HomeMy WebLinkAbout202509 Library Board UpdateColumbia Heights Public Library
Library Board Report – September 2025
BUILDING
• The building was inspected for pests and the exterior windows were washed.
• The broken window on the Central Avenue façade was replaced.
TECHNOLOGY
COLLECTION
• New books were selected from reviews in the April issues of Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and School
Library Journal. Juvenile requests and replacement titles were ordered.
• Weeding was completed in adult fiction S-Z and adult audiobooks.
• Adult endcap displays highlighted the healing power of nature, science fiction and fantasy,
books made into movies, and Spanish-language books. The main adult display furniture featured
Hispanic Heritage Month and favorites from the summer reading program. Juvenile displays
celebrated Hispanic heritage and the first books of juvenile series.
PROGRAMS AND SELF-DIRECTED ACTIVITIES DATE AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE
English Language Conversation Circle 9/3 Adult 4
Daycare Storytime 9/5 Children (0-5) 10
ELL Conversation Circles 9/6 Adult 4
Storytime 9/8 Children (0-5) 52
ELL Conversation Circle 9/8 Adult
Mapping Prejudice 9/10 Adult 3
ELL Conversation Circle 9/10 Adult 5
Evening Storytime 9/11 Children (0-5) 4
ELL Conversation Circle 9/13 Adult 6
Storytime 9/15 Children (0-5) 25
ELL Conversation Circle 9/15 Adult 8
Tinker Time 9/16 Children (6-11) 58
Book Club: Somewhere Beyond the Sea 9/17 Adult 7
EL Conversation Circle 9/17 Adult 6
Discover the Healing Power of Nature 9/17 Adult 3
Active Agers Book Club: The Dutch House 9/19 Adult 8
EL Conversation Circle 9/20 Adult 10
Great North Star Read Together 9/20 Adult 54
Storytime 9/22 Children (0-5) 51
EL Conversation Circle 9/22 Adult 10
Preschool Yoga 9/23 Children (0-5) 20
Adult Basic Education Tour 9/24 Adult 12
EL Conversation Circles 9/24 Adult 7
EL Conversation Circle 9/27 Adult 7
Let’s Draw Pokémon Cards 9/27 Children (6-11) 8
Storytime 9/29 Children (0-5) 43
EL Conversation Circle 9/29 Adult 12
Library Databases Open House 9/30 Adult 0
Columbia Heights Public Library 2. Library Board Monthly Update – September 2025
STAFF
Elizabeth Ripley, Adult Services Librarian:
• Hosted Rebecca Gillette to discuss the history and importance of the Mapping Prejudice and Just
Deeds projects on racial covenants on metro-area properties.
• Invited the Anoka County Master Gardeners for a program on the healing power of nature.
• Facilitated the Active Agers book club discussion of “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett.
• Collaborated with the youth services librarian to offer an introduction to library databases for
parents featuring library resources for students and learners.
• Attended meetings of the Friends of the Library, Anoka County Library Adult Programmers, the
MELSA Adult Programmers and Jobs and Small Business interest groups.
• Made three deliveries to At-Home patrons.
Renee Dougherty, Library Director:
• Met with Katelyn Steeler of Fulcrum Health about a potential partnership to promote public
health and alternatives to prescription pain medication.
• Attended a City Council meeting with Olga Herrara to promote the Great Minnesota Read
Together.
• Met with Patti Constant of the Anoka County Opioid Solutions Initiative about naloxone
distribution, informational material distribution, and educational programming around opioid
harm mitigation.
• Joined city division heads for a retirement luncheon for Public Works Director Kevin Hansen.
• Reviewed one hundred and seven applications for Library Page and interviewed nine finalists.
Three conditional offers were extended.
• Participated in the Adult Book Club discussion of “Beyond the Sea” by T.J. Klune.
• Met with the city communications director.
• Attended meetings of city division heads, the Library Board, and the Minnesota Library
Association Board.
Eliza Pope, Youth Services Librarian:
• Attracted large, high-energy crowds for storytime which is intended for toddlers but also
welcomes younger siblings and caregivers. Eliza also offers a dedicated storytime for a local
daycare, as well as an evening storytime option.
• Hosted Elham from
Yogilli for a
preschool yoga
storytime featuring
a yoga doll,
breathing
exercises, yoga
asanas, and
movement
activities.
• Welcomed kids
and parents to a
Tinker Time
Columbia Heights Public Library 3. Library Board Monthly Update – September 2025
devoted to creating backpack charms.
• Hired Erin from eHolt Art to lead a Saturday program for kids to design and compose their own
Pokémon cards.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Library Page Yuliana Morocho Calderon resigned to accept a full-time surgical nursing position.
• Anoka County Law Librarian John Murphy held office hours on September 25; he assisted four
people.
• Six adult volunteers donated 24 hours, and two teen volunteers donated 10 hours.