Mead Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
- Meeting was called to order by Jenn Lee at 6:09pm. Open Meetings Act poster was pointed out on the west wall of the back room.
- Roll Call:
- Members Present: Kylee Hickman (2024), Cara Simon (2027), Jenn Lee (2026), Sara Else (2027)
- Members Absent: Amanda Schaal (2028)
- Library Employees Present: Director-Laurie VanAckeren
- Library Employees Absent: Lori Moseman, Roberta Kisling, Rachelle Gay
- Guests or Public Items to discuss: Scott Childers, Director of the Southeast Nebraska Library Commission, joined our meeting and presented on Roles and Responsibilities of the Library Director, Library Board, and Friends of the Library. It was an excellent opportunity for Board Members to ask questions and discuss ways to increase collaboration, not only between Librarians and Library Boards in the County, but also increase community engagement with the Public Library.
- Minutes, Bills, Financials, and Monthly Reports for September
- September minutes reviewed.
- September Bills/Financial transactions reports were reviewed.
- Hickman moved to approve September Minutes, Bills, Financials, and Monthly Reports. Second by Lee. Motion carried. Unanimous approval.
- New Business/Director’s Report
- August stats were reviewed. All areas nearly doubled in the last month.
- Laurie and Rachelle will be attending a Cricut Class on October 6th to enhance their skills with the new Cricut machine after upgrading from the di-cutter.
- Laurie attended the Youth Services Retreat August 28-31 in Ashland at Carol Joy Holling. She provided a report with a detailed list of Sessions she attended and new ideas for Youth programs to offer.
- Laurie provided a Plan of Work document that she and Rachelle follow each month to keep everyone on the same page.
- The Friends of the Mead Public Library will meet Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 4pm to discuss the Trunk or Treat event, Hometown Christmas event, and Christmas Decoration Sale this December.
- Laurie shared a new idea to collect on past due fines “Food for Fines”. In the month of November, patrons with overdue fines will have the opportunity to bring one can per $1 fine to be forgiven. Unreturned or lost books can choose to do 1 canned food item plus $10. Laurie will confirm with Alma Backpack Program to ensure they are able to receive and use the donated food items.
- Mead and Yutan Libraries are hosting a CASTL (Conversations Among Small Town Librarians) event on Friday, January 17, 2025. Saunders County librarians will be invited for a day of conversation and collaboration. Laurie has asked the Board to provide snack/drink items for the event and invited Board members to attend if they wish.
- Library Board Continuing Education hours were due August 31st. Board members completed the 21hours required to remain Accredited. Our next accreditation deadline is August 31, 2027. Scott’s visit counted toward 6 continuing education hours.
- Upcoming October events to note:
- TWO Adult Book Clubs each month. Mead Adult Book Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm at the Library.
- Children’s Story Time each Wednesday afternoon at 3:30pm. Note: NEW time! Best for ages 4-8, but all are welcome! We’ll read a few stories, do a small craft, and have a small snack to take home.
- Adult Craft Night, October 16th at 6:30pm. Laurie has an adorable pumpkin decoration for us to make. Stop by the Library to see a sample! No cost or RSVP needed.
- NE Game and Parks Wildlife Program, Monday, October 21st at 6:30pm.
- Halloween Night, Thursday, October 31st, stop by the Mead Firehall to see the Friends of the Library Trunk at Trunk or Treat.
- Guest Scott Childers left the meeting at 7:28pm.
- Board Member Reports
- Board members continue to brainstorm open concept ideas to implement within the Library space.
- Member Else presented a draft copy of the Community Engagement Survey. She and Laurie will refine and present to Patrons upon completion. This will be an ongoing touch point and analysis to meet the needs of the community.
- End of Meeting Roll Call:
- Members Present- Kylee Hickman (2024), Cara Simon (2027), Jenn Lee (2026), Sara Else (2027)
- Members absent- Amanda Schaal (2028)
- Library Employee Present: Director-Laurie VanAckeren
Lee adjourned the meeting at 9:29 pm.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 5th at 6pm- Mead Public Library
Respectfully Submitted by
Cara Simon