Library Board Members

Board Members

• Pam Pilakowski
• Mary Klingensmith
• Michaela Moser
• Stacey Green
• Sena Prososki

Board meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 5:45 pm.

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 pm at the Genoa Public Library.

September 3, 2015

1. Call meeting to order

2. Statement of location of Open Meeting Act

3. Roll call – Here:  Schroder, Zarek, Vanness, Ellenwood, Thiem / Absent:  Anderson, Korgie

4. Minutes of last meeting. Motion made by Schroder to approve, seconded by Zarek

5. Financial Report. Motion made by Zarek and seconded by Vanness to approve.

6. Librarian’s Report:

• Sharon Jones
  • Memorials given to library
  • Mention in newspaper article
• Story time starts September 14^th
  • Will be on Mondays from after school until 5:00 pm
  • Will incorporate more games into the programs in place of some crafts
  • Will ask for volunteers to help read, etc.
    • FCCLA students?
  • Accreditation
    • Sent Strategic Plan to Anneka to review
      • Fixed a few items
    • Sent Strategic Plan to Richard Miller
      • Fixed a few items
    • Will finalize the application this week and submit by Monday
  • Next fiscal year’s budget proposal
    • Preliminary approval received!!!
    • Final approval in September
      • *See budget proposal*
    • New in the fall or winter
      • Plan to start delivering books to nursing/assisted living & homebound in October
      • Book club (maybe January beginning?)
      • Game night (January)
      • Submitted grant request to CPPD for $300.00
        • Use funds to purchase Xbox 360, 3 extra controllers, 3 games
        • If granted, will have available for after school
        • Will have monthly competitions
      • Reading Spotlight Award for Kimberly!
      • Second grade classes came for field trip today
        • Shared all that the library has to offer
      • Will speak at city meeting again in October
        • Making notes now of topics
      • Library Board Certification
        • Not due until 10/1/17
        • Plum Creek Festival in Seward on October 3^rd
      • Library Certification (Tammi due 8/16, Kimberly due 2/18)
        • Tammi taking two more basic skills courses in September

7. Committee Reports:  None

8. Executive Session:  None

9. Adjournment:  Motion made by Zarek and seconded by Schroder.

10. Next meeting:  October 1, 2015 at 4:00 pm

August 6, 2015

1. Call meeting to order

2. Statement of location of Open Meeting Act

3. Roll Call – Here:  Thiem, Ellenwood, Vanness, Zarek, Anderson Absent:  Korgie, Schroder

4. Minutes of last meeting. Motion made by Anderson to approve, seconded by Zarek

5. Financial Report. Motion made by Zarek and seconded by Vanness to approve.

6. Librarian’s Report:

• Summer Reading Program
  • 223 final attendance
    • Around 65 different kids
  • T-shirts for prizes, free smoothies, pencils, book marks – 20 kids
  • Considering a movie party/back to school party for those who met the goal
    • 15 book goal for summer (includes those read at story time)
    • Next year will do stages: 1 = 2 library visits, 5 books; 2 = 4 library visits, 10 books; 3 = 6 library visits, 15 books; 4 = 8 library visits, 20 books (something like that – advanced prizes for each stage)
  • Accreditation
    • Nearly done with writing and posting policies and with strategic plan
      • Will give to District Manager (Anneka) to review
    • End of fiscal year is September 30^th
      • Watching budget – should be fine due to grants, donations, etc.
      • Have not gotten approval for next fiscal year’s proposal
    • New in the fall or winter
      • Still need to start an outreach program for nursing home/assisted living/etc
      • Book club (maybe January beginning?)
      • Game night
      • Other??? Would like to get speaker(s)
        • Humanities Nebraska?
        • Partner with Senior Center/Museum/Lion’s/Legion?
          • Defer expense – promote unity
        • After-school reading program
          • May introduce more games rather than always crafts – alternate
          • Snacks will be simple and strictly at the table
            • Too many spills on the carpet. L
          • Will actively recruit guest readers
          • Will encourage kids to take turns reading aloud IF they wish
          • Will try to get FCCLA students back to volunteer (teacher retired and didn’t work out last year with new teacher)
        • Nebraska Overdrive
          • 555 books checked out from October 1, 2014 to August 4, 2015
            • Steadily increasing
            • Will request putting up posters in the school to promote this
          • Would like to make money off of weeded/donated books
            • Any ideas?!
            • Will check out selling at places like Amazon again…

7. Committee Reports:  None

8. Executive Session:  None

9. Adjournment:  Motion made by Zarek and seconded by Anderson.

10. Next meeting:  September 3, 2015 at 4:00 pm

July 2, 2015

1. Call meeting to order

2. Statement of location of Open Meeting Act

3. Roll Call – Here:  T. Thiem, K. Thiem, Korgie, Zarek, Schroder Absent:  Anderson, Vanness

4. Minutes of last meeting. Motion made by Zarek to approve, seconded by Schroder.

5. Financial Report. Motion made by Zarek and seconded by Schroder to approve.

6. Librarian’s Report:

• Summer Reading Program
  • 151 – attendance total so far
  • T-shirts for prizes
  • Coupons for 8 oz. smoothies from Fill My Cup
• Accreditation
  • Have several of the policies written and added to webpage – still several to write and add
  • Strategic plan in progress
    • Any thoughts on what the library can do for the community?
    • Will give to District Manager to review prior to turning it in
  • Budget submitted for next fiscal year
    • Requested extra for wages, as would like to be open at least 30 hours per week
    • Asked for $1,300 extra for book purchases
      • Always seem to exceed budget, but selective with purchases
    • Requested double ($600) for children’s programming
      • Done all year long, not just throughout the summer
      • Craft supplies/snacks cost money, but worth it for the children
    • Requested funds for interlibrary loan fees
      • Service has increased significantly
        • 25 this year so far, compared to maybe 3 last year
        • Free service, but postage is about $3 per book to return
      • Fall considerations, each one night per month
        • Book club
        • Game night
        • Fitness club (wish we had room for exercise, etc!)
          • Speakers?
            • Coaches?
            • Nurses/Health officials?
          • Recipes/diet, health information
        • Tech/training night
          • FBLA students?
        • DISPEL
          • Directors Sharing Practice, Experience, and Learning
          • July in Pierce, August in Oakland
            • Would like to attend – mileage turned in for these?
            • Worth CE credits towards certification
          • Received Associate’s Degree in Library & Information Science

7. Committee Reports:  None

8. Executive Session:  None

9. Adjournment:  Motion made by Schroder and seconded by Korgie.

10. Next meeting:  August 6 @ 4:00 pm

June 4, 2015

1. Call meeting to order

2. Statement of location of Open Meeting Act

3. Roll Call – Here:  T. Thiem, K. Thiem, Anderson, Zarek, Schroder, Vanness Absent:  Korgie

4. Minutes of last meeting. Motion made by Zarek to approve, seconded by Schroder.

5. Financial Report. Motion made by Anderson and seconded by Vanness to approve.

6. Librarian’s Report:

• Hot water heater
  • Tom Moeller stopped – estimated $150 for electrical, $150 for plumbing, plus cost of unit.
  • Luke Carlson looked at it and said it would not be too bad
    • Suggested trading services for old pictures stashed in library’s basement
  • Slowly but surely working on accreditation process
    • Writing policies
    • Keeping website updated
    • Writing strategic plan
  • Carol Green is tutoring at 1 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • Gave her key to library
    • Books she reads to student count towards circulation count
  • Book Fair
    • $942.96
    • 18 books purchased and donated to library
    • Over $200 in “Help Us Buy Books” box
      • Used this money to buy books at book fair
    • $479 credit for Scholastic
      • Ordered and received books
        • Magic School Bus
        • National Geographic Kids
        • Audio books
      • Working on budget for next fiscal year
        • Any thoughts?
      • End of School Bash
        • Nearly 40 kids in attendance
        • Gave them Summer Reading Information/Calendars
      • Summer Reading Programs
        • Monday = 5
        • Wednesday = 14
        • Thursday = 10 kids/4 adults
          • Working with Fill My Cup for “halfway there” prizes
            • Susan considering mini smoothie for reading 8 books. Maybe mini monster cookies
          • Would like to give out t-shirts for prizes
          • Would like to have a swimming party, maybe…?

7. Committee Reports:  None

8. Executive Session:  None

9. Adjournment:  Motion made by Zarek and seconded by Schroder.

10. Next meeting:  July 2 @ 4:00 pm

May 6, 2015

Librarian’s Report:

• Highlights from March meeting
  • Libri foundation books came in – 82 of them $4.27/book
    • Sent thank yous & report with newspaper article & picture – apply 3 years
    • Margaret Clark memorials paid our share of the grant ($350 – $225 left)
  • Twin River School – Gave out library cards at school twice (lunchroom & media center) – almost 50 students
• Highlights from April meeting
  • Still waiting for help with hot water heater
    • Brandon Berlin is certified and agreed to look at safety of running 110 through wall to outlet rather than wiring bathroom
  • Spoke at TRS teacher staff meeting about library’s value March 18^th
  • Received $1,000 from Kreutz-Bennett grant for payroll hours for accreditation process
    • 2:1 grant – other funds from Walmart grant or bake sale proceeds ($500)
    • Approximately seven extra hours per week 4/1/15 – 9/30/15
  • When should we do meetings so we have better attendance?
  • Evaluations
  • Spoke at City Council Meeting April 6^th – twice a year for accreditation credit
  • Bake Sale – $623 ($26 more than last year!)
  • Book Fair – Last year was $1,075.99 – Almost $400 so far this year
  • Did not get mini-grant wanted for Tween Fest – will still do it
  • Received $200 for completing Statistic Report for NLC
  • Got 50 books from Read Aloud Community to give to children
  • Upcoming events
    • May 20^th – End of School Bash
      • Inviting all elementary students
      • Snacks (cupcakes)
      • Games – cards, board games, charades, craft table
    • Three summer reading groups – 8 weeks in June & July
      • Teens/Tweens Monday, Noon – 1:00
      • Elementary Wednesday, Noon – 1:00 (heroes – speakers?)
      • Preschool Thursday, 9:30 – 10:00
    • Parade end of June?
      • Genoa – Past, Present, Future
      • Carol Green to tutor at library
    • Policies & Mission Statement
    • Web Page (libraries.ne.gov/genoa)
    • Accreditation Process

April 2, 2015

Librarian’s Report:

• Displayed Marilyn Dannelly’s items throughout month of March
• Hot water point-of-use heater
  • Can we get a smaller unit that uses 110 and run a cord through the wall, eliminating the need for an electrician? Thoughts? Will it need to be covered in the bathroom for protection?
• Did presentation at Twin River School staff meeting to promote library 3/18/15
  • *see attached notes of subjects promoted*
  • May give similar presentation at city meeting (extra points towards accreditation if done)
• Received $1,000 grant from Kreutz-Bennett for extra payroll hours to achieve accreditation for the library
  • This is a 2-1 grant, so an additional $500 will be needed to supplement this amount – Can come from Walmart grant ($1,000) or bake sale proceeds.
    • Strategic plan
    • Mission Statement
    • Application process
    • Assess community needs
    • Information sheet sent with electric or water bills? Survey?
      • Suggestions about survey?
    • Implement and sustain new website
      • Working on adding WordPress
      • Hosted by the Nebraska Library Commission
      • Will try to do updates/blogs weekly
    • This is approximately seven extra hours per week from April 1^st through September 30^th.
  • April 3^rd (Good Friday) is annual bake sale
  • .
  • Scholastic book fair is May 4^th through May 8^th.
  • Determined to do a teen/tween summer program regardless of grant (more incentive if $500 grant is received-food & prizes) Application sent off this month.
    • Monday, Noon – 1:00 pm
  • Summer children’s programs – “Hero” is the summertime theme – would like to get speakers/volunteers. Will do crafts/books – no snacks
    • Wednesday, Noon – 1:00 pm
    • Edgerton Explorit Center? Too expensive for us?
  • Will again do preschool summer program (1/2 hour, stories, flannel boards, songs, games)
    • Thursday, 9:30 – 10:00 am
  • Libri Foundation
    • Thank you notes and report sent in. Will apply again in three years.
  • Will try to post more often on Facebook
    • Free advertising/marketing for the library
  • New District Manager will be here tomorrow – Anneka Ramirez
    • Bringing 50 books for Read Aloud Community to give to children.
  • Board meeting attendance – anything should/could be done differently?

March 5, 2015

• Libri Foundation books came in – 82 of them!
  • Had ordered 64. Got 62 of them, plus one alternative.
  • Also got 19 books from additional donor.
  • Margaret Clark memorials – up to $575 for children’s books.
    • $350 of memorials for our share of Libri grant
  • Will send thank you notes, report, pictures, and newspaper article to Libri grant personnel to finalize – can apply again in three years.
• Hot water point-of-use heater
  • Don Pearson did not reinstate his electrician’s license
  • Chuck Gee to look at it – will give estimate to run power to bathroom – estimated $400 sight-unseen
  • After reading reviews, decided on Rheem 9KW for $175.00
    • Takes 220 power source and 38 amps at fuse box
  • Only 8 books checked out from museum’s collection throughout February
  • Will have Marilyn Dannelly Art Display up throughout the month of March
  • April 3^rd (Good Friday) is annual bake sale.
  • Scholastic book fair is May 4^th through May 8^th.
  • Hope to hear from Kreutz-Bennett about accreditation grant
    • Will spend more hours working on accreditation process
      • Strategic plan
      • Mission Statement
      • Application
      • Assess Community Needs
      • Information sheet sent with electric or water bills? Survey?
    • Determined to do a teen/tween summer program regardless of grant (more incentive if grant is received – food & prizes)
    • Summer children’s programs – “Hero” is the summertime theme – would like to get speakers/volunteers.
    • Set up at school to give out library cards and NE Overdrive information twice.
      • Will attend the March 18^th staff meeting at school to share overdrive information
    • Any objections to my bringing my kitten along to the library?

February 5, 2015

• Northeast Library System Office in Columbus has closed, now Three Rivers Library System
  • Got two new metal shelving units and many small supplies
• $350 check sent off to Libri Foundation. Should receive 68 new hardcover children’s books any time now!
• Nebraska Overdrive has been picking up! (Still need to get information to the school for the students who have iPads)
• Any suggestions what to do with the used books? Still sell some occasionally for a quarter per book. Need more room!
• Signed up for more free books to give to children from the Read Aloud Community. Should be able to sign up again in the fall, too.
• Received LIS Certificate from CCC.
• Finished one basic skills course for NLC, three to go in the fall.
• Looking into a couple more grants
  • Mini Grant – $500 or less for one program/project. Requires that this is the soul funding for the proposed program. Considering a Summer Tween Fest – beginning stages of planning.
  • Wish You Well Grant – their mission is “Supporting family literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs”. Requests range from $200 to $10,000. Should be able to create or add to a program to align with their mission.
• Old computers and parts (keyboards, mouse, cords, etc.) Will talk to Charlie Saffell about what to do with them, but would like them out of here, as they take up so much room!
  • Computer specifically designated for small children? Not connected to internet and loaded with educational, easy-to-use games? Would need a children’s desk, and where to put it?!
  • Can set up “office” in the cubby hole area to work on the strategic plan and accreditation process if they are cleared out.
• Story time going well. Consistent number of kids each week.
• Added trivia to the newspaper articles and on Facebook. Is anyone reading the article?!
• Cassie and Kelly – need mailing address, phone numbers, and email address to add the names to the Nebraska Library Commission
• To-do list:
  • Window Seat
  • Hot Water Heater (need electrical outlet in bathroom – have talked to Tom Moeller)
  • Outside lights
• Will make a few adjustments to the budget – some items were put as books that were actually office supplies (ink, wireless mouse & keyboard), and some story time supplies were categorized incorrectly as well.
• Statistic report is due February 13^th. It has been completed and sent.
• Using the library for Girl Scout meetings, an occasional 4-H meeting, and had Jr. Fire Patrol here in October. Acceptable to claim payroll hours for these, even though Kimberly is a Girl Scout parent? (Oversees use of library during the meetings.)
• Museum Native Americans books on display the month of February.
• Bake sale is April 3^rd. Book Fair is May 4^th.
• Book club interest? Game night? Ladies’ night? Creative Craft Hour? Crafternoon?
• Anyone who has art (Marilyn Dannelly) or anything else for displays in the library?