Los Alamos library board approves minutes, elects Jason Chapelle as vice chair; manager reports circulation and staffing updates

The Los Alamos County Library Board approved the minutes from its September meeting and elected Jason Chapelle as vice chair during its October meeting.

Jason Chapelle self-nominated for vice chair and Michelle seconded the nomination; the chair called a voice vote and the motion passed. The chair said the vice chair role is intended to move into the chair position at the end of the current chair’s term in September 2026.

On operations, Gwen reported September print circulation of 25,122 and digital circulation of 9,613 for a total of 34,733 checkouts. The library hosted 68 programs in September with 1,277 attendees. Gwen said both branches will be closed for staff development on Friday, Nov. 7.

Gwen said the library is reviewing bids to replace its integrated library system after more than 15 years with the current vendor. She told the board vendors were encouraged to bid and that the selection process will include demonstrations; a key requirement the committee identified is the ability to accept credit-card payments directly from patrons.

Staffing updates included two hires: Rochelle McGeldry will start Oct. 13 as senior librarian in charge of digital services, and Kate Cardenio King will start Nov. 24 as operations librarian; the library will also recruit for two three-quarter-time library associate positions.

Gwen also described the Friends of the Los Alamos County Library contract to handle and sell surplus materials; proceeds donated back to the library amount to about $45,000 per year, and the Friends recently added ThriftBooks as a sales channel. The chair and staff said a county attorney presentation on the Open Meetings Act will be scheduled for a future meeting following a boards-and-commissions luncheon update.

The board’s next meeting was set for Nov. 3; the chair adjourned the meeting at 6:08 p.m.