05-18-2025 LIBM
Library Board Meeting
May 18, 2025 at the Hutchinson City Center
Members Present: Dianne Wanzek, Sue Griep, Margaret Hoffman, Carolyn Ulrich,
Katy Hiltner, Ex-officio.
Meeting called to order at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting were reviewed and approved.
Old Business:
1. One Book, One Community Read author event was held on April 12 with 52 people in
attendance.
2. Library Assistant 1 Hires – 2 were hired for the summer – Sam Kable and Julia Johnson.
3. Prairielands Accessibility Grant – Katy reviewed the furniture purchases which will allow for
more seating throughout the library. The purchased items included stools; two benches for
the children’s area; and a workstation, handcrafted by Rich Wanzek.
4. 2025 Adult Winter Reading Program Summary
192 participated; 256 sheets were handed out. 75% completed.
146 finished the whole program of 10 books.
107 challenges completed in January; 101 challenges completed in February; 82 challenges
completed in March.
5. Friends of the Library Annual Meeting was well attended. It was decided to simplify things by
donating $5,500 in one lump sum to be used as needed throughout the year. Katy and
Elisabeth will report on the spending at next year’s annual meeting. The Friends’ Book Nook
Sale Room is now open.
6. April/May Program Summaries
National Library Week – 14 adults participated in a “guess the book” trivia contest; one teen
participated in a “guess the movie/book” trivia contest; and 48 children entered guesses for
the estimation jars. Thanks to the State Theatre and Below Zero for providing gift cards for
the adult and teen trivia contests.
Walking Workshop with Jen Anfinson – 40 take-home kits distributed; this was a Legacy-
funded program.
Children’s Programs
Storytime – averaging about 2 dozen children and 10 adults each week. On break until
summer reading begins June 5.
Graphic Novel Book Club – 7 children attended
LEGO Club – 5 children and 3 adults attended
Coding Club – no attendees this month
Chess Club (April) – 2 children, 1 teen, and 2 adults attended
New Business:
1. Board Appointments: President: Dianne Wanzek; Vice President: Margaret Hoffman;
Secretary: Sue Griep; Back-up Secretary: Carolyn Ulrich
2. Year in Review: Katy distributed two handouts; one for Pioneerland and one for HPL.
3. City Street Construction Project: Project dates: 4/28-8/1. When sidewalks are being replaced
one door will remain open for patrons to enter.
4. Office Window Project – A Stearns Foundation Grant paid for the photograph of Library
Square filling the big window in Katy’s office. It was installed by Crow River Signs. The
photographer is Justin Baysinger.
5. Summer Reading Program planning is underway. Summer reading will begin Thursday, June
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5. Due to street construction, this summer’s storytimes will mainly be held in Northwoods
Park. A full storytime schedule is posted online. Elisabeth and Katy have an assortment of
programs planned. There will be several featured children’s programs including Climb
Theatre, 4-H, and Dragon Academy as well as an assortment of in-house activities including
featured Family Fun Game Days and monthly escape rooms. To go with the summer theme,
“Level Up!” the library will also have board games and video games available to check out.
Katy has scheduled three Voices from History Past programs with Historic Hutchinson on the
third Friday of each month (June-August) at 1:30 p.m. at The Depot. Two other featured
summer programs include an agriculture photography program with Jay Grammond
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scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 at the Event Center, and an author program with Teresa
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Peterson (“Perennial Ceremony”) on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at The Depot during a Wednesday
Farmers Market.
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6. Historic Hutchinson: Hidden Hutchinson is scheduled for Thursday, May 29. Historic
Hutchinson has received permission from the City of Hutchinson to open the library’s original
doors for the event. Historic Hutchinson volunteers will be on-site to greet people and to
watch for safety issues. The opening of the library doors is a special arrangement made
between Historic Hutchinson and the City. Due to limited accessibility and library security,
these doors will be locked again after the event.
7. Book Discussion: Margaret shared the book “That Librarian” by Amanda Jones. As the book
deals with book censorship and challenges, Margaret wanted the board to be aware of the
issues both school and public libraries are facing. While there are policies in place, librarians
are still subject to significant and life-altering challenges.
April 25 Donations and Grants
Stearns Foundation Grant (window project) $ 525.00
Legion Auxiliary (memorial book for Mabel Wraspir $ 20.00
Kiwanis Grant $ 900.00
Friends of Library Grant $5,500.00
Total: $6,945.00
Next Meeting: June 23, 2025
Submitted by Carolyn Ulrich and Katy Hiltner