May 19, 2021
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
May 19, 2021
The Knoxville Public Library Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. Members present were Bob Leonard, Jean McKay, Pat Wilson, Harv Sprafka, Lindsey Carlson, and Scott Ziller. Mary Lane was absent.
Jerry Ayers, maintenance personnel, was present to give an update on the Gebhardt house. His recommendation is to obtain bids for a new roof and to have the basement plumbing attended to since some of the pipes are old and in disrepair. Long-term maintenance of the property is part of the Action Plan for 2021 – 2023.
The meeting was called to order by Pat Wilson. Jean McKay moved, seconded by Bob Leonard to approve the minutes of April 21, 2021 as mailed. Motion passed.
Under Correspondence, Roslin read an email from the State Library that determined the library’s accreditation status at the highest level Tier 3 and eligible for funding until June 30, 2023. Renewal is due every three years.
Roslin gave the librarian’s report for April 2021. 2,712 printed items, 643 non-print and 1,023 downloadable items were checked out. Total number of visits is 1,287. After more than a year of the pandemic, traffic is picking up especially in light of the CDC’s latest announcement regarding masks. Fully vaccinated people are allowed inside and outside without masks. Masks are still recommended for people who have not been fully vaccinated, especially children between 2 - 18 years old. The staff have decided to continue to mask up, but will make it optional for patrons.
The June and July calendar was presented to the board. A hybrid of programming (in-person and on-line) is being planned with multiple story times and outdoor activities. The Summer Library Program will start June 1 and run until July 12. A virtual program called “Museum of Bad Art 101” will be presented on June 3 and to go along with it, the library will have craft kits for patrons to have fun and create their own “bad art” for display. Children have an opportunity to create Lego art for display in the children’s area.
Roslin said she was pleased with the collaborations with the schools and Rotary Club in the previous months. A grant related to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will open today and the library will put in an application. Roslin thanked Jean McKay for her generous donation of time with trees and bushes to beautify the grounds. A memorial bench will be donated by the family of Mike Griffin for placement outside.
Under Media Strategy Plan, the library will advertise upcoming events in the usual media channels, especially social media and local radio. Hundreds of flyers will go out to the schools and community regarding the Summer Library Program.
Harv Sprafka moved, Lindsey Carlson seconded that the financial report for April be approved. Motion was unanimous. Scott Ziller moved, seconded by Jean McKay that the city trust report be approved. Motion passed unanimously. Scott Ziller moved, Bob Leonard seconded the approval for payment of bills for May. Motion passed unanimously, and a copy is attached to the minutes.
Under Unfinished Business, the Action Plan for 2021 – 2023 was tabled for next month so every trustee will have a chance to read it.
Under New Business, Bob Leonard had attended a Chamber Board meeting where they discussed rent at the Gebhardt house. After discussion, Scott Ziller moved, seconded by Bob Leonard that the Library Board revise the current lease to $1 a year for the Chamber subject to annual review in June. Motion passed.
The Board then went into closed session to discuss the performance evaluation of the Director.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting will be held Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. at the Knoxville Public Library.
Roslin Thompson, secretary