Library Director Corey Burkel told the Newberg Library Advisory Board the library experienced low usage numbers after a week-long closure and that some circulation categories are changing: eaudiobooks are growing faster than ebooks and print in recent counts, and the library’s emagazine use (reported through CCRLS) showed a very high total in the period Burkel reviewed.

Burkel said the library’s door counter is fixed to the front doors and not easily moved, so recent counts are estimations until the counter is back in regular use. He also described the Carnegie Library branch’s new shelving panels and shelf labels, which staff say improve light penetration into deep shelves and make navigation easier for patrons.

On capital projects, Burkel reported that bids are in for a bathroom remodel that was bundled into a larger city project; the work could start as early as January 2026. The restroom work will include ADA considerations (the director noted the women's restroom footprint may be reconfigured to include a single larger accessible stall). The library’s front entrance remains closed to the public because exterior railings are not yet complete and the facility has not passed final inspections; staff continue to admit a small number of patrons through a back entrance when appropriate.

Staff are preparing a scanning room (in the former typewriter room/teen area) and working with the University of Oregon on scanning materials that are not in copyright. Burkel said he hopes to use any funds the Newberg Area Historical Society transfers to the library to support that scanning effort. The historical society notified the library that it believes its organization has “run its course” for now; the society has some papers and artifacts the library may accession into local-history collections and may transfer remaining funds.

The library is also receiving signage and AV equipment upgrades (installation scheduled for late October), finalizing teen-area signage, and continuing the Library of Things program. Burkel said the circulation desk now houses games and other items for checkout, and staff check items and pieces when they are returned to minimize missing components. The Friends of the Library sales have been affected by the front-door closure, but online sales of donated items helped offset lost lobby sales during September.

Burkel closed his report with reminders about upcoming interview dates and application deadlines and said staff would provide updated statistics to the city council in the next graphic report.