In the first six months of 2026, the Colusa County Free Library’s seven branches hosted nearly 12,000 individual visits. Colusa County patrons borrowed 7,256 physical items from our collections and partner library systems, while our digital collection recorded 4,137 checkouts through Libby and hoopla, including eBooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, television programs, and music.
Through our regional library consortium, 20,129 Colusa County-owned books, movies, and other materials were checked out by patrons across partner library systems. During the library’s 1,758 public service hours between January and June, Colusa County-owned materials circulated an average of 63 times for every hour the library was open, reflecting the continued demand for the collection both locally and throughout the region. Additionally, over 500 books circulated in the jail library.
Providing access to new materials has remained an important part of library service. During the first half of the year, library staff catalogued 878 new items for circulation. The collection grew through a combination of patron requests fulfilled by the California State Library’s ZIP Books grant (144 items), purchases by the Friends of the Colusa County Free Library (255 items), and donations from library patrons and the California State Library.
Library technology continued to see steady use. Public computers were accessed 1,449 times for school assignments, employment applications, research, government services, printing, and staying connected with family and friends. During the same period, 106 new library cards were issued, providing additional residents with access to millions of physical and digital resources available through the library and its regional partners.
The library also remained a center for learning and community engagement. Between January and June, staff presented 163 programs attended by 1,838 participants of all ages. From story times and STEAM activities to book clubs, author events, educational workshops, and seasonal programs, these opportunities encouraged lifelong learning while bringing neighbors together around shared interests.
The library’s impact extended beyond public programs. Twenty-two trained volunteers provided one-on-one tutoring to 60 adult English literacy learners, helping participants strengthen their reading and English language skills. In addition, two local residents earned accredited high school diplomas through the library’s Career Online High School program, marking an important educational milestone and expanding opportunities for future employment and continued education.
These accomplishments reflect the work of seven staff members serving seven library branches across Colusa County under the public service schedule adopted in late 2025. Every day, staff members balance circulation, programming, technology assistance, collection development, outreach, and customer service to ensure residents throughout the county continue to have access to library resources close to home. The Colusa County Free Library is grateful to the Friends of the Library, our regional partners, volunteers, and the community members whose support helps make these services possible.