Public Library Board December 18
There was continued representation regarding the Chapin Memorial Library (CML) where approximately 12 residents in Petersburg and Bellevue attended the meeting and utilized the entire public comment section regarding continuing problems with the CML. In response to the director’s presentation at the last meeting they claim there are still issues with instructions on how to get into the library and in using the computer. Many entrance cards are not working. During a recent event at the CML, multiple residents entered the CML under one card because no one else’s worked. In addition, the residents are experiencing continued visits by law enforcement at the CML while they are in the building, confirmed by both a 13- and a 16-year old attending the meeting. Also, the magazines are still two years old and the CML has been open for seven weeks. Another concern is the supply of R-rated movies available to teens, as they are not monitored by any staff. Also there is still no printer in the CML.
The director then provided an update on some of these CML issues, indicating they are waiting on their magazine vendor to provide updated copies. They are still trying to determine how to supply a printer securely so it doesn’t disappear. Also, they are researching how to extend the allotted time on the computer before it times out, as the residents complained it times out too quickly. The director also claims that access to R-rated movies for teens is the parents’ responsibility even at fully staffed libraries. A child can use an older sibling’s card to access an R-rated movie and no one would know. The director is looking to add more collections to the CML, and research has revealed there is an overly sensitive sensor in the lobby that triggers these police visits, so the sensor is being turned down, which should resolve that issue.
There was a staff presentation by the library’s Early Literacy Specialist regarding their re-launched program “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten,” targeted for children 0 to 5 years. When 100-book milestones are met prizes will be awarded.
Per the Treasurer’s report, the library system receives its tax revenues in October; the library received $3.8 million in October in tax revenues.
The Walton library construction is continuing apace; unfortunately, the current library needs a new roof because of storm damage, so funds will have to be allocated for that once an estimate is obtained.
The policy review on the unattended child policy continued. The new proposed is that children under age 12 must be attended by at least a 13-year-old or older caregiver. There was still dissension but ultimately this policy was passed 4 to 1, Dr. Jackson holding out for age 13.
Discussion also continued regarding tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness for library staff. Again, the loan forgiveness program applies only for staff paying on loans between March 27, 2020, and December 31, 2025, and will operate in accordance with IRS guidelines. There are still contentions regarding this policy, which will be picked up again in the January 2024 meeting.
Two trustee terms expire in June 2024: chairwoman Barbara Hill and Chris Lange. The recruitment timeline provided for the release of an application on the library’s website, which was posted December 20. An additional question was added to the applications supplied by the state library association, which wasn’t specified but may be #10:”How would you define intellectual freedom? How would you respond to a community member that had questions about materials they find inappropriate in the collection? Starting February 5, 2024, four information sessions will be provided. The deadline to return applications is February 8. The Board will complete its review of applications by February 19 and, per Senate bill 167, two names for each open position will be provided by the Board to the state library association to ensure there are no conflicts of interest. Then the finalists will be provided to Judge Executive Gary Moore for final approval. Per the Senate bill, Moore can disapprove and request more applicants or appoint his own candidates. The Board’s review of these applications will not be conducted in a closed session; however, the applications will be assigned numbers to preserve anonymity.
The meeting ended in a closed session for the director’s annual performance evaluation. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, January 16, as Monday, January 15, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.