The honorarium, intended to support the attendance of the Library Director and the Assistant Director at the PLA Conference, was unanimously approved. The conference, scheduled for April 1-3, 2026, will focus on community partnerships, innovation, and professional growth, featuring educational sessions, best-selling authors, and numerous vendor exhibits. The honorarium will be used to cover costs up to $1,600, with any additional expenses covered by the library’s travel and conference budget. Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to network and gain insights specifically relevant to public libraries.

Staffing changes within the library were another important topic. Notably, the departure of a programming and technology services librarian prompted an update and re-titling of the position to simply “librarian,” allowing for more flexibility in future hiring. The hiring process involves both internal and external postings, with the goal of attracting qualified candidates from within the Traverse Des Sioux region and potentially nationwide. The board noted the challenges of recruiting a librarian in a smaller town but expressed optimism about finding suitable candidates.

The board also addressed the completion of a shelving project in the children’s room, which has made the space more open and functional for activities. The library staff, particularly Miss Katherine and Amy, were commended for their efforts in reorganizing the space.

Additionally, updates were provided on federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which saw a slight increase in its budget. There was mention of ongoing legal proceedings related to the administration’s attempt to dismantle the IMLS, with a federal court ruling against such actions. The outcome of the appeal could have future implications on library services.

Programming adjustments were discussed, including the continuation of regular adult programs despite the current hiring gap. However, planning for new standalone programs will be paused. Certain groups, like the genealogy club and the Civil War Roundtable, have opted to continue independently without library staff involvement due to low attendance.