January 2009 - Board Minutes

Owatonna Public Library Board Minutes of January 20, 2009

The regular monthly meeting of the library board of trustees was called to order at 4:30 P.M. by president Ross Leuning. Also present were Jill Holmes, Don Overlie, Renée Lowery, and Gail Plathe. Angie Sager and Russ Dunn-Foster were absent.

The December minutes were approved on a motion by Jill, seconded by Don. All board members present voting aye, the motion passed.

The December financial report was reviewed.

Renée highlighted Darla Lager’s report on activities in Children’s Services. In December 89 people attended “Stories by Candlelight” which was held in cooperation with Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE). Holiday songs and stories were enjoyed by all in attendance. First grade classes from the area were invited to the library for a reading of the Polar Express, a tour of Children’s Services and to check out books. On a cold and blustery day (12 degrees below zero) Darla brought the Polar Express to Washington School where four first grade classes (72 people) enjoyed the magic of the story. A total of 436 students and teachers heard the Polar Express in December. Later in the month Darla attended an Exchange Club luncheon and read Christmas stories to adults and children in attendance. There is a short break before story time sessions resume in January.

Library use report: all numbers showed an increase over the same month in 2007. December traffic increased about 10% at OPL and 45% at Blooming Prairie. Owatonna Public Library circulation increased by 16% and Blooming Prairie Branch was up a whopping 61%.  Internet use was up and bookmobile circulation had increased significantly as well. Business is booming at the library.

In other business board members again expressed concern about maintaining current library service and discussed ways to preserve services during these difficult financial times. No decisions were made.

Renee discussed the pre-overdue notices which are now sent via email. Library customers have expressed appreciation for this new service.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17th. With no further business to discuss, Jill made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Gail Plathe