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Library board approves MOU with McFarland, keeps popular Zoombini program
Summary
The Cottage Grove Library Board approved an MOU with McFarland to continue spring 2026 programming, citing high attendance for the Zoombini sessions and plans to mail a spring program guide around Jan. 15. One board member recorded a dissenting vote; the motion nevertheless carried.
The Cottage Grove Library Board voted Dec. 17 to approve a memorandum of understanding with McFarland to continue spring 2026 programming, after staff described participation trends and community demand for specific offerings.
Board review and vote: Speaker 2 moved to approve the MOU and Speaker 4 seconded. During discussion, Speaker 3 (Monica) said McFarland’s Zoombini sessions draw substantially larger audiences than the library’s story times — “we're talking, like, 40 to 50 people easily” — and that the visiting librarians facilitate checkouts and personalize programming in ways staff cannot currently duplicate. At roll call, one member (Speaker 2) said “Nay,” but Speaker 1 declared the motion carried.
Why it matters: Library staff told the board that continuing the McFarland partnership preserves a high-demand program (Zoombini) while allowing the library to schedule its own story time and other activities. Monica said the two organizations’ complementary offerings help reach families unable to travel to McFarland for programs.
Votes at a glance: - Approve minutes from Nov. 19 — Motion recorded as by Cindy, seconded by Megan; outcome: approved (no oppositions or abstentions announced). - Approve MOU with McFarland for spring programming — Motion moved; seconded; one recorded ‘Nay’ during voting; outcome: approved. - Approve vouchers (see separate motion) — outcome: approved.
What comes next: Staff will proceed with contractual steps with McFarland and finalize program listings for the spring mailer targeted for mid-January, pending coordination with Village staff to avoid conflicting mailings.
