On Dec. 18, 2025, the Library Board of Trustees held its last meeting of the year. They discussed a trustee training program, finances and grants, holiday closures, and staff reports.
Former State Librarian and Deputy State Librarian Tammy Westergaard provided an overview of the statutorily required trustee training program. She explained the board’s legal responsibilities, including holding library property, evaluating the library director, and maintaining eligibility for state and federal funding. The training comprises eleven online modules covering governance, advocacy, ethics, finance, and policy, with certificates issued upon completion. She recommended completing one module per month and setting aside agenda time to discuss each module. She also suggested providing printed binders for trustees who need them.
Library Director John Hung provided updates in the Library Director’s Report. He noted that technical services librarian interviews were complete, and that they have identified and offered the job to a candidate. He also provided financial updates, including that the library received $4,457 in 2026 state collection development funding, which was approved for Hoopla. Hoopla provides E-books, audiobooks, movies, and other digital media.
The library also received a grant to fund fourteen new “Staying Sharp” kits for seniors and STEAM-to-go kits for preschoolers. These “Staying Sharp” kits help strengthen memory and stimulate brain activity through challenges. The STEAM-to-go kits help kids develop fine motor skills.
Hung also mentioned a competitive grant that the library is pursuing. This grant would be used for library revitalization and programming support, including mobile book carts, picture book shelving, mobile whiteboards, art display fixtures, and makerspace items.
The Library Director reported that twenty-nine attendees attended crafting for grown-ups, a record high. For the holiday STEAM event, forty-eight people participated. He noted that the library participated in the city's tree-lighting event, collaborated with City of Fallon leadership, and launched focus groups to inform programming, training, and outreach.
The Board discussed the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). John Hung provided an update and noted that their current grant no longer requires CIPA compliance. He emphasized the need for additional research before proceeding with compliance and expressed concern about rushing decisions that could affect censorship. It was also noted that the library already has safety policies in place. No action was taken regarding CIPA.
The board approved closure on Dec. 24, 2025, due to low usage and staff workload. Because Christmas Eve is not recognized as a county holiday, staff will use vacation or floating holiday time. The board also decided to approve the full 2026 calendar at a future meeting. For now, the next meeting will be held on Jan. 22, 2026, at 3 p.m.
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