04-23-2018 LIBMLibrary Board Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2018
Present: Steve Bailey, Gerry Grinde, Jack Sandberg, Mary Christensen, Julie Lofdahl, Carolyn Ulrich and Katy
Hiltner, Ex -Officio Excused: Kristine Leuze
Review and approve minutes from the March 26, 2018 meeting: Motion to approve Jack Sandberg, seconded
Gerry Grinde, approved
Old Rusiness-
Program Reports:
Winter Reading Program Report: 274 people participated with 152 completing the program. This is a
completion rate of 62%. The number attending the dessert buffet was 79. The bonus book addition to the
program was successful. There were 202 entries for the Village Shop and 280 entries for the State Theatre.
Katy thanked the library board for the recommendation to add the bonus challenge books to the program.
One Book, One Community Author Event: 80 people attended the event. Presentation made for a very
enthralling event. HCVN filmed the presentation.
National Library Week:
Katy said it was her best National Library Week— a Minnesota author, David Housewright, presented his
program in the Carnegie portion of the library.
• Friends of Library Prize Drawings - Friend had a prize drawing for three tote bags with books and
coupons to shop from Friends table. The registration was 45 adults, 8 teens, and 42 children.
• Author Program with David Housewright - 30 people came to the afternoon presentation. He
started out with a rant and then delighted everyone.
PLS Strategic Plan (Head Librarian monthly report): Highlighted Goal Area = Lifelong Learning Support
• story hours
• school tours, collection development
• variety of programs for all ages: Lego Club, teen programs, author programs, book club support,
• future: film events, computer programs, arts and crafts
Lifelong Learning Support is a continual growth area for the library
New Business:
Upcoming Library Programs:
• Family Story Hours
o Rescheduled origami program — April 30th for younger kids
o Mankato Symphony— May 21" Program for children to see instruments. The symphony
approached the library. They have a grant to bring four musicians to libraries to perform for
the children. The Hutchinson Library program will be held on the second floor. All ages
welcome to attend.
o Teen MakerSpace —This program has been a success - Bad Art in March (though it was
pretty good, Blackout Poetry in April, and Friendship Bracelets in May
MN Writes MN Reads Contest - A new program where people can publish their own books. It's a
neat way to support writers in Minnesota.
SAMMIE/Prairielands Grant — Rachelle received $100 to purchase a grand prize for the teen
summer reading program. She will probably purchase a digital item. Jack is on Prairieland Board. He
mentioned that Prairieland's 2020 vision is to come up with new topic that can benefit all libraries.
The Prairielands Board is looking for something that extends beyond the current teen focus.
Book Suggestions for One Book, One Community - Katy was wondering if the Board would like
fiction or nonfiction. Most prefer nonfiction. Committee is looking for suggested titles. The
committee would like to get a Minnesota or regional author so it is within budget to ask them to
come for an author visit.
Schedule May meeting— Because of Memorial Day, next meeting is Monday, May 21, 2018
Other -
PLS Meeting Update from Jack -
• The 2017 financial audit came out good. The telecommunication changes reduced grant and as
the billings went down. Payroll is now 47% of total budget. Total staff is 43. The Willmar Head
Librarian resigned. This is a hard position to fill. Many people do not want to move outstate.
• March MN Library Legislative Day update - in 2019 much higher probability to revisit formula to
divide funds to libraries. Now it is better for big cities. Hope to revise to be better for outstate
libraries. Want to make sure excess money in an account stays for libraries and does not go to
schools. Rep. Urdahl sponsored bill to keep funds for libraries.
• PLS Electronic Meetings - PLS is looking at allowing meetings electronically if there is a
snowstorm — it's a big deal for PLS as members come from all over the region.
Library Phone System - phone is now under the City umbrella. Katy said she really, really
appreciates the new system and the phone company did a great job installing with all the roadblocks
of an old building.
Self -publishing Books - Question was asked if this was a good way to get a book published. Katy
said that this would be the last choice for her. It would be okay if you are publishing for family and
friends, but would be harder if you wanted to sell books. Publishers can help with all aspects of the
publishing process and there are different tiers of options and costs. Jack had asked the question as
there was a possible scam with someone who put together an open source book and then sold it as
a print book.
Mary - City is joining McLeod County Historical Partners (MCHP). Bayley Schluter of MCHP will be
working with the City in writing grants. The city is looking at a grant for updates to the library
building. Possible projects include the public bathroom or the cornice that needs painting.
Library Buzz— What Have You Been Reading/Watching?
Jack: Father Brown series and book of old sermons
Katy: fluffy stuff
Gerry: Has read 690 pages of 1700 pages of Grant— it's a good book and well written but
exhausting (need better editor). Gene Edward Smith wrote another book on Grant and is a
better writer.
Carolyn: read nine books including The Indigo Girl, Plum Tea Crazy, The Letterbook of Eliza Lucas
Pinckney, Brave Companions, and The Pyramid of Mud
Mary: The Woman in Cabin 10 - Ruth Ware mystery, good read
Mary was given an old book of McLeod County that has 1800 people in it. It's a big book!
Steve: A William Kent Krueger book and Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Next meeting: Monday, May 21, 2018 @ 4:30 p.m. (note change in date due to Memorial Day)
March 2018 Donations
Friends of Library (reimbursement for 2017 DVDs/Audiobooks) $5,413.69
Meeting adjourned at 5:31 pm