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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-2024 Library Board Packet LIBRARY BOARD Library—Community Room, 3939 Central Ave NE Wednesday, February 07, 2024 5:30 PM AGENDA ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering meeting ID 862 5221 5747 and passcode 039390, or by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86252215747 at the scheduled meeting time. For questions please call the library at 763-706-3690. CALL TO ORDER 1. Approve the Agenda 2. Review/Approve Library Board Minutes from January 3 and January 13, 2024 3. Review 2024 Operating Budget COMMUNITY FORUM: At this time, individuals may address the Library Board about any item not included on the regular agenda. All speakers need to state their name and connection to Columbia Heights, and limit their comments to five (5) minutes. Those in attendance virtually should send this information in the chat function to the moderator. The Board will listen to brief remarks, ask clarifying questions, and if needed, request staff to follow up or direct the matter to be added to an upcoming agenda. OLD BUSINESS 4. Strategic Directions 5. Website Redesign Process NEW BUSINESS 6. City-wide Book Club 7. After-School Community Learning Grant 8. Tri-Metro Arts Collective Exhibition Application DIRECTOR'S UPDATE 9. December Board Report ADJOURNMENT Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements. 1 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY 3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 BOARD OF TRUSTEES: MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 Drafted 1/4/2024 ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC Members of the public who wished to attend could do so in-person, by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering meeting ID 862 5221 5747 and passcode 039390, or by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86252215747 at the scheduled meeting time. For questions, please call the library at 763-706-3690. The meeting was called to order in the Library Community Room by Gerri Moeller at 5:33pm. Members physically present: Gerri Moeller; Rachelle Waldon; Melanie Magidow; Chris Polley; Justice Spriggs (Council Liaison). Members remotely present: Carrie Mesrobian. Members absent: N/A. Also present: Renee Dougherty (Library Director); Nick Olberding (Board Secretary). Public present: N/A. 1. The Meeting’s Agenda was approved as-is. 2. The Minutes of the December 6th, 2023, Board Meeting were moved and approved. 3. Review 2023 Operating Budget: 100% of the year and 89.20% of the budget encumbered, although there are still December utilities, payroll, ILS Q4, minor expenditures, and interdepartmental transfers that need to occur before the final accounting is done for 2023; no concerns raised. Community Forum: Opportunity for public input. No correspondence or members of the public in attendance. Old Business: 4. Staffing Update: a. Library Supervisor: Introduction of Rin Gorman to the Library Board. Rin comes from Gainesville, Florida and is very pleased with the atmosphere of Library so far. The Boardmembers also introduced themselves and expressed their excitement for the addition of him to the staff; Rin started training with yesterday but he does have previous library education and experience so is already well versed. b. Library Page opening: We will be posting an opening for Library Page in the hopes of them working part- time 2 evenings a week and an every-other Saturday shift. 5. Project: Website Re-vitalization: Revize (the host of the City website) quoted us an upfront $6,000 cost to create and host a CHPL microsite with no yearly cost for as long as the City contracts with Revize for its website. The roll- out would take up to 20 weeks once the contract is signed; we will be moving forward, but nothing has been signed as of yet. The cost could likely be covered by donation funds rather than the operating budget. a. A patron feedback board was created and will be placed in the Library going forward; this month’s question will be “What are the most important aspects to include on a potential new library website?” This interactive display will also inform strategic planning directives to be discussed at the January 13th strategic planning retreat. The Board was asked to think about potential future questions. An immediate suggestion was what other types of programming/events the community might be interested in. 6. Project: Strategic Planning Framework: Renee supplied the Board with a draft of potential Strategic Directions that were compiled with data from staff brainstorming sessions and previous strategic planning from 2019. The upcoming strategic planning session will not be starting from scratch. The 4 main directions provided were: a. Collections: raising awareness, increasing appeal, and boosting circulation b. Communications: revitalized website, collaboration with communications staff, patron input, promotions c. Outreach: more events, more partnerships and renewed ones, more librarian outreach visits d. Space: play/learning areas, repair/renewal of facility, custodial duties, parking, safety/accessibility Director’s Update: 2 Item 2. 7. November Board Report: Provided as an FYI. 8. From the Floor: a. Winter Reads: Winter Reads (for All Ages) has begun; patrons may work through a reading BINGO Card and adults may submit book reviews for prize drawings during January/February (weekly prizes of Winter Reads hats and 2 grand prizes of Heights Theater gift cards). b. Next Meeting: Will be the special Saturday, January 13th Strategic Planning Session. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:17 pm. Respectfully submitted, Nicholas P. Olberding Recording Secretary, CHPL Board of Trustees 3 Item 2. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY 3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 BOARD OF TRUSTEES: MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 13th, 2024 Drafted 1/17/2024 ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC Members of the public who wished to attend could do so in-person, by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering meeting ID 429 831 7754 and passcode 039390, or by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4298317754 at the scheduled meeting time. For questions, please call the library at 763-706-3690. STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION The meeting was called to order in the Library Community Room by Gerri Moeller at 11:11am. Members physically present: Gerri Moeller; Rachelle Waldon; Melanie Magidow; Chris Polley; Carrie Mesrobian. Members remotely present: N/A. Members absent: Justice Spriggs (Council Liaison). Also present: Renee Dougherty (Library Director); Nick Olberding (Board Secretary). Public present: N/A. 1. Strategic Planning a. Idea Generating Questions: The Board went around the room asking rapid-fire questions (without expecting answers) to prime imaginations and inform subsequent discussion. Those able to be captured are as follows (loosely sorted into the strategic direction categories): COLLECTIONS (AND PROGRAMMING): What is the age of our library’s collection, and how does it compare to other libraries? ▪What platforms is Kanopy is available on? ▪What is the average turnover of a collection? ▪What are the reasons to weed a collection? ▪Do we have statistics on student digital resource/e-book usage? ▪How can the Library promote more non-book materials and create engaging displays for them? ▪Has the community voiced any objections to the Library or its collections; do we need any policies in place to address them? ▪How to get people to associate the Library with ideas, not only books? ▪Could we have Conversation Circles for everyone? ▪Have we done or could we do Books n’ Brews events? ▪Could we have a Library of Things collection? ▪Could we host movie nights? ▪Could we do yoga sessions…goat yoga? ▪How much time and work does it take to create a display from scratch? ▪Literary cosplay events (Jane Austen night, Great Gatsby, etc)? COMMUNICATIONS (AND DEMOGRAPHICS): Translation options, or bilingual staff/volunteers available? ▪Patron preferences of communication/updates, website, Facebook, Instagram, etc? ▪What demographic groups are missing from feedback and community survey results? ▪How to optimize communication methods (email/social media)? ▪Does staff have time for more social media platforms and online promotion; does it require mostly manual work or use automation? ▪What demographic shifts are occurring in the community, and how do they effect the Library? ▪Which social media platforms are the most prevalent in Columbia Heights? ▪Are there categories/classifications of patrons studied in the library schools—mainly from a marketing perspective? ▪What differences are there in our community compared to other cities in Anoka County and the wider metro? OUTREACH (AND PARTNERS): How to attract the growing non-English-speaking population? ▪Could school outreach go beyond ECFE and family education events? ▪Are there any current or historic barriers between the Library Board, Staff, Council, City, Friends, Foundation? ▪What do we know about library non-users/non- members? ▪What percent of residents are not library users; why; how do we reach them? ▪What partnerships has the Library had in the past, what presently, and which should we pursue in the future; who/what have we never partnered with, and what promotions and events could they facilitate? ▪What can help grow stronger connections to the Library with the different youth age groups (toddlers, elementary age, tweens, teens)? ▪What kind of collaboration or partner events/initiates could be created with the CHPD? ▪Are there 4 Item 2. partnerships we can create with social workers and other health and wellness organizations? ▪Are there creative ways other libraries have increased membership that we could utilize? ▪Do patrons fall into distinguishable groups? ▪Are the Friends of the Library invited to Board meetings? ▪What organizations do we partner with? SPACE (AND SAFETY): Could the Juvenile and YA areas have more dedicated seating and socializing space? ▪How can we utilize the vacant lot behind the building in a way that enhances the Library or fits its vision/mission? ▪What are the most concerning safety issues for staff and patrons? ▪How do we create a more inviting environment? ▪Are there guidelines or plans for specific threats and situations (eg, gun violence, bomb threats, weather)? ▪Do we have enough custodial staff? ▪Should we provide Open Access (24/7 unsupervised library use)? MISCELLANEOUS: What is the Library’s role in workforce development in 2024? ▪What increase in workload, visitors, circulation, communications can the current staffing level handle? ▪How can Library facilitate and enhance social and emotional learning and development? ▪What is the scope of the Library’s role in the community—our perspective vs. the community’s view? ▪Not counting our City Council Liaison, how much of a priority is the Library to the Council? ▪Does the staff position “Library Page” still make sense? ▪What will be the role of artificial intelligence at the Library? ▪Should taxes be our primary funding source, or should we generate additional revenue? ▪Does Columbia Heights have any type of literacy coalition unaffiliated with the schools (generally a non-profit or community group)? ▪Should city residents automatically get a library card? ▪How are libraries unique as a public service? ▪Is there a synergy between CH Library and the little free libraries? ▪What tasks cannot be automated? b. Strategic Directions: COLLECTIONS – Increase awareness, promote availability, and boost use of library resources  Increase the appeal of physical collections: o Merchandising strategies on shelves/displays; increase number of face-out books o Simplified displays o Weeding unattractive, outdated, worn materials o Other types of collections? Art? Interactive Displays?  Boost circulation of physical and digital materials o Expanded SORA access from Columbia Academy and the High School to all schools and students in the CHPS district o Increase number of library card holders o Acquire e-purchasing power?  Raise awareness of Kanopy COMMUNICATIONS – show and tell how great the city library is can improve your life  Revitalize the Library website  Coordinate and use the expertise of city communications staff  Patron survey o Whiteboard questions in the library  Consistent look and feel across platforms o Integration with social media  Photographs – events, people, displays  Videos  Value; connection; mapping the patron’s journey; brand loyalty; word of mouth OUTREACH – who is our community and how can the library be useful?  Increase number of open house events o English Language Learner events for CHPS elementary schools  Re-establish partnership with Adult Basic Education (ABE) 5 Item 2. o Class visits from librarians o Tours/open house event o Programs related to MN Driver’s License for All  Continue librarian visits to Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE) classes  Partnerships; expanding events/types; demographic data; identify non-users ; passive programs SPACE – ensure that the building is welcoming, safe, comfortable, and accessible to all  Address concerns about safety o Staff de-escalation training  Address cleaning issues and custodial staff shortages  Planning and budgeting for systems repair and replacement (HVAC system, door access/card readers, building security)  Early literacy play and learning space  Parking lot  Seating areas; furniture; space evaluation; feedback forms; capturing metrics c. From the Floor:  Need more microphones connected to the Community Room A/V System (for Zoom)  Discuss a “big picture” idea at each future Library Board Meeting?  Publish the occasional “What is the Board reading” posts to social media?  Quarterly Library Board representation at City Council meetings? There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:51 pm. Respectfully submitted, Nicholas P. Olberding Recording Secretary, CHPL Board of Trustees 6 Item 2. Fund 240 ‐ LIBRARY 2024 YTD ACTIVITY FOR AMENDED BALANCE MONTH ENCUMBERED UNENCUMBERED % BDGT ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION BUDGET 1/31/2024 1/31/2024 YEAR‐TO‐DATE BALANCE USED 41010 REGULAR EMPLOYEES 515,400.00 35,387.22 35,387.22 0 480,012.78 6.87% 41011 PART‐TIME EMPLOYEES 144,300.00 10,055.03 10,055.03 0.00 134,244.97 6.97% 41020 OVERTIME‐REGULAR 700.00 204.39 204.39 0.00 495.61 29.20% 41050 ACCRUED LEAVE ADJUSTMENT 0.00 637.50 637.50 0.00 (637.50)#DIV/0! 41070 INTERDEPARTMENTAL LABOR SERVICES 500.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 0.00% 41210 P.E.R.A. CONTRIBUTION 48,000.00 3,320.69 3,320.69 0.00 44,679.31 6.92% 41220 F.I.C.A. CONTRIBUTION 50,500.00 3,469.34 3,469.34 0.00 47,030.66 6.87% 41300 INSURANCE 82,800.00 6,829.77 6,829.77 0.00 75,970.23 8.25% 41510 WORKERS COMP INSURANCE PREM 5,000.00 354.12 354.12 0.00 4,645.88 7.08% 42000 OFFICE SUPPLIES 1,200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,200.00 0.00% 42010 MINOR EQUIPMENT 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 0.00% 42011 END USER DEVICES 3,300.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,300.00 0.00% 42030 PRINTING AND PRINTED FORMS 700.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 700.00 0.00% 42170 PROGRAM SUPPLIES 1,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 0.00% 42171 GENERAL SUPPLIES 7,300.00 478.84 478.84 0.00 6,821.16 6.56% 42175 FOOD SUPPLIES 100.00 13.97 13.97 0.00 86.03 13.97% 42180 BOOKS 55,000.00 3,121.31 3,121.31 0.00 51,878.69 5.68% 42181 PERIODICALS, MAG, NEWSPAPERS 7,800.00 5.50 5.50 0.00 7,794.50 0.07% 42183 EBOOKS 15,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,000.00 0.00% 42185 COMPACT DISCS 4,700.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,700.00 0.00% 42187 BOOK/CD SET 800.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 800.00 0.00% 42189 DVD 6,500.00 18.73 18.73 0.00 6,481.27 0.29% 42990 COMM. PURCH FOR RESALE 300.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 300.00 0.00% 43050 EXPERT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 5,400.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,400.00 0.00% 43105 TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES 700.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 700.00 0.00% 43210 TELEPHONE 900.00 496.23 496.23 0.00 403.77 55.14% 43220 POSTAGE 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 0.00% 43250 OTHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS 3,200.00 262.02 262.02 0.00 2,937.98 8.19% 43310 LOCAL TRAVEL EXPENSE 500.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 0.00% 43600 PROP & LIAB INSURANCE 12,300.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12,300.00 0.00% 43800 UTILITY SERVICES 7,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,000.00 0.00% 43810 ELECTRIC 46,300.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 46,300.00 0.00% 43830 GAS 16,600.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 16,600.00 0.00% 44000 REPAIR & MAINT. SERVICES 18,700.00 9,936.48 9,936.48 800.00 8,763.52 53.14% 44010 BUILDING MAINT: INTERNAL SVCS 43,800.00 0.00 0.00 0` 43,800.00 0.00% 44020 BLDG MAINT CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 29,000.00 295.00 295.00 10,455.00 28,705.00 1.02% 44030 SOFTWARE AND SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION 18,800.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 18,800.00 0.00% 44040 INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTERNAL SERVICE 87,800.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 87,800.00 0.00% 44050 GARAGE, LABOR BURD. 300.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 300.00 0.00% 44330 SUBSCRIPTION, MEMBERSHIP 700.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 700.00 0.00% 44375 VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 0.00% 47100 OPER. TRANSFER OUT ‐ LABOR 18,600.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 18,600.00 0.00% TOTAL EXPENDITURES: 1,262,000.00 74,886.14 74,886.14 11,255.00 1,187,113.86 5.93% EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PERIOD ENDING 1/31/2024 Fiscal Year Completed: 8.47% 7 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights Library Board Draft: January 24, 2024 Strategic Directions 2024 – 2026; version 2.0 Collections – Increase awareness, promote availability, and boost use of library resources  Increase the appeal of physical collectfons: o Merchandising strategies, simplificatfon, face out covers on shelves and displays o Weeding unattractfve, outdated, worn materials  Boost circulatfon of physical and digital materials: o Expand SORA from Columbia Academy and High School to all CHPS schools and students o Increase number of library card holders o Consider other types of materials (Library of things, art, video games, table games, materials exclusive to Columbia Heights, eBooks) Communications – Show and tell the breath of library services and impact on the community  Map the customer journey to determine patterns of use  Revitalize the Library website  Use the expertfse of city communicatfons staff  Conduct a patron survey o Routfnize whiteboard questfons in the library  Determine our “brand” and have a consistent look and feel across print and digital platiorms  Take photographs – events, people, displays  Raise awareness of Kanopy and other underused collectfons (large print, music CDs)  Communicate benefit and value (free resources, life-long learning, social connectfons)  Quarterly Board attendance and/or report to the City Council Outreach – Determine our community and how the library can connect  Identffy non-users and prospect for new customers o Demographic research o Increase number of open house events with targeted groups (ECFE, adults, ELL learners at CHPS elementaries, entrepreneurs/business owners)  Re-establish partnerships o Metro North Adult Basic Educatfon (ABE) o CHPS ECFE o CHPS o Heights Next o Others?  Expand actfve and passive programming (new “MN Driver’s License for All” class, Cosplay, Movies, Book Clubs: Wine and Words, Books and Brews, Game Contests) Space – ensure the building is welcoming, safe, comfortable, and accessible to all  Address concerns about safety o Staff de-escalatfon training  Address cleaning issues and custodial staff shortages 8 Item 4. City of Columbia Heights Library Board Draft: January 24, 2024  Plan and budget for systems repair and replacement (HVAC, door access/card readers, video cameras, building security)  Early literacy play and learning spaces for all ages  Vacant lot (green space, parking lot)  Seatfng areas: furniture; space evaluatfon; capturing metrics of use  Community room AV for interactfve meetfngs and events 9 Item 4. City of Columbia Heights | Library] 3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3690 ▪ www.columbiaheightsmn.gov Adopted: April 5, 2017, Revised February 5, 2020 Art Exhibit Application Attached contract must be completed before submitting application. Reservation of exhibit space will only be complete when you have signed a returned contract, and it has been approved by library administration. Name (first middle last) _________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Email ________________________________________________________________________________ Phone (home, work, cell) ________________________________________________________________ If group display, provide Group name __________________________________________________________________________ Authorized representative _______________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Website ______________________________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________________________________________________ Your relationship to group _______________________________________________________________ Before completing, please schedule space and dates with Library Director. Space requested (Community Room) Dates of exhibit From: ___________________ To: _____________________________ Artistic medium _______________________________________________________________________ Total number of pieces ____________ Description of items to be exhibited _______________________________________________________ Describe the purpose of exhibit and its benefit to library customers ______________________________ Set up requirements (equipment, special needs, etc) __________________________________________ Contact information to share for inquiries about the exhibit ____________________________________ I grant permission to the Library and the City of Columbia Heights to use, edit, broadcast, or publish video, audio or photographic recordings of this artwork without restriction or limitation, for any purpose. Approved by: ________________________ Date _______________________ Sarah Honeywell 1440 49th ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Honeywes@apps.isd13.org 612-964-0217 Tri metro Arts Collective Sarah Honeywell I am spear heading the starting of this group April 4 2024 May 3, 2024 Drawings, paintings and Digital Art 25 This show will have a theme, and a variety of 2-D Mediums We hope to get the teen population of the area to the library Sarah Honeywell As stated above https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ugRkVGNAHZ1FRuSFDGgZIoS5IqUx7lg8smESf2yS36E/edit 10 Item 8. City of Columbia Heights | Library] 3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3690 ▪ www.columbiaheightsmn.gov Adopted: April 5, 2017, Revised February 5, 2020 Exhibit Space Contract Contract between the Columbia Heights Public Library, 3939 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421, herein referred to as Library, and ____________________________(name of individual or group) of _______________ (City, County, State), herein referred to as Exhibitor. 1. Exhibit Space, Installation and Removal Library shall provide at its facility, for the use of Exhibitor, space to exhibit, at the discretion of the Library Administration, the following articles: _______________________ (Attach a list of all items to be exhibited. Include title, medium, dimensions, creator, year created. ) Exhibitor shall exhibit no other items in space without the written consent of the Library. Subject to the discretion of the Director, unless modified by mutual agreement, Exhibitor shall install the exhibit on _______ (month, day, year) and remove exhibit on or before _________(month, day, year). If for any reason the Director deems it necessary, upon written notification, Exhibitor shall remove the exhibit from the library facility and shall have no claim against the City of Columbia Heights or the Library for failure to permit the exhibit to remain at the Library for the aforesaid period. All exhibits will be approved in accordance with the Public Art in the Columbia Heights Library Policy available in the Columbia Heights Library Policy Manual. 2. Charge for Use of Space Exhibitor shall not pay any fee to the Library for the use of space. 3. Failure to Provide Space Shall the Library fail to furnish to Exhibitor the space herein described, it shall not be liable for any loss of damage suffered by Exhibitor. 4. Assignment and Use by Others No Exhibitor may assign the contract for exhibit space or permit any other person to use any part of such space. Trimetro Arts Collecitve Columbia Heights Hanging wires and large white board 04/05/2024 05/06/2024 11 Item 8. City of Columbia Heights | Library] 3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3690 ▪ www.columbiaheightsmn.gov Adopted: April 5, 2017, Revised February 5, 2020 5. Rejection of Exhibits Library reserves the right to reject or prohibit any exhibit, proposed exhibit, or part thereof, including, without limitation, any person, article, conduct, printed matter, catalog, or souvenir, that, in its opinion, is not suitable to and in keeping with the character of the Library. 6. Liability Each Exhibitor must make provision for the safe-guarding of Exhibitor’s goods from the time they are placed in the library facility until they are removed by Exhibitor. Library will not be responsible for, or guarantee to the Exhibitor, the injury whatsoever. Exhibitor hereby voluntarily waives all claims for damage or loss to such property, which may be caused by an act or failure to act of Library, its officers, agents, employees, or other unknown third persons, during the period of display. It is agreed that Exhibitor shall assume all liability for damages, and shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Library, its board members, officials, employees and agents against any claim, loss, judgments, costs, injury, death or damages, including attorney’s fees, that Library may incur as a result of or related to the Exhibitor’s use of the exhibit space provide for herein. By _____________________ By___________________ (Exhibitor) (Library Administration) Date _____________________ Date__________________ Sarah Honeywell 01/31/24 12 Item 8. Columbia Heights Public Library Library Board Report – December 2023 BUILDING • A catastrophic failure of door locks and access card readers occurred the week after Thanksgiving. Card readers at the children’s area and telecom room remained unrepaired. • Hillyard installed new batteries in the riding vacuum cleaner. • Modern inspected and fine-tuned of the boiler heating element replacement installed earlier. • Spark Electric inspected the rooftop solar array. • Cronk Plumbing repaired the men’s room sink. • Assured Security repaired the lobby door and handicap access button. • Adams Pest Control inspected the building. • A shortage of custodial staff resulted in five evenings when the building was not cleaned. TECHNOLOGY • Four public computers were adjusted to accommodate visually impaired users. Display font-size was increased. Large font keyboards (bold yellow and black) will be added to these PCs to make it easier for patrons to recognize. • Malfunctions when printing on ledger and legal-sized paper continued to vex patrons. COLLECTION • Youth Services Librarian Eliza Pope began shifting in juvenile and YA fiction to align with merchandising guidelines and highlight books. She also began assessing the juvenile non-fiction collection for gaps and worn or out-of-date books. • Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Ripley Implemented new merchandising guidelines on all display kiosks. One was moved closer to media shelving, and features new DVDs, CDs, and CD Audiobooks. The new print books display is very popular, needing frequent refilling. • Weeding was completed in adult DVD, audiobooks, romance, western, and fantasy. PROGRAMS AND SELF-DIRECTED ACTIVITIES DATE INTENDED AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE Wood Collage and the Science of Trees 12/4 Children (6-11) 16 English Language (EL) Conversation Circle 12/4 Adult 6 Hand-spinning with Shetland Wool 12/5 Adult 13 Daycare Storytime 12/6 Children (0-5) 11 Valley View English Language Family Night Open House 12/7 All Ages 135 EL Conversation Circle 12/11 Adult 8 Youth Services Librarian visits ECFE classes: Terrific Toddlers 12/12 Children (0-5) 20 Youth Services Librarian visits ECFE classes: Spanish Language 12/13 Children (0-5) 23 Youth Services Librarian visits ECFE classes: Ages 0-5 12/13 Children (0-5) 24 Adult Services Librarian visits Adult Basic Education classes 12/13 Adult 52 EL Conversation Circle 12/18 Adult 3 Book Club “Lessons in Chemistry” 11/20 Adult 10 Tinker Time: Wooden Gingerbread Houses 12/28 Children (6-11) 40 Consult the Law Librarian 12/28 Adult 1 13 Item 9. Columbia Heights Public Library Library Board Monthly Update – December 2023 STAFF • Eliza Pope, Youth Services Librarian, o Hired an artist and naturalist from SIlverwood Park to teach “Wood Collage and the Science of Trees.” Nine youth learned to count tree rings, analyze wood slices for evidence of wind damage, wildfire, and drought, and created a collage of wood scraps and pieces. o Planned and offered “Tinker Time: Wooden Gingerbread Houses” over winter break. Forty kids and their grown-ups assembled gingerbread houses and decorated them with paint pens, pom poms, glitter, and candy stickers. Hot chocolate and snacks were served, which excited many kids! Lots of regular Tinker Time families, as well as new families looking for something to do during break, and families from the EL Family Nights attended. o Presented the final Multilingual Family Night on December 7, with Valley View Elementary. One hundred thirty-five kids, parents, and teachers attended, making it the largest 2023 open house. Staff stayed after close to make sure everyone who wanted them had library cards and could borrow materials. City Communications Specialist Kat Watson took photographs. o Visited ECFE classrooms to present sample storytimes and tell families about the library and how to get a card. Classes included Terrific Toddlers, Spanish language, and 0-5 age groups. She recognized many from storytime or the library and reached a lot of new families. o Participated in a “Reimagining School Readiness” webinar from Webjunction. The webinar reinforced the idea that school readiness is not a checklist to be completed but a robust developmental process. Skills like self-regulation, the ability to get along with peers and adults, and the ability to make and carry out plans are vital for preparing children for school. The library can help prepare children for school by offering directed, hands-on learning and opportunities for imaginative play. • Elizabeth Ripley, Adult Services Librarian, o Visited a Level 1 English class at the Adult Basic Education Center to share information about the library and assist with online card applications. o Made three deliveries to At-Home patrons. o Worked with a local senior living center to create an institutional account, allowing them to receive bulk loans (approximately 40 titles) for their residents. 14 Item 9. Columbia Heights Public Library Library Board Monthly Update – December 2023 o Met with the Friends of the Library. o Contacted several authors for a potential 2024 Saturday Scribes series of adult programs. • Renee Dougherty, Library Director, o Attended weekly city division head meetings. o Met with Nick Olberding for his annual performance review. o Met with the communications coordinator and IT director about the potential of designing a micro-website for the library using the overall design of the city’s site. o Facilitated the Book Club discussion of “Lessons in Chemistry.” MISCELLANEOUS o Staff participated in the city’s holiday party on December 13. o Thirty-eight pieces of Tiny Art by community artists were on display in the glass case through December 28. o Staff began reviewing and implementing the merchandising strategy adopted by Anoka County Libraries. Shelves were looking neater with more face-out displays by the end of the month. Work will continue in January. o The Anoka County Law Librarian met with one person. PUBLIC COMPUTER USE 2023 2022 Users 831 665 Sessions 1,230 1,056 Minutes 56,885 42,033 VOLUNTEERS Total Hours Adult 5 13.75 Teen 0 0 FACILITY USE 2023 2022 Visitors 6,075 4,846 Study & Meeting Room Use 244 124 15 Item 9.