Coralville Public Library Board approves FY27 budget, elects 2026 officers; director reports higher checkout and new funding

The Coralville Public Library Board of Trustees on Jan. 7 approved the library’s FY27 proposed budget, elected officers for 2026 and heard a director’s report showing increased use and new funding.

Library Director Alison Ames Galstad told the board the FY27 proposal includes a 5% increase to the materials budget and a larger allocation for building maintenance. "Statistics were mostly up from last year, including 284 new cards made," Galstad said, noting more than 26,000 total checkouts and 16,015 physical items circulated.

The board voted unanimously to approve the budget after questions from members about specific line items. Board member Lisa Mellecker asked about line 630.07, Maintenance/Repairs Infrastructure, and Galstad explained the increase reflects elevated maintenance needs and that some minor infrastructure repairs are coordinated with the city Maintenance department. Galstad also said lines 770.03 and 770.04 cover routine replacement of furniture and staff computers, while line 779.10 will draw from reserve funds (reflected in 597.03) to replace the public computer system.

Several routine business items passed on unanimous votes. Pat Kenner moved to approve the meeting agenda; Molly Logan seconded. X. Cretzmeyer moved to delete two paragraphs from the December 2025 draft minutes (those paragraphs were identified as not belonging to that meeting) and then approve the remainder; Kenner seconded. The board also approved two sets of December bills, noting that one set had already been approved by email and sent to City Hall for payment.

Galstad told the board the library received $32,916.53 from the State Library as reimbursement for Open Access and interlibrary loan transactions and reported a $3,000 donation from Scheels that was deposited to the Foundation account. "Scheels also supports teen reading programs with prizes," she said. X. Cretzmeyer reported the Friends of the Library’s recent book sale raised nearly $6,000 and said the Friends want to improve communication with the board and the Foundation.

The board elected the following officers for 2026: Bob Turnquist, president; Lisa Mellecker, vice president; and Molly Logan, secretary. The slate was moved by Pat Kenner and seconded by Amanda Elkins; the motion passed unanimously.

Galstad reported that boiler-related heating problems have mostly been resolved but that roof issues require a temporary repair now and a more complete estimate for next fiscal year. She outlined upcoming library events and schedules: a Volunteer Fair and community reading of the "I Have a Dream" speech on Jan. 19 (Volunteer Fair 4:30–6:30 p.m.; reading at 5:30 p.m.), the WARM program kickoff Jan. 29, and Iowa Library Association Legislative Day at the State Capitol on Feb. 3. Galstad said she will meet with department heads and city leadership on Jan. 20 ahead of the City Council discussions.

The board noted that in other business they would consider participating in a "Blind Date with a Cookbook" contest. The minutes were signed "Respectfully submitted, Ellen Alexander, Assistant Library Director," and are subject to approval at the board’s Feb. 4 meeting.