Palestine library board forms 5-year strategic-plan committee, reviews finances and programs

The Palestine Library Board voted to form a committee of board members and community stakeholders to draft a five-year strategic plan and reviewed the library's recent financial and usage reports at a meeting that began at 11:30 a.m.

The move to create the committee passed on a voice vote after Board member Diana moved to form the committee and Board member Tyler seconded. The board also approved the minutes of its Jan. 14, 2025, meeting earlier in the session.

Board members said the strategic-plan effort will gather staff input and public feedback and could be completed either through a volunteer committee of board members or by hiring an outside consultant. Library staff reported that last-used templates and the previous plan (from 2021) will be provided to committee members for review before the next meeting.

Library staff also presented financials and usage statistics. The library's fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Staff noted one line item under building repairs was small because the city handles most facility maintenance; a budgeted amount was set aside specifically this year to upgrade security in the annex. "We installed a new security system, new camera system. I can actually log in remotely and set the alarms," a library staff member (Speaker 1) said.

Staff reported steady circulation since October and a rise in new library card sign-ups. Wi-Fi usage continues to be popular both inside and outside the building, but staff said a breakdown of inside-versus-outside use was not yet available.

Library-run and partner programs were also described: an adult literacy/GED program is operating with morning and evening classes; staff reported four graduates from the morning class and said 14 people had enrolled in the evening class. The library continues to host regular offerings such as art night, Brown Bag Lunch Book Talk (noon, third Thursday), craft nights and a planned teen "Anti-Valentine" event for ages 12–18.

Board members discussed methods for collecting public input for the strategic plan, including summer-reading evaluations, a visible suggestion box, QR-code surveys and short digital forms that could be offered after programs. Members suggested standard, brief evaluation questions to increase response rates and recommended program leaders ask attendees to complete evaluations.

On administrative items, staff said a negative balance in the uniforms line reflected a bill carried over from the prior year for embroidered shirts and sweatshirts for staff; the city pays most facility maintenance costs. The board scheduled the strategic-plan committee formation as an agenda item for the next meeting and asked staff to re-upload the previous plan and any templates for members to review.

Votes at a glance: • Approval of minutes (Jan. 14, 2025) — motion carried by voice vote; mover: Board member (Speaker 3); second: Library staff member (Speaker 1); outcome: approved; tally not specified in the record. • Formation of a library-board-and-stakeholder committee to draft a five-year strategic plan — motion carried by voice vote; mover: Board member Diana; second: Board member Tyler; outcome: approved; tally not specified in the record.

The board adjourned at about 11:58 a.m.