PIEDMONT– The Piedmont Public Library recorded significant growth in circulation, program participation, summer reading, and volunteer service during its 50th year.

The library’s 2026 annual report lists 12,605 items checked out, 108 programs, and total program attendance of 4,382. Summer reading registrations reached 315, with 207 participants completing the program.

Library Director Donna Garmon prepared and presented the report. During the Aug. 18 Piedmont City Council meeting, Garmon also highlighted record sponsorships, new computers purchased through a technology grant, and the library’s 50-year milestone.

Circulation and Participation Increase

In the report’s growth comparison, items checked out increased from 10,032 to 12,605. That represents 2,573 additional checkouts, or growth of nearly 26%.

The number of programs increased from 98 to 108. Meanwhile, program attendance climbed from 3,509 to 4,382, an increase of 873 people, or nearly 25%.

June remains the library’s busiest month. Circulation reached 3,615 in June 2026, making it the library’s highest June on record and placing it well above previous years.

July circulation reached 1,891, which the report identified as the library’s highest July on record.

Volunteer service also increased. Volunteers contributed 120 hours, compared with 95 in the earlier figure, representing growth of more than 26%.

The grants-and-donations total was listed at $9,391, compared with $15,070 in the previous figure. The report referenced an LSTA technology grant and identified new computers and equipment among the year’s major accomplishments.

Record Summer Reading Participation

The 2026 Summer Reading Program, themed “Unearth a Story at the Library,” produced record-breaking participation.

Registrations increased from 233 to 315, a gain of more than 35%. Completions rose from 146 to 207, an increase of nearly 42%.

The Summer Reading Kickoff drew 160 people. The library also celebrated America’s 250th birthday with a scavenger hunt during its summer activities.

The annual report thanked 37 businesses, organizations, and individuals for supporting the program. Those partners included restaurants, banks, churches, schools, retailers, service providers, community organizations, and individual donors from Piedmont and surrounding areas.

Programs Expanded Throughout the Year

The library offered programs for children and adults during each season.

Fall activities included preschool story times, an FBC Preschool story time, an after-school story time, and a reading challenge. The fall reading challenge drew 33 registrations, with four participants completing it.

The library also started Coffee & Crafts as a monthly event and continued its monthly book club. Christine Hall hosted an ornament-painting program during the season.

The report listed attendance of 50 for after-school story time during both its fall and winter sections. Christmas at the Library attracted 93 people.

During the spring, the library welcomed school groups ranging from preschool through second grade. Those visits supported the library’s goal of reaching children through story times, school outreach, seasonal activities, and reading programs.

Other annual highlights included new programs, new community partnerships, increased community involvement, improvements to the children’s area, and additional reading challenges and initiatives.

Library Provides More Than Books

The report emphasized the library’s broader role in the Piedmont community.

Along with books and other materials, the library offers children’s programming, summer reading activities, public computers, free internet access, and educational opportunities.

Patrons can also use printing, copying, scanning, and fax services. The library provides access to information and technology while hosting community events and offering volunteer opportunities.

Its vision is to remain a welcoming community hub that encourages reading and lifelong learning for all ages. Adult patrons can participate in book clubs, crafting groups, reading challenges, and digital services.

The library’s mission calls for free and open access to information, resources, and programs. It also emphasizes quality collections, educational programming, digital services, and welcoming spaces that encourage creativity and community connections.

Library Marks 50 Years in Piedmont

According to the report, the Piedmont Public Library was built in 1975 and 1976 with grants and donations from the community. It opened its doors in March 1976.

Five decades later, the library continues serving Piedmont through its collections, technology, educational programs, and community partnerships.

Garmon has worked at the library since 2013. She spent 11 years working at the front desk and serving as children’s librarian before becoming director in August 2024.

She continues leading Friday Story Time and participating in children’s activities.

Library Assistant Brenda Christian has served on the staff since 2005. Her duties include maintaining and weeding the collection, assisting at the front desk, and helping patrons select books.

Cathy Posey joined the library as a part-time employee in November 2025. She manages the circulation desk, handles book cataloging, and assists with other library operations.

The current library board includes Chair Heather McDivitt, Susan Glover, Kathy Word, Brooke Thompson, and Charity Cummings.

Residents may contact the Piedmont Public Library at 256-447-3369. The library’s email addresses are donna.garmon@piedmontcity.org and piedmontpubliclibrary@gmail.com. The library also maintains pages on Facebook and Instagram.