The Library Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting on Aug. 27, reviewing board training, library programs and operations, community outreach, budget, and gift fund reports.
Board members reviewed training modules 8 and 9, covering board responsibilities and decision-making. Responsibilities included attending and preparing for meetings, participating in discussions, cooperating, listening, and compromising to work toward consensus; focusing decisions on the interests of library users; and publicly supporting board decisions.
Library Director John Hong also encouraged board members to advocate for the library and share its successes with the community and county commissioners.
Module 9 outlined a six-step decision-making process for board members to follow. The first step is clearly defining the issue, followed by reviewing available information, considering alternatives, seeking assistance, projecting consequences, and finally voting. Hong emphasized clearly defining issues so that discussions stay focused. He also noted the importance of seeking expert advice and considering staff perspectives when making decisions.
Trustees raised concerns that receiving agendas five days to a week before meetings may not allow enough time to consider complicated matters, and the board discussed delaying action when needed. Ryan Swirzcek noted that Hong generally contacts members in advance about complex items, and Hong agreed to provide additional information when possible.
During the Library Director’s Report, Hong announced that Cassidy Simpson was hired as the new adult services librarian. He explained the library’s new suggestion box, where the public can submit questions, needs, and concerns. So far, suggestions received included more children’s movies, an idea for a library lock-in/sleepover fundraiser, and positive comments about the library being a quiet place to study. Hong also noted that after new picture-book shelves were installed, picture-book checkouts increased 40%.
Hong highlighted success with the chess club, crafting-for-grown-ups program, and the Books, Bites, and Beverages event. He also provided updates on after-school operations, community feedback, and library displays. Additionally, two librarians received grant funding to attend the 2026 Association for Rural and Small Libraries Conference, which will provide four days of training.
They also highlighted successful library programs, fundraising, outreach, and positive community feedback. Books, Bites, and Beverages raised nearly enough donations to fund a summer reading program, while members also praised the seed library, children’s programming, staff responsiveness to suggestions, and the library’s growing community presence.
The board reviewed and approved the July budget report. A question was raised about utility expenses not appearing in the report, and Hong agreed to determine why the monthly expense had not yet been reflected.
Trustees approved the July Library Gift Fund report after discussing the fund’s history, revenue sources, and intended use. Trustees raised questions about whether money from the county general fund is regularly transferred into the gift fund. Hong agreed to investigate whether general fund money had been contributed and said the fund has historically supported collection development.
The next library board meeting will be held on Sept. 24.
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