HomeMy WebLinkAbout202512 Library Board UpdateColumbia Heights Public Library
Library Board Report – December 2025
BUILDING
• The workroom fire panel was alarming at random. It was inspected by fire suppression and low-
voltage electrical techs; one tightened a loose wire. If the minor repair doesn’t correct the false
alarms, the panel will need replacement.
TECHNOLOGY
• IT staff programmed the history room computer to clear cached downloads daily and to disallow
video gaming. Public patron computers are available for gaming.
• Staff also Initiated changes to increase fees on the print kiosk which will start in 2026.
COLLECTION
• New adult books were selected from reviews in the August issues of Kirkus Reviews and Library
Journal. Updated adult reference books were ordered. Juvenile purchases included young adult
manga series Black Clover and Apothecary Diaries.
• Weeding was completed in adult audiobooks, adult DVDs and Reference.
• Adult displays featured books on Native American heritage, aging, mysteries, family
relationships/dealing with conflict/boundaries, football and card making. Juvenile displays
highlighted books about snow, winter sports, Christmas and Hannukah.
PROGRAMS AND SELF-DIRECTED ACTIVITIES DATE AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE
Family Storytime 12/1 Children (0-5) 28
EL Conversation Circle 12/1 Adult 6
Community Craft Night: macrame key chains 12/1 Adult 5
Tinker Time: Snowflakes 12/2 Children (6-11) 25
EL Conversation Circle 12/3 Adult 8
Daycare Storytime 12/5 Children (0-5) 12
EL Conversation Circle 12/6 Adult 3
Family Storytime 12/8 Children (0-5) 32
EL Conversation Circle 12/8 Adult 8
Cardmaking Open House with ACCAP 12/8 Adult 12
EL Conversation Circle 12/10 Adult 6
Evening Storytime 12/11 Children (0-5) 6
EL Conversation Circle 12/13 Adult 5
Needle-Felted Ornaments 12/13 Children (6-11) 23
EL Conversation Circle 12/15 Adult 6
Mystery Book Club: Lightning 12/16 Adult 3
Book Club: The Women 12/17 Adult 9
EL Conversation Circle 12/17 Adult 6
EL Conversation Circle 12/20 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 12/22 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 12/27 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 12/29 Adult 3
EL Conversation Circle 12/30 Adult 1
STAFF
Elizabeth Ripley, Adult Services Librarian:
• Met with the Friends of the Library.
• Met with community members about hosting programs related to gardening and food security.
Columbia Heights Public Library 2. Library Board Monthly Update – December 2025
• Facilitated discussion of Lightning by Dean Koontz at the Mystery Book Club.
• Partnered with the Anoka County Community Action Program to host a card making session.
While making cards, ACCAP staff talked about ACCAP services, ways to volunteer to help in the
community (Chores and More,) and how to sign up to be a recipient of volunteer help.
Participants also learned about the ACCAP Senior Kinship program, which is where the cards
were sent.
• Made three deliveries to At-Home patrons.
Renee Dougherty, Library Director:
• Attended regular meetings with city division heads, library staff, and the city communications
coordinator.
• Joined Elizabeth and Eliza and Anoka County Library staff to determine how to handle Columbia
Heights patron suggestions within the Aspen Discovery public catalog which launched in
September.
• Attended the adult book club discussion of The Women by Kristin Hannah.
• Attended online meetings of the CHPS Communications Advisory Council meeting and the MN
DNR/Library State Park Pass program.
Eliza Pope, Youth Services Librarian:
• Reports that although the Tinker Time group
was slightly smaller this month, participants
still had a great time creating beaded
snowflakes to hang in windows or on trees, as
well as cutting paper snowflakes. One family
shared that they attended last year’s snow
globe program, which became part of their
winter decorations, and returned this year to
make additional seasonal decorations to add to
their growing family collection.
• Contracted with eHolt Art to teach a full house
of kids and their grown-ups how to create
needle felted ornaments and baubles.
• Notes that K, a teen volunteer, learned to complete the hold list quickly, asked thoughtful
questions when needed, and consistently demonstrated kindness and professionalism. Her help
was invaluable to the Columbia Heights Library.
Staff attended the city’s holiday lunch for employees.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Anoka County Law Librarian John Murphy held office hours on December 18.
• Nine adult volunteers donated 31 hours. One teen volunteered for 2.5 hours.
• There were loads of weather-related newspaper delivery issues.
• A couple of cars were abandoned in the parking lot for extended periods.
• The sports section of the local newspaper was repeatedly stolen.