March 2026
March 2026 Standard News article
Gaylee Harris, Director
Montgomery City Public Library
Each fall, the Montgomery City Public Library joins libraries across Missouri in completing the annual Public Library Survey. This important report gathers detailed information about revenues, expenditures, staffing, collections, circulations, technology use, and services provided during the previous fiscal year. The completed survey is submitted to the Missouri State Library, which compiles data from libraries across the state and forwards it to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). While the process happens behind the scenes, it provides a valuable snapshot of how your local library is serving the community.
For the July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, fiscal year, MCPL continued to thrive as a welcoming and well-used community resource. The library recorded 1,548 registered patrons and 22,979 visits throughout the year. This is an increase of 2,000 visits compared to the previous year. This steady growth reflects the important role the library plays in the daily lives of Montgomery City residents and surrounding rural families.
Volunteers remain an essential part of the library’s success. Twenty-four dedicated community members donated 387 hours of service. Volunteers assisted with organizing book sales, shelving and cleaning materials, arranging the craft closet, shifting fiction and nonfiction collections, supporting Mud Day activities, groundskeeping, and helping maintain the Community Garden. Their time, energy, and commitment make a meaningful difference.
Technology access remains one of the library’s most valued services. Public computers were used 1,338 times during the year, providing internet access for job searches, schoolwork, research, entertainment, and personal needs. In addition, indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi was accessed 17,408 times, allowing patrons to stay connected even outside regular library hours.
MCPL’s revenue is primarily supported through local funding, which accounts for 84% of total income. Additional support comes from state funding (2%), federal funding (7%), and other income sources (7%). Expenditures reflect the library’s commitment to quality service: 48% supports staff, 11% is dedicated to collection development, and 41% covers operating expenses necessary to maintain facilities, technology, and programming.
The library’s collection currently totals 25,310 items. This includes 22,275 print materials, 860 CD audiobooks, 1,883 DVDs, and 292 additional items such as puzzles, games, kits, and equipment available through the Library of Things. During the fiscal year, patrons checked out 18,196 physical items. Digital materials also remain popular, with 3,175 e-books and 3,000 e-audiobooks borrowed. Through Interlibrary Loan services, MCPL patrons received 1,410 items not owned locally, while sharing 3,098 items with other libraries, demonstrating both strong demand and consortium-wide cooperation.
Programming continues to be a cornerstone of MCPL’s service to the community. The library hosted 259 programs with a total attendance of 4,304 participants. Children enjoyed Storytime Adventures, Books & Bites, Lego Club, and Robotics. Teens participated in After Hours Teen Night and Dungeons & Dragons. Adults and seniors attended book clubs, arts and crafts programs, health classes, Dungeons & Dragons, and Books & Beyond for adults with developmental disabilities. The annual Summer Reading Program, held June 1 through July 31, once again brought people of all ages together to celebrate reading and learning.
The Montgomery City Public Library extends heartfelt thanks to the Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Library, community partners, volunteers, and loyal patrons for making 2024–2025 a successful year. Your support ensures that MCPL remains a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming place for all. Stop by soon and discover everything YOUR library has to offer. MCPL is proud to serve our community.