Library Board Welcomes New Director, Reviews Budget and Internet Safety Policy

The Churchill County Library Board of Trustees met October 23 in regular session, welcoming new Library Director John Hong and recognizing Penny Esposito for her service as interim director.

Board Chair Jessica Rowe opened the meeting with expressions of gratitude to staff and volunteers who kept library operations running smoothly during the leadership transition. Trustees also thanked Esposito for “taking the bull by the horns” in her interim role and welcomed Hong to Fallon.

Hong, attending his first board meeting since beginning work October 20, thanked the board and staff for their support. “The library has great potential for building strong organizational staff and community partnerships,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with the schools, the college, and other local organizations to strengthen community relations.”

In her final director’s report, Esposito shared that the library received a $3,000 Library Services and Technology Act grant to support Hoopla digital services. She noted that staff successfully transitioned to a new book vendor, Ingram Library Source, after the sudden closure of Baker & Taylor, and that more than 100 new books were added to circulation.

She also outlined safety and facility updates, including a request to the county’s facilities department for door-lock modifications to improve security, and plans to reconfigure shelving to create a makerspace and quieter reading area. The library’s first aid and emergency kits have been updated, and staff recently completed fire extinguisher and evacuation training.

Upcoming programs include the “Build a Frankentoy” family craft event, a horror author talk with Zachary O’Shea, and new drone racing and 3D printing workshops in November.

The board approved the September 2025 budget and gift fund reports, which showed expenses and revenues within budget limits.

Digital Services Librarian Thomas Patterson presented an overview of the E-Rate program, a federal initiative that provides internet access discounts for schools and libraries. Patterson explained that Churchill County may qualify for a 90 percent reimbursement rate but would need to meet compliance standards under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which requires an internet safety policy and filtering measures.

Board members agreed to begin researching CIPA requirements before deciding whether to pursue the program.

During closing comments, trustees discussed upcoming state-mandated training for library boards, which will be facilitated by former Deputy State Librarian Tammy Westergaard beginning in December.

The next Library Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the Churchill County Commission Chambers.