Santa Fe library advisory board approves strategic plan, elects officers

The Santa Fe Library Advisory Board on Jan. 6 approved a new strategic plan intended to support accreditation and future growth and elected a slate of officers, Library Director Becky McClain said at the board's meeting, which the board called to order at 10:39 a.m. and adjourned at 11:01 a.m.

The strategic plan, which McClain said the board will forward to city council after approval, is intended to preserve the library's current services while preparing for a projected increase in residents and demand. "For a library to be accredited, means that the city, for us, we get interlibrary loan privileges. We get ebook rates," McClain said, adding the accreditation application must be submitted by March 30.

McClain reported several operational highlights tied to the plan and the library's recent programming: the Friends of the Library donated $1,000 designated for books; the library ordered 443 new books with the new budget; October programming drew an attendance equal to about 11% of the city's population, November about 9%, and December (with two weeks of programming) about 5.81%. McClain also said annual and seasonal program attendance varies, with the homeschool program averaging 25–30 children weekly and December counting 233 children and 17 teens in programs.

Board action and votes at the meeting were by voice vote. The board approved minutes from the Oct. 7, 2024 meeting (motion recorded as moved by Stephanie Carter; seconded by Stormy Sanford; motion carries). The board elected a slate of officers to serve through the fiscal year: Stephanie Carter as chairperson, Stormy Sanford as vice chair and Jennifer Meyer as secretary; the slate was approved by voice vote and will take effect at the next meeting. The board also voted to approve the library's strategic plan (motion by Stephanie Carter; seconded by Stormy Sanford; approved by voice vote).

McClain described priorities the strategic plan highlights: continuing popular programming rather than expanding it immediately to avoid overburdening staff; pursuing ADA improvements such as automatic doors and updated restrooms; addressing long-term parking needs the director estimated could cost about $200,000; reviewing shelving and space to accommodate growth (including mobile shelving for the children's area); and planning for staff succession as several long-tenured employees approach retirement.

McClain said the library's camera system has helped staff document incidents, leading to tickets, warnings and trespass notices. She also reported the library is preparing materials for awards (the Texas Library Association) and the accreditation process through the state library agency McClain referred to as TSLAC. She noted accreditation helps the city qualify for state grants and favorable pricing for electronic materials and shared resources.

Board members offered brief remarks of support for the plan and the staff's work. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31, to replace the usual first-Monday-in-April date.

The meeting included routine items—roll call, approval of previous minutes and scheduling of future meetings—and ran approximately 22 minutes.

Becky McClain, library director, provided the report and strategic-plan presentation at the meeting; elected officers and approved motions were recorded in the board's voice votes.