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Mitchell Public Library meeting: new librarian introduced, finances, program funding and strategic‑plan priorities
Summary
At its meeting the Mitchell Public Library Board introduced new adult/young‑adult librarian Max Velasquez, approved the financial report and two program funding requests totaling $900, and reviewed strategic‑planning goals including a digital sign, drive‑up book return and hiring an additional librarian.
The Mitchell Public Library Board heard staff reports, approved routine business, and discussed strategic priorities at its meeting.
Kevin, the library director, introduced new adult and young‑adult services librarian Max Velasquez, who said he comes from El Cerrito and previously worked in Honolulu and has already begun reorganizing collections to expand space for children and intermediate readers. "I'm from... El Cerrito a little ways north of Berkeley," Max said, describing his work to compress some nonfiction shelving to create room for growing youth sections.
On operations and staffing, Kevin announced that longtime building maintenance custodian Denny Bridal will retire on December 20 and that the city hiring process has been initiated. Kevin reported that annual in‑door visits were about 52,000 last year and that the library is approaching 49,000 so far this season; he also said circulation—especially digital checkouts—has increased compared with last year.
On finance, Kevin reported trustee account balances and said the end‑of‑October bank balance was roughly $103,800; the board approved the financial report and bills by voice vote. Kevin noted book‑sale revenue more than doubled versus last year and that the board had purchased four computers, which affected year‑to‑date expenses.
The board approved two program funding requests totaling $900: a November presentation on Native American art by Lyle Miller and a December family ornament makerspace involving Marsha Shannon from the high school art department. Kevin said he had used delegated authority for items up to $500 but brought the combined request to the board for formal approval.
Committee work: Kevin updated the board on strategic‑planning committee goals—improving marketing and advocacy, maximizing library space, expanding programming for all ages and increasing outreach—and listed proposed strategies including a digital sign, expanded social media, a space analysis, a drive‑up book return (with concrete‑pad and safety considerations), better interior lighting and hiring an additional librarian to split adult and young‑adult duties. Kevin said some projects are budgeted in 2025 and the committee will continue coordinating with State Librarian George Seaman on next steps.
The board set its next meeting for January 28, 2025 at Council Chambers and adjourned; no citizens signed up to speak.
