Director reports on hiring, building repairs, self-check demos and a $10,000 digital donation

The Library Director updated the board on hiring, building work and service changes at the West Bend Memorial Library.

Director reported six applicants for the deputy director role (five with master's degrees and one working on a master's). He said vendor demos for self-check stations are set for early December and emphasized the library needs a straightforward self-check solution rather than feature-heavy systems. "We just need a standard self check," the Library Director said.

On facilities, the director said most flooring work is complete (except a recreation department'managed dance floor), new blinds will be installed (project to be paid from outlay/savings), and several maintenance items remain (molding, electrical plates, bathroom trim in staff break room). He has submitted a second shelving quote and is awaiting insurance approval; if approved, mobile shelving would be added for the youth department and a phased move of youth services upstairs would follow.

The director also discussed creating three-to-four cubicle-style study spaces downstairs to meet growing demand for study rooms, and said he will seek second quotes for partitions. He reported a $10,000 donation designated for digital resources; staff member Darcy is purchasing digital materials to expand the lending pool for patrons.

Director said he will circulate the natural disaster and emergency closing policy by email for board review before the next meeting.