Library board honors Beth Burns for nine years of service on regional library board

The St. Paul Library Board on its meeting adopted a resolution recognizing Beth Burns for nine years of service on the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) board of trustees and her work as treasurer developing an equity-focused budget allocation formula.

The resolution notes that Burns has served on the MELSA board since January 2017 and as treasurer since 2022, and that her work with the Saint Paul Public Library and Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library helped ensure the city’s needs were represented at the regional level. "I have learned a lot from my colleagues who oversee county systems," Burns said, reflecting on her time representing a city library system on a mostly county-based board.

The recognition follows a brief routine consent action at the meeting. The board approved minutes for the 10/01/2025 meeting by a 6–0 vote before the resolution discussion. Council Member Yang moved to adopt the resolution; the motion passed 6–0.

The board’s reading of the resolution described MELSA’s role as setting strategy, approving budgets and advocating for public libraries and credited Burns with championing an equity-focused allocation formula. Board members offered thanks: Council Member Johnson said Burns' leadership "made me smile" and praised her work with the Friends and other boards.

Votes at a glance • Approval of minutes (Minutes 25-43, approving 10/01/2025 minutes): Motion by Council President Naker; vote 6 yes, 0 no. Outcome: adopted. • Resolution recognizing Beth Burns (as stated in meeting): Motion by Council Member Yang; vote 6 yes, 0 no. Outcome: adopted.

The board did not discuss additional policy or budget actions tied directly to the resolution during the meeting.