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Young readers are taking full advantage of Carver County Library resources.
According to a “State of the Library” report at the Chanhassen City Council meeting June 9, Jodi Edstrom, library director, reported that nearly 1.5 million items were checked out county-wide in 2024. About 415,000 items were digital materials.
“Our digital materials do continue to increase,” she said. “It’s pretty exciting and staggering to watch this number continue to increase.”
Additionally, according to the 2024 numbers, about 46% of materials checked out were by young patrons.
“That really shows, I think, how much our families and youth rely on our libraries,” Edstrom said.
Chanhassen accounts for almost half of all Carver County Library circulation annually, according to Patrick Jones, Chanhassen branch manager. The local branch has noticed a big spike in digital material interest as well.
During the evening’s presentation, Edstrom noted that the library system has begun its “Virtual Library Card” program in an effort to sign up School District 112 students, which will eventually link every student ID to the library and its resources.
Jones was asked if the plan was to sign up students in District 276 as well, some of whom are Chanhassen residents. He said that’s the plan but issuing virtual library cards to those students will be more of a challenge because some live in Hennepin County and not Carver County.
Edstrom also reported that the library system has gone “fine-free” in 2025, so patrons aren’t fined for overdue items. Replacement fines remain for materials lost or damaged.
Jones reported that the Chanhassen branch continues to see greater engagement with patrons of all ages. Popular additions include teen escape rooms, expanded arts programs and adult programs.
The Chanhassen facility added a “senior nook” area for more mature readers to enjoy, he told the Council.
Mayor Elise Ryan thanked the library team for its efforts over the past year.
“We just really value the great partnership and great work that you do to serve our Chanhassen community, but really the broader community of Carver County,” she said.
