Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes – Sep. 2023

(Proposed Minutes from September 20, 2023)

  • ALL THOSE PRESENT: President Jeanice Geis, Vice President Mike Bode, Treasurer Rebecca Nedderman, Kathy Gorski, Jared Grafman, Amy Goslik, Rucker Toalson, Aaron Bean. As always the Wonderful and Talented Library Director Bobbie Jo Parker graced us with her presence.
  • Tax Rate Meeting: Board and Director elected for the maximum authorized tax levy.     All voted in favor, no objections.
  • President Jeanine Geis called the meeting to order at 5:52 P.M.
    • A vote was called to approve the proposed minutes from June 21, 2023.Vice President Mike Bode made a motion to accept the minutes. Amy Goslik second.All voted in favor, no objections.
  • Treasurer’s Report: A report was given by Treasurer Rebecca Nedderman. Review of Montgomery Bank Statement ending 8/31/2023. Book expenditures and Programming expenditures were discussed for the past three months totaling $1,400. Additional Adult programming, “Crosstich Club,” was discussed.
    • A vote was called to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Amy Goslik made a motion to accept the report. Vice President Mike Bode second.All voted in favor, no objections.
  • Technology and Marketing Report: Jared Grafman reported on websiteupdates (valleyparklibrary.org). Bobbie Jo reported on marketing taking place online.  Board members discussed photographs of children being shared online.  Director obtains consent for images posted to FaceBook. Jared Grafman proposed marketing with QR codes yard signs or bumper stickers/window decals. Bobbie Jo proposed marketing with light pole flags. Awesome ideas.
  • Librarians Report: A report was given by Bobbie Jo. Monitoring hold reports triggers book purchases for the most requested items. Jr fiction book purchases are a great way to market the library. Circulation has increased.  The library has seen a year over year increase.  The library has surpassed pre-pandemic circulation.  The library is the first in the MLC to get back to pre-pandemic circulation levels. Our courier is sending more books out.  Library participation at Remembering Casey Safety Fair has increased patron use of the library. Monitoring patron break down by months helps identify patterns.  Almost 500 patrons in the summer reading program.  Almost 500 program participants.  Adult programming “Book Bingo” is a new program that is helping drive adult patron library usage.  Director submitted all required documentation to the Security of State and we have all documentation to show compliance.
    • New Business: Bobbie Jo reviewed a document called, “Big News!”  The librarians skipped their August paycheck so as to receive pay in arrears. All bills are payed electronically using auto pay.  The library will be writing fewer checks going forward. Bobbie Jo still checks Pam’s e-mail. Spectrum started providing phone service.  Will review a new coppier contract next year. Library applied for a grant for Launch Pads. Tech mini grant document reviewed. 10/1/2023 deadline. The library is down several computers. The librarians are sharing their computers with patrons. Loitering was discussed and a sign was posted. A meaningful memorial of Pam was discussed, “Pam’s Bench.”  MLC voted to join Missouri Evergreen.  Other MLC library’s offed a subsidy for Valley Park Community library dues. St Charles and St Louis County were also discussed as joining in the next twelve months.  New hire starts training 9/25/2023.
    • A motion to adjourn was made by Jared Grafman. Amy Goslik second.All voted in favor, no objections.