Ainsworth Public Library

The Ainsworth Library Board held its monthly meeting on June 8, 2017 at the Ainsworth Public Library. This meeting was advertised in the newspaper, over the radio, and posted on the library’s website as well as at the library. The meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.m. Notice was given on the posting of the Open Meeting Act. Roll call showed three members present. They included Traci Alberts, Todd Flynn, and Phyllis Leach. Members that were absent included Mark Kovar and Alane Lentz. Visitors included Julie Mizner and Library Director, Gail Irwin.

Phyllis Leach made the motion to approve the minutes. Traci Alberts seconded this with all members voting in favor of. Traci Alberts made the motion to approve the claims for payment. Todd Flynn seconded this with all members voting in favor of. The Board also spent time doing a budget spending review. The Monthly Library Report for May was presented along with the List of Titles Purchased. It was noted that the ESL Class would be moving to a different location due to number of students increasing.

The Summer Reading Program Build a Better World was discussed. It was noted that a total of 57 children signed up for the Toddler Time, Preschool Storytime, and K-4th Grade Reading. The BKR Extension Office will be working with us to put on a program for the Middle/High Students. The dates include June 9th with surgery; June 19th with roller coaster; and July 11th with Lego Robotics. Both the extension office and the library have registration forms on-line.

Julie Mizner was present to visit with the Board on having funding to help special needs children at library program. Julie has a child with a disability attending the Preschool Summer Reading Program. She was upset when library director contacted her to see if she or someone else would be attending the program with her child as the library did not have enough helpers to do one on one with him. She said that the sign up form did not say anyone had to stay with the child and thought that the Library should provide this. The director did get Gail Sears to work directly with the child but Julie had found someone to be with him. Julie did say that she really doesn’t expect the library to hire a sign language person just for him but felt that the library should hire enough people to handle the reading programs. Julie left the meeting and the Board discussed this issue. They directed the Librarian to write a letter to the City and notify them on this request. The Board will also be reviewing our policies on children in the library.

Discussion was held on the Sign Language/Bilingual Language Class to be held on Thursdays in July. This will run from 4-5 p.m. and open to children age 5-8. Traci Alberts will be in charge of this program.

It was noted that Digitalization Project is moving along. The Library Foundation will provide $6,210 for the project. The Library has a total of $5,000 in the budget for this. The remaining $5,000 was requested in a grant application to the Brown County Foundation. The call came in today that the Brown County Foundation did approve the funding. We are currently waiting for a release form signed by Ainsworth Star Journal for copyright reasons and then we can process with the process through Advantage Preservation.

The Library had received two estimates for the outside repair on the soffit. Shawn Fernau Construction total was $2,100 and JC Construction total was $3,824. Phyllis Leach made the motion to go with the lowest estimate which was Shawn Fernau Construction. Traci Alberts seconded this with all members voting in favor of.

The Nebraska Library Commission was awarded a grant titled Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities. Gail Irwin attended the 1 ½ webinar on the project introduction and review of the application process. This grant will allow 30 eligible libraries in Nebraska the opportunity to host this large Makerspace for 20 weeks in their community. The grant application has a deadline of July 10th. The director will be completing this form by the date due.

The Board worked on the proposed budget for the upcoming year of 2017-2018. The Board will review the budget one more time and then vote at the next meeting the proposed total amount.

The Board was given a review of the Library Foundation Board meeting held on May 18th and the NCompass Live: Makerspace Grant on June 7th. It was noted that the library staff is currently taking a month long class on the MyHeritage database.

Under correspondence, information was shared on the Central Plains Library Systems’ Month of Weeding in April. 37 libraries participated with more than 15,000 items weeded. Winners of the two Kindle Fire tablets were the Orleans Library and Valentine Community Schools. It was noted that the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries website launched a new interface and new URL on June 6th. The 2017 State Aid Award Letter was shared. It was noted that the Library would receive a total of $1,193. The award amount was determined by use of the following formula:
Base payment for libraries with a service population under 8,000 $565
Per capita payment of $0.073 x legal service area population of 1,621 $118
1% incentive payment for additional public funds of $11,000 $100
Incentive payment for Gold accreditation $400
A record number of Senators signed the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) letter of support for funding in the upcoming federal budget. Libraries have been contacting their senators asking for support. The board reviewed the Evaluation of the 2012-2017 Library Services and Technology Act Plan by the Nebraska Library Commission. A thank you note was shared with the Board from Melissa Doke for the Nebraska Gift Basket that she won at the Library. Articles of interest from library newsletter and journals were shared with the Board.

The next meeting date and time was set for July 6th at 5 p.m. Since there was no further business to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

AINSWORTH LIBRARY BOARD MEETING will be held on June 8, 2017 at 5 p.m. at the Ainsworth Public Library.

AGENDA
1. Call meeting to order
2. Notice on the posting of the Open Meeting Act
3. Roll call
4. Approve minutes
5. Approve claims for payment/budget spending review
6. Monthly Library Report for May/List of titles purchased
7. Summer Reading Program
a. 57 Registered in Toddler Time-Preschool-Kindergarten to Fourth Grade
b. Middle/High School Program with Extension Office
1. Three different dates (last one will feature Lego Robotics)
2. Online Registration form on Website
8. Julie Mizner: Funding to help special needs children at library programming
9. Plans for the Sign Language/Bilingual Language Class in July
10. Digitalization Project
11. Estimates for outside repair on soffit
12. Makerspace Grant Application
13. Work on the Proposed Budget for 2017-18
14. Workshops/Meetings:
a. Review of the Library Foundation Board Meeting-May 18th
b. NCompass Live: Makerspace Grant-June 7th
15. Correspondence:
a. Central Plains Library System’s Month of Weeding
b. Nebraska OverDrive: new website launching June 6th
c. 2017 State Aid to Public Libraries
d. Support by U.S. Senators for LSTA funds (Library Services & Technology Act)
e. Evaluation of 2012-2017 LSTA from the Nebraska Library Commission
f. Thank you note
g. Articles of interest from library newsletters/journals
16. Set next meeting date/time
17. Adjournment

The Library will be closed on Monday, May 29th, to observe Memorial Day.

We have some fun programming planned for our middle/high school youth with help from our local UNL Extension office. These activities will be STEM based learning designed to engage older kids. We will even have a Lego robotics lab for our ending program. Sign up now online in the form below or stop in at the library. Please register at least 3 days in advance of the date you plan to attend so we can have the necessary supplies ready.

The Ainsworth Library Foundation Board held its regular quarterly meeting on May 18, 2017 at the Ainsworth Public Library. The meeting was called to order by President Marsha Fuchs at 7 p.m. Roll call showed four members present for the meeting. The Library Director was also present. The minutes of the last meeting and the treasurer’s report were approved as read. There were no bills to approve for payment at this time.

The Gift Transaction List from February to May 2017 was shared. The following memorials were received in memory of Mr. Junior Weander from the Janice Ganser Family; in memory of Mrs. Karen (Peg) Raymond from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Irwin; in memory of Mr. Mike Maxwell and Mrs. Marilyn Krause from the Ainsworth Community Schools Board of Education and School staff. Other gifts included the bound edition of the 2016 Ainsworth Star Journal Newspaper from Mr. and Mrs. Rod Worrell and a book titled “Jo’s Little Favorites” by Jo Morton from the Nebraska State Quilt Guild. Each gift is greatly appreciated!

Discussion was held on library improvements. Items of most importance included the work on the outside of the library and the digitalization project. It was noted that the Library has been in contact with local carpenters in regard to the reports on the soffit. No estimates/bids have been received to date. The cost for the digitalization project is $16,210. The Library and the Library Foundation have funds set aside for this but not enough for total cost. The remaining amount will be submitted in a grant application to the Brown County Foundation. Other improvements included end tables by sofa, yard work, and possible painting and/or decorative art in the restrooms.

It was noted that the 2017-2018 Nonprofit Corporation Biennial Report and fee was submitted to the State of Nebraska. Treasurer was not present to verify if the 2016 Income Tax Forms were submitted.

Discussion was held on the Build a Better World Summer Reading Program. A total of 54 children have signed up for the various age groups. The Foundation was asked to help with the cost of material for making wobblebots with the 2-4th graders. The Foundation agreed to pay the $100 cost. It was noted at this that the Nebraska Library Commission was awarded the MakerSpace grant and information would be coming out later in the summer.

The next meeting date was set for August 17th at 7 p.m. Since there was no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m.

The Ainsworth Library Board held it’s regular monthly meeting at the Ainsworth Public Library on May 4, 2017. This meeting was advertised in the local newspaper, over the radio, posted at the library, and on the library’s website and library’s Facebook page. President Mark Kovar called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. Notice was given on the posting of the Open Meeting Act. Roll called showed all members present (Traci Alberts, Todd Flynn, Mark Kovar, Phyllis Leach, and Alane Lentz). Library Director, Gail Irwin, was also present for the meeting.

Tracy Alberts made the motion to approve the minutes which Phyllis Leach seconded. Vote showed all in favor of. Alane Lentz moved to approve the claims for payment. Todd Flynn seconded this with all members voting in favor of. A review was given on the Budget spending. The Board spent time reviewing the Monthly Library Report for April as well as the List of Titles Purchased.

An update was given on the activities held during National Library Week. A story time, relax and color a bookmark, no fine day, and a Lego time was held. Since Nebraska was celebrating its 150th Birthday this year, we held a “Guess How Many Books In Library on the State of Nebraska?”. The winner was Melissa Doke with the guess of 974. We had a grand total of 937. Mrs. Doke won a red flip flop container/server, Road Apple Wine from Niobrara Valley Vineyards from Nenzel, NE; Double K Popcorn from Valentine, NE; Kool-Aid packets, and Game Day Cups with a Red N on them.

The Book Discussion Group will be taking the summer off. They will meet in September and decide the titles to read over the winter. The One Book One Nebraska title of Black Elk Speaks will be handed out at the September meeting. The group will share thoughts on this title at the October gathering.

The Summer Reading Program was discussed. Fliers have gone out to the schools as well as articles in the newspaper, and over the internet/radio. There is an on-line registration form this year. Sign up is from May 1 to May 10th. The Bingo Sheets were shared with the Board. It was noted that the NEST 529 Scholarship drawing would be held again this year for the children completing the reading program. Five participants from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional Districts will be awarded the scholarship. A Middle School Program will be offered in July as well as a Tri-Lingual Language Class (English-Spanish-Signing) for children age 5 -8 years old.

The Board started to work on the proposed budget for 2017-2018. Phyllis Leach made the motion to request a total of $11,000 from Brown County for the upcoming budget. Todd Flynn seconded this with all members voting in favor of. This is the same amount as in the last several years.

Under the line item of workshops/meetings, it was noted that our library director had a meeting with Sharon Osenga when she was visiting area libraries on 4-24-17. Sharon stated that the Library Commission was awarded the Makerspace grant and information will be released soon. Sharon will be retiring the first of September. It was noted that the Library Foundation Meeting would be May 18th. Information was shared with the Board on the MyHeritage Library Online self-paced class to be held during June.

Under correspondence, it was noted that the Choice Gas Supplier Selection was completed by going with Ace. Information was shared that the Library Commission moved the Nebraska Libraries on the Web to a new server to allow more secure SSL (https) login pages for the websites. It was noted that our library had sent in our Month of Weeding participation form to the Central Plains Library System. We have a chance to win a Kindle Fire in a drawing. Information was shared on the need to contact our U.S. Senators for support of LSTA and IMLS funds. Library Director contacted two U.S. Senators and has heard back from Senator Deb Fischer on the matter. The Spring Broadband Nebraska newsletter was shared with the Board as well as other articles of interest from library journals.

The next meeting date was set for June 8th at 5 p.m. Since there was no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:44 p.m.

It’s time to register for this year’s “Build A Better World” Summer Reading Program! Registration is open from May 1-May 10. Participants may sign-up on the form below or in person at the library. Feel free to call the library @ 402-387-2032 with any questions you may have.

The Ainsworth Library Board held its regular monthly meeting on April 5, 2017 as advertised in the local newspaper, over the radio, and posted at the library and on the library website.  President Mark Kovar called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.  Notice was given on the posting of the Open Meeting Act.  Roll call showed four members present (Traci Alberts, Mark Kovar, Phyllis Leach, and Alane Lentz).  Member Todd Flynn was absent.  Library Director, Gail Irwin, was also present for the meeting.

Alane Lentz made the motion to approve the minutes which Traci Alberts seconded.  All members voted in favor of.  Phyllis Leach moved to approve the claims for payment.  Alane Lentz seconded this with all members voting in favor of.  The Board reviewed the budget spending sheet from the City Clerk’s Office.  The Monthly Library Report for March was shared as well as a list of titles purchased.  It was noted that the puppet stand and the wood book case  was sold for a total of $25.  We still have the metal stand and coat rack to sell.  Director had attended the City Council Meeting on March 8^th.  The Mayor was doing a report on the Library Board and asked the Director to attend and give an update on the library and what is currently going on.

A review of the Winter Toddler Time was given.  Several board members attended with their special children and also shared about the program.

Plans for National Library Week (April 10-15^th) were discussed.  A Story Time will be held on Monday from 4-5 p.m.  A Relax and Color a Bookmark will be held all day on Tuesday.  A No Fine Day will be held on Thursday.  A Lego Time will be held on Friday from 2-3 p.m.  A “Guess How Many Contest” will be held on week long.  Since Nebraska is celebrating its 150^th birthday, we will have patron guess how many items we have in our library collection that pertains to the state of Nebraska (Fiction and Non-Fiction).  The person with the closest guess will win a special Nebraska prize.

Discussion was held on the “Build a Better World” Summer Reading Program.  Sign up for the Toddler Time, Preschool Story Time, and the K-4^th Grade program will be from May 1 to May 10^th.  Registration may happen in person at the Library or by way of the On-Line form.  Toddler Time will be from 4-4:30 p.m. and Preschool Story Time from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesdays in June.  The grade school program will not keep track of time read this year.   We will be doing Bingo sheets instead.  The Bingo page will be due back by June 26^th in order to qualify for the bingo or black out prizes which will be handed out at the ending picnic on June 28^th.  We will have K-1st grade from 1-2 p.m. and 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th grade from 3-4 p.m. on the first four Thursdays in June.  The flyer which will go home with students from school was shared with the Board. Middle School activities will be held in July this year.

The Ainsworth Area Art Guild will hold its Spring Art Show at the Library from April 8th-22nd.  The pieces of art will be judged on April 8^th to see which pieces get to go to State.  The group will also feature the work of former member, Ardith Coleman, art by the fireplace.

Board member Traci Alberts shared information on a Signing/Bilingual Language Class to be held in July on Thursdays at the Library from 4-5 p.m.  Julie Mizner will be doing the signing part and Traci Alberts will be handling the bilingual part.

Discussion was held on work that needs to be done outside of the building.  Director has contacted several people and asked them to do an estimate on cost.  So far, no one has returned a quote.  The Board listed names of people that they knew for Director to contact.

Information on the digitization project was shared.  More information will be coming for other libraries that have completed this progress.  No action was taken.

Information was shared on the Nebraska State Library Advisory Council Meeting that the Director attended in Lincoln on March 21^st and on the Summer Reading Program Workshop that library staff had attended in St. Paul on the 27^th.  Information was shared on the Trustee Academy Webinars which board members can do for continuing education.

Under correspondence, the new password for NebraskAccess Databases was shared. The password will be good for six months.  Information was shared on the Nebraska Archive of Children’s Books held at Calvin T. Ryan Library at UNK.  A letter from ALA requesting help to save federal library funding and IMLS was shared.  It was noted that Director did contract our elected officials asking for continued funding.  A letter from NLC on the upcoming Nebraska Makerspace Workshop in Lincoln on April 17-18^th was shared as well as an update on the grant for makerspaces in rural libraries.  Information on grant funds for bilingual material was shared.  Traci Alberts will check into this grant and see if we would qualify for some funding.  Articles of interest from various library newsletters and journals were  shared with the Board.

The next meeting date/time was set for May 4^th at 5 p.m.   Since there was no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.