April 21, 2021

Library Board of Trustees Meeting
April 21, 2021

The Knoxville Public Library Board of Trustees met at the library on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. Members present were Jean McKay, Pat Wilson, Harv Sprafka, Bob Leonard, and Lindsey Carlson. Mary Lane and Scott Ziller were absent.

The meeting was called to order by Pat Wilson. Harv Sprafka moved, Jean McKay seconded to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2021 meeting as mailed. Motion passed unanimously.

There was no correspondence.

Roslin gave the librarian’s report for March 2021. 3,209 printed materials, 750 audio/visual materials, and 1,012 downloadable items were checked out. The mobile hotspots are still popular and being checked out regularly. There were 1,525 visits in March, averaging about 61 visitors a day. The meeting room use was 29 with numerous uses of the smaller conference and study rooms. Roslin reported that the writers’ panel was scheduled for April 27th and since it was announced on LibraryTalk, several librarians from out of town are able to participate. The Marion County librarians met yesterday and are excited about the county wide community read. They would like to see it as an annual event.
The staff is making plans to gradually offer more in-person programming as more people get vaccinated for the COVID19 virus. As of now, masks are still required within the building, programs are limited in numbers and patrons are still required to social distance. For Summer Library Program, most of the programs will be outdoors when possible.
Poetry in the Park has been postponed to May 4th due to unfavorable weather. CCI will follow up on addressing some of the remaining issues for the building. Masonry work will be done when the temperatures improve. Roslin reported that the school and hospital have given verbal consent to have a Story Walk installed along Competine Trail, and the city will request formal easement rights on those properties. She also reported on maintenance issues at the Gebhardt house (plumbing leaks) and recommended eventual long term planning for the property.

Under Media Strategy Plan, the library will advertise upcoming events in the usual media channels, especially social media. The mayor read a proclamation about National Library Week at a council meeting on April 5 encouraging all residents to visit the library in-person or virtually.

Lindsey Carlson moved, Bob Leonard seconded that the financial report for March be approved. Motion was unanimous. Lindsey Carlson moved, seconded by Jean McKay that the city trust report be approved. Motion passed unanimously. Lindsey Carlson moved, Bob Leonard seconded the approval for payment of bills for April. Motion passed unanimously, and a copy is attached to the minutes.

Under New Business, Roslin presented the first draft of an Action Plan for 2021 – 2023. She highlighted some of the specific actions that the library will take on in the next 18 – 24 months. The document provides a “road map” in the short run as opposed to a longer Strategic Plan. The Board will continue the discussion in the next month.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting will be held Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. at the Knoxville Public Library.

Roslin Thompson
Secretary