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Library Board Meeting

The Library Board applauded record turnout at new pop-up storytimes, reviewed the first two months of FY25 finances, and walked through the countywide funding/governance project that will shape future WCCLS allocations.

Highlights

  • đź“š Pop-up park storytimes launched with roughly 50 attendees at each of the first two Brenhill sessions, validating the outreach model for working families.
  • đź’µ FY25 budget is on track: programming costs are front-loaded by summer reading, but overall spending and personnel allocations remain within projections.
  • 🏛️ Library Director Robin Dodie briefed the board on the multi-year WCCLS funding & governance project (facilitated by Marina & Company) and urged support for the upcoming Nov 2026 levy vote.
  • 🧮 Board discussed how best to count off-site program attendance so outreach successes show up in state/county statistics.

Notes

  • Consent agenda: August 20 minutes and agenda were approved unanimously.
  • Director’s report:
    • Library Card Sign-Up Month promotions (WCCLS League of Library Lovers) are underway; September prizes are driving participation.
    • Weekly storytimes are back; pop-up sessions rotate through neighborhood parks and have proved far more successful than previous evening events inside the library.
    • Outreach marketing uses social media, the Library Buzz emailed to all cardholders, and inserts in the city water bill to reach residents. Board advised crediting off-site attendees in both program and visitor stats.
  • Financials through August (9 weeks):
    • Higher early-year spending reflects summer programming, but operations remain within plan.
    • Staff time is being reallocated now that the volunteer coordinator duties were absorbed internally. Approximately 15 hours per week are going toward board/commission, HR, and administrative work during heavy meeting cycles.
  • WCCLS Funding & Governance project:
    • Goals: improve service equity and transparency, evaluate per-capita allocations, and ensure fiscal sustainability (especially during high inflation).
    • Timeline reviewed from initial FY24 kickoff through the upcoming Nov 2025 draft recommendations. Voter education is already in motion for the 5‑year levy slated for Nov 2026 (with a May 2026 contingency if needed).
    • Board urged continued collaboration with other member libraries, support for countywide needs assessments (e.g., Canyon Road/Farmington resourcing), and readiness to advocate during levy season.
  • Additional updates:
    • Volunteer coordination remains a priority; the director will reconvene stakeholders on outreach strategies.
    • Circulation, program attendance, and outreach metrics will be adjusted to capture the impact of community events like pop-up storytimes.

Follow-Ups

  • Explore how program attendance at off-site events can be captured in official statistics (contact state reporting staff for guidance).
  • Continue planning for November outreach programming (libraries & parks) and track any staffing/resource implications.
  • Monitor WCCLS governance milestones and prepare board advocacy ahead of the Nov 2026 levy.
  • Reconvene volunteer outreach discussions to expand capacity for programming and community events.

Video Recording