Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Library Funding Outreach topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Library reports Metro allocation for collections, bookmobile launch and Foundation fundraising
Summary
Board members celebrated the bookmobile launch, heard that Metro Council approved a second collections allocation of $2.5 million, and learned the Foundation raised $20,000 on Library Giving Day; the library’s operating budget presentation to Metro Council is scheduled for May 21.
Board members and foundation representatives used the meeting to highlight recent outreach, fundraising, and system‑wide services and to remind the board of upcoming budget and public events.
Terry (board member) and Joyce (board member) spoke about the bookmobile launch, which board members said drew strong community response during a ribbon‑cutting at Rocketship United Academy. Linda (staff member) was recognized for leading the bookmobile project. Board members said the bookmobile has increased visibility for the library across neighborhoods.
Board members also discussed recent allocations from Metro government. A speaker at the meeting said Metro Council passed a $2,500,000 allocation for collections as a second round of funding; combined with an earlier $2,000,000 allocation, staff said the system hoped to approach $4,000,000 as a target to maintain collections. Staff noted that 70% of checkouts are now ebooks and described relative costs: staff said ebooks frequently cost about $79 each versus $16 for a physical book, which factors into collection purchasing strategies.
A foundation representative reported fundraising updates: the library’s Giving Day raised $20,000; the foundation also hosted the Carnegie Society Book Club event and other donor acknowledgements. The foundation is preparing a “thank a thon” presentation to Metro Council, and staff asked board members to attend the library’s operating budget presentation to Metro Council on Wednesday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Board members also recognized Volunteer Appreciation Day and encouraged attendance at foundation and library events such as Picnic with the Library (April 27, 3–6 p.m.) and a safety and security summit next week. No formal board action was required for these updates.
