This meeting will be held in person in the Ruth Sandvik Conference Room and on Zoom.
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https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86946722757?pwd=OHteJ7tKmtKbNYaHb6L7B3PDK9zkBb.1
Meeting ID: 869 4672 2757
Passcode: 111880
Background:
The Library Director presents the proposed Honorific Recognition Policy to clarify how the library may acknowledge individuals, families, or organizations for significant service, legacy, or community impact. The policy is intended to supplement the Library’s existing Gift Acceptance Policy and Donor Recognition Policy and applies only to recognition not tied to monetary donations. The Gift Acceptance Policy and Donor Recognition Policy are included in the packet for reference.
The policy presented:
- Remains flexible, allowing case-by-case consideration without formal nominations or public expectations.
- Is offered without naming rights to avoid permanence and equity concerns.
- Honorific recognition is separate from donor recognition and not tied to fundraising.
- Approval does not obligate the Board, staff, or Friends group to host events.
- The Board retains authority to approve, modify, or discontinue recognition as needed.
Suggested Motion: I move to adopt the Honorific Recognition Policy as presented.
The proposed library budget increases from $552,738 to $592,335, an increase of $39,597, driven primarily by higher personnel and benefit costs related to internal position shifts.
Supplies decrease slightly due to a lower allocation for library materials compared to the current year, while funding for operating supplies, periodicals, and equipment remains adequate to support daily operations.
Services and charges remain largely flat, with small increases in professional services, communications, and utilities offset by reduced repair and maintenance costs.
Library is also requesting $20,000 from the Marine Passenger Fund to support cleaning services and supplies needed during the cruise ship season.
Overall, the FY27 proposal maintains consistent Library service levels while accounting for required staffing cost increases.
Suggested Motion: I move to approve the FY27 Library budget as presented.
The next step in the process is for the Library Director to present the FY27 budget proposal, including the Marine Passenger Fund request, to the Borough Manager for review and consideration as part of the overall municipal budget development.
Suggested Motion: I move to accept the 2026 Library Endowment Report as presented.
Board members have been provided with the AEE Funding Request Guidelines and a spreadsheet outlining three proposed projects totaling $5,600. $25,641 is the spendable amount currently available. Members are asked to review the requests for eligibility and consistency with the AEE guidelines.
The Board is asked to consider approving the recommended AEE funding requests as presented.
Suggested Motion: I move to approve the recommended AEE funding requests, totaling $5,600, as presented.
John J. McCabe has made donations to the Petersburg Library Art Education Endowment in the following amounts:
12/23/2025 — $12,000
1/20/2026 — $12,000
A letter acknowledging these contributions is attached. The Board is asked to review and vote on the letter, authorizing the Library Board Chair to sign on behalf of the Board.
Suggested Motion: I move to approve the acknowledgment letter for John J. McCabe’s donations to the Art Education Endowment and authorize the Library Board Chair to sign.
The Library Director has presented a proposed Library Displays & Exhibits Policy for Board review and approval. This policy establishes equitable, viewpoint-neutral guidelines for the use of library-controlled display and exhibit spaces, consistent with the Library’s mission, intellectual freedom principles, and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
The policy clarifies priorities for library-initiated displays, outlines procedures for community displays when space permits, and provides standards for enforcement, safety, and reconsideration of concerns. It also includes guidance for Library-hosted art exhibits and related sales procedures.
This policy is informed by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the Interpretation “Exhibits, Displays, and Bulletin Boards,” which recommend that libraries applying exhibit/display space policies do so in a content-neutral and equitable manner consistent with intellectual freedom principles.
The Board is asked to review and consider adoption of the Library Displays & Exhibits Policy as presented.
Suggested Motion: I move to adopt the Library Displays & Exhibits Policy as presented.
Cindy Rogers, for her dedicated work as our Wednesday volunteer.
Polly Lee, for her many years of dedicated support and deep connection to the Library.
Liz Bacom and Wendy Westre, for sharing their quilting skills and time with our community.
Brandi Heppe, for leading Baby Raven Reads story time.