[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6485063,"mediaKeyId","5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c","parentId",5503349,"title","Library board approves $15 million maximum bonds, grant renewals, contracts and policy items","audioSeconds",812,"startMs",3600000,"endMs",4412000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c&start=3600&end=4412","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6485063/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Library-board-approves-15-million-maximum-bonds-grant-renewals-contracts-and-policy-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485063-6be39d17cf1f8865da18e0fc3794b469/orig.mp4?Expires=1771134899&Signature=hAxZ--8wHvfW6ZaboL3gS~CAdouyM1lWjI9aoJz~bv0UcfmPEEnR90yeO1CRh1n7XiqzUifbrBHs3Q8t7e9ywqPwYSr0vf4KaRbLFOSsPNy~QRSNFABMfsTD0OZHPxBfwlthL61gL2bh6lJj0mWgzlakGx93zRZtouiZ4OvXafwaEzI7S8ehOREB4D8Cobq5t63Uva7mVtr0uyb7hYvMBml1RyHc2ntzwnXDcXMS6XLtMF4tBU9fesbYJqHLFbHUK3But51Rq7JIXG1ZSM8B06uXsxvyK2qGsBQtX4YWsHGJjS-RkH46mN0w6kaS1ZblD2YVI~Fr~iI~jaIhKCPHDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Indianapolis, IN","date","2025-07-28T00:00:00Z","article","Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees members voted unanimously at their July 2025 meeting to approve a set of resolutions that together clear the way for facility work, grant spending and several vendor contracts.

The most consequential action was approval, on a preliminary basis, of parameters for general-obligation bonds of up to $15 million to finance long‑term capital maintenance and equipment updates, including planning for a renovation of the West Indianapolis branch. Baker Tilly, the library’s municipal adviser, told trustees the borrowing fits within legal limits and the board set conservative maximums for principal, interest and repayment terms. Bond counsel and staff said the board will publish notices and follow a public process; a final bond resolution is planned for October if the city-county council and other steps proceed.

Other measures approved by the board included a Marion County Internet Library database renewal managed by the library foundation, liability and property/cyber insurance renewals for the 2025–26 policy year, the formal naming of a study room at Irvington, award of a contract for two new bookmobiles, and a services contract for maintenance of automated material handlers (sorters). A confirmatory resolution covering interim finances, personnel and travel was also approved.

Votes at a glance (selected resolutions adopted)
- Resolution 25-2025: Preliminary determination, reimbursement and bond resolution — approved (motion: not specified; roll call: Dr. Matata, Dr. Palacio, Dr. Riolo, Dr. White, Ray Biederman all voted yes). Parameters set: maximum borrowing amount not to exceed $15,000,000; conservative interest assumption 6% used for maximums; library staff and counsel said market rates were lower at time of presentation and the board will finalize terms after statutory notices and the city‑county council process.

- Resolution 26-2025: Appropriation of bond proceeds for the 2025–26 multi‑facility capital program — approved (unanimous roll call). Staff said roughly $14.7 million would be available for projects after issuance costs under the proposed parameters.

- Resolution 27-2025: Marion County Internet Library grant (database renewals) — approved (unanimous roll call). The library foundation will continue to steward a pooled database subscription program for Marion County schools; the grant amount discussed was approximately $533,445, funded by the Library Fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

- Resolution 28-2025: Approval of liability and insurance policies (08/01/2025–08/01/2026) — approved (unanimous roll call). Trustees were told workers’ compensation premiums rose (cited reasons: payroll growth, market changes), property insurance rose partly because of Glendale branch valuation, and total renewal costs increased approximately $46,956 versus the prior year.

- Resolution 29-2025: Approval of naming opportunity at Irvington branch (Michael Endeavor Williams study room) — approved (unanimous roll call). The donor (Williams) had previously funded the conversion of a former café kitchen into a study room and requested the naming after deferring recognition while he served as branch manager.

- Resolution 30-2025: Award services contract for two new bookmobiles (Farber Specialty Vehicles) — approved (unanimous roll call). The vendor’s proposal price was reported as $605,303.32; delivery expected in 10–14 months; project budget shortfall (~$3,433) to be covered by leftover funds from a separate patron‑counter upgrade project.

- Resolution 31-2025: Award of services contract for automated material handler (AMH) maintenance (Linko Systems) — approved (unanimous roll call). Trustees were told the contract covers preventive maintenance, 24/7 hotline support, parts warranty and technician dispatch; a two‑year term with parts availability was a factor in a single‑vendor recommendation under Indiana purchasing code for compatibility/parts continuity.

- Resolution 32-2025: Confirmatory resolution covering finances, personnel and travel occurring between meetings — approved (unanimous roll call).

Why it matters: The bond approvals start a multi‑year capital program to address facility maintenance and a major renovation at West Indianapolis. Passing the contract awards and grant renewals lets the library update fleet and equipment, continue database access for schools and secure insurance coverage before the new fiscal year. The board set conservative financial parameters and preserved follow‑up steps (newspaper notice, city‑county council review, final October vote) before the district spends bond proceeds.

What trustees and staff said: Jason Dansell of Baker Tilly, the library’s municipal adviser, told trustees the new bonds could be structured so the library’s existing debt service tax rate (3.18¢) need not increase. Bond counsel reminded the board that parameters are maximums and that a formal final resolution will follow required public notices and council hearings.

What’s next: If no adverse petitions are filed, staff and counsel will publish the required notices and the city‑county council will hold hearings; the board expects to return in October for final bond authorization and to proceed with procurement and construction planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council of Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Public Library Board","oneSentenceSummary","At its July meeting the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees approved preliminary parameters for up to $15 million in general‑obligation bonds to fund facility maintenance and a West Indianapolis branch renovation and unanimously adopted a series of related resolutions covering grants, insurance and vendor contracts.","taxTitle","Indianapolis City, Marion County, Indiana","taxId",3627,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485043,"Library partners with Tangram to add adult universal changing stations at several branches",61,4798000,4859000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c&start=4798&end=4859","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c/thumbnail_4798000.jpg","/articles/6485043/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Library-partners-with-Tangram-to-add-adult-universal-changing-stations-at-several-branches","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485043-8a6fbbe67b17527363ceaafa8b3200b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771134899&Signature=dStycuCeGuAGDpGqWe~owz5KoNz3DHH304hKjM8VRa~VxTaCGaOaihUhOWM8wuI4wO~xa0rNNhO3~zqIS3QkYuCvKCXCnkH7vUGqJnT~P5gtBLmlWlxkvVJYpROiJ04VR7yD-MHU5d~3a8eEn-mQ4l5DNoZM4NPzm0HeOBHjT6VkP1BDwmLAu7Ze0ZAt3Se6JeKsqnixcHPFhk4b070kky6QLnAcVEtwTP-yGBz3P~DkQhqWnH~p5L8Igv0oqw4qfHMWmWOPRTrAMUdOMplYOLFZh9Xza9O9KaE4sfvjRl9CxfOtQp6AHQp1rjKuJ5IWeqIPETi7CVV5v95n2Y-pmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Indianapolis Public Library announced a partnership with Tangram and community donors to install adult universal changing stations at several branches, providing full‑size, accessible changing surfaces for adults and people with significant mobility needs.

A short presentation and a video shared at the July meeting described the need: caregivers and family members of adults with disabilities face substantial barriers when public restrooms lack appropriate changing surfaces. Tangram, a local service organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said the library’s network of branches makes it a strong partner for placing stations where they will be reachable by families across the city.

A family story included in the presentation described a man with cerebral palsy who could not get to a doctor without transit assistance enabled by a donated bus pass; staff said the Indigo Foundation supplied 773 bus passes this year. The library said the initial station installations will be at the Central Library, the Fort Ben branch, the Nora branch and the Pike branch.

Why it matters: Universal adult changing stations expand physical access so adults with disabilities and their caregivers can visit public facilities and participate in library programming. Board members commended the partnership and noted the stations increase inclusion beyond book or program services.

What’s next: Staff said they will coordinate installation logistics and notify branches and the public once stations are in place. Trustees asked staff to keep the board informed about installation timelines and any site‑specific access modifications required for plumbing or ADA compliance.","The library announced a partnership with Tangram to install adult universal changing stations at Central, Fort Ben, Nora and Pike branches to improve accessibility for adults and caregivers with mobility needs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485048,"Residents urge library board to restrict in‑branch student recruiting by charter and private schools",617,2249000,2866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c&start=2249&end=2866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c/thumbnail_2249000.jpg","/articles/6485048/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Residents-urge-library-board-to-restrict-inbranch-student-recruiting-by-charter-and-private-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485048-774c5109e62e6efec066fe3437b27f69/orig.mp4?Expires=1771134899&Signature=DR731NJ2P52tmcSqR59v5dlzmCX7F5uyNkSYQb6GN~KqkQObBK2N8ZSBX7HiXPgWYFwJdbpxFFLg6qLXfEmORrpX8T7bvPNCPryrrN5eUzO~rgj3JXKQJZkARtsnTogtTQl10I1OZeHuONWHnVaJn~Zv4nx-iEAOdtcFfAccLh6Vg8F1Kk--kIR~Zs-MIEdAOZmcEXgwV6yhKtHkWCnj6ZVPLwjVHRdMyDwXaV2wjsVZDHw3G~4cpeWr1TexazMEEVF6rfIsSJzbOjsBaUPIq7V~06wfY8I5bvyr632EQxY2OYU~fy~KJLwVXYR417~Rla5n1zF4KQinciTw8B3Hhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents used the public‑comment period at the July meeting of the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees to ask the board to adopt clearer rules on in‑branch recruitment by charter or other K–12 schools.

Corbin Havener, a teacher at IPS School 51 and member of the Indiana Education Association, said library spaces should not be used by organizations that actively recruit students. \"We need to look at whether or not it is appropriate for representatives of nontraditional public schools to be recruiting students at any of our library branches,\" Havener told the board, arguing that the proliferation of charter schools creates unequal competition for the same students.

Carla Schmidt, a Washington Township special education teacher, said she observed a charter school table at a Michigan Road branch set up to sign up students and called for a policy that clarifies what types of organizations may recruit in libraries. \"When someone sees a table at the front of the library, they think the library is endorsing that table even if they're just providing the space,\" Schmidt said. She suggested a formal application or checklist, neighborhood signatures, or signage making clear the library does not endorse outside organizations.

Mary Ann Schlegel Ruger, a Northside resident, said recruiting by a charter school in a prominent position inside a library entrance constitutes a special case because each K–12 student can attend only one school and recruiting shifts students between public providers. Jackie Harrell, a Southport patron, praised Southport’s senior programming and did not press the recruiting issue but spoke in support of continuing adult classes.

Why it matters: Commenters framed the request as a policy and equity question. They distinguished general community outreach or non‑enrollment activities from direct, in‑person recruitment aimed at signing up students. Several asked the board to treat school recruiting differently from routine nonprofit outreach because enrollment decisions affect public school enrollment and tax‑supported responsibilities.

Board response and next steps: Trustees acknowledged the comments and the Human Resources & Diversity Committee chair said she would start a review of relevant policies. Meeting materials that follow this session will circulate draft policies for trustee input before committee discussion.

Ending: Speakers said they were available to work with library staff on policy language; the board did not take immediate action but signaled a policy review would be added to committee work.","Four public commenters asked the Indianapolis Public Library Board to clarify and tighten policy on whether organizations that recruit K–12 students may set up tables or recruit inside library branches.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485053,"Library tech learning team expands hotspots, pop‑up labs and readies AI course",575,1117000,1692000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c&start=1117&end=1692","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c/thumbnail_1117000.jpg","/articles/6485053/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Library-tech-learning-team-expands-hotspots-popup-labs-and-readies-AI-course","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485053-e8cc52cf3f0c2eda402c340ecfa4a4b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771134899&Signature=KV1PRQoJ5EpD35EAl093MAnsdjTOL3tUbb980SrIiYJusrLSMYb8ndo6Uwzj0fqbCxYbeCjc25Ff8027HiiCJFgYj9OFCswZagrt9ePxJK7Twu7iMVBOdmetFtTzBBfH3ni~5aF~yNQdyjNcoxfLVaovI~xAvT20KttvqoMy1zGPbw6guLhNy0-45lYbpAvvb691Z7wwALyhPy~T9n6aQRMP263nvMLD1ND-76wKh5Jc8ZeVtMCEpeHXHgKP3hmralpCa5~9kQG5Rc4rqh~84pvxNAtWLDfkbwKNeKVZeXWcyzd3kxbMLEPhPxjoK3AZDyu111VFZNEXJawxzcB-kA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Karen Moore, supervisor of digital inclusion and leader of the library’s Tech Learning Team, told trustees the library is expanding digital access and skills programming while preparing targeted new courses on artificial intelligence.

Moore said the team manages a hotspot lending program with roughly 174 devices currently in circulation across 16 branches; hotspots have logged more than 1,600 checkouts year‑to‑date, and staff target branches in areas with high digital‑divide indicators. “Though we have very little hotspots, when the need is there, it is met,” Moore said, recounting a patron who could get groceries only because a hotspot enabled an online order.

The tech learning team runs pop‑up labs (20 laptops with accessibility tools) that bring digital classes to branches without fixed computer labs. Moore reported more than 1,600 attendees to tech‑learning classes during the 12‑month period she cited and nearly 500 unique users of Northstar Digital Literacy who logged more than 1,200 hours of learning since rollout. Moore also described an active outreach program with partners including Goodwill of Central Indiana, CenterWell and Community Alliance of the Far East Side.

Hotspots and funding: Moore said the library continues hotspot lending after an earlier federal subsidy (the Affordable Connectivity Program) ended. She said a federal grant application is in limbo and staff are pursuing alternate funding sources; the board asked about grant timing and staff said they were hopeful but did not have a confirmed award.

AI course and curriculum development: Asked about teaching about generative AI and prompt engineering, Moore said the team is “developing and finalizing an AI course to launch the first quarter of next year,” focusing on how AI is used and how to recognize AI‑enabled scams and deepfakes while also exploring beneficial uses.

Why it matters: The program mix addresses both short‑term access (hotspots, public PC sessions) and longer‑term digital resiliency (Northstar certificates, STEAM, digital creativity and workforce skills). Moore emphasized that digital inclusion requires ongoing training because platforms and interfaces change over time.

Ending: Moore said the tech learning team will continue expansion of pop‑up offerings, language‑tailored classes and partnerships to reach patrons at multiple branches and community locations. Trustees asked for updates on grant outcomes and on pilot programs such as VR/AR and accessibility tools.","Supervisor of digital inclusion Karen Moore briefed the board on hotspot lending, pop‑up lab outreach, Northstar Digital Literacy usage and an AI course planned for early next year.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485058,"Southport branch highlights: summer reading surge, volunteers and digital access challenges",0,225000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c&start=225&end=225","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5503349-94fd5d58980f3340bfc9e7d6bfdef39c/thumbnail_225000.jpg","/articles/6485058/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Southport-branch-highlights-summer-reading-surge-volunteers-and-digital-access-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485058-2a38fd8945b45c6d30f16fa2effeb198/orig.mp4?Expires=1771134899&Signature=R2YEDOOvouX9uH-0OOjdjRfBZ99PqBhrNkCMbhxjwyISw0GUK9z4SlJUUGrPGSVs96aYW-fGaH5CphsiJhI0GGv6S03B0f5cAaTdI~9Vk6C5IYRPob9uxnzAfHxjTue26eXRoPsB0YBqFoAyboNpiYl3-Co~K5naSw81g6-75kJuam0xCKUb6~uAkqqEL-6GNqewY7UkmzbPNDYVBjp90dT0voUFQw5j5Z8kcIyNqlebMHSZ9PchaETd2CVWlYdx01ZXcFG3qXo2jQz0Q6z~fGvUdUb~jB6tFS7KSO9N-2Flwd3h4gWAee4zu3LCjGhf0PrOpZ~A1NGCEY6O-WpoOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fiona Duke, branch manager of the Southport branch, told the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees on July 2025 that the branch has been a busy local hub for summer reading, multilingual services and computer access.

“I'm happy to share that our patrons blew past the community goal of 20,000,000 minutes read,” Duke said, describing systemwide summer reading results and noting Southport’s local programs and outreach. She told trustees the branch celebrated its 50th anniversary in the building (opened April 1, 1974), has a regional staff of 24 and 10 volunteers and that staff tenure across the team averages more than 14 years.

Why it matters: Duke said Southport serves a diverse community and documented local needs the branch addresses: the service area population was given as about 45,008; roughly 17.8% of residents were born outside the United States and more than half of Perry Township students are multilingual, representing more than 80 countries and dozens of languages. At the branch Duke described staff-language capabilities — two Burmese speakers, a Zomi/Hakka speaker and a Spanish speaker — and partnerships with the Immigrant Welcome Center for Pathway to Literacy and English conversation circles.

What the branch is doing: Duke walked the board through program statistics for January–June. Southport registered 786 new borrowers during that period and reported 8,620 active borrowers in June; the branch presented 176 programs with 5,663 participants (56% youth-focused). Staff reported 162,294 public computer sessions since May 2024 and said PC use peaks during school breaks, after school and since a PC management system upgrade. Duke said the branch partners with Perry Township Schools on a summer servings meal program (June 16–July 18) that served 984 meals this year.

Digital access and seniors: In response to a trustees’ question about the 6.3% of the branch service area reported as having no home internet or computer, Duke said the branch lends Wi‑Fi hotspots, provides heavy public‑computer access and offers space for people to use the library’s Wi‑Fi. Trustees asked about senior programming; Duke and others noted the branch’s chair aerobics class (offered 41 weeks this year with a high single‑class turnout near 63) and scam‑awareness programs and other adult offerings intended to engage older patrons.

Volunteers and community partners: Duke credited volunteers with sustaining programs such as Stitch Some Support, Family Game Day, Dungeons & Dragons, Pathway to Literacy and English conversation circles, and listed partners including the Afghan American Community Center, Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), Central 9, Chim Center and City of Southport. Duke noted a number of in‑branch outreach photos and programs and named Mayor’s neighborhood advocate Delia Novak as supporting summer outreach hours.

What board members said: Trustees praised branch displays, volunteers and staff service; one trustee specifically thanked Duke for the branch’s community outreach and programming. The branch manager said she will follow up on additional ideas raised by trustees and staff.

Ending: Duke concluded by emphasizing the branch’s role as an accessible service point for diverse users and for students returning to school, and the board moved on to other agenda items after questions about robotics workshops, Roblox club age ranges and summer program staffing.","Southport branch manager Fiona Duke reported July highlights to the library board — a record summer reading total for the system, local demographics, heavy PC use and programs supporting multilingual and older patrons.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Library board approves $15 million maximum bonds, grant renewals, contracts and policy items

Library partners with Tangram to add adult universal changing stations at several branches

Residents urge library board to restrict in‑branch student recruiting by charter and private schools

Library tech learning team expands hotspots, pop‑up labs and readies AI course

Southport branch highlights: summer reading surge, volunteers and digital access challenges