Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Community Public Library Board of Trustees heard a report on year-end statistics for the library during a meeting on Monday.
WCPL Director Heather Barron noted several increases in 2025's numbers compared to 2024, with WCPL cardholders saving a total of $10.2 million annually by utilizing library resources. Wi-fi uses increased by 11% and there was a 9% increase in people attending programs and events at WCPL. Increases in meeting and study room usage were also noted.
In additional updates, Business Manager Renee Sweeny told the board WCPL received $79,000 from insurance for water damage that occurred in the library's east hallway in October 2025.
"Before we could get the water shut off, it did go in and ruin the carpet and part of the walls in our cataloging department," said Barron. "Cataloging has been displaced for 2-1/2 months and it took out a little bit of our staff lounge and the hallway."
With the upcoming "Americans and the Holocaust" traveling exhibit set to come to the library this year, Barron said WCPL's marketing campaign for it will kick off this month. The marketing will coincide with International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27.
In other business, the board approved its slate of officers for 2026, with Chris Merrill, Tim Keyes, Cathi Zdenek and Ben Rice to continue serving as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, respectively.
Keyes, Jen Hicks and Jill Beehler will also continue serving on the library's review committee for 2026.
Following its regular session, the board held its annual board of finance meeting. Merrill and Rice were re-elected to the financial board as president and secretary.
During the meeting, Sweeny delivered the 2025 investment report. WCPL's investments policy, which had no changes, was also reviewed.
The board's next meeting is at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9.
