Public Library Board July 15
July 1, 2024, is the beginning of the Boone County Public Library’s (BCPL’s) 2025 fiscal year. Consequently, two of the trustees’ terms of service expired, the president of the board and the treasurer; terms are for four years and begin and end in even years. Judge Executive Gary Moore appointed two new trustees to the board, Patty Reisz and Deborah Dutton-Lambert. Introduction of the new trustees reveals that Ms. Reisz heads a division within Fifth Third Bank and Deborah Dutton-Lambert is a forensic accountant contracted with the Social Security Administration to detect fraud. Both new trustees were issued the oath of office. Dr. Eric Jackson is now serving as the president of the board and Dr. Emily Meyers as vice-president. Donald Trame is now the treasurer and Deborah Dutton-Lambert was nominated as secretary.
Both new trustees requested more detail from the treasurer’s report, including better annotations of checks issued by the board to contractors and various individuals.
Because the July board meeting is at the beginning of the fiscal year, there were many housekeeping items to be covered. The Conflict of Interest Policy and the Trustee Ethics Policy were distributed to the board members. In addition, an updated Conflict of Interest Disclosure statement was provided to the trustees for an annual update. Also, the Open Records & Management of Records policy was given to the trustees, who were required to sign a proof of receipt.
The accountant’s and attorney’s engagement letters were received, and the same firms were retained for the next fiscal year.
Director Herrmann went over again the history of the Chapin Memorial Library (CML). Apparently, it will now be staffed and will open as a hybrid library (staff and locker system) on August 13. It will be open 11am to 7pm Monday through Thursday, 10am to 6pm on Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday. Director Herrmann addressed the latest complaints from the residents. All of the updated periodicals should be received by the CML. There were only 5 periodicals she viewed at the CML so she believes someone is taking them home. Signage will be put up that periodicals must remain in the library. However, the BCPL will be phasing out periodicals and newspapers in print form at all locations and pushing everything to the website, where this information will be digitally available. One complaint involved the lack of traveling exhibits. Director Herrmann indicated that as the BCPL doesn’t own the building, BCPL can’t get the appropriate insurance certificate for any traveling exhibits. The residents would have to work with the county.
With regard to children’s story time, Director Herrmann reiterated that there are specific goals set for kindergarten readiness and therefore story hour must be presented by someone specifically trained for this. Trustee Dutton-Lambert requested a procedure change on this issue, but due to kindergarten readiness scores dropping, Director Herrmann was not willing to change procedures. Director Herrmann also confirmed the BCPL plans to eliminate the bookmobile. Once the CML is fully staffed as a hybrid library, the CML would no longer be eligible for bookmobile visits. She also confirmed the restrooms will now be open to the public. However, any lobby design changes to the CML would again have to be addressed with the county as it’s a county building.
Trustee Dutton-Lambert felt there should be more exploration into the issue to have the lockers separate from the staffed section of the CML, which would solve a lot of problems. She suggested a subcommittee be formed to work with the county on design as Judge Moore expressed his willingness to work with the CML. President Jackson suggested moving forward with the hybrid model and create an ad hoc committee to go over design with the county to keep things moving with the CML opening. The Board will have to determine the criteria used to evaluate design suggestions.
Director Herrmann provided an update on the new Walton library building. Flooring and carpeting have been installed and she expects shelving to be installed by July 25, which means BCPL staff can begin to move in all library materials and supplies. The grand opening is scheduled for September 29 at 1pm.
Director Herrmann’s policy change suggestion regarding limiting virtual attendance by board members was discussed, but the board decided not to take any action to make this policy change.
The accountant’s report revealed that current assets in the BCPL are $16,068,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Fixed assets are $57+ million for total assets of $73,365,000.
The summer reading program is at mid-point and participation is higher than the entire program duration from last year.
The Kentucky State Library Association added staff and boosted the library system to five regions from four, so each system will handle 24 counties vs. 30. Public comment was again scheduled at the end of the board’s agenda. Residents are concerned about back-up staff if current staff are on vacation or out sick. One of the residents claims Director Herrmann was not truthful about when the CML positions were posted, according to open records requests she made. Another resident still is asking for reconsideration regarding a fully staffed library, claiming again that $150,000 in taxes was paid to the library from zip code 41080 in 2023 and these funds should be used for the needs of the CML patrons. The resident also demanded a 3′ x 8′ grand opening banner to be provided by the board.