Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The five Houston County librarians – Jana Halverson of Spring Grove, Stephanie Eggert of Caledonia, Gina Herman of Hokah, Jess Witkins of La Crescent and Beth Peterson-Lee of Houston — along with SELCO Executive Director Krista Ross, presented their annual report, “Why Libraries Matter,” during the 9 a.m. August 25 Houston County Board of Commissioners meeting. Commissioners in attendance included Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt, and Greg Myhre.
The library report numbers were significant. On average, 38% of circulation across Houston County libraries came from Houston County residents in 2025. Without La Crescent’s proximity to the border affecting the average, Houston County patron circulation rises to 52%.
The librarians pointed to strong community demand: annual visits totaled 64,000; computer and Wi-Fi use reached 8,250; program attendance was 21,500; physical circulation totaled 111,800; and digital circulation reached 19,700.
The report emphasized that libraries serve as practical civic infrastructure, meeting everyday needs related to education, workforce development, digital access, well-being and community connection.
The librarians also discussed funding. Houston County provides 27% of Houston County libraries’ funding, while the libraries supplement 30% of their operating income and city funding accounts for 43%.
The librarians shared examples of programs and highlights from the year that they are proud of:
• Houston partnered with master gardeners and established an adult book club.
• Spring Grove offers a produce library, a seed library and a drop-off station for free summer lunches through a local church.
• Caledonia has seen homeschool groups use the library as a place to learn, gather, and grow.
• Hokah has a new library space.
• La Crescent hosts a Community Conversations series, which unpacks current and complex topics such as immigration.
The presentation ended by emphasizing that Houston County libraries are “meeting the people where and when they need it.”
“Customer service is definitely your middle name,” added Commissioner Wright.
The meeting agenda was approved unanimously, as were the minutes as amended from the August 18 regularly scheduled meeting. Also approved was the consent agenda, which included payment of the bills.
Business Briefs
The board accepted a $200 donation from the Brownsville VFW Auxiliary Post 6801 for the Veterans Services Office to use for veterans’ needs. Commissioners thank the auxiliary for their donation.
The board approved a detour agreement between Houston County and the Department of Transportation to use the one-mile section between Highway 44 and 76 when the roundabout is built in 2028. The state will reimburse the county, $6,392.18 for the use.
The board approved an airport lease agreement for Matt Buley. It was noted that seven of the new eight hangars were rented out.
Discussion Items
County Coordinator Brent Parker stressed that the license center is temporarily closed because of staffing issues. The county is still able to issue passports.
The commissioners praised the Houston County Fair Board for a job well done. “It was awesome to have Spring Grove, Brownsville, and Eitzen Fire Departments come up and help with the derby and tough trucks,” said Commissioner Zehnder.
There was one closing public comment from Houston County Assessor Luke Onstad. He stressed that the State of Minnesota is doing some listening sessions in September regarding property tax reform. He shared that you can go to www.revenue.state.mn.us/engaging-MN-help-property-taxpayers to take a survey online and register for the listening sessions.
Onstad said, “It is something that needs to be done and addressed.”
The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 a.m.
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