The City of Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees convened on January 22, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives and updates that underscore the library's commitment to community service and historical preservation.

The meeting began with a report on the library's partnership with the registrar of voters, which facilitated a secure and convenient voting process across all three library locations. This collaboration resulted in the collection of over 27,000 ballots, with the Dove Library emerging as the most popular drop-off site in the county, collecting 17,519 ballots. The extended hours and accessibility of library services were highlighted as crucial factors in promoting voter participation.

Next, the board discussed a significant grant awarded to the library for the digitization and preservation of local history. The California Revealed Project will digitize the Carlsbad Sea Lion, the city’s first newspaper published from 1887 to 1888. This initiative aims to make historical records accessible online, allowing local researchers and history enthusiasts worldwide to explore Carlsbad's early history. The project not only enhances local access but also fosters a greater public interest in the city's heritage.

The meeting also covered the Sustainable Holidays Fix It Clinic held in December at the Georgina Cole Library. This event focused on waste reduction during the holiday season and successfully diverted 596.4 pounds of waste from landfills. The clinic emphasized the importance of sustainability and introduced attendees to expert solutions for waste reduction.

Following these updates, library statistics for November and December were presented. Electronic material circulation saw notable increases, with Hoopla borrows and unique users rising significantly due to enhanced marketing efforts. However, program attendance experienced a decline attributed to the closure of the Schulman Auditorium for upgrades and changes in state reporting guidelines.

Library visits remained robust, with a 31.1% increase in November, partly due to the library's role as a ballot drop-off location. The board noted the importance of study rooms, which have seen increased usage, particularly for virtual job interviews and tutoring sessions.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on the timeline for the Schulman Auditorium improvements, expected to be completed by the end of January, with reopening activities planned for March. Overall, the meeting highlighted the library's vital role in community engagement, historical preservation, and sustainability efforts.