Library director presents five-year plan and staff, Friends report highlights strong book-sale gains

The Library Board met and heard a series of operational updates, including a completed five-year plan, staffing changes, and strong fundraising news from the Friends of the Library.

Library Director said the five-year plan "is all done. It's formatted. We make corrections, have Daniel proofread it. It's ready to go," and said the board will consider the final plan at the October meeting; she added she will be absent in October and that Daniel will run that session. The director reported that some usage measures are down—especially program attendance—largely because the library had been short a youth librarian. She announced a new hire, Hannah Durham, and said new and renewed library cards are up, and outreach is increasing.

Asked about the city budget, the director told the board that the City Council had adopted the city budget the previous night with "no changes to the Library Budget." She described the library allocation as "very lean," saying the materials budget was "pretty much cut in half" for the coming year but that staff intend to maintain program levels. She characterized the reduction as a one-year change with hopes of returning to normal in 2027.

Aaron Millis, president of the Friends of the Library, reported financial and volunteer gains: "2 book sales ago, we had our record in income," he said, and noted the most recent August sale brought 45 new members. Millis described increased volunteer participation and said the Friends are preparing for a special LibraryCon table on Sept. 27 selling manga and graphic novels and that their next full book sale is scheduled for Nov. 6. He also said the naming process for the library's original wing—intended to honor Audrey T. Deering—is in the manufacturing stage for lettering and a plaque, with a fall installation planned.

Board members and staff discussed outreach opportunities tied to the city's new city-hall/community-center project. One member asked whether a book kiosk or vending-style locker could be included at the new facility; the director said she provided vendor contacts and that the library's integrated system can treat such kiosks as branches and will report back with details.

Other programming items included a return to regular programming in September, a holiday slate of activities in October, and a new Ren Faire planned for November. Marketing work for LibraryCon—sponsorships, a cosplay contest and outreach to daycares and assisted-living centers—was also highlighted.

Procedurally, a board member moved to approve last month's minutes and a second was recorded; the minutes were approved (voice vote; tally not specified). A motion to adjourn was moved and seconded and the meeting was adjourned.

The Library Board will next consider the finalized five‑year plan at its October meeting, and the Friends will hold their next meeting Sept. 16 to name a nominating committee ahead of November officer elections.