HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgendaPacket-Library Board 2026-04-01
LIBRARY BOARD
Library—Community Room, 3939 Central Ave NE
Wednesday, April 01, 2026
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 ID 245 476
655 774 13, Passcode bY2b8Mf7. 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 [MOTION to Approve]
2. Oath of Office
3. Orientation Information and Refresher
4. Annual Election of Board Officers [MOTION to Approve]
5. Review/Approve Library Board Minutes from March 4, 2026 [MOTION to Approve]
6. Review 2026 Operating Budget
COMMUNITY FORUM: The Community Forum is an opportunity to address the Library Board about items not
scheduled for a public hearing. All speakers must provide their name and connection to Columbia Heights. Speakers
should complete a form for Staff and introduce themselves when called on. Virtual speakers should send their
information to the moderator via chat and turn on their camera when called. Comments are limited to five minutes.
Disrespectful language is not allowed. The Board may ask questions or refer items for follow-up but typically does not
take action during the forum.
NEW BUSINESS
7. Review and Consider Approving 2025 Minnesota Public Library Annual
Report Submission [MOTION to Approve]
DIRECTOR'S UPDATE
8. February Board Report
9. Board Books
ADJOURNMENT
1
OATH OF OFFICE
State of Minnesota )
ss.
County of Anoka )
I, Beth Al-Qudah, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of
the United States, and of the State of Minnesota, and discharge faithfully the duties
devolved upon me as a Library Board member of the City of Columbia Heights, to the
best of my judgment and ability.
_________________________________
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 1st day of April, 2026
________________________________
2
Item 2.
2026 LIBRARY BOARD
Incorporated in 1921 as a Home Rule Charter City
Weak Mayor- Council Organization
City Manager
CITY ORGANIZATION
3
Item 3.
MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
2026 Sustainability Commission Liaison
Justice Spriggs, Councilmember
2026 Charter Commission Liaison
Rachel James, Council President
2026 Planning Commission Liaison
Laurel Deneen, Councilmember
2026 Library Board Liaison
Connie Buesgens, Councilmember
2026 Park and Recreation Commission Liaison
Administration
Public Information and Records
Council Support
Human Resources
Communication
Elections
Finance
Disbursements, receipts and billing
Payroll
Financial Reporting
Budgeting
Liquor Operations
Community Development
Planning and Zoning
Economic Development
Building Inspections
Public Works and Engineering
Streets and Parks
Utilities
Public Improvement
IT (Information and Technology)
Computer Networks, Telephone System, etc.
Police
Public Safety and Policing
Community Oriented Policing
Crime Prevention
Fire
Fire and Emergency Response
Emergency Management
Commercial Inspections
Rental Licensing
Property Maintenance
Library
Public Library Services
Adult Enrichment Programming
Children Enrichment Programming
Public Computer Use
Recreation
Murzyn Hall Management
Youth Sports and Enrichment Programming
Senior Fitness and Enrichment Programming
Adult and Family Sports and Enrichment Programming
CITY DEPARTMENTS & SERVICES
4
Item 3.
CITY MISSION
Columbia Heights is a vibrant, healthy and connected
City. We are here to actively support the community,
deliver equitable services, build and strengthen
connections, improve upon our past, and uphold our
successes. We strive to be better and ensure Columbia
Heights is a great place for everyone, today and in the
future.
SHORT TERM GOALS
1. Develop architectural and financial plan for replacement of the Public Works building, especially as it relates to
other priorities (before structural failure)
2. Update Parks Master Plan, develop financing plan, and establish interactive communications about the plans
with the community
3. Develop Murzyn Hall renovation plan or identify an alternative new community center plan
4. Prepare long-term, comprehensive plans for single family homes transitioning to rental, including increased
tenant/renter protections and new rental licensing program (following moratorium)
5. Update the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) focusing on long term maintenance and replacement of
existing facilities
6. Finalize plans for Central Avenue improvements
7. Establish/Re-Establish the City Art Commission and invest in Public Art
8. Find external grants and evaluate establishing a city grant program for Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing
(NOAH) properties
9. Develop a formal process to review goals, develop a system of accountability, and communicate with the public
regarding the City Council’s goals and strategic plan
10. Build End-to-End communications infrastructure for City buildings and sites
11. Educate staff and elected officials on National Incident Management System (NIMS)
12. Develop and implement integrated online services
13. Complete 43rd and Central PUD approval and initiate construction
14. Improve and expand code enforcement, evaluate point-of-sale program
15. Continue working towards creating a City workforce that accurately represents the community
16. Establish centralized translation services for all departments and provide language support services at all public
meetings
17. Strengthen brand awareness across projects, activities, goals, and at the liquor store
5
Item 3.
Mission
The Columbia Heights Public Library: serving the
individual and the community with responsive
collections, innovative programming, professional staff,
and access to resources.
Vision
To nurture diversity, community, creativity, opportunity,
and knowledge in Columbia Heights.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Advise and make recommendations to City Council
to inform its decisions.
Duties include:
Gather citizen input;
Promote and inform;
Explore alternatives; and
Weigh in on proposed policy and provide input.
PURPOSE OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
6
Item 3.
Five members appointed by Council. Members serve three-year
terms. Members are city residents.
Supervise and control the policy, program, use and physical plant of the city
library, including all lands and equipment. Set levels of service and
manpower. Recommend improvements for the library as may be necessary and
desirable. Have the authority to make reasonable administrative rules and
regulations, including the setting of fees, governing public use of the library
and its facilities, subject to the direction and authority of the Council.
Library Director has power to make expenditures from funds authorized and
budgeted by the Council and approved by the Manager; provided, however,
that no single expenditure shall be made in an amount in excess of that
authorized by City Charter.
All monies received or expended shall be accounted for and audited in the Library Fund as
though the library were a department under the control of the City Manager or subsidiary
manager as delegated.
All claims and all bills incurred by the Board shall be presented to the Council for payment
and paid in the same manner as other claims against the city are paid.
Annually approve and recommend to the Council a budget for the coming year and at least
semi-annually, approve and make a comparison by line item of its performance against the
current budget together with recommendations for transfers of funds between line items.
CITY CODE: LIBRARY BOARD
Meetings: First Wednesday of month at 5:30 pm.
Agendas and related materials distributed 3 days in advance.
All items for consideration must be submitted in writing 10 days
in advance with contact info of submitter.
5 members plus non-voting Council Liaison.
Quorum is 3 members.
Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, optional Secretary) elected annually.
Chair may appoint ad hoc committees.
Library Director considered executive officer charged with
administration of library and attends all meetings.
LIBRARY BOARD BY-LAWS
7
Item 3.
MEMBER DUTIES
Attendance Requirements:
Attempt to attend all meetings. Whenever possible, please notify your
staff liaison if you will be absent so a quorum can be assured.
Notification to City Council will occur if you miss three or more meetings
during a year.
Effective Members:
Recognize that serving the community as a whole is the priority.
Review meeting agenda and packet thoroughly prior to meeting.
Advocate and inform.
Are proactive.
Compromise and work as a team.
Do not let personal feelings impact judgment.
Vote on all actions (unless conflict of interest).
STAFF SUPPORT
Develops and posts agendas, minutes, and support materials to
the website.
Resource on City policies and procedures.
Helps the commission stay within scope.
Provides technical assistance and prepares background memos.
Keeps attendance and takes minutes.
Meeting setup and coordination.
Notifies interested parties of meeting changes.
Does not work “for” or at the direction of the board.
8
Item 3.
ROLE OF COUNCIL LIAISON
Link between Commission and City Council
Helps increase Council familiarity of Board
Communicates topics that City Council would like
discussed
Non-voting and generally do not actively participate
ROLE OF COMMISSION CHAIR
Preside over all meetings.
Maintain control and order at the meeting.
Find ways to engage members.
Encourage a positive tone.
9
Item 3.
HOW A MEETING IS RUN
1. Commission Chair states the item.
2. Staff member provides overview and background information.
3. Members ask questions and make comments.
4. Item is opened for comment to the public if it is a public hearing.
5. If a public hearing, public hearing is closed after those who wish to
speak have and there is another opportunity for member comments
and questions.
6. Once discussion has concluded, the board chair will ask for a motion
based on the general consensus during the discussion.
7. One member will make a motion and if another agrees they will
second.
8. If a motion is made and seconded a vote is made.
9. Motion passes or fails. Additional motions may be proposed.
OPEN MEETING LAW
Gathering of a quorum or more of a public body where the
public body discusses, decides, or receives information on
issues relating to official business
Chance or social gatherings are okay
Proper notice
At least 3 days in advance
Date, Time, Place, Purpose (Agenda)
Open to the public
Be careful of serial meetings
AÆB and AÆC
AÆB and BÆC
10
Item 3.
LIBRARY HISTORY
Founded 1928
Silver Lake Mothers Club – Little Red Wagon Brigade
Current facility opened in 2016
LIBRARY ORGANIZATION CHART
11
Item 3.
Reciprocal service to individual library patrons
Interlibrary loan
Delivery service (4x/week)
Original cataloging of unique items
Integrated Library System (ILS) software
E-books and digital resources
Access MELSA resources as an Associate (II) member
RELATIONSHIP WITH ANOKA COUNTY
LIBRARY
New standalone website (2024)
New patron catalog interface by Anoka County Libraries (2025)
Promote literacy through regular programs, small discussion groups, and one-on-one digital
instruction (Ongoing)
Significant increases in service delivery in 2025 over 2024:
12% increase in program attendance
15% increase in visitors
16% increase in Wi-Fi use
17% increase in public computer sessions
Increase revenue for public printing (2026)
Enhance partnerships to co-deliver service to the community (2025)
Anoka County Job Training Center
Anoka County Opioid Solutions Initiative
Columbia Heights Public Schools
Guild Services
HeightsNext
Immaculate Conception School, Bultum Academy, Prodeo Academy
Metro North Adult Basic Education
Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Minnesota Attorney General and Anoka County Law Library
Salvation Army
RECENT PROJECTS
12
Item 3.
Define future of library service
Outreach to underserved persons/groups
Communication strategy for promoting resources and services
Routinize user feedback
Address sustainable staffing
Building system and fixture maintenance/replacement
LONG-RANGE AND ONGOING PROJECTS
VITAL REFERENCES FOR BOARD MEMBERS
Minnesota Public Library Trustee Handbook
American Library Association Library Bill of Rights
ALA Freedom to Read Statement
CHPL Strategic Plan
Current calendar of Library programs
Minnesota Library Association
13
Item 3.
WEBSITE
Renee Dougherty
763-706-3680
rdougherty@columbiaheightsmn.gov
QUESTIONS OR WANT TO KNOW MORE?
14
Item 3.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
Drafted
3/5/2026
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Members of the public who wished to attend could do so in-person, or via Microsoft Teams by entering Meeting ID 245 476 655 774 13 and passcode
bY2b8Mf7 at the scheduled meeting time. For questions, please contact Administration at 763-706-3610.
The meeting was called to order in the Library Community Room by Melanie Magidow at 5:30pm.
Members present: Melanie Magidow; Theresa Strike; Chris Polley; Olga Herrera; Amina Maameri; Laurel Deneen (City
Council Liaison. Members remotely present: N/A. Members absent: N/A. Others present: Renee Dougherty (Library
Director); Ally Addison Shauer (Library Supervisor); Nick Olberding (Board Secretary). Public present: N/A.
1. The Agenda was approved as is, but with new Supervisor Introduction moved to the beginning.
2. The Minutes from February 4, 2026, Library Board Meeting were moved and approved.
3. Review of 2026 Operating Budget: 16% of the year completed and 13.6% of the budget expended.
a. Nick wanted to note that this report exported from the City’s general ledger software no longer has an
encumbered column (funds allocated for specific expenses by purchase order but not yet paid).
Community Forum: Opportunity for public input. No correspondence and no public in attendance. The CHPL website
hosts the contact form to submit questions or concerns: https://chplmn.org/board
Old Business:
4. Staffing Update: We hired two new Library Supervisors (Ally & Elijah), one of which we were introduced to tonight
during her second evening of onboarding and training. Unfortunately, Elijah was offered a promotion with his full-
time retail employer after his first day of training with us and chose to accept their offer. Renee reviewed our
options and has opted to continue with only one new Supervisor for the foreseeable future and re-evaluate hiring
after we see how well it works over the next few months.
New Business:
5. New Supervisor Introduction: Ally was introduced to the Library Board, who were very appreciative of her
choosing to expand her career to the Columbia Heights Public Library. She has worked for both Hennepin County
Library and Scott County Library, in supervisory, technology, administrative, youth services, and outreach-oriented
roles over the years. She was very interested in the Board members and their motivations for getting involved,
which included reasons such as wanting to help build/maintain the bridge between the Library, community, and
schools; fond family histories and memories of libraries; giving back to the community; helping support immigrant
neighbors and being attentive to the community.
6. 2025 Year-in-Review: The Board was provided with an infographic depicting year-end statistics. As compared to
the previous year, visits increased 15% with items borrowed up 3%; number of programs went up 5% and an
increase in attendance of 12%; Wi-Fi sessions increased 16% and library computer sessions up 17%. Some of the
increases can be partially attributed to Hennepin County’s Northeast Library being closed for much of the year.
The Board asked if we would be promoting this. Yes, it will be included in the City’s annual report and the statistics
will be submitted to the MN Department of Education for our annual report. Additionally, it could be posted to
Facebook, included in the City Newsletter, and added to the website. The self-directed programs were the
Summer Reading Program, Winter Reads Program, and the Tiny Art Project.
7. Library Metrics Comparison 2020-2024: Compiled with data from previous years’ data maintained by State Library
15
Item 5.
Services of the Minnesota Department of Education, the Board was presented with a comparison of trends and
statistics from 17 comparable libraries in the state (serving populations of 12,000-24,000). Per capita, we come
out at the higher end for percentage of population with library cards, number of visits, total circulation, but also
operating cost.
Director’s Update:
8. January Board Report: Provided as an FYI.
a. The Board was appreciative of the inclusion of Palestinian authors in a recent book display.
b. The Board asked if public school field trips that were cancelled due to winter storms and ICE enforcement
have been rescheduled now that the district has lifted travel restrictions? Staff are saving dates in April for
them.
c. Conversation Circles promos have been added back to the LED marquee. A Spanish language learning
group met in the Community room as an independent group not sponsored by the Library.
d. Staff will explore partnering with SACA Food Shelf on a food drive.
e. The increased police assistance needed for the month was noted.
f. This is Melanie’s final meeting of her term; she was thanked for her time, perspective, and insight into
library legislation gained from working at Minitex. Thank you, Melanie!
g. Melanie shared cost savings from the resource sharing and consolidated subscriptions that Minitex
provides various library systems. Anoka County alone benefits from savings of $900,000/year; all MN
libraries’ total savings are close to $33 million.
9. Board Books (what we’re reading, watching, playing, listening to, or simply recommend):
a. Theresa: Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the
Space Race Margot Lee Shetterly; Severed: A History of Heads Lost and Heads Found Frances Larson; A Paradise
Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities that Arise in Disaster Rebecca Solnit
b. Chris: Chunky (youth graphic novel) Yehudi Mercado; Sudden Fiction Latino: Short-Short Stories from the United
States and Latin America Robert Shapard, James Thomas & Ray Gonzales (editors)
c. Melanie: The Letter for the King (Letter for the King youth series) Tonke Dragt
d. Amina: The Summer I Ate the Rich Maika & Maritza Moulite; The Clear Quran: A Thematic English Translation
of the Message of the Final Revelation Dr. Mustafa Khattab
e. Olga: So Far from God Ana Castillo
f. Laurel: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams; Rat Scabies and the Holy Grail: Can a Punk Rock
Legend Find What Monty Python Couldn't? Christopher Dawes
g. Renee: A Council of Dolls Mona Susan Power (Library Book Club selection)
h. Nick: And Then There Were None Agatha Christie
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:44pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick Olberding
Recording Secretary, CHPL Board of Trustees
16
Item 5.
Fund 240 - LIBRARY
2026 YTD MONTHLY
AMENDED BALANCE ACTIVITY AVAILABLE % BDGT
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION BUDGET 3/27/2026 3/27/2026 BALANCE USED
240.5500.41010 REGULAR EMPLOYEES 550,200.00 111,129.95 42,129.88 439,070.05 20.20
240.5500.41011 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES 113,200.00 20,104.06 7,723.63 93,095.94 17.76
240.5500.41020 OVERTIME-REGULAR 800.00 270.19 98.25 529.81 33.77
240.5500.41050 ACCRUED LEAVE ADJUSTMENT 0.00 2,066.65 1,180.42 -2,066.65
240.5500.41070 INTERDEPARTMENTAL LABOR SERV 500.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 0.00
240.5500.41210 P.E.R.A. CONTRIBUTION 49,700.00 10,695.28 3,553.71 39,004.72 21.52
240.5500.41220 F.I.C.A. CONTRIBUTION 50,800.00 9,978.48 3,762.58 40,821.52 19.64
240.5500.41300 INSURANCE 90,000.00 22,302.77 7,413.35 67,697.23 24.78
240.5500.41410 MN PAID LEAVE TAX 2,900.00 748.62 250.65 2,151.38 25.81
240.5500.41510 WORKERS COMP INSURANCE PREM 2,300.00 540.72 178.51 1,759.28 23.51
240.5500.42000 OFFICE SUPPLIES 1,400.00 252.77 0.00 1,147.23 18.06
240.5500.42010 MINOR EQUIPMENT 1,000.00 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 0.00
240.5500.42011 END USER DEVICES 6,500.00 35.98 0.00 6,464.02 0.55
240.5500.42030 PRINTING & PRINTED FORMS 1,300.00 79.00 0.00 1,221.00 6.08
240.5500.42170 PROGRAM SUPPLIES 1,000.00 576.29 438.00 423.71 57.63
240.5500.42171 GENERAL SUPPLIES 7,700.00 1,905.73 211.38 5,794.27 24.75
240.5500.42175 FOOD SUPPLIES 100.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 0.00
240.5500.42180 BOOKS 50,000.00 7,035.99 1,106.36 42,964.01 14.07
240.5500.42181 PERIODICALS, MAG, NEWSPAPERS 8,000.00 2,468.50 728.00 5,531.50 30.86
240.5500.42183 E-BOOKS 28,000.00 0.00 0.00 28,000.00 0.00
240.5500.42185 COMPACT DISCS 1,000.00 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 0.00
240.5500.42187 BOOK/CD SET 1,000.00 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 0.00
240.5500.42189 DVD 6,000.00 278.13 0.00 5,721.87 4.64
240.5500.42190 DOWNLOADABLE VIDEO 4,000.00 0.00 0.00 4,000.00 0.00
240.5500.42280 CENT. GARAGE REPAIR AND PARTS 700.00 0.00 0.00 700.00 0.00
240.5500.42990 COMM. PURCHASED FOR RESALE 200.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 0.00
240.5500.43050 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV. 10,000.00 763.25 205.00 9,236.75 7.63
240.5500.43105 TRAINING & EDUCATION ACTIVITIES 800.00 364.00 0.00 436.00 45.50
240.5500.43210 TELEPHONE 2,900.00 0.00 0.00 2,900.00 0.00
240.5500.43220 POSTAGE 100.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 0.00
240.5500.43250 OTHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS 3,100.00 437.61 0.00 2,662.39 14.12
240.5500.43310 LOCAL TRAVEL EXPENSE 200.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 0.00
240.5500.43600 PROP & LIAB INSURANCE 13,400.00 2,233.34 0.00 11,166.66 16.67
240.5500.43800 UTILITY SERVICES 7,700.00 1,917.35 0.00 5,782.65 24.90
240.5500.43810 ELECTRIC 44,800.00 5,102.71 2,320.08 39,697.29 11.39
240.5500.43830 GAS 12,200.00 7,643.36 2,442.60 4,556.64 62.65
240.5500.44000 REPAIR & MAINT. SERVICES 22,400.00 11,851.53 0.00 10,548.47 52.91
240.5500.44010 BUILDING MAINT:INTERNAL SVCS 47,800.00 7,966.66 0.00 39,833.34 16.67
240.5500.44020 BLDG MAINT CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 31,000.00 4,568.73 1,169.97 26,431.27 14.74
240.5500.44030 SOFTWARE & SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTIONS 25,000.00 932.00 0.00 24,068.00 3.73
240.5500.44040 INFORMATION SYS:INTERNAL SVC 90,900.00 15,150.00 0.00 75,750.00 16.67
240.5500.44050 GARAGE, LABOR BURD. 1,100.00 113.00 0.00 987.00 10.27
240.5500.44330 SUBSCRIPTION, MEMBERSHIP 900.00 0.00 0.00 900.00 0.00
240.5500.44375 VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION 300.00 0.00 0.00 300.00 0.00
240.5500.47100 OPER. TRANSFER OUT - LABOR 24,100.00 4,016.66 0.00 20,083.34 16.67
TOTAL EXPENDITURES: 1,317,000.00 253,529.31 74,912.37 1,063,470.69 19.25
EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - PUBLIC LIBRARY
PERIOD ENDING 3/31/2026
Fiscal Year Completed: 24.66%
*NOTE: Available Balance / % Budget Used does not reflect amounts encumbered.
17
Item 6.
1
2025 Minnesota Public Library Annual Report
This report reflects the library’s data covering January 1 through December 31, 2025, unless otherwise specified.
Financial data is reported for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2025.
Please note that this document contains data collected at two levels: system-level and location-level (outlets).
In the case of a single-location library, system-level totals and location-level data are the same. System-level
information is presented first, followed by separate reports for each location starting on page 14.
CONTACT INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. 2
VISITS, REFERENCE, USERS ........................................................................................................... 3
CIRCULATION ................................................................................................................................ 3
PROGRAMS ................................................................................................................................... 4
HOURS OF PUBLIC SERVICE .......................................................................................................... 5
FACILITIES ..................................................................................................................................... 6
STAFF INFORMATION ................................................................................................................... 6
COLLECTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 7
POLICIES/PLANS ............................................................................................................................ 8
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ........................................................................................................ 8
BOARD, FOUNDATION, FRIENDS .................................................................................................. 9
FINANCIAL DATA ......................................................................................................................... 10
ANNOTATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 13
Comments
Do you have anything to share about 2025 at your library?
DR
A
F
T
Columbia Heights Public Library
18
Item 7.
2
CONTACT INFORMATION
G01) Library Name
G02) Regional System/Sequence Number
G03) Regional Public Library System
G04) Street Address
G05) Location is a change from 2024 Data
G06) City
G07) ZIP Code
G08) Mailing Address
G09) City
G10) ZIP Code
G11) County
G12) Phone
G13) Library Web Address
G14) Director’s Name
G15) Director’s Phone
G16) Director’s Extension
G17) Director’s E-mail Address
Report Filer
G18) Name of Person Who Prepared This Report
G19) Phone
G20) E-mail
IMLS Administrative Entity Codes
G22) Legal Basis Code
G23) Administrative Structure Code
G25) Geographic Code
G26) Did the legal service area boundary change? DR
A
F
T
3939 Central Avenue NE
3939 Central Avenue NE
No
Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights
Anoka
Administrative Entity with a Single Direct Service Outlet
Municipal Government (city, town or village)
Renee Dougherty
rdougherty@columbiaheightsmn.gov
763-706-3680
Place (e.g., incorporated city or village, censusdesignated), entirety
Columbia Heights Public Library
No
763-706-3690
MELSA
rdougherty@columbiaheightsmn.gov
Renee Dougherty
763-706-3680
M0230
https://chplmn.org/
55421
55421
19
Item 7.
3
VISITS, REFERENCE, USERS
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P01) Population of the Legal Service Area
P02) Registered Users – Residents
P03) Registered Users – Reciprocal
P04) Total Registered Users
P05) Year in Which Registered User Records Were Last Purged
P06) Visits
P60) Visits Reporting Method
P07) Reference Transactions
P61) Reference Transactions Reporting Method
P08) Public Internet Computer Sessions
P09) Public Internet Computer – Usage Type
P62) Public Computer Sessions Reporting Method
P10) Wireless Sessions
P63) Wireless Sessions Reporting Method
P32) Website Visits
CIRCULATION
Physical and Downloadable Circulation
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P13) Children’s Circulation
P14) Adult Circulation
P15) Physical Circulation (No Age Designation)
P16) Total Physical Circulation
P69) Physical Circulation – Not Print or Audiovisual
Did your library offer automatic renewal for any physical materials in 2025?
P17a) E-book Circulation
P17b) E-serial Circulation
P18a) E-audio Circulation
P18b) E-video Circulation
P19) Total Downloadable Circulation
P20) Total Circulation
DR
A
F
T
60,031
Yes
49,591
21,696
22,491
5,404
0
72,721
530
1,214
24,947
Annual Count
P08 tallies other
computer usage in
addition to Internet
21,570
57,396
43,685
18,407
21,424
3,854
0
74,820
604
903
21,215
Annual Count
P08 tallies other
computer usage in
addition to Internet
21,567
22,620
Annual Estimate Based
on Typical Week(s)
18,730
7,182
11,548
2024
176,804
133,119
Annual Count
90,594
15,739
38,096
Annual Count
11,024
Annual Estimate Based
on Typical Week(s)
19,786
7,821
11,965
2025
183,557
133,966
Annual Count
104,553
31,844
44,362
Annual Count
20
Item 7.
4
Interlibrary Loan
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P11) ILL Provided to Other Libraries
P12) ILL Received from Other Libraries
PROGRAMS
In 2025, did your library offer in-person offsite programs?
In 2025, did your library offer live virtual programs?
In-Person Programs
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P82) In-Person Programs for Ages 0-5
P83) In-Person Programs for Ages 6-11
P84) In-Person Programs for Young Adults
P85) In-Person Programs for Adults
P86) In-Person Programs for All Ages
P75) Total Onsite In-Person Programs
P81) Total Offsite In-Person Programs
In-Person Program Attendance
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P105) Attendees at In-Person Programs for Ages 0-5
P106) Attendees at In-Person Programs for Ages 6-11
P107) Attendees at In-Person Programs for Young Adults
P108) Attendees at In-Person Programs for Adults
P109) Attendees at In-Person Programs for All Ages
P98) Total Onsite Attendance
P104) Total Offsite Attendance
Live Virtual Programs
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P87) Live Virtual Programs Intended for Ages 0-5
P88) Live Virtual Programs Intended for Ages 6-11
P34) Live Virtual Programs Intended for Young Adults
P35) Live Virtual Programs Intended for Adults
P89) Live Virtual Programs Intended for All Ages
P36) Total Live Virtual Programs
Live Virtual Attendance
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P110) Live Virtual Views of Programs for Ages 0-5
P111) Live Virtual Views of Programs for Ages 6-11
P38) Live Virtual Views of Programs for Young Adults
P39) Live Virtual Views of Programs for Adults
P112) Live Virtual Views of Programs for All Ages
P40) Total Attendance at Live Virtual Programs
DR
A
F
T
1,564
195
88
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,867
2,433
63
58
No
1,360
856
1,509
34
Yes
4,611
294
1,309
193
106
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,600
2,296
48
60
1,060
550
1,338
36
4,108
276
135
10
168
11
21
Item 7.
5
Total Programs (In-Person and Live Virtual)
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P90) Total Programs for Ages 0-5
P91) Total Programs for Ages 6-11
P52) Total Programs for Young Adults
P53) Total Programs for Adults
P92) Total Programs for All Ages
P54) Total Programs
Total Program Attendance (In-Person and Live Virtual)
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P113) Total Attendance at Programs for Ages 0-5
P114) Total Attendance at Programs for Ages 6-11
P56) Total Attendance at Programs for Young Adults
P57) Total Attendance at Programs for Adults
P115) Total Attendance at Programs for All Ages
P58) Total Program Attendance
SELF-DIRECTED AND SUMMER LEARNING
Summer Learning
Type(s) of summer learning programs
Intended age-groups for the program
U02) Preschoolers, birth to 5 years old
U03) Children, 6 to 11 years old
U04) Young adults, 12 to 18 years old
Self-Directed Activities
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P49) Number of Self-Directed Activities
P50) Participation in Self-Directed Activities
HOURS OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
H08) Weekly Hours of Regular Service
H09) Weekly Hours of Seasonal Service
H12) Annual Public Service Hours
DR
A
F
T
1,564
195
404
3
88
1
2,468
1,867
63
2,433
58
Yes
1,309
193
546
3
106
1
2,423
1,600
48
2,296
60
0.00
5,446
312
50.00
135
10
Yes
0.00
Both reading and learning programs
Yes
6,120
328
50.00
168
11
22
Item 7.
6
FACILITIES
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
F01) Central Libraries
F02) Branch Libraries
F03) Bookmobiles
F04) Supplementary Services
F12) Staff Internet Computers
F13) Public Internet Stationary Computers
F14) Public Internet Mobile Devices for Onsite Use
F15) Total Public Internet Computers/Devices
F22) Outlets with Wi-Fi Available to Public
F23) Outlets with a Meeting Room
F24) Non-Library Sponsored Events
STAFF INFORMATION
Staff Full Time Equivalent
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
S01) Total ALA/MLS Librarian FTE
S02) Total Other Librarian FTE
S03) Total Librarian FTE
S04) Total Other Staff FTE
S05) Total Paid Staff FTE
Selected Salary Schedule
Position Low Salary High Salary
S06) Regional Director
S07) Library Director
S08) Assistant Director
S09) Branch Manager
S10) Central Library Manager
S11) Department Head
S12) Other Librarian
S13) Technology Support
S14) Library Support Staff
S15) Administrative Support Staff
S16) Pages
Union
S17) Do Any Library Staff Belong to a Union?
DR
A
F
T
$0.00$0.00
0
0
$0.00$0.00
1
$0.00$0.00
$0.00$0.00
24
3.80
$70.72$60.11
3.80
0
1
4,534
5.20
0.00
$50.59$33.34
$20.68$17.58
0
0
1
24
3.83
3.83
0
1
3,755
5.14
0.00
24
12
2
8.97
Yes
1
24
$0.00$0.00
12
2
$31.49$20.73
$0.00$0.00
9.00
Yes
1
23
Item 7.
7
COLLECTIONS
Physical Materials
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
C01) Print Materials (Books and Periodicals)
C02) Audio Materials, Physical
C03) Video Materials, Physical
C04) Multi-format Materials
C05) Other Physical Materials
C06) Total Physical Materials
C07) Print Serial Subscriptions
Electronic Materials
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
E-SERIALS
Does the library provide access to e-serials licensed locally?
Does the library provide access to e-serials licensed regionally?
Does the library provide access to e-serials licensed statewide at no/minimal cost
to the library?
E-BOOKS
Does the library provide access to e-books licensed locally?
Does the library provide access to e-books licensed regionally?
Does the library provide access to e-books licensed through eBooks Minnesota?
E-AUDIO
Does the library provide access to e-audio licensed locally?
Does the library provide access to e-audio licensed regionally?
Does the library provides access to e-audio licensed statewide at no/minimal cost
to the library?
E-VIDEO
Does the library provide access to e-video licensed locally?
Does the library provide access to e-video licensed regionally?
Does the library provide access to e-video licensed statewide at no/minimal cost
to the library?
RESEARCH DATABASES
Does the library provide access to research databases licensed locally?
Does the library provide access to research databases licensed regionally?
Does the library provide access to research databases licensed through eLibrary
Minnesota (ELM)?
ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS
Does the library provides access to online learning platforms licensed locally?
Does the library provide access to online learning platforms licensed regionally?
Does the library provide access to online learning platforms licensed through
eLibrary Minnesota (ELM)?
DR
A
F
T
2,928
39,953
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
1
No
Yes
Yes
15
46,302
3,147
40,235
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
1
Yes
Yes
Yes
14
46,695
Yes
Yes
Yes
75
3,298
No
Yes
Yes
76
3,405
24
Item 7.
8
POLICIES/PLANS
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
D01) Strategic Plan
D02) Disaster Plan
D03) Policy Manual
D04) Records Retention Schedule
D05) Building Accessibility Plan
D06) Technology Plan
D07) Internet Acceptable Use Policy
D09) Collection Development Policy
D08) Overdue Fine Policy?
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Outreach Services
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
Adult Basic Education
Adult Literacy Organization
Early Childhood Organization
Correctional Facility
Cultural Communities
Service to Homebound
School (K12)
Senior-Centered Organization
Workforce Development
Youth Development Organization
Arts Organization
Disability Organization
Homeschool Organization
Veterans Organization
Social Services Organizations
Other
Community Partnerships
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
O12) Does this library partner with one or more community
organizations/groups in order to address a community need?
O13a) Communicative: O13b) Cooperative: O13c) Collaborative:
O14) If Yes, does this library measure the impact on the
community due to the partnership’s efforts?
DR
A
F
T
2016
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
2020
Yes Yes
No
No
2009
No
No
No
2021
No
none
Yes
2025
2016
Yes
No
No
Yes
2020
No
No
2009
Yes
No
No
2021
No
none
Yes
2023
2018
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2024
2007
No
Yes
No
2018
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2024
2007
No
No
No
25
Item 7.
9
Volunteers
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
O15) Does this library have a volunteer program for individuals or
groups to complete tasks willingly and without pay?
O20) Total Number of Volunteers
O21) Total Number of Volunteer Hours
BOARD, FOUNDATION, FRIENDS
I01) Does this library have a governing board?
I02) Are this library’s trustees elected or appointed officials?
I03) Is this library's board of trustees the governing authority or advisory?
I04) Does this library have a foundation?
I05) Foundation name
I06) Does this library have a Friends group?
I07) Friends group name
DR
A
F
T
Appointed
Advisory
Yes
Yes
Columbia Heights Public Library Foundation
Yes
Friends of the Columbia Heights Public Library
20
481
Yes
24
587
Yes
26
Item 7.
10
FINANCIAL DATA
Operating Revenue
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
City
R01) City Direct
R02) City Indirect
R03) City Operating Revenue Total
County
R04) County Direct
R05) County Indirect
R06) County Total
Other Local Government
R07) Other Local Government Direct
R08) Other Local Government Indirect
R09) Other Local Government Operating Revenue Total
R10) Total Local Government Operating Revenue
STATE
R11) Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
R12) Regional Library Basic System Support
R13) Regional Library Telecommunications Aid
R14) Other State
R15) Total State Government Operating Revenue
FEDERAL
R16) Federal Library Services and Technology Act
R17) Federal Direct
R18) Federal Indirect
R19) Total Federal Operating Revenue
OTHER
Regional System
R20) Regional System Direct
R21) Regional System Indirect
R22) Regional System Operating Revenue Total
Multicounty, Multitype
R23) Multicounty, Multitype Direct
R24) Multicounty, Multitype Indirect
R25) Multicounty, Multitype Operating Revenue Total
R26) Other Operating Direct
R27) Other Operating Indirect
R28) Other Operating Total
R29) Total Regional and Other Operating Revenue
R30) Total Operating Revenue
DR
A
F
T
$32,562
$1,276,000
$0
$1,276,000
$0
$0
$0
$1,308,562
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,276,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$32,562
$0
$0
$0
$0
$32,562
$50,567
$1,248,000
$0
$1,248,000
$0
$0
$0
$1,298,567
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,248,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$50,567
$0
$0
$0
$0
$50,567
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
27
Item 7.
11
Operating Expenditures
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
Personnel Expenditures
E01) Salaries & Wages
E02) Employee Benefits
E03) Total Personnel Costs
Collection Expenditures
E04) Print Materials
E05) Circulating Electronic Materials
E06) Electronic Collections
E07) Other Electronic Materials
E08) Electronic Materials Expenditures Total
E09) Other Materials - Audio & Video Physical Materials
E10) Other Materials - Other Physical Materials
E11) Other Materials Expenditures Total
E16) Physical Materials Expenditures Total
E12) Total Collection Expenditures
Other Operating Expenditures
E13) Other Operating Expenditures
E14) Total Operating Expenditures
E15) Expenditures Equal To or Less than Income?
Capital Revenue
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
LOCAL
City
R31) City Direct
R32) City Indirect
R33) City Capital Revenue Total
County
R34) County Direct
R35) County Indirect
R36) County Capital Revenue Total
Other Local Government
R37) Other Local Government Direct
R38) Other Local Government Indirect
R39) Other Local Government Capital Revenue Total
R40) Total Local Government Capital Revenue
STATE
R41) Library Construction Grant
R42) Other State
R43) Total State Government Capital Revenue
FEDERAL
R44) Federal Government LSTA
R45) Other Federal Direct
R46) Other Federal Indirect
DR
A
F
T
$8,875
$181,962
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$3,347
$28,723
$32,070
Yes
$8,875
$359,506
$0
$0
$63,472
$7,836
$173,308
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$10,301
$10,301
Yes
$7,836
$340,734
$0
$0
$62,854
$55,018
$610,704
$784,012
$73,155
$1,197,901
$54,597
$635,961
$817,923
$95,542
$1,272,971
28
Item 7.
12
R47) Total Federal Government Capital Revenue
OTHER
Regional System
R48) Regional System Direct
R49) Regional System Indirect
R50) Regional System Capital Revenue Total
Multicounty, Multitype
R54) Other Capital Direct
R55) Other Capital Indirect
R56) Other Capital Revenue Total
R57) Total Regional System and Other Capital Revenue
R58) Total Capital Revenue
Capital Expenditures
EC01) Total Capital Expenditures
In-Kind
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
In-Kind Operating Contributions
R59) In-Kind Operating Contributions City
R60) In-Kind Operating Contributions County
R61) In-Kind Operating Contributions All Other
R62) Total In-Kind Operating Contributions
In-Kind Contributions by Expenditure Area
EKA01) Personnel
EKA02) Collection
EKA03) All Other Operating Expenditures
EKA04) Total In-Kind Operating Contributions
In-Kind Capital Contributions
R63) In-Kind Capital Contributions City
R64) In-Kind Capital Contributions County
R65) In-Kind Capital Contributions All Other
R67) Total In-Kind Capital Contributions
DR
A
F
T
$29,086
$29,086
$0
$0
$29,086
$0
$29,086
$0
$0
$29,086
$0
$0
$0
$0
$2,400
$0
$2,400
$2,400
$0
$0
$29,086
$0
$0
$29,086
$0
$29,086
$0
$0
$29,086
$0
$0
$0
$0
$2,400
$0
$0
$2,400
$2,400
$0
$0
29
Item 7.
13
ANNOTATIONS
Minnesota’s public library annual report is made possible, in part, by funding from the
Minnesota Department of Education through a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
DR
A
F
T
P08), Public Internet Computer Sessions
Experienced a 16% increase in computer sessions over 2024, possibly due to increased visitors during temporary closure of Hennepin County
Library
Northeast branch.--2026-03-27
P92), Total Programs for All Ages
1 all-age program in 2025--2026-03-27
R58), Total Capital Revenue
CHPL Foundation donation of $29,086 per year for 3 years to partially fund an expansion of a parking lot on city-owned land.--2026-03-27
30
Item 7.
2025 Minnesota Public Library Annual Report – Location-Specific
This section reflects the data for one library location (outlet). For libraries with multiple locations, the data
from each location “rolls up” to the system level. In the case of a single-library location, In the case of a
single-location library, system-level totals and location-level data are the same.
This report contains information from January 1 through December 31, 2025, unless otherwise specified.
CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................... 1
VISITS, REFERENCE, USERS ......................................................................................................................................... 1
CIRCULATION .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
PROGRAMS, ATTENDANCE, ACTIVITIES ...................................................................................................................... 2
FULL-TIME-EQUIVALENT STAFF .................................................................................................................................. 3
LIBRARY COLLECTION ................................................................................................................................................. 3
PUBLIC SERVICE HOURS .............................................................................................................................................. 4
FACILITIES ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
LIBRARY FRIENDS ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
CONTACT INFORMATION
G01m) Library Name
G02m) Regional System/Sequence Number
G03m) Regional Public Library System
G05m) Location is a change from 2024 Data
G04m) Street Address
G06m) City
G07m) ZIP Code
G12m) Phone
G08m) Mailing Address
G09m) City
G10m) ZIP Code
G11m) County
VISITS, REFERENCE, USERS
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P01m) Population of the Legal Service Area
P02m) Registered Users – Residents
P03m) Registered Users – Reciprocal
P04m) Total Registered Users
P06m) Visits
P07m) Reference Transactions
DR
A
F
T
3939 Central Avenue NE
3939 Central Avenue NE
No
Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights
Anoka
Columbia Heights Public Library
Columbia Heights Public Library
763-706-3690
21,570
11,024
19,786
7,821
11,965
M0230
104,553
55421
55421
21,567
22,620
18,730
7,182
11,548
90,594
MELSA
31
Item 7.
Location-Specific Information for
2
P08m) Public Internet Computer Sessions
P09m) Public Internet Computer Sessions – Usage Type
P10m) Wireless Sessions
CIRCULATION
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P13m) Children’s Circulation
P14m) Adult Circulation
P15m) Physical Circulation (No Age Designation)
P16m) Total Physical Circulation
PROGRAMS, ATTENDANCE, ACTIVITIES
Onsite In-Person Programs
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P70m) Onsite In-Person Programs Intended for Ages 0-5
P71m) Onsite In-Person Programs Intended for Ages 6-11
P72m) Onsite In-Person Programs Intended for Young Adults
P73m) Onsite In-Person Programs Intended for Adults
P74m) Onsite In-Person Programs Intended for All Ages
P75m) Total Onsite Programs
Onsite In-Person Program Attendance
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P93m) Attendees at Onsite In-Person Programs for Ages 0-5
P94m) Attendees at Onsite In-Person Programs for Ages 6-11
P95m) Attendees at Onsite In-Person Programs for Young Adults
P96m) Attendees at Onsite In-Person Programs for Adults
P97m) Attendees at Onsite In-Person Programs for All Ages
P98m) Total Onsite In-Person Attendance
Offsite In-Person Programs
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P76m) Offsite In-Person Programs Intended for Ages 0-5
P77m) Offsite In-Person Programs Intended for Ages 6-11
P78m) Offsite In-Person Programs Intended for Young Adults
P79m) Offsite In-Person Programs Intended for Adults
P80m) Offsite In-Person Programs Intended for All Ages
P81m) Total Offsite Programs
DR
A
F
T
1,511
60,031
187
8
88
1
0
1,801
1,043
72,721
60
3
35
23
Columbia Heights Public Library
1,214
24,947
P08m tallies other
computer usage in
addition to Internet
4,611
133,966
294
34
168
11
0
1,248
57,396
186
7
106
1
0
1,556
1,063
74,820
45
3
34
26
903
21,215
P08m tallies other
computer usage in
addition to Internet
4,108
133,119
276
36
135
10
0
38,09644,362
32
Item 7.
Location-Specific Information for
3
Offsite In-Person Program Attendance
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P99m) Attendees at Offsite In-Person Programs for Ages 0-5
P100m) Attendees at Offsite In-Person Programs for Ages 6-11
P101m) Attendees at Offsite In-Person Programs for Young Adults
P102m) Attendees at Offsite In-Person Programs for Adults
P103m) Attendees at Offsite In-Person Programs for All Ages
P104m) Total In-Person Offsite Attendance
Self-Directed Activities
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
P49m) Self-Directed Activities
P50m) Participation in Self-Directed Activities
FULL-TIME-EQUIVALENT STAFF
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
S01m) ALA/MLS Librarian FTE
S02m) Other Librarian FTE
S03m) Total Librarian FTE
S04m) Other Staff FTE
S05m) Total Paid Staff FTE
Volunteers
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
O16m) Number of Teen Volunteers
O17m) Number of Adult Volunteers
O18m) Number of Teen Volunteer Hours
O19m) Number of Adult Volunteer Hours
O20m) Total Number of Volunteers
O21m) Total Number of Volunteer Hours
LIBRARY COLLECTION
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
C01m) Print Materials (Books and Periodicals)
C02m) Audio Materials, Physical
C03m) Video Materials, Physical
C04m) Multi-format Materials
C05m) Other Physical Materials
C06m) Total Physical Materials
C07m) Print Serial Subscriptions
DR
A
F
T
398
3
404
13
11
53
0
2,928
39,953
66
1,390
Columbia Heights Public Library
3.80
3.80
1
5.20
0.00
15
46,302
76
1,509
9.00
3,405
0
389
3
546
13
7
61
0
3,147
40,235
44
1,233
3.83
3.83
1
5.14
0.00
14
46,695
75
1,338
8.97
3,298
0
92
481
20
189
587
24
33
Item 7.
Location-Specific Information for
4
PUBLIC SERVICE HOURS
Daily Hours
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
H01m) Monday
H02m) Tuesday
H03m) Wednesday
H04m) Thursday
H05m) Friday
H06m) Saturday
H07m) Sunday
Seasonal Daily Hours
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
H19m) Monday
H20m) Tuesday
H21m) Wednesday
H22m) Thursday
H23m) Friday
H24m) Saturday
H25m) Sunday
Number of Weeks Open to the Public
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
H15m) Weeks Library was Open with Regular Service
H27m) Weeks Library was Open with Seasonal Service
H11m) Weeks Library was Open
Weekly Hours Open to the Public
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
H08m) Weekly Hours of Regular Service
H09m) Weekly Hours of Seasonal Service
Annual Hours Open to the Public
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
H12m) Annual Public Service Hours
H20m) Non-Staffed Service Hours at this Location?
DR
A
F
T
52
7.0
2,468
Columbia Heights Public Library
9.0
No
7.0
0.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
50.00
52
52
7.0
2,423
9.0
No
7.0
0.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
50.00
52
34
Item 7.
Location-Specific Information for
5
FACILITIES
Outlet Types
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
F05m) Outlet Type Code
F06m) Number of Bookmobiles
Buildings
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
F07m) Facility Type
F08m) Square Feet
F09m) Year Built
F10m) Latest Year Remodeled
F11m) Previous Year(s) Remodeled
Computers
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
F12m) Staff Internet Computers
F13m) Public Internet Stationary Computers
F14m) Public Internet Mobile Devices for On-Site Use
F15m) Public Internet Computers/Devices
Internet Connections
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
F16m) Fiber Optic to Library Building
F17m) Category 6 Wiring within Library?
F19m) Typical Internet Download Speed for Public Computers
F21m) Typical Internet Upload Speed for Public Computers
F22m) Number of Outlets with Wi-Fi Available to Public
Meeting Rooms
Data Element 2025 Data 2024 Data
F23m) Meeting Room Available for Public Use
F24m) Non-Library Sponsored Events
LIBRARY FRIENDS
I06/I06m) Does This Library Have a Friends Group?
I07/I07m) Friends Group Name
DR
A
F
T
Central Library
L
Yes
Category 6
Yes
Friends of the Columbia Heights Public Library
Columbia Heights Public Library
0
Yes
4,534
0
24
22,600
12
24
100.1 Mbps - 500 Mbps
100.1 Mbps - 500 Mbps
Yes
2016
N/A
Central Library
L
Yes
Category 6
0
Yes
3,755
0
24
22,600
12
24
100.1 Mbps - 500 Mbps
100.1 Mbps - 500 Mbps
Yes
2016
N/A
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Item 7.
Location-Specific Information for
6
ANNOTATIONS
Minnesota’s public library annual report is made possible, in part, by funding from the Minnesota
Department of Education through a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the
Institute of Museum and Library Service.
DR
A
F
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Columbia Heights Public Library
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Item 7.
Columbia Heights Public Library
Library Board Report – February 2026
BUILDING
TECHNOLOGY
COLLECTION
• New books were selected from reviews in the September and October issues of Booklist, Kirkus
Reviews, and Library Journal. Youth requests and replacements included new seasonal titles,
missing volumes of “Pizza and Taco” graphic novels, and books featuring popular characters
such as Cocomelon, Bluey, and Disney princesses. DVDs were ordered for adults and youth.
• Weeding was finished in adult mysteries, romance, fantasy, science fiction, westerns, and DVDs.
• Adult displays featured Black history, football, the Olympics, Minnesota natural history and
books by Doug Ohman. Youth displays highlighted Eid, Ramadan, and Black history.
PROGRAMS AND SELF-DIRECTED ACTIVITIES DATE AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE
Family Storytime 2/2 Children (0-5) 36
English Language Conversation Circle 2/2 Adult 3
Community Craft Night 2/2 Adult 0
EL Conversation Circle 2/4 Adult 3
Daycare Storytime 2/6 Children (0-5)
EL Conversation Circle 2/7 Adult 5
Family Storytime 2/9 Children (0-5) 21
EL Conversation Circle 2/9 Adult 1
Tinker Time: Winter Keychains 2/10 Children (6-11) 26
EL Conversation Circle 2/11 Adult 4
Mayor’s Book Club: The Power of Bridging 2/11 Adult 4
Preschool Yoga with Yogilli 2/12 Children (0-5) 14
EL Conversation Circle 2/14 Adult 4
Mystery Book Club: The Mad Wife 2/17 Adult 5
Library Book Club: Council of Dolls 2/18 Adult 6
EL Conversation Circle 2/18 Adult 2
Pet Beds for Animal Shelters 2/21 Adult 44
EL Conversation Circle 2/21 Adult 2
Family Storytime 2/23 Children (0-5) 36
EL Conversation Circle 2/23 Adult 2
Brick Builders 2/24 Children (6-11) 33
Birch Tree Resist Painting 2/25 Adult 10
EL Conversation Circle 2/25 Adult 3
Youth Services Librarian Visit to Bultum Academy 2/27 Children (6-11) 100
Youth Services Librarian Visit to Bultum Academy 2/27 Children (0-5) 25
EL Conversation Circle 2/28 Adult 11
Winter Reads Adult 12
STAFF
Elizabeth Ripley, Adult Services Librarian:
• Met with the Friends of the Library.
• Met with the MELSA jobs and small business interest group.
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Item 8.
Columbia Heights Public Library 2. Library Board Monthly Update – February 2026
• Facilitated the final session of The Power of Bridging book club on February 11. All participants
appreciated the thoughtful topic and the encouragement to read a new-to-them title. Leftover
copies of the book were distributed to interested readers at the Winter Reads table.
• Winter Reads, the adult reading program, ended on February 28 and the Grand Prize drawing
was held March 2. Alison, the drawing winner, received a gift card to The Heights Theater!
Sixty-three cards were distributed to participants, and 12 adult cards were returned.
• Made three deliveries to At-Home patrons.
Renee Dougherty, Library Director:
• Attended regular meetings of city division heads, the Anoka County Library Public Service team
and the Minnesota Library Association Board of Directors.
• Participated in second interviews for the city Recreation Director.
• Facilitated the adult book club discussion of A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power.
• Covered 3-5 reference desk shifts per week while onboarding new library supervisors.
Eliza Pope, Youth Services Librarian:
• Planned a successful Brick Builders program. While there had been LEGO programs in the past,
this was the first in over a year. The drop-in format worked very well, although some of the
participants that arrived at 5:30 were a little rushed to complete the suggested challenge. There
were many regular Tinker Time families, but also new families. One family commented they saw
the program advertised on the electronic sign board, which is good feedback on how people
hear about programs.
• Tet/Year of the Horse Celebration was cancelled out of an abundance of caution during ICE
enforcement activity; it is rescheduled for April.
• North Park School for Innovation’s kindergarten field trip was cancelled this month due to
unforeseen circumstances. It has been rescheduled for April.
• Visited Bultum Academy to lead storytime sessions for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st-grade
students. This was the first time Eliza has visited Bultum Academy classrooms. She has spoken to
Bultum teachers and administrators about library services, and Bultum Academy classes have
visited the library on a field trip. It is great to build a stronger relationship with a neighborhood
school.
MISCELLANEOUS
• MSNBC used the library space to film an interview on the federal immigration surge.
• Repeated incidents with a recently re-entered offender, primarily monopolizing staff time and
attempting to interact with patrons.
• Police were called about an escalating fight between groups of young women.
• ICE agents staged in the parking lot on Feb 7.
• Anoka County Law Librarian John Murphy held office hours on February 26.
• Nine adult volunteers donated 23.5 hours. One teen volunteered for 5 hours.
• Bulk institutional loans were prepared for Adventure Club and Mini-Adventure Club programs at
Highland, Valley View, and North Park plus four classes at Immaculate Conception School.
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Item 8.