The Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) had a successful 2025, with more than 280,000 visits to its 11 branches.
The community resource also made almost 4,000 new library cards throughout the year, according to Sarah Hart Coatsworth, the Manager and Community Engagement Officer for CKPL.
Hart noted that 934,662 items were borrowed, mentioning that some of the items weren't book-related.
"We do lend a bunch of things that I think are rather unique. A lot of people don't know that in the spring and in the fall, people can borrow seeds from the public library," said Hart.
Snowshoes, park passes, parking passes, puzzles, and toy kits are also among the items available to borrow from CKPL.
Regarding the most popular book, Hart says the adult fiction book 'The Women' by Kristin Hannah was borrowed the most.
Every year is a success, according to Hart, and although it may not happen in 2026, she is excited about new milestones.
"We are approaching a million checkouts, so probably not in 2026, but in the near future, I expect us to break through that million checkout barrier for circulation," Hart added.
CKPL is also working to terminate late fees, and with the new year, overdue fines for adult fiction books have been limited.
"Very few materials that you can borrow at the library have fines, so, if you borrow it and you don't return it, then you are responsible for the replacement fee for that material, but otherwise, you're not paying the library anything," Hart continued.
Hart is scheduled to present the full annual report in May.
