Library staff engagement committee details programs, $4,000 annual budget

Deputy Library Director Sheila Crosby and circulation supervisor Nancy Ludwig presented the Staff Engagement & Appreciation (SEA) committee report on June 26, outlining the committee’s mission, membership, activities and budget.

Nancy Ludwig, co‑chair of the committee, described the group’s purpose as to "honor people, value experiences, and foster connectedness by creating an environment that recognizes and appreciates accomplishments and contributions through staff engagement and appreciation." Ludwig said the committee includes staff from all three library locations and rotates co‑chairs annually.

Sheila Crosby described the committee’s recent reorganization and staff survey: "We first did this with the survey of the staff in librarian, cultural, and arts... to gather insight and data on staff preferences." Crosby said the committee is funded by the city general fund and reported a $4,000 budget for the year; she described allocations including $1,500 for the employee recognition program and $740 for (other event costs), with a small miscellaneous line item noted.

Ludwig highlighted the SWAG ("Stuff We All Get") employee recognition program launched on March 25, 2024, which uses peer nominations and a certificate‑redemption system. She described monthly birthday acknowledgments, themed celebrations, an experience raffle and events such as the hourly staff appreciation celebration. Crosby and Ludwig said feedback showed the initiatives were well received and supported staff connectedness, and the committee plans to recruit additional part‑time and cultural arts staff members.

Board members praised the initiatives as fostering a "family atmosphere" for staff. The presentation was informational; no formal action or policy change was recorded.