Library report: Documenters program, summer reading and staffing shifts in National City

Library staff presented a broad report on programs, staffing and facilities at the National City Library.

Staff described the new Documenters program in partnership with iNewSource to train community members to take unbiased notes at public meetings; the launch party on June 1 drew about 30 people and the first paid training had roughly 20 attendees. The librarian said documenters are paid on a scale of about $18 to $25 depending on assignment quality and whether work is in person or virtual.

Summer reading activities were announced: a kickoff "Slime‑a‑palooza" on the 8th at 1 p.m., weekly programming including gaming sessions, crafts, and special performers, and free lunches for children ages 0–18 on Tuesdays and Thursdays through mid‑August. Staff said the finale will be in early August (Aug. 3 or Aug. 10 — the date was not finalized in the meeting).

The librarian outlined recent staffing changes and recruitments. The FY25 budget was approved to add positions including a full‑time city librarian and an additional children's librarian. Nikki Adamo was promoted to Management Analyst II with a focus on literacy and grant writing; Sarah will transfer to the city's public information officer position at city hall and will remain with the library through the end of June; Tiffany (technical services) is relocating and will depart at the end of June. Staff said recruitment for three positions is open and interview processes will follow.

Facilities updates included plans to replace a sliding door with a more functional model and approval to hire a dedicated janitor for the library; onboarding is required before the janitor begins. Staff said shelving and storage arrangements are in progress for larger tools and displays, including lowrider art exhibits running through the middle of the month.

Board members asked for a written library report at the next meeting and for photo‑backed lists of purchased tools; staff agreed to provide updated lists and images when available. The board also discussed public art selection procedures and agreed to follow up with the city manager before forwarding recommendations to the city council.