Regional Library Data Shows Growth in Digital Use & Demand for Meeting Space

WRL also notes slight declines in physical visits and checkouts so far this year

Oct 20, 2025

woman reading book in front of bookshelves — The Williamsburg Regional Library’s latest statistics reflect steady overall performance with modest declines in traditional circulation and visits. Digital engagement, wireless connectivity, and room reservations continue to rise, indicating an ongoing transition in how patrons access library services across Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. (Photo by Pauline Andan on Unsplash)

The Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) which services residents of Williamsburg, James City County and York County, recently released its monthly statistical report for September 2025. The data presents a snapshot of steady overall performance and gradual shifts in how patrons are using library services. Digital borrowing, Wi-Fi use, and meeting room activity continued to grow, while traditional measures such as physical circulation and in-person visits showed slight declines compared to the previous year.

WRL reports that mobile app activity up 19.9 percent and overall web and app usage stable year over year. The report does not include data from users after the library system released a new online catalog and mobile app earlier this month. The updated online system features a mobile-friendly design, streamlined browsing, personalized reading suggestions, and faster access to library materials. The library said the upgrade is intended to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for patrons.

Circulation and cardholder data

Circulation figures show modest variation year over year. Total circulation for September reached 99,106 items, a decrease of 1.4 percent from the same month in 2024, while digital borrowing increased 7.2 percent to 27,396 items. Fiscal year-to-date circulation stands at 324,043 items, down 1.4 percent overall, with digital materials accounting for 87,362 checkouts. Physical circulation totaled 72,159 items in September, a 4 percent decline from last year. The library’s collection now includes 260,054 items, with stable print holdings and slight reductions in non-print and digital formats.

Patron engagement indicators show a similar balance of declines and gains. The number of active cardholders fell 1.7 percent to 51,493, and staff handled 9,526 patron questions, a 5 percent decrease from 2024.

In-person visit data

Programming and facility use remained consistent with prior-year levels. Library programs drew 5,543 attendees in September, essentially unchanged from last year, while virtual program participation increased. Meeting room reservations rose 23.5 percent year over year, led by higher use at the Stryker Center.

Public computer sessions declined 8 percent, while Wi-Fi connections increased nearly 6 percent, primarily at the James City County branch. These figures suggest a shift toward greater use of personal devices in library spaces rather than public workstations.

In all, ongoing measurement indicates sustained interest in community programming and shared spaces, even as some aspects of in-person traffic fluctuate. For example, systemwide visits totaled 35,730 in September, an 11.7 percent decrease from 2024, although the James City County Library recorded a slight increase.

The writer used AI tools and these sources:

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