Library Leaders Share Hope, Challenges at Community Coffee Chat

Residents gathered for a casual morning at Samuels Public Library, where board members and staff spoke openly about funding, programs, and the future. The event, led by Board of Trustees President Melody Hotek and Library Director Erin Rooney, gave the community a chance to ask questions and hear updates in a relaxed setting.

One of the biggest updates was welcome news: the library received $100,000 from the county Board of Supervisors.

We got the $100,000. We’re very grateful to the Board of Supervisors for coming through with that. And it wasn’t the whole amount, but it was certainly enough to help us cover operating expenses and get us toward that finish line. We’re almost there. We’re not there yet. So we have still fundraisers that we’re working on,” said Hotek.

This money will help cover operating costs, but it is not enough to fully close the gap. “We’re almost there. We’re not there yet,” Rooney explained, noting that fundraising remains critical in the months ahead.

The library has leaned heavily on community support over the past year. A major boost came from an anonymous donor who gave $500,000, helping launch an emergency fund that kept services running. Donations poured in from across the country, with support coming from 39 states and even overseas.

Despite the financial strain, the staff has kept services steady. Rooney said they avoided cutting hours or reducing staff, instead trimming smaller expenses and adjusting programs that were not widely used. Visitors may not notice the pressure behind the scenes, as employees continue to greet guests with smiles and maintain a full schedule of events.

Still, Hotek made it clear that this level of fundraising cannot continue year after year. Without stable county funding, the library risks losing state aid, which depends on local government support. She said they are hopeful after presenting their funding request for the upcoming fiscal year and expect a decision once the county finalizes its budget.

The conversation also turned to long-term planning. With more than 130,000 visitors each year and growing demand, the building is “busting at the seams,” according to board members. Future ideas include expanding the current space, adding outreach services, or even creating satellite locations in other parts of the county.

Maintenance is another concern. The building, owned by the county, has aging systems, such as roofing and air conditioning, that may need major repairs in the next few years. Library leaders said they have already begun early talks with county officials about those needs.

Even with these challenges, the mood at the gathering remained upbeat. Attendees praised the library’s role in the community and its wide range of programs, from children’s events to creative offerings like the “Library of Things,” where visitors can borrow items such as games and specialty kits.

Fundraising events continue to play a key role. The upcoming “Taste for Books” event will transform the library into themed spaces like a jungle and savannah, while “Samicon,” a popular fall event, is expected to draw large crowds again with this year’s sci-fi theme, “Take Me to Your Library.”

Community members also shared new ideas, including expanding art involvement in fundraising efforts. Local artist Mark Schwenk suggested improved online promotion and greater visibility for donated work, which could benefit both the library and the creators. Library staff welcomed the feedback and said they are eager to grow those partnerships.

As the meeting wrapped up, one message stood out: the library’s future depends on a mix of public funding and community support. While the past year has tested the system, leaders believe the strong response from residents shows just how much the library means to the community.