HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-2024 Library Board Packet
LIBRARY BOARD
Library—Community Room, 3939 Central Ave NE
Wednesday, August 07, 2024
5:30 PM
AGENDA
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, or by using Microsoft Teams Meeting
at columbiaheightsmn.gov/joinameeting: ID 258 492 181 742, Passcode GWnPxW. For questions, please
contact Administration at 763-706-3610.
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.
CALL TO ORDER
1. Approve the Agenda
2. Review/Approve Library Board Minutes from June 5, 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.
NEW BUSINESS
4. Mid-year Usage Comparison
5. Parking Lot Extension Plan
6. Draft Proposal from Anoka County Library to Increase Fees & Revise Memorandum of
Understanding
7. Discussion of Unstaffed Access at Metro Libraries
8. Proposed 2025 Budget
DIRECTOR'S UPDATE
9. May & June Board Report
10. Board Books
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.
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COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
Drafted
6/6/2024
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Members of the public who wished to attend could do so in-person, or via Microsoft Teams at columbiaheightsmn.gov/join-a-meeting and entering
Meeting ID 211 422 335 081 and passcode NfgDWf 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 Melanie Magidow at 5:34pm.
Members present: Melanie Magidow; Rachelle Waldon; Amina Maameri; Chris Polley. Members absent: Carrie
Mesrobian. Others present: Justice Spriggs (City Council Liaison); Renee Dougherty (Library Director); Nick Olberding (Board
Secretary); Elizabeth Ripley (Adult Services Librarian). Public present: N/A.
1. The Meeting Agenda was approved as-is.
2. The Minutes of the May 1st, 2024, Board Meetings were moved and approved.
3. Review 2024 Operating Budget: 41.53% of the year and 36.67% of the budget expended.
a. 42010/42012 (Equipment): This line reflects costs incurred for the replacement of an interior security
camera and an exterior parking lot camera (plus wiring), and the installation of a rugged outdoor Wi-Fi
access point in the parking lot for public usage.
Community Forum: Opportunity for public input. No correspondence and no public in attendance. The City website
has a Contact Form for each Board/Commission as a new method for the public to submit questions or concerns:
https://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/index.php after clicking desired group,
scroll to the bottom of their page to find the contact form.
New Business:
4. Informational Presentation from Adult Services Librarian: Elizabeth Ripley gave an informational overview of the
essential components of her job and her impression of the diverse and accommodating community that is
Columbia Heights. Elizabeth talked about different programs such as the Tiny Art Show (that gives participating
patrons a sense of pride and inclusion); COPAL Licenses for All Bilingual Information Session (inspired by the new
state initiative and a surge of interest in Spanish driver’s license manuals); the social aspects of the Puzzle
Contests; all-ages involvement in Winter Reads/Summer Reading Programs; craft programs like Weaving Water
with Indigo Dyes in partnership with the MWMO; local author visits as part of a Saturday Scribes series. It was also
mentioned that Columbia Heights embraces the idea of the library being a “third space” of the community (a place
away from home or work where people can come together and just be--without expectations). Elizabeth
mentioned the effort to continue to diversify the collection (other languages, materials, and formats) to reflect
community needs. Also mentioned was the At-Home Delivery program offered to homebound residents and the
volunteer Technology Docent who can assist visitors with technology-related tasks.
a. The Board expressed their gratitude. Chris mentioned that he may know some upperclassmen at CHHS
who may be willing to be Technology Docents. The Board brainstormed some ideas for how to promote
some of the existing programs.
5. Proposed Elimination of the $2.00 Fee for Replacing a Library Card: Anoka County Libraries have already made
the decision to remove the fee and their Library Board has approved it; CHPL would like to follow suit. The fee may
present a barrier to youth who tend to misplace their library cards more often, and staff would like to remove as
many barriers to library use as possible. The Library Board agreed with the sentiment. A Motion was made to
eliminate the $2.00 fee for replacement library cards effective July 1st, 2024; it was unanimously approved.
6. Minnesota Ban on Book Bans Bill (HF4373/SF3567-Art.7-Sec.2): Renee made the Board aware of the recent
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Item 2.
Minnesota legislation prohibiting the banning or removal of books on the basis of their viewpoint or the messages,
ideas, or opinions conveyed. Because CHPL and Anoka County Libraries already have solid collection development
policies and Reconsideration of Materials processes in place, CHPL is minimally affected by this legislation. In
future any formal Requests for Reconsiderations must be reported to the Minnesota Department of
Education/State Library.
7. 2-Day Book Sale during City-Wide Garage Sale: With the help of some of the Friends, the Library will host a small
book sale on Friday/Saturday of the city-wide garage sale this weekend. We did not solicit donations for the sale
due to lack of storage space but will weigh the possibility in future years.
Reports:
8. April Operational Report: Provided as an FYI.
a. No meeting in July; we should have 2025 proposed budget information ready for the August meeting.
b. New Friday/Saturday hours started last week. Went well, but there were a few issues with the automated
lighting and badge readers that are now fixed.
c. Mississippi River Pearl artwork in the lobby provided by Art to Change the World will be here for one more
week before it moves on to the next stop on its tour, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival.
9. Board Books:
a. Chris: Mutha: Stuff+Things Vincent D’Onofrio; Pluto Rocket (series) Paul Gilligan
b. Amina: Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life Richard Louv
c. Rachelle: Persepolis: The Story of an Iranian Childhood and Woman, Life, Freedom Marjane Satrapi
d. Melanie: Joy of Movement Kelly McGonigal; Shakespeare & Hathaway BBC (streaming on Kanopy)
e. Nick: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PS5) Insomniac Games (available via Anoka County Library)
f. Justice: The Color of Law: Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America Richard Rothstein
g. Renee: North Woods Daniel Mason
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:27 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas P. Olberding
Recording Secretary, CHPL Board of Trustees
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Item 2.
Fund 240 ‐ LIBRARY
2024 YTD ACTIVITY FOR
AMENDED BALANCE MONTH ENCUMBERED UNENCUMBERED % BDGT
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION BUDGET 07/31/2024 07/31/2024 YEAR‐TO‐DATE BALANCE USED
41010 REGULAR EMPLOYEES 515,400.00 274,609.23 37,832.64 0.00 240,790.77 53.28
41011 PART‐TIME EMPLOYEES 144,300.00 57,107.22 8,283.20 0.00 87,192.78 39.58
41020 OVERTIME‐REGULAR 700.00 545.03 0.00 0.00 154.97 77.86
41050 ACCRUED LEAVE ADJUSTMENT 0.00 637.50 0.00 0.00 ‐637.50
41070 INTERDEPARTMENTAL LABOR SERV 500.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 0.00
41210 P.E.R.A. CONTRIBUTION 48,000.00 25,219.45 3,393.94 0.00 22,780.55 52.54
41220 F.I.C.A. CONTRIBUTION 50,500.00 25,262.80 3,505.92 0.00 25,237.20 50.03
41300 INSURANCE 82,800.00 47,891.76 6,831.90 0.00 34,908.24 57.84
41510 WORKERS COMP INSURANCE PREM 5,000.00 1,801.84 164.98 0.00 3,198.16 36.04
42000 OFFICE SUPPLIES 1,200.00 776.96 114.78 0.00 423.04 64.75
42010 MINOR EQUIPMENT 100.00 917.50 0.00 0.00 ‐817.50
42011 END USER DEVICES 3,300.00 2,490.06 0.00 0.00 809.94 75.46
42012 OTHER TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT 0.00 2,337.94 0.00 0.00 ‐2,337.94
42030 PRINTING & PRINTED FORMS 700.00 644.00 0.00 0.00 56.00 92.00
42170 PROGRAM SUPPLIES 1,000.00 479.99 0.00 0.00 520.01 48.00
42171 GENERAL SUPPLIES 7,300.00 2,467.79 110.04 0.00 4,832.21 33.81
42175 FOOD SUPPLIES 100.00 13.97 0.00 0.00 86.03 13.97
42180 BOOKS 55,000.00 26,545.63 2,551.30 0.00 28,454.37 48.26
42181 PERIODICALS, MAG, NEWSPAPERS 7,800.00 3,912.73 104.00 0.00 3,887.27 50.16
42183 E‐BOOKS 15,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,000.00 0.00
42185 COMPACT DISCS 4,700.00 1,272.43 0.00 0.00 3,427.57 27.07
42187 BOOK/CD SET 800.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 800.00 0.00
42189 DVD 6,500.00 2,894.20 220.39 0.00 3,605.80 44.53
42990 COMM. PURCHASED FOR RESALE 300.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 300.00 0.00
43050 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV. 5,400.00 3,070.68 46.60 688.00 1,641.32 69.61
43105 TRAINING & EDUCATION ACTIVITIES 700.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 700.00 0.00
43210 TELEPHONE 900.00 775.22 0.00 0.00 124.78 86.14
43220 POSTAGE 200.00 12.78 0.00 0.00 187.22 6.39
43250 OTHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS 3,200.00 2,017.14 199.27 0.00 1,182.86 63.04
43310 LOCAL TRAVEL EXPENSE 500.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 0.00
43600 PROP & LIAB INSURANCE 12,300.00 6,150.00 0.00 0.00 6,150.00 50.00
43800 UTILITY SERVICES 7,000.00 2,605.39 1,344.04 0.00 4,394.61 37.22
43810 ELECTRIC 46,300.00 19,310.32 4,237.62 0.00 26,989.68 41.71
43830 GAS 16,600.00 4,602.44 74.10 0.00 11,997.56 27.73
44000 REPAIR & MAINT. SERVICES 18,700.00 16,108.79 216.20 800.00 1,791.21 90.42
44010 BUILDING MAINT:INTERNAL SVCS 43,800.00 21,900.00 0.00 0.00 21,900.00 50.00
44020 BLDG MAINT CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 29,000.00 17,694.45 0.00 4,985.20 6,320.35 78.21
44030 SOFTWARE & SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTIONS 18,800.00 2,779.92 0.00 0.00 16,020.08 14.79
44040 INFORMATION SYS:INTERNAL SVC 87,800.00 43,900.02 0.00 0.00 43,899.98 50.00
44050 GARAGE, LABOR BURD. 300.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 300.00 0.00
44330 SUBSCRIPTION, MEMBERSHIP 700.00 411.00 230.00 0.00 289.00 58.71
44375 VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 0.00
45180 OTHER EQUIPMENT 0.00 491.86 0.00 0.00 ‐491.86
47100 OPER. TRANSFER OUT ‐ LABOR 18,600.00 9,300.00 0.00 0.00 9,300.00 50.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES: 1,262,000.00 628,958.04 69,460.92 6,473.20 626,568.76 50.35
EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
PERIOD ENDING 7/31/2024
Fiscal Year Completed: 58.20%
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Item 3.
Columbia Heights Public Library Usage Comparison 07/16/2024
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
January February March April May June
Visits
2022 2023 2024
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
1,800
2,000
January February March April May June
Computer Sessions
2022 2023 2024
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
January February March April May June
Circulation
2022 2023 2024
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
January February March April May June
Programs
2022 2023 2024
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Item 4.
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60'
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By H. Jiahong Pan July 15, 2024
Twin Cities libraries accessible beyond posted hours
minnpost.com/metro/2024/07/twin-cities-libraries-accessible-beyond-posted-hours/
Just after noon one cloudy Sunday, Burnsville resident Fay Li found herself in a study
room at the Burnhaven library studying for an exam to become a registered nurse.
The library, however, wouldn’t open for another hour. Li got access to the library as part of
initiatives by two south metro libraries, called Extended Access, to allow patrons access to
facilities during hours when the building is officially closed and when staff isn’t present.
Fourteen such libraries in Dakota and Scott County are accessible to patrons with pre-
registration, with the Galaxie library in Apple Valley and the Savage library being accessible
as of this month. One more library branch each in Dakota and Scott County will be
accessible after-hours later this summer.
For Li, who commuted from Shakopee to the Burnhaven library before relocating just to take
advantage of extended access hours, it’s given her time to study for the exam.
“One time I was just coming here to study and I really wanted to stay. One of the leaders said
we have self access hours,” Li said.
Full after-hours access years in the making
Scott County began its foray in making its libraries accessible in off hours shortly after the
Great Recession of 2008. County officials said they made their library meeting rooms
accessible off-hours between 2009 and 2010.
Scott County Library officials say the response to off-hours meeting room use inspired them
to provide access to other library resources.
“The positive response to after-hours meeting room use inspired SCL (Scott County
Libraries) to consider how we could similarly provide access to other desirable resources like
Wi-Fi, computers, and study spaces,” Scott County spokesperson Lisa Kohner said.
From 2018 to 2019, Scott County worked with the University of Minnesota’s Resilient
Communities Project to determine how to increase library access. The collaboration was part
of a larger county effort to implement its 2040 comprehensive plan goals, which was crafted
under the same state law that mandated Minneapolis’ controversial comprehensive plan.
Through the Resilient Communities Project collaboration, a research team of St. Catherine
University library science students found enthusiastic interest in libraries open to the public
beyond staffed hours, particularly from those who live in Jordan, a town off of Highway 169
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10 miles southwest of Shakopee.
Scott County Libraries launched extended access at the Jordan library in September 2021,
making it accessible to those with a registered library card from the hours of 6 a.m. to 10
p.m. Since its launch, the branch has seen 11,619 extended-hours visitors. The Scott County
library system has 1,370 registered users as of June 25.
Meanwhile, Dakota County Libraries launched extended access at the Farmington library
early last year, making it accessible to users from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. County spokesperson
Mary Beth Schubert said it started with Farmington because the branch had limited hours
and “the need for more access was greatest there.” Since its launch, 2,737 people have
registered to access libraries countywide after hours.
Scott County soon began to expand to other branch locations, including to New Prague in
June of 2023. Extended hours usage at the New Prague branch soared since it started,
doubling from 122 visits in June of 2023 to 255 in May of this year. The New Prague library
has the second-highest off-hours visits among Scott County libraries, after the library in
Jordan.
During a recent four-hour visit to the New Prague library on a Friday afternoon, when it is
closed, a MinnPost reporter saw a group of homeschooled children playing with toys in a
meeting room, as well as people coming and going to browse books and use computers.
Jennifer A., a New Prague resident who declined to share her last name with MinnPost for
privacy reasons, was one of those patrons.
“I don’t have internet access so that’s why I come here,” said Jennifer, adding she has a
very old computer.
The initiative costs Scott County $20,000 per branch annually, which includes software,
security measures such as cameras, and staff time. For Dakota County, it spent $275,000 for
security cameras, speakers for automated announcements, building modifications, and
software adjustments, and plans to spend $150,000 annually on energy costs and utilities for
all 10 locations.
“Ongoing software costs and staff time to support the process are needed whether we offer
this service or not,” Dakota County spokesperson Mary Beth Schubert added.
Despite the lack of staff present off hours, Scott County librarian Kristy Rieger believes the
initiative will require more staff, not less.
“Reducing staff would counterintuitively erode both the user experience and the sustainability
of SCL’s overall operations. Many SCL, city, and county partners are working behind the
scenes to ensure visitors have a great experience, regardless of when they visit the library.
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Long term, we expect extended access to gradually increase the need for staff, contingent
on impacts to basic operations (shelving, item processing, etc.) and community demands for
programming,” Rieger said.
How to get extended access
Nine of 10 Dakota County library branches are now accessible for extended hours, with the
Galaxie library in Apple Valley joining the roster on July 8. Dakota County expects the
Wentworth Branch library in West St. Paul to be accessible sometime in August.
Meanwhile, five of seven Scott County library branches are accessible off-hours, with the
addition of the Savage library on July 1. The county expects to make the Prior Lake branch
accessible sometime in September.
Scott County library officials have no immediate plans to make its Shakopee branch
accessible for extended hours.
“As our largest branch, and our only branch with two floors, the Shakopee Library would
likely require extensive and costly facility modifications to safely support extended access.
As a result, we felt it best to pause and revisit Shakopee at a later date,” Rieger said, adding
they increased staffed hours at Shakopee library in March 2024.
Securing access to a Dakota or Scott County library is relatively simple. A person first needs
to have a library card from a Minnesota regional library system, which includes any library in
the Twin Cities. They then need to register the library card in-person at a library associated
with the system you wish to use after hours. They will also need to bring a state-issued
identification card so library staff can verify the person’s identity.
After a library card is registered with their system, a person will need to review a video about
the service, as well as complete an access form. The access form for Dakota County
libraries can be completed online, while the access form for Scott County must be completed
in-person.
Rieger expects for patrons to obtain extended hours access on the same day they sign up.
Indeed, the MinnPost reporter was granted extended hours access at Scott County Libraries
the same day they registered their existing Hennepin County library card with the system last
November. Meanwhile, Dakota County library officials expect to take one to three weeks to
process applications for extended access, though the MinnPost writer was able to receive a
proximity card to access Dakota County libraries in a little more than a week after registering
their Hennepin County library card with Dakota County.
After-hours access elsewhere
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In September, Hennepin County libraries converted its Osseo branch library into a self-
service branch. Once open three days a week, the library is now open when Osseo City Hall
is open.
Marnie Schuster, a Maple Grove resident, found herself visiting the Osseo City Hall to make
copies one Monday in July. With the Osseo library open more often, Schuster thinks she may
start visiting more.
“It’s right by my kids’ high school,” said Schuster.
Hennepin County Library also allows users to pick up reserved books at the Arvonne Fraser
and Ridgedale libraries during certain hours when the library is not open. Holds at these
libraries are kept in a separate room and can be accessed by scanning a library card.
Meanwhile, both the Carver County Library and Great River Regional Library systems, the
latter serving central Minnesota, are considering following in Dakota and Scott County’s
footsteps in allowing their patrons to use their libraries during off hours.
For the Great River Regional Library, it has not decided where to start the pilot. Because
some of its libraries are located in city facilities, those cities would have to approve the pilot.
“It is too soon for us to name the specific location. We are discussing possible locations and
will need city approval in order to move forward,” Executive Director Karen Pundsack said in
an e-mail.
Libraries in Anoka, Carver and Washington counties, as well as the St. Paul Public Library,
have lockers available for those who wish to pick up library materials either outside of library
hours or outside of library facilities. For example, Carver County has three such lockers in
municipal buildings in Cologne, Mayer, and Victoria, as well as one additional set of lockers
at Southwest Transit’s Carver Station. The four Carver County lockers combined have a total
circulation of 10,317 in 2023.
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Item 7.
DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY
240 LIBRARY Actual Actual Adopted Department City Manager Council
5500 LIBRARY Expense Expense Budget Proposed Proposed Adopted
Description 2022 2023 2024 2025 2025 2025
Personnel Services 744,400 720,500 847,200 858,100 - -
Supplies 132,100 94,900 103,800 112,700 - -
Other Services & Charges 270,900 281,300 292,400 302,800 - -
Capital Outlay - 1,500 - - - -
Contingencies & Transfers 166,400 18,000 18,600 19,300 - -
TOTALS: LIBRARY 1,313,800 1,116,200 1,262,000 1,292,900 - -
Activity Description
Comments on Proposed Budget
Library Comments on Proposed Budget Continued on Next Page
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
BUDGET 2025
The Columbia Heights Public Library serves the individual and community with responsive collections, innovative
programming, professional staff, and access to resources in order to nurture community, creativity, opportunity,
and knowledge.
The Library collects and lends materials in multiple physical and digital formats including print, audio, and video. It
provides educational classes and programs including literacy-based storytimes and STEM workshops, adult language
learning and literacy programs, reading programs, arts and cultural events, and services such as a volunteer
program, and home delivery of materials. The Library provides free access to computer hardware and software, the
internet, and online research and instructional databases. It provides space for individual work, study and public
meetings. Library staff provide one-on-one and class-based instruction as well as research and reference assistance.
The Library contracts with Anoka County Library for inclusion in integrated library system software to manage
patron information and collection inventory, delivery of materials, and access to electronic resources. It participates
in the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (as an Associate Library), the Minitex multi -state interlibrary loan
program, the Statewide Borrowers' Compact, and METRONET. These cooperative agreements enable Columbia
Heights residents to gain access to library materials, special services, and electronic resources throughout the state
of Minnesota and provide staff with professional development and training opportunities.
The proposed 2025 budget shows an overall increase of $30,900 or a 2.45% increase over 2024.
Personnel services anticipates a 1.29% increase over adopted 2024. Two full-time staff retired or resigned in 2023
and were replaced by staff lower on the pay scales for their positions. In past years, a substantial portion of the
budget for part-time staff remained unspent due to the inability to find part-time substitutes to cover absences. In
these instances, the library was staffed by exempt employees or remained open with a skeleton crew. The library
has been experimenting with scheduling and staffing balance to allow appropriate staffing levels with existing staff,
including increasing hours for part-time employees. Library service hours were increased to from 47 to 50 hours per
week in June 2024.
The Supplies portion of the budget incoporates an 8.57% increase over 2024. The majority of the increase is due to
the need to replace staff computers which were purchased in 2020 and will be 5 years old in 2025. Replacement
cost for staff computers, despite trimming total units from 13 to 10, will result in an increase of $10,000 to the "end
user devices" line. The remaining increase is $3,000 for "downloadable video" as Anoka County Library will begin
billing Columbia Heights for use of the Kanopy streaming video service. Substantial decreases were made to lines for
the purchase of collection materials, including a $3,000 reduction to books, and a $3,700 reduction for compact
discs. Use of CD audiobooks has declined as Libby downloadable audiobooks have become more popular. Similarly,
use of adult and juvenile audio has declined in the era of music streaming.
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Item 8.
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
BUDGET 2025
Library Comments on Proposed Budget Continued
Other Services and Charges includes a 3.56% increase, primarly due to increases for expert and professional
services. Anoka County Library will begin charging Columbia Heights for weekly delivery of materials. Additional
dollars have been budgeted for childrens programs which were previously funded through a 21st Century
Community Learning Centers grant from the the school district. This grant was not renewed in late 2023.
There are no Capital Outlay expenditures anticipated for 2025.
Other Financing Uses reflects at 3.76% increase for the library's share of city administration.
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Item 8.
Columbia Heights Public Library
Library Board Report – May 2024
BUILDING
o Adams Pest control visited for regular monthly inspection and preventative treatment.
o The carpets were cleaned.
TECHNOLOGY
o IT staff addressed the issue of PDF attachments opening in the internet browser rather than
Adobe Reader. Printing from the browser is problematic.
COLLECTION
• New books were selected from reviews in the January and February issues of Booklist and Kirkus
Reviews. Youth replacements included the “Jannah Jewels” series, “Anna Banana” books,
missing volumes in the “Click” and “Mythics” graphic novel series, and popular picture books.
• Weeding was completed in adult nonfiction 000s - 100s for condition, datedness, and lack of
use. Review of the entire youth picture book collection was completed; books in poor condition
and those not borrowed in two years were weeded.
• Adult displays featured Jewish American heritage, Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage,
mental health awareness, authors Chad Corrie and Lorna Landvik, and pollinator garden
resources. Youth book displays featured AAPI authors and illustrators.
PROGRAMS AND SELF-DIRECTED ACTIVITIES DATE INTENDED AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE
EL Conversation Circle 5/1 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 5/2 Adult 4
Daycare Storytime 5/3 Children (0-5) 14
Clay Flowers 5/4 Children (6-11) 26
EL Conversation Circle 5/6 Adult 2
Teen Job Fair with Anoka County Job Training Center 5/7 Teen (12-18) 42
Adult Basic Education Tour: 10:15 am and 6:30 pm 5/8 Adult 33
EL Conversation Circle 5/8 Adult 2
EL Conversation Circle 5/9 Adult 2
Saturday Scribes: Chad Corrie 5/11 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 5/13 Adult 4
Tinker Time: LEGO 5/14 Children (6-11) 16
Book Club: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo 5/15 Adult 13
EL Conversation Circle 5/15 Adult 5
Active Agers Book Club @ Murzyn Hall 5/17 Adult 7
EL Conversation Circle 5/20 Adult 7
Summer Reading promotion at Highland Elementary 5/21 Children (6-11) 420
EL Conversation Circle 5/22 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 5/23 Adult 6
Summer Reading promotion at Valley View Elementary 5/29 Children (6-11) 375
EL Conversation Circle 5/29 Adult 7
EL Conversation Circle 5/30 Adult 4
STAFF
• Elizabeth Ripley, Adult Services Librarian
o Met with the Friends of the Library.
o Made two deliveries to At-Home
patrons.
o Hosted two Adult Basic Education
(ABE) classes for library visits.
• Eliza Pope, Youth Services Librarian,
o Hosted Erin Holt for the clay
flowers program. The program had
more drop-ins and parents wanting
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Item 9.
Columbia Heights Public Library Library Board Monthly Update – May 2024
to participate than expected, but Erin
quickly pivoted to making smaller flowers
so everyone who wanted to work with
clay could. Everyone loved sculpting
fanciful and realistic flowers.
o Offered a Tinker Time program with
LEGOs. Offered a prompt to build a
marble maze if kids needed direction,
but many were happy dreaming up their
own creations and scenes.
o Worked with the Anoka County Job
Training Center to host a Teen Job Fair.
The ACJTC brought six local employers
with jobs for teens. Teens had a chance
to talk to employers, submit applications,
and learn about positions.
o Visited Highland Elementary to talk to 420 students in grades K-5 about the library.
Students learned how to get a library card, what they can find at the library, and how to
sign up for the summer reading program. In addition to library information, Eliza played
a planet guessing game with kids and answered a ton of questions. After the visit, Eliza
was working when two families stopped in, talked about seeing her at their school, and
registered for library cards.
o Visited Valley View Elementary to talk to 375 students about the library and summer
reading. Students were full of questions and very excited about summer at the library. A
student and his dad came to the library as soon as school was finished to sign up for a
card.
o Interviewed 3 teen volunteers, registered 2 returning volunteers, and scheduled 1
additional volunteer interview.
o Began planning fall programs. MELSA-funded family programs will include stamp
carving, Somali kebed weaving, and clay gingerbread houses.
• Renee Dougherty, Library Director,
o Met with the Columbia Heights Public Library Foundation.
o Met with Communications Coordinator Will Rottler about the website revision.
o Met with Anoka County Library Director Colleen Haubner.
o Viewed a training video from the MN Department of Natural Resources on evaluating
the Park Pass program during summer 2024.
o Participated in ACL public service team and city division head meetings.
• Other Staff Updates
o Renee, Eliza, and Elizabeth met with Erin Straszewski and Dana Weigman from ACL
about programming and Legacy funding.
o Full-time staff and supervisors attended ACL Staff Day.
o Library Supervisor Georgia Cook resigned her position to expand her duties at the Law
Library of the Eighth District Court. Staff said farewell during her final shift on May 29.
o Substitute Page Michelle Wermerskirchen was no longer able fulfill the duties of the
position; so her final shift was May 11.
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Item 9.
Columbia Heights Public Library Library Board Monthly Update – May 2024
MISCELLANEOUS
o The Anoka County Law Librarian held open office hours but had no attendees this month.
o “Mississippi River Pearl” an interactive artwork created
through the Mississippi River Watershed Management
Organization with a grant from Art to Change the World,
was installed in the lobby. The created piece is intended to
demonstrate the impact of humans on the natural world
and highlight trash issues in our communities and the river.
o New service hours took effect the week of May 28,
extending open hours until 5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. A
couple of glitches with the programming of building lighting
and employee access badges were corrected.
VOLUNTEERS
o Nine adult volunteers donated 34 hours.
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Item 9.
Columbia Heights Public Library
Library Board Report – June 2024
BUILDING
o Adams Pest control visited for the regular monthly inspection and maintenance.
o The building was not cleaned on 6/5.
TECHNOLOGY
o IT staff addressed issues with the print management kiosk nor charging for copies, and not
displaying jobs when using the French or Spanish language option. A new coin op was shipped
from the software vendor, but it didn’t correct the failure to charge for copying.
o A massive internet disruption occurred in the city on 6/8. At the library it disrupted patron
computer use and printing; use of the integrated library system for checking out, returning
materials, and pulling holds; operation of the drive-up book return; and telephones.
COLLECTION
• New books were selected from reviews in the March issues of Booklist, Kirkus Reviews and
Library Journal. Adult romance, westerns and trade fiction paperbacks were ordered, as well as
nonfiction titles on Africa and African history. Youth replacements included patron requests,
new graphic novels, new books in Spanish, and new non-fiction titles on sports ADHD, video
games, and LEGOs. DVDs for youth and adults were also ordered.
• Weeding was completed in adult nonfiction 200 - 500 for condition, datedness, and lack of use.
Review of the young adult collection is progressing with the help of teen volunteers.
• Adult displays featured Juneteenth, Pride, graphic novels, audiobook month, and titles by Mindy
Mejia. Youth book displays featured Juneteenth and Pride.
PROGRAMS AND SELF-DIRECTED ACTIVITIES DATE INTENDED AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE
Family Storytime 6/3 Children (0-5) 53
English Language Conversation Circle 6/3 Adult 5
Youth Services Librarian promotes Summer Reading at Immaculate
Conception School
6/4 Children (6-11) 155
Getting Started with Libby 6/4 Adult 2
EL Conversation Circle 6/5 Adult 6
Getting Started with Libby 6/6 Adult 2
EL Conversation Circle 6/6 Adult 4
Daycare Storytime 6/7 Children (0-5) 20
Saturday Scribes: Lorna Landvik 6/8 Adult 25
Family Storytime 6/10 Children (0-5) 42
EL Conversation Circle 6/10 Adult 4
Walk and Talk Book Club 6/11 Adult 0
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach and the Mouse Perez 6/11 Children (0-5) 40
EL Conversation Circle 6/12 Adult 3
EL Conversation Circle 6/13 Adult 6
Raptor Encounter 6/13 Children (6-11) 63
Clay Animal Vases 6/15 Children (6-11) 17
Family Storytime 6/17 Children (0-5) 58
EL Conversation Circle 6/17 Adult 3
Mystery Book Club – cancelled 6/18 Adult
EL Conversation Circle 6/20 Adult 6
Painting Planets 6/20 Children (6-11) 27
Family Storytime 6/24 Children (0-5) 52
EL Conversation Circle 6/24 Adult 4
DIY Teen: Art of Indigo Dye 6/25 Youth (12-18) 14
Experimenting with Stitches 6/26 Adult 11
EL Conversation Circle 6/26 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 6/27 Adult 5
Mars Exploration 6/27 Children (6-11) 27
STAFF
• Elizabeth Ripley, Adult Services Librarian
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Item 9.
Columbia Heights Public Library Library Board Monthly Update – June 2024
o Met with the Friends of the Library, who held a meeting despite the lack of a quorum.
o Met with the mayor about the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge.
o Made four deliveries to At-Home patrons.
• Eliza Pope, Youth Services Librarian,
o Hosted Julia and Gustavo Boada for a bilingual puppet show based on the folk tale
“Martina the Beautiful Cockroach” with Perez the Mouse. Families were enchanted by
puppet theatre and enjoyed being able to talk to Julie and Gustavo about how the
puppets worked.
o Welcomed Madison from the Rum River Art Center for Clay Animal Vases. Families
sculpted wall vases and chose an animal to decorate them.
o Contracted with educator Judy Moran from the Raptor Center who brought a red-tailed
hawk, a merlin, a great horned owl, and a bald eagle to the library. Kids and families
learned about what makes a raptor a raptor, what to do if you find an injured raptor
(call the Raptor Center!) and all sorts of facts and information about the birds.
o Worked with Erin from Parcel Arts to present DIY Teen: Indigo Dye. After learning the
science of indigo dye, teens used a variety of tools like poker chips, popsicle sticks, and
rubber bands, to tie up their bandanas before dunking them in the dye. After 20
minutes, teens unbound their bandanas to reveal the designs.
o Assisted kids learn to use metallic and iridescent paints with Erin from eHolt Art. Erin
taught participants how to sketch out their ideas and then how to work with the
watercolor paints to create vibrant images of shimmering planets and galaxies on black
paper.
o Invited Sarah from Anoka County Extension/4-H to present a fun and educational Mars
exploration program! Kids learned about the different kinds of spacecraft that have
travelled to Mars and then worked to design their own Mars helicopter. Next,
participants flexed their observational skills with candy bar geology, writing down their
observations of the exterior and interior of a candy bar. Kids that attended the program
were very curious and had lots of questions for Sarah.
o Visited Immaculate Conception School to talk to students about Summer Reading and
the library. Many students were familiar with the library and Eliza has seen many visit
the library to sign up for Summer Reading or attend a program.
o Dropped off bookmarks advertising Summer Reading to Valley View Elementary and
Highland Elementary. This is the first year of trying this approach! The bookmarks were
in English and Spanish. Eliza designed the bookmarks to be colored on one side with
Summer Reading information on the other. They arrived on the day before school ended
(just in time!) and were distributed by the media specialists at the schools. Library staff
have seen a few students bring the bookmarks with them when they come to sign up for
Summer Reading. Ideally, Eliza will have the bookmarks designed and printed in time to
take them along on her school visits in May 2025.
o Attended the Columbia Academy end-of-year carnival. She distributed summer event
flyers and information about the library while making space-themed buttons with
families.
o Began supervising a group of enthusiastic teen volunteers, six who started in June with
three additional volunteers scheduled to start in July. Teens have helped pull hold lists,
laminated and cut storytime supplies, stickered new user guides and info cards with
updated hours, folded booklists, and changed out scavenger hunts.
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Item 9.
Columbia Heights Public Library Library Board Monthly Update – June 2024
• Renee Dougherty, Library Director,
o Attended a quarterly CareerForce Corner update.
o Met with City Finance Director Joseph Kloiber and ACL Director Colleen Haubner about
various aspects of the 2025 budget.
o Participated in ACL public service team and city division head meetings.
• Other Staff Updates
o Renee, Eliza, and Elizabeth staffed a table at the City Art and Information Fair.
MISCELLANEOUS
o The Anoka County Law Librarian held open office hours with three attendees.
o “Mississippi River Pearl” an interactive piece of art was removed on June 11.
o The library participated in the Citywide Garage Sale on June 7-8.
VOLUNTEERS
o Nine adult volunteers donated 34.75 hours.
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Item 9.
Columbia Heights Public Library Library Board Monthly Update – June 2024
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach & Perez the Mouse
Clay Animal Vases
The UMN Raptor Center
Painting Planets
DIY Teen: Indigo Dye
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Item 9.