Libraries see program numbers increasing

Word seems to have spread that Dubuque’s area libraries offer much more than books — though they do still offer many of those. In 2024, library programming was a major success across the tri-state area, with new events drawing in more community members to the libraries. Events bring in more community members to the libraries, which boosts checkouts and increases engagement. Lydia Sigwarth, Dubuque County Library District community engagement librarian, said in 2024, the summer reading program attendance increased 63%. In fiscal-year terms, meaning from July 2023 through June 2024, general program attendance saw a 99% increase. Some of the successful events in 2024 include a Bluey party, the seed library, and author events.