The most engaging portion of the meeting was a presentation by Leroy Harris on the “Tales of the Town” program. This project, a collaboration with State Street Theater, involves historical reenactments narrated by Leroy and performed by local actors. With inspiration drawn from a public access TV show from the east coast, the program integrates efforts from the Brown County Historical Society to bring local history to life. The first episode, already available on YouTube, centers around murals in the Turner Hall theater painted by Guido Metha. These murals were hidden due to anti-German sentiments during World War I and unearthed by a local resident using duct tape. Leroy’s presentation included a clip from the first episode, which received positive feedback from the audience, and he noted that it had already attracted over 250 views. The next episode is in preparation, promising further engagement with New Ulm’s history.

During the same meeting, the financial report presented a detailed year-end wrap-up for 2024. The library’s budget was approximately 10.95% expended, with notable expenditures including $496 for a motion sensor replacement and $5,060 for books and audiobooks. A significant allocation of $6,600 went toward replacing 12 Chrome box public computer stations and four Chromebook public catalog stations. A security camera project, completed on budget, also featured in the financial remarks, with a remaining balance of $3,940 paid to CTS.

The budget discussion revealed challenges in sourcing audiobooks on CD and DVDs, as many titles have transitioned to digital formats. As a result, the budget for audio-visual supplies was reduced from $9,000 to $7,500 for 2025. This adjustment reflects a broader trend in the library’s adaptation to digital borrowing, supported by a 17.4% increase in Libby circulation.

Personnel changes were also on the agenda, with the resignation of Library Aid Nita Gilbert, whose last day was announced to be January 15. The board anticipated the start of a new library aid on January 22 and awaited a response from another candidate to an employment offer. These staffing updates are set against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to enhance library services and community engagement.

Infrastructural improvements formed another focal point of the meeting. The board addressed the removal of two damaged trees in the bookdrop area and the upcoming installation of replacement doors. These doors will be fitted with key fob access capabilities, funded through the library’s budget, with installation scheduled upon material arrival.

On the programming front, the library celebrated the success of a New Year’s Eve event that drew 220 attendees. Upcoming events include performances by two comedians on January 18 and a presentation by Minnesota author Jason Lee Willis on January 23.

Donations received in the last quarter of 2024 amounted to $1,633.50, with funds allocated toward children’s books and adult programs. The board expressed gratitude for these contributions, emphasizing their importance in supporting library initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a resolution for the disposal of surplus items, including a two-tiered bookshelf cart and a Compact 30 oven, reflecting ongoing efforts to optimize storage and meeting room spaces.