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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-13 Library Board of Trustees Minutes Approved Board of Trustees’ Meeting Minutes October 13, 2025 9:00 am Board of Trustees Attendees: Alethea Fleming, Briana Alzola Lindquist, Mike VanQuickenborne, Jhana Shimizu, Courtney Orrock Library Attendees: Jeff Vogel, Michelle Hanna, Stacy Paull, Sydney Brady, Diana Farnsworth Absent: Trish Wilson Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m. by Alethea. Approval of Minutes Minutes from September 2025 meeting were approved. Motion for approval by Courtney, second by Jhana. Manager Updates Jeff • The COA Budget process has revealed a significant shortfall for 2026. All departments have been asked to trim their budgets. For the Library, this means we will be eliminating our training budget and reducing other line items. However, nothing has been finalized at this point. • The reserve funds that the Library, Museum, and Parks Department have will also be utilized to assist in balancing the budget. • Use of the Opioid settlement monies received by the City is being requested by multiple departments. There are various proposals coming in for the use of the funds. • The Library will be participating in the Great Shake Out Earthquake drill on Thursday, October 16 at 10:16 a.m. This will also serve as a fire drill for the Library. Trish (presented by Jeff) • October programs are going strong. Upcoming programs include Writing Circle on October 20th, Craig Romano presenting a hiking program on the 22nd, Trivia on the 29th. • The Madrona Poetry event was wonderful with 41 attendees. Library Page Max Hall read his poem. The next event is November 29th at 7 p.m. in the CMR with poet Joe Wilkins. • Tech Services continues to be busy with fall releases, projects like the STEAM backpacks, and processing the books for the teen area. • The Tech Assistants are getting the stats ready for the managers to use in next year’s planning. • Trish had a good update from Michael in IT about the projector. He will reach out to Jeff to follow up. Diana • 100 people attended the Observe the Moon event last weekend. The weather was great and everyone had a lot of fun. • Teens tend to favor the drop-in style program so that is the format we’ll be moving toward. We are also looking at the use of the study room in the Maker Space room. The activity table is popular for groups of students to hang out at and work on projects or socialize. • The writing group is going strong with a mix of poetry and horror. Stacy • Escape room: it’s set up and ready for action! • The Halloween party will involve 240 pumpkins this year. • Family Place will be held in November. • STEAM backpacks have been very popular. There is often a waiting list for them. • The new library card designs have been chosen and will be released to the public soon. The adult winner was so thrilled that she would like to do an adult program on drawing. Trish will be in touch with her. • The new art for the Children’s Library window seats should be installed in the new future. This art was commissioned a couple years ago but had not yet been hung. Sydney • Scheduling adjustments are happening due to fall programs and cold and flu season. • Jeff has approved Stacy trying out a new 9x9 schedule in which she will work 9 9-hour days and have the 10th day off. • We have also shifted some schedules to equalize closing shift assignments for Library Assistants. • We have a Circulation Desk focus group that is discussing a redesign of the circ desk area. The next meeting is this Thursday after our regular monthly all-staff meeting. Partnership Updates • Foundation: o Jhana reported that the foundation board is interviewing part-time accountants. o The Board reviewed their social media policy to ensure that it aligned with ours. • Friends of the Library: o Courtney reported that thrillers are the .50 cent bargain book this month. Next month the special is coffee table books. o The next book sale is December 6 from 10-3. o The Friends have ordered new tri-fold brochures. • Maritime: no update • Manieri: The committee will begin discussing the 2026 budget soon. Jazz events continue regularly and are very well-received. General Updates • There was a general discussion recap on the social event between the Friends and the Foundation to celebrate the new teen area. It went very well and there were many positive interactions. • Mike reported that the Winthrop Library has been rebuilt and is very impressive, and he encourages all to stop in and see it if they travel that direction. The meeting was adjourned by Alethea at 9:44 a.m. The next meeting is November 10 at 9 a.m. at the Library.