The Glidden Public Library saw increasing numbers for various checkout items last year, providing materials and services with a monetary value of over $341,000 to patrons. The most significant rising numbers for the library was the number of programs offered for education and entertainment purposes. Close to 4,000 individuals attended the 184 different programs, from Carroll County Conservation discussing birds, reptiles, and insects to a ventriloquist and a magician, a 78 percent increase in attendance from 2023 to 2024. Adult book checkouts were the next to see a significant jump of 29 percent, followed by 26 percent or 379 more junior and teen books checked out reported difference on the year. In 2024, 8,090 physical books and magazines were borrowed from patrons, and 2,686 ebooks or audiobooks were checked out. If borrowers had purchased items and services used at the library, it would have cost $341,176, which the Glidden Public Library provided for free, with a yearly budget of $65,000, giving area residents a 525% return on investment. Library staff want to thank everyone for supporting the local resource, making for a great 2024 year, and looking forward to serving more individuals in 2025.
