Kinsman Free Public Library Annual Report 2025

Prepared by Director, Cheryl Slater & Assistant Director, Nicole Straub
Published February 2, 2026

Our Vision

Kinsman Free Public Library is dedicated to connecting people to information, education, and recreation through quality programs, services, and outreach.

Our Mission

The mission of the Kinsman Free Public Library is to be the community’s destination for engaging people, enriching lives, and enlightening minds.

Our Values

Access: We ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to freely use library resources, services, and spaces by removing barriers to participation.

Community: We provide a welcoming, inclusive environment that strengthens the connection between the library and the diverse population it serves.

Empowerment: We encourage lifelong learning by providing access to knowledge, skills, and resources that support personal growth and development.

Future-Focused: We adapt to the evolving needs of the community and maintain relevancy by embracing innovation and forward-thinking approaches.

Integrity: We hold transparency, accountability, and respect in all library operations and interactions with the public.

Learning begins with early literacy!

Because learning to read is the foundation of learning.  A world of knowledge and adventure is found among  the shelves at KFPL. The library is much more than just a home for books; our team strives daily to provide a welcoming, safe, and inviting environment where everyone can come and spend time, connect and enjoy quality programs. KFPL is committed to engage, enrich, and enlighten all  throughout your lifelong learning journey. We welcome you to come and explore KFPL and our vast collection and numerous enriching programs for all ages!

2025: Highlights

"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." – Albert Einstein. 

Gallery Collection

A new collection was added to the Kinsman Historical database on CatalogIt. The Gallery collection showcases all of the artwork and documents hanging in the building. This includes six pieces donated by Dudley P. Allen in 1914 shortly after the library was built. Visit our website homepage or [hub.catalogit.app/kinsman-historical-collection] to view the entire collection.

Community Seed Library

Local resident and Trumbull County Master Gardener Crissy Crosby officially launched a Community Seed Library at KFPL. This free resource allows anyone to “take a seed or leave a seed” for flowers, vegetables, and native pollinators. Each drawer is  organized and labeled, thanks to Joseph Badger shop class students who made custom balsa wood dividers.

Friends of the Library

Our Friends of the Library group provides great assistance to our library—often in the form of advocacy, and fundraising. Events like Boozy Bag Bingo, Sip & Paint, the KFPL beverage bar, Daffin's candy bars, and tote bags for sale by donation. They financially assist with library programming and community events like children's summer reading prizes and candy for parades.  If you want to become a  friend, see our website for details.

Library Usage Statistics

Collection (Totals as of December 31, 2025):

Total Physical Books in Collection: 50,991
Physical AV in Collection: 6,102
Toys, Games, & Equipment: 183
Databases in Collection: 40
E-Media titles in collection: 1,130,500

Total Collection size in 2025: 1,187,816

Circulation (Comprehensive for the year):

Total Physical Book Circulation: 83,394
        Juvenile:  34,273
             Teen:    5,645
            Adult:  43,464
Physical AV Circulation: 18,374
E-Media Circulation: 24,932

Total Circulation for 2025: 126,700 items
 

Community & Building Usage Statistics for 2025

Service Population (Badger School District): 6,051

Number of Visitors to the Building: 52,217

Total Number of Card Holders: 3,290

Number of New Card Holders Registered: 248

Number of Reference Questions Answered: 5,560

Technology & Digital Usage Statistics for 2025

Number of Technology Help Sessions: 43

Number of Visits to Library's Website: 22,056

Number of Check-Outs of Wi-Fi Hot Spots: 216

Number of Times Library's Wi-Fi was Used: 3,436

Number of Public Computer Sessions: 647

Library Programming

KFPL staff offered our community 376 in-person programs and activities, with 6,480 participants. One such exciting  program was a presentation from owner of the historic Darrow Octagon House, Gary Moss in commemoration of The Scopes Trial 100 Year Anniversary (pictured below). Some other highlighted programs were There & Back Again Hobbit adventure, Paranormal Investigation, Story Circus magic show, Orchard Storytime, Winter Walkthrough, and the annual Summer Reading Program with 62 adult participants, 162 children, and 26 teens! 

Financials

2025 Expenditures

Salaries & Benefits: $550,264.68

General Supplies & Operations: $20,506.41

Materials, ILL & Information Services: $59,006.95

Purchased & Contracted Services: $10,786.40

Dues & Memberships: $4,844.89

Furniture & Equipment: $2,256.31

Facility Maintenance & Repair: $6,376.25

Transfers Out: $.00

2025 Revenue

General Property Tax-Real Estate: $190,811.33

Public Library Funds (State PLF): $502,833.24

Property Tax and Allocation: $28,657.96

Fines & Fees: $5,276.99

Unrestricted Contributions: $12,215.00

Interest/Dividends on Investments: $4,069.74

Refunds & Reimbursements: $353.67

Miscellaneous Operating Revenue: $1105.67

Library Budget Update

2025 presented challenges and threats to library funding as the state of Ohio prepared its biennial budget. Despite an outpouring of advocacy and support from tens of thousands of library goers, it was voted to dissolve the Public Library Fund (PLF) from the state budget and replace library funding with a line item amount going forward. For many Ohio libraries the PLF makes up a majority of funding, for KFPL it makes up 64%. The line item is more susceptible to cuts in the future than a designated fund. In spite of these changes we will strive to provide the high quality programs and services you cherish from KFPL!

Thank you for your continued support!

This past year we put out a call to action. Thank you to everyone who called, emailed, and shared your personal stories of how local libraries have positively impacted your lives. We appreciate each and every one! Our Director, Cheryl Slater joined hundreds of advocates in Columbus to meet with state representatives and Governor DeWine.