Public Library Board August 21

There were several attendees from the general public who used the 15-minute comment period (probably a half hour altogether) on various issues. One was the decrease in programs in August, which the director indicated is normal for August. The staff breaks to plan for the next year. In addition, there were complaints regarding some restrictions for the mah-jongg group at the Scheben branch because it’s now more difficult to reserve the room. Also, a complaint about the staffing change with regard to the book club.  This is a repeat complaint. The individual leading did not have the proper classification to lead the Book Club so they’ve had to make the change. The new leader is starting now. 

Also there was a complaint about the Petersburg library closure, as the part of Petersburg at the bottom of KY-20 is at the poverty level. Many families have no phones let alone internet connections. The director indicated that in approximately two months the public can get into the library and use computers and have internet access in the library itself. This did not satisfy. With regard to the complainant’s continued concerns that the children in that area are not being served, the director indicated they were bound by statute and could do nothing further; the complainant would need to pursue through her legislative representative. The complainant also requested an audit of the Chapin Trust.  However, the director indicated that the Library Board has sent no invoices to this trust in the last 15 years. The director doesn’t know who heads the trust, and consequently the individual would have to research and contact the trust directly requesting an audit. 

There was a presentation given by the local history associates. They received a mini-grant and are now conducting a podcast on local Boone County history.

With regard to the Walton library, the steel roof is up and they are progressing.

An engagement letter was received from the auditor.  The Board approved the audit, the engagement letter was signed and the audit will be conducted on November 6.

The RFP for the café at the main library (due to the departure of the previous vendor) received zero bids. There was discussion regarding just installing vending machines, but the Board decided to have the director go out to specific local vendors like Biggby’s Coffee and see if they will man the café. 

The Kentucky Department of Library Archives (KDLA) requires an annual report. Once the Board approves the annual report, the report will be submitted to KDLA and then be posted to the library’s website for public perusal. The Board accepted the annual report submitted by the director; it is due to be submitted to the KDLA by the end of August.

The Board approved the compensating tax rate of 4.4% for both real and personal property recommended by the accountant. The accountant projected $8.8 million in revenue if 4.4% is adopted. Any higher rate would need to be presented for approval to the Boone County Fiscal Court.

Per the library’s attorney, the sale of the three acres of land in Hebron is progressing. The survey was performed on the land and the attorney expects closure by the end of October.

As part of the director’s Foundation report, she reported that the Northern Kentucky libraries (Kenton, Boone and Campbell) have worked with the airport (CVG) to install a small library for airport passengers to use.

The Boone County library broadband project has three phases to complete.  Phase one was to provide one gigabyte of fiber to all single-family homes in Boone County. This phase has been completed. The second phase is providing one gigabyte to multi-family units; this phase will be completed in about another year. The third phase will provide free wi-fi to Boone County parks.  Boone County is the first county in the US to provide this to single-family residences. 

There has been a request to remove two books from the library ‘s collection: the graphic novel Meg, Beth, Jo and Amy: a Modern Retelling of Little Women; and a nursery rhyme book. The library works on these issues consecutively, not concurrently, and are working through the process.

Lastly the library provided African American panels to the Dinsmore Homestead Foundation recording the history of slavery in Boone County. Library staff designed the panels.