McLean County Times

Golden Prairie Public Library District Board of Trustees met Aug. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

At 5:00 pm, President Ary Anderson opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 23-01, the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year beginning the first day of July 2023 and ending the 30th day of June 2024. President Anderson called for public comments three times with no responses. The Public Hearing was closed at 5:01 pm.

I. Call to Order

President Anderson called the meeting to order at 5:01 pm.

II. Roll Call

Trustees Present: Ruth Novosad, Stephen Peterson, Jim Russell, Patti Salch, Stephanie Walden, Ary Anderson

Others Present: Caitlin Clyne, Nan Goerlitz, Jeanne Hamilton, Kathy Jeakins, Colleen Shaw Absent: Kathy Vroman

III. Introductions

Jeanne Hamilton introduced Caitlin Clyne, who works in Outreach as a Bookmobile driver and has been working with Jim Russell on data collection.

IV. Public Comments

There were no public comments.

V. President’s Report

None

VI. Approval of Minutes

A. July 19, 2023

THE MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.

VII. Staff Reports

A. Director’s Report: Jeanne Hamilton, Library Director, shared tentative numbers from the Summer Reading Program. In the children’s level, 2,414 kids completed the program (the highest number since 2019); 465 teens completed the program; and 959 adults completed the program (the highest since 2016). The Library is partnering again with Connect Transit for Library Card Sign-Up Month. People can ride for free during the month of September when they show their library card. Jeanne communicated that the Library is starting to work on naming recognition for donors who have contributed to the expansion project. GPPLD will be recognized at one of the community rooms and on the main donor wall. She indicated that the Board will need to decide how they want their name to appear. Jeanne also stated that the building is progressing well, and furniture for the west side has started arrive.

B. Outreach Report: Colleen Shaw, Circulation & Outreach Services Manager, distributed the new Bookmobile schedules for September to February. She highlighted some of the changes in stops. Caitlin Clyne, Bookmobile driver, shared information on new stops and plans for Labor Day weekend. Jeanne mentioned that Caitlin usually drives the Bookmobile on Wednesday nights, but the Bookmobile is in the shop right now, so she was able to attend the meeting.

Jeanne mentioned that Colleen has been working with Jon Whited, Information Technology Services Manager, on the Techmobile. They have explored options for outfitting the vehicle, and the next step is researching which vehicles from an approved state bid list will fit the plan.

Colleen was asked about bringing tech training to inmates. The McLean County Jail is down about 60 staff, so progress on the program is slow. However, Colleen and Michelle, our outreach library associate, were approached by someone from the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) who is interested in bringing library services back to their center. Colleen and Michelle met with Normal Public Library about coordinating a joint effort to bring services to the JDC.

In response to a question about Hot Spots on the Bookmobile, Caitlin confirmed that we do have one assigned to the vehicle and that it’s very popular. It checks out as soon as it is returned.

C. Financial Report: Kathy Jeakins, Business Manager, indicated that the report for July 2023 was in the packet. Discussion took place about the best place to put the current balance for the most interest yield.

VIII. Unfinished Business

Ruth Novosad revisited the discussion from last month’s meeting communicating with Colonial Meadows and Beecher Trails residents regarding their access to library services. Consensus was to send brochures to these residents and that expense would be part of the advertising budget item.

IX. New Business

A.

B. Adopt Annual Budget & Appropriation Ordinance

RUTH NOVOSAD MOVED, STEPHEN PETERSON SECONDED, TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 23-01 ANNUAL BUDGET & APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING THE 1ST DAY OF JULY 2023 AND ENDING THE 30TH DAY OF JUNE 2024 WITH THE STIPULATION THAT EXPENSES FOR A MAILING TO COLONIAL MEADOWS AND BEECHER TRAILS RESIDENTS NOTIFYING THEM OF THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR LIBRARY SERVICES BE INCLUDED IN THE ADVERTISING CATEGORY.

YAYS: ARY ANDERSON, STEPHEN PETERSON, JIM RUSSELL, PATTI SALCH, STEPHANIE WALDEN, RUTH NOVOSAD

NAYS: NONE

ABSENT: KATHY VROMAN

THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

X. Comments from Board Trustees

Patti Salch conveyed her wish to pledge a donation to the Techmobile when the time comes. Jim Russell confirmed that the Board will start Strategic Planning work at next month’s meeting.

XI. Reminder

A. Next Board Meeting is September 20, 2023

1. Start Strategic Planning Process

XII. Adjournment

President Anderson adjourned the meeting at 6:01 pm.

https://www.bloomingtonlibrary.org/sites/default/files/content/minutes/02%20August%2016%202023%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf