the murder investigation of the McStay family, who disappeared from their Southern California home in 2010. The author of several true crime books, Ms. Rother has also written about another prominent local story, the death of Rebecca Zahau at the Spreckels Mansion in Coronado. Oct. 22, 2025 Item #1 Page 3 of 6 7. Local Author “California Avocados” The Author Team, in partnership with Genealogy & Carlsbad History, hosted author Rob Crisell on Sept. 12 at the Cole Library. Mr. Crisell, a former journalist, TED Talk presenter (“How Not to Hate Shakespeare”) and wine producer, is the author of several books including “California Avocados: A Delicious History.” Mr. Crisell entertained 33 community members with information about the history of avocados and their growth as a cash crop in California. Mr. Crisell touched upon the different varieties grown and the role avocados increasingly play in today’s economic market. The author provided three types of guacamoles for taste testing by those present – all based on historic recipes from different periods. The Genealogy & Carlsbad History staff created an avocado related display to complement the program. Accomplishments: 8. Literacy Services Changing Lives A mother and daughter, both adult learners in our literacy program, have passed their U.S. citizenship tests - the daughter last month and the mother this month. This accomplishment is just another powerful example of the impact Literacy Services have on the community. Stories like this remind us of why Literacy Services matter. They don’t just teach reading and writing - they open doors, build futures and strengthen communities. Community Connections: 9. Carlsbad Unified School District Partnership Principal Librarian Laura Stanger gave a presentation to Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) third grade teachers on Sept. 24 at the district offices. Laura shared about library programs and services relevant to the grade, as well as opportunities to sign up for library cards during annual school tours. Third-grade students enjoy field trips to the Dove Library through a partnership with the district and Cultural Arts for the Explore More program where they interact with the current exhibit in the William D. Cannon Art Gallery. The district also works with the city’s Housing & Homeless Services Department to give third Oct. 22, 2025 Item #1 Page 4 of 6 graders tours of the Cole Library and City Hall where they meet the mayor and engage in civic education. 10. Oktoberfest Library staff hosted a craft table at the annual Rotary Club Oktoberfest on Sept. 20 at the Carlsbad Strawberry Field. Staff spoke with 47 individuals and shared library programs and services and helped kids of all ages create an alpine style hat out of recycled craft paper. 11. Older & Bolder Expo Literacy Services Technician Beth Smith hosted a table at the Older & Bolder Expo at the Carlsbad Senior Center on Sept. 27 to share volunteer opportunities, upcoming library programs and benefits for seniors like Homebound Service. Beth spoke with 88 people and created six new library cards at the event. Older & Bolder is an annual Chamber of Commerce event to showcase local financial support, healthcare, housing placement and other resources to help local seniors thrive after retirement. Oct. 22, 2025 Item #1 Page 5 of 6 Exhibit 2 LIBRARY MONTHLY STATISTICS – SEPTEMBER 2025 SEPTEMBER 2024 SEPTEMBER 2025 Physical materials circulation 82,898 87,903 +6.0% Electronic materials circulation 26,032 29,222 +12.2% Programs 111 128 +15.3% Program attendance 3,788 4,344 +14.6% Study room utilization hours booked and occupancy 1,729 69.6% occupancy 1,860 70.5% occupancy +7.5% Visitors 43,467 51,366 +18.1% Oct. 22, 2025 Item #1 Page 6 of 6