In Mineral County, locals camp out to get in line for the Superior Lions Club rodeo tickets. Class reunions are centered around fair week. 4-H families keep busy sun up to sun down at the fairgrounds the first weekend of August. To say the Mineral County Fair and Rodeo are popular is an understatement.

But another institution that has been a fixture in Superior for decades is the public library. Unfortunately, a common nationwide trend is the decline in library usage and therefore funding. 

According to the American Enterprise Institute, physical visits and material circulation in American public libraries have faced a significant downward tendency over the past two decades, marked by a 31 percent drop in building use between 2000 and 2018 and a 24 percent per capita decline in in-person visits from 2009 to 2018. 

This physical decline correlates with rising digital engagement and shifting community usage. National trends in physical decline: In-person visits dropped 24 percent from 2009 to 2018. Physical circulation, per capita book and material loans dropped 16 percent between 2010 and 2018, accelerated further following the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequency of visits has also slumped. National public opinion polling indicates that nearly 60 percent of American adults seldom or never visit a local public library. 

Heather Pecora, the founder of the nonprofit organization, Mineral Moms Community, grasps this concerning pattern and wants to ensure the longevity and highlight the importance of the Mineral County Library. During this year’s fair, the Mineral Moms group is running a stand as a fundraising effort.

“It will be in the food vendor booths, but rather than traditional food, we will have food for thought," Pecora explained. "We will have several giveaways for adults and children. Some of the items we have so far are a Kindle, Lego sets, and Superior Meats donated jerky and sauces as well.”

The idea behind the fundraising booth is to offer a “Book Bistro.” 

Pecora detailed, “People can order a book in their favorite genre. All books ordered ‘off menu" are completely free! This is a great way to find new homes for books no longer shelved.” 

They will also have several "blind date with a book" packages set up for sale. 

“These books will be wrapped and labeled with a genre and a very basic description, so you don't know exactly what you're getting,” she said.

The Mineral Moms Community has donated all of the supplies and giveaway items so that the library will be able to have 100 percent of the profit.

“The funds will support ongoing and future programs, the purchase of new books and other materials, as well as library updates,” added Pecora. 

The booth will run all three days thanks to amazing volunteers willing to lend a hand. 

Pecora emphasized, “Please stop by; no need to purchase anything. We have lots to offer for free.”

The proceeds from the Book Bistro booth will go directly to the Mineral County Public Library in Superior to help them to continue all the of the wonderful programs and resources locals love. 

“Libraries all across the United States are seeing the impact of technology," Pecora said. "Fewer people are using libraries as a source of information and connection, and because of that, libraries are also seeing less funding. We truly believe that the library is essential for our community, and the more funds we can raise, the more our library can hold its ground.” She continued, “There are amazing online resources you can use to continue to support the library that are completely free! We will have tons of information at the booth to share ways to support the library while also making it convenient for its wonderful patrons.”

The 2026 Mineral County Fair and Superior Lions Club Go for the Gold Rodeo starts next Thursday, July 30, and goes through Saturday, Aug. 1. The full schedule of events is posted on their Facebook page and found locally in the printed fair book.