Library board approves standardized checkout policy, director seeks extra part‑time hours as budget looks stable

At its December 2025 meeting the North Liberty Library Board of Trustees approved an update to the library’s service policy that standardizes checkout periods at three weeks and approved the November minutes. The board voted on the motion and recorded no nays.

The library director told trustees the system’s finances are “sitting really pretty well” after a recent budget meeting with the city administrator and assistant city administrator that she said looks promising for approval as submitted. As part of the budget request, the director said she asked for funding for about 20 extra part‑time hours to address recurring daytime staffing gaps; the options discussed included bumping up hours for current staff or adding another part‑time hire, and exploring shared part‑time staffing with the recreation center.

The director also said new financial and human‑resources software being adopted by the city includes scheduling and timekeeping tools that will let the library reclassify positions and more easily move staff and costs among budget lines. She said she had not yet completed discussions with HR on the details.

Trustees heard that a proposed storywalk installation at Centennial Park — a public programming and outreach effort — was included in the director’s requests and that city staff indicated the cost could be covered by hotel/motel tax funds. The director reported a vendor quote of about $14,000 for the set of panels requested and said the panels are a new, easier‑to‑use design.

The director highlighted the community impact packet included in the board materials and said the library added 1,665 new patrons over the last year and that program and teen participation have increased. The board approved the revised service policy by voice vote and moved on to other items; the meeting was later adjourned.