Virtual Meeting Information
This meeting will be held in person in the library's Ruth Sandvik Conference Room and on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87481033020?pwd=C3mE6hsqGdqGi20Q0KRmIVjKWdoRnf.1
The minutes from the last meeting are presented for review and approval.
A report on library staff activities from Tara Alcock, Library Director.
Discussion of the Honorific Recognition Policy was previously tabled at the February meeting pending consultation with the Friends of the Library regarding their role in the policy and any involvement in hosting related events. The Library Director spoke with the Chair of the Friends, Sue Paulsen, and it was determined that, since plans to honor two individuals are already in progress, further discussion will be deferred until the fall. The Board may also wish to consider whether to reconfirm and update the current Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Friends of the Library and the Library as part of this process.
The FY27 General Fund budget request has been submitted to the Borough Manager, and a work session was held with the Assembly on April 29, 2026. An amended budget was subsequently submitted reflecting increases driven by personnel and benefit costs. Much of this change is related to benefit adjustments.
The Library Director has received a request from Traci Vinson of the American Legion to place a retired U.S. flag collection box at the library.
The library does not currently have a policy addressing collection containers or similar items placed in the building by outside organizations. Public libraries typically address requests like this through broader policies governing collection containers or use of space. Many libraries do not allow such boxes in order to avoid issues of equity, space management, and implied endorsement of outside organizations, while others allow them under defined criteria such as community benefit, limited duration, and maintenance by the requesting organization. Some libraries make exceptions for civic purposes, such as U.S. flag retirement, often in partnership with organizations like the American Legion.
The Board is asked to review the request and consider whether to allow the placement of the collection box and/or develop a policy to guide future requests of this nature.
Suggested Motion: I move to [approve/deny] the request to place a U.S. flag retirement collection box at the library and direct staff to develop a policy regarding collection containers for future consideration.
The Library’s existing policies provide a process for reviewing concerns about materials and affirm the Library’s commitment to intellectual freedom and access to diverse viewpoints. Following adoption of the Displays & Exhibits Policy (February 24, 2026), a revised Patron Statement of Concern (Materials, Displays & Exhibits) form has been developed to standardize the process across materials, displays, and exhibits.
The updated form:
- Applies a consistent, viewpoint-neutral process to all concerns
- Expands the existing process to include displays and exhibits
- Clarifies review by the Library Director, with referral to the Library Board when appropriate
Adoption of this form will ensure a clear, consistent, and policy-aligned approach to handling patron concerns.
Suggested Motion: I move to approve the Patron Statement of Concern (Materials, Displays & Exhibits) form as presented.
Marilyn Menish-Meucci and Lizzie Thompson's terms are ending in October.
Report from the Friends about the April 11 book sale and April 22 25th anniversary celebration.
Review and discuss concerns raised in a recent Petersburg Pilot letter regarding the disposal of unsold Friends of the Library books and the need for additional storage space. Consider current practices, capacity limitations, and whether any changes are warranted.
The Library Board would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the individuals and organizations whose generosity, advocacy, and support continue to strengthen our programs and services. Their contributions make a meaningful difference in enriching opportunities for our community.
Kris Norosz – Thank you for your continued generosity in supporting youth afterschool programs and enriching opportunities for our community’s young people.
Rocio Tejera, First Bank – Thank you for your many years of funding advocacy for the library’s summer reading programs.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines – Thank you for your investment in the library's 2026 Summer Reading Program and supporting projects that strengthen and uplift our community.
Karen Hofstad – Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the library and its mission.
The next Library Board Meeting will be held this fall, date TBD. Have a great summer!