Minutes_Library Board of Trustees 7 23 15 Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Library Board of Trustees Update
From the Meeting ofJuly 23, 2015
Present: Jenny Weiss President; Angela Allred, Secretary; Paula Connors, Pat
Maddux, Jon Trotter, and Mike Willis
Excused: Patty Poggemiller
• The meeting was opened by President, Mike Willis and the annual election
of officers took place. Jenny Weiss was nominated as President and
Angela Allred, Secretary. Paula Connors nominated Patty Poggemiller as
Vice President, but Poggemiller was not in attendance to discuss or
accept/decline the nomination. Therefore, Connors was appointed Interim
Vice President until the next board meeting, at which time Poggemiller's
name will be resubmitted for consideration. If Poggemiller declines the
nomination, Connors's appointment will become permanent.
• June 30 marked the end of the fiscal year. A freeze in hiring and travel
expenses during FY 2015 resulted in savings to the City. To determine the
percentage that the library was under budget in operations, these savings
were deducted and the result was the library coming in under budget by
0.5%.
• Revenue for FY 2015 ended at 102.5% of what was projected.
• June ended with very strong business. Visits were up 28% compared to
June, 2014, and circulations were up 23% compared to June, 2014;
however, the increase was not enough to offset a slower year overall,
which ended with visits and checkouts that were less than FY14.
• Open Access use (mostly Dubuque County Library patrons) decreased
14%, which was expected.
• Digital material, however, continues to grow reflecting a 24% increase in
the check-outs of a-books and a-audio and an increase of 104% in
Freegal music.
• Discussion was held regarding an umbrella policy for the borrowing of
equipment by patrons and non-profits. A draft of the proposed policy will
be presented at the next Board meeting.
• During a special meeting of the Board, held by conference call on July
16,t" the Board reviewed options for developing a physical Maker Space
in the library. Two areas were identified for further development. The first
is in front of the windows on the first floor where the reading area and
large print is now located (which would be relocated to the second floor).
The second area is on the second floor, where the Internet computers are
currently located. Selser-Schaefer Architects will present plans and
proposed costs for the Board's meeting on September 24.
• The Board discussed a proposed partnership with the Multicultural Family
Center that would provide Internet access to the Center. The Board
suggested a subcommittee meet with a committee from the Multicultural
Family Center Board and city staff to discuss and to provide an
opportunity to ask questions.
• On August 18,t" the Board will have a work session to hear presentations
from various Dubuque area marketing firms and consultants to help
identify the next steps in raising awareness of the library and its services
in the community.
Library Board of Trustees
Jenny Weiss, Board President Susan Henricks, Director
Angela Allred, Board Secretary
Paula Connors
Pat Maddux
Patty Poggemiller
Jon Trotter
Mike Willis