The Ainsworth Library Board held its regular monthly meeting on August 1, 2018 at the Ainsworth Public Library. This meeting was advertised in the local newspaper, on the radio, as well as posted on the library website and FaceBook page. 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 four members present: Traci Alberts, Pedro Bordes, Phyllis Leach, and Alane Lentz. Member Todd Flynn was absent. The Library Director was also present.
Alane Lentz made the motion to approve the minutes. Phyllis Leach seconded this with all members voting in favor of. Traci Alberts moved to approve the claims for payment. Pedro Bordes seconded this with all voting in favor of. The Board spent some time reviewing the budget spending. The Monthly Library Report was presented as well as the list of titles purchased.
The Nebraska Innovation Studio Grand was discussed. It was noted that the first interim report will be due to the IMLS at the end of September. The Library Commission had requested copies of articles, posts, news coverage, website, photos, etc. on the Makerspace at our library be sent to them. The requested items have been sent to the Commission. Our Director plans to be at the State Fair on August 26th to help demonstrate the Studio and share items that were created at our library.
Discussion was held on developing a Makerspace at our library and the top items that patrons wanted from the Makerspace Survey. It was noted that the daughters of Dane Sears has donated a Makey Makey to the Library. No word has been heard on the grant for the Button Maker. It was decided to use the state aid money to purchase the button maker and supplies.
A Heat Press is next on the list to purchase. The Board asked the Director to request that the Library Foundation purchase this with the funds from the Garden Walk.
The Garden Walk Fundraiser was held on July 17th. This year we had five homes to visit. They included the homes of : Randy Rau, Scott & Nancy Steinhauser, Tony & Wendy Allen, Larry & Rose Mary Saner, and Corey & Lisa Schroedl. The flower photography of Jan Vogelsang was on display for walkers to enjoy while partaking of our food at the Library. A total of $555 was raised to support the purchase of Makerspace equipment. Thank you notes have been sent out.
An update was given on the Music Coloring Contest held this summer. The winners included: Kimberlyn and Addilyn Doke; Kira Goochey, Josey Marshall, Tucker Anderson, Willa Flynn, Andrea Lisseth Manoatl Sendeno, and Angeles Lisbeth Manoatl Sendeno. All received a Library Journal/Color Book plus the colored pencils in a case with sharper.
The Board spend time working on the Community Needs Response Plan for the next three years. After reviewing the Vision 2023 Update, the Makerspace Survey, and the City’s Comprehension Plan that they are working, the following needs and goals/objectives were developed:
Community Need #1: How to keep adults and kids engaged in the community
Goal #1: Start a Makerspace in the Library
Goal #2: Start a Coding Club
Goal #3: Due to no movie theater in city
a. Library will increase its DVD Collection
b. Offer to show movies on early-out days throughout the school year
Goal #4: Hold Lock-In Events/Party
Community Need #2: How to get more young professionals to move back to town
Goal #1: Library will increase cultural/entertainment programing to community
Goal #2: Communicate effectively with the public to increase attendance
Goal #3: Develop a library logo to make library look more professional and up-to-date
Goal #4: Initiate/aid in the develop of welcome packet/opportunities to new residents
Community Need #3: Improve City Library Services
Goal #1: Library Security Update
a. Add security mirrors inside building
b. Purchase video camera security system/panic button to connect with Sheriff Office
c. Increase hours that part-time staff work so that there will be two employees
working during open hours if budget will allow
It was noted that the Director is currently working on the application for Public Library Accreditation. It is hoped that we will continue at the Gold level.
There has been no update on the proposed budget or when the Budget Workshop will be held.
Since Mark Kovar’s board term expired, there is currently only one member on the Library Foundation Board. Phyllis Leach agreed to be placed on the Library Foundation Board.
The election of officers was held for the next two years. Phyllis Leach made the motion to have Traci Alberts as President and Pedro Bordes as Vice-President. Alane Lentz seconded this with all members voting in favor of.
A review was given on the Coding Club Webinar on the 7th and the State Advisory Council on Libraries Meetings Webinar on the 20th. It was noted that the next meeting will be Nov. 16th in Lincoln. Discussion was held on board continuing education hours. Traci Alberts had one hour of continuing education to turn in so that leaves a total of 11 more CEU hours to do before September 30th expiration date. It was noted that the Ainsworth Library Foundation would be meeting on August 16th.
The only item under correspondence was a flyer from the Central Plains Library System on their Annual Week of Weeding to be held from August 5-11th. A drawing will be held with libraries submitting their participation form for one of two Kindle Fire Tablets.
The next meeting date/time was set for September 5th at 5 p.m. Since there was no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
