A primary concern was the malfunctioning air conditioning system, which had caused considerable discomfort and operational challenges within the library. The dehumidifying unit malfunction had led to condensation build-up, resulting in water dripping inside the building. This issue was addressed, with repairs completed just days before the meeting. However, the board noted the necessity of monitoring the system closely to ensure it operates correctly, especially with the transition to cooler weather approaching. The boilers would need to be activated to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. A staff member named Jeremy was tasked with overseeing this process to prevent further issues.

In addition to the air conditioning, the library faced another mechanical issue with its solar pump. James White had been contacted for an assessment, and discussions included the potential purchase of a new pump, highlighting the need for budget considerations despite no immediate urgency.

The meeting also included the approval of three warrants related to library expenses. These included $9,646 for fire detection system services, $17,982 for various publishing services, and $23,908 covering additional publishing expenses. These warrants were approved unanimously following a motion and a second.

A significant and emotional moment during the meeting was the discussion of a thank-you card from Jean, acknowledging the board’s gesture of providing a gift card in memory of her recently deceased sister. This conversation expanded to honor Lauren McIntyre, the late president of the Friends Committee. Lauren’s wish to have her book collection donated to the library led to the proposal of a community shelf or table featuring her “To Be Read” pile from Goodreads. This initiative aims to keep Lauren’s memory alive within the community, with books marked by a commemorative sticker or plaque.

A motion was made to fund the purchase of a bookshelf plaque in Lauren’s name, which was seconded and approved. This thoughtful gesture was agreed upon as a fitting tribute to Lauren’s love of reading, with plans to establish a designated “Lauren Shelf” in the library.

The meeting also reviewed detailed library statistics, revealing various trends in circulation and usage. The annual performance report highlighted increases in adult print holdings, slight declines in print periodicals, and a shift towards digital resources. Ebooks and downloadable audio saw substantial increases in popularity, while audio and video formats experienced declines due to weeding and reduced demand. Children’s print circulation notably increased by 1,149 circulations, even as a weeding project reduced the overall collection.

Database and online learning platform usage surged dramatically, rising from approximately 2,800 to nearly 16,000. This increase underscores the library’s role in providing valuable educational tools, including resources like Mango languages, Hoopla, and Scholastic Teachable. Hoopla’s rising costs from $50-$75 per month to about $350 per month were noted, prompting a cautious approach to managing expenses.

Libby, another popular resource for ebooks and audiobooks, faced challenges with long wait times for titles, leading patrons to prefer Hoopla for immediate access. The inter-library lending program also saw increased activity, with borrowing and lending rising by 600 to 700 items each. Non-resident circulation increased from 24,000 to 27,000, benefiting the library through offset grant funding.

The library saved the community approximately $80,000 during this period, highlighting its financial impact.

Programs such as nature story times and bug hunts attracted significant attendance, and new library card registrations peaked during these events. A planned staff meeting aimed to review the statistics and discuss the collection’s future direction, including potentially expanding magazine offerings.

The meeting concluded with discussions on library policies and financial reports, including an upcoming disaster preparedness plan review. The board acknowledged the priority of the statistical report to the state and the need to start the financial report soon. The session ended with expressions of gratitude towards Nita for her remote participation and a unanimous motion to adjourn.