HUTTO, Texas — Library staff at the Hutto Public Library told the Library Advisory Board on Nov. 3 that program attendance, number of programs and both physical and digital circulation rose in fiscal year 2025, and they outlined several service expansions and partnerships for the coming year.

The presenter said overall metrics improved across multiple categories but noted a decline in in-library computer sessions, which staff attributed to the library’s recent introduction of Wi‑Fi printing. “People print from their phones, so they don't actually need to do that,” the presenter said, explaining why in-library computer sessions fell from 2,820 to 2,581 year over year.

The report said the library started tracking new card sign-ups versus renewals and will include that breakdown in fiscal‑year 26 reporting. Staff also announced a new circulation clerk with a background in genealogy will begin work to support genealogy services that are listed as pending, and Workforce Solutions will hold weekly office hours on Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

Staff said the library will offer notary services by January after two staff members — Tanya and another employee — become commissioned notaries. Wi‑Fi hotspot lending was discussed but deferred. The library’s LinkedIn Learning subscription, staff said, is paid in partnership with economic development and human resources so cardholders can access the paid resource at no cost.

The presenter highlighted recent and planned events and performers — including Terrence Tapps, bilingual storyteller Si Young, and Indian classical musicians — and noted a focus on teen and senior programming as a deliberate department goal. The library also plans a teen maker market to support youth entrepreneurship and a senior book club meeting at Trails of Carmel Creek.

Staff listed three local organizations that provide monthly in‑kind support for programs (snacks and drinks, craft supplies, and senior‑program prizes) and named partners or collaborators including Fiber First, Aspen Hospice and I Go Art LLC. Staff said they are pursuing grant funding and will spend more time surveying patrons to refine programs.

On funding and operations, staff described plans to deepen coordination with the HPL Friends group, which has reorganized with elected officers and is drafting sponsorship packages to align with the city's library sponsorship tiers. Staff said Friends are preparing to add online payment options (including QR code capability) once the new group's treasurer completes account transitions.

Board members asked about service specifics — for example, how the library defines “senior” for targeted programs — and staff said the city’s DEIB commission and the library will coordinate outreach and clarify details where the city has not yet specified them. Staff said any outstanding operational or eligibility details not set by the City are “not specified” at this time and that they will request clarifications from city staff.

The library report closed with an invitation to board members to identify two events in the November calendar to promote to neighbors and to participate in an early‑January working session on sponsorships and partnerships.