Friends report $1,500 from LibraryCon; staff discuss mascot, outreach and a patron complaint

Kim Reesch, treasurer of the Friends of the Library, told the board the organization raised roughly $1,500 at LibraryCon, including a single signed collectible that sold for about $400. She said the Friends are continuing a naming effort for the library's original wing and will use proceeds to fulfill some staff funding requests before year end.

"We made about $1,500 a little over total in sales," Reesch said, and noted the group will host its final book sale of the year on Nov. 6.

Tiara, a library staff member who manages outreach and marketing, reviewed invitations to schools and presented mascot mockups. She told the board the library's marketing budget was cut by about $6,000 this year and recommended postponing a custom mascot purchase until the next fiscal year, proposing the image roll-out occur first.

"Our marketing budget got cut by about $6,000 this year," Tiara said. "We would probably wanna roll out the image first, and then in fiscal year 2027 look into getting something custom made." She and board members discussed premade vs. custom costume costs and whether local makers or cosplayers could provide a local option.

Daniel, the library director, told the board staff had received a complaint about the library's family pride-themed event and some collection titles; he said Youth Services head Melissa responded in detail and the complainant had not followed up. Daniel also summarized annual statistics: physical circulation was slightly up, electronic-resource use was down in part because the library capped Hoopla and Kanopy spending, and outreach and new cardholders were up.

The board discussed next steps for volunteer recruitment, the Friends' naming effort, and upcoming events including a Renaissance-themed day in November. No formal board action was taken on the mascot or the complaint during the meeting.