Library director outlines collection review, new hire, teaching-kitchen plans and 'library of things'

Library staff told the West Bend Community Memorial Library Board that they are conducting a county-wide review of adult nonfiction, moving to address gaps in high-circulation items and cleaning up catalog call-number inconsistencies.

During the board’s Oct. 15 meeting library staff reported that the county-wide collection review will begin with Washington County’s adult nonfiction holdings. Staff figures cited an average item age in that portion of the collection of roughly 17 years and said circulation rates vary by subject area; staff reported about 4,000 items remain to be reviewed and that volunteers and at least one student worker had been expected to assist. Staff said they will refine the analysis and report back at a future meeting.

Staff also announced a new hire: Annie Behringer, who will handle outreach and adult services. Board members described Behringer’s role as taking on programs and outreach work previously managed by Nancy and others.

Library staff promoted an upcoming public program: Annie Jones, described on the record as a professor of organization development and a tribal nations specialist, will speak at the library Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Staff noted there are four dinner seats still available for a pre-event dinner; the dinner cost is expected to be about $20 per person.

The board discussed plans for a teaching kitchen that staff hope to buy with a $1,000 grant. Staff described the unit as a mobile “kitchen on wheels” with a hot plate, microwave and contained sink to support cooking demonstrations and classes. Board members noted the teaching kitchen would support cooking programs at the library and with partner organizations in the new year.

Board members and staff also described a proposed "library of things" program that would loan nonbook items — examples discussed included an Instant Pot, telescopes and knitting needles — and asked staff to circulate a developing list to the board so members can consider donations while downsizing personal items.

On staffing and services, the board said funding will support two half-time positions in 2025; staff described plans to test adding an extra hour on Saturdays (extending open time to 2 p.m.) and to evaluate whether additional services such as notary work should be added in the new year. The board asked staff to consider training an existing morning business-manager staff member as a notary if demand warrants.

Staff also flagged planning for the library’s 25th anniversary celebration in January and asked board members to expect a program schedule release next year.

Assignments recorded in the meeting included: staff (Steve) will provide teacher-card service information to Jesse, and staff will return with the parking-lot resurfacing cost estimates requested by the board.