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Lodi Public Library board cites staffing gaps and construction impacts, posts director search timeline
Summary
At its Feb. 16 meeting, the Lodi Public Library Board approved minutes and reviewed reports as the director warned that recent staff departures and planned summer roadwork threaten regular hours and children's programs; the board also set a timeline to hire a new director.
Lodi Public Library Board President Kutz called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. and members approved the minutes as presented.
The board spent much of its regular session on operational updates. The director reported that staffing is currently the library's biggest issue after two departures left gaps in the schedule; some existing employees have increased hours and the director asked the board to approve hiring a limited-term employee (LTE). The director said volunteers are helping but more are needed and that volunteer opportunities have been posted on the library website. The minutes record several routine operational changes: the library is switching Amazon purchases to invoicing, moving certain accounts from "Alex" to "Andrea," obtaining a new credit card, and preparing for an integrated library system (ILS) migration. The director also said patrons will receive PR packages including PIN reset information and notices about suspended holds, and that staff training sessions are scheduled for the following week.
Board members discussed facility work that may affect access and programs this summer. The director reported that Highway 60 construction will block library parking and street parking on an unspecified date and that Fair Street construction will begin after the agricultural fair; the minutes note intermittent closures and that programs potentially affected include Story Time; a reptile presentation; Prehistoric Pets; Dinosaur Dimensions; and the Summer Finale. The board discussed alternate locations in the Lodi area should closures disrupt scheduled events.
On governance, the director confirmed that the library's annual report has been submitted. The board's director search committee reported that the director position has been posted; the committee aims for first interviews in March, second interviews in April, and installation of a new director by May. President Kutz moved to create a nominating committee; Klahn seconded and the board appointed Herman and Walsh to that committee.
During routine business the Treasurer's Report, library bills and monthly statistics were reviewed; the minutes do not record specific figures. Herman moved to accept the minutes as presented and Zarnikow seconded; the motion passed. President Kutz moved to adjourn at 6:33 p.m.; Klahn seconded.
The board did not record vote tallies or dollar figures in the minutes. The meeting record lists attendance and one absence (Potter). The minutes were signed "Respectfully submitted, Katelyn Van Lankvelt."
