Library Board

AGENDA Library Board Meeting 4:00 PM - Thursday, February 12, 2026 City Hall Council Chambers Page 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Approval of Minutes from the January 8, 2026, Library Board meeting 2-4 Minutes from the January 8, 2026, Library Board Meeting 3. FINANCIAL REPORT 3.1. January 2026 Financial Report and Summary 5 - 16 January 2026 Financial Report January 2026 Expenses 4. LIBRARIAN'S REPORT 4.1. Library Department Activities Report and Statistics 17 - 24 January 2026 Library Department Activities Report and Statistics 4.2. Programming 25 - 26 February 2026 Programming Calendar 5. ACTION ITEMS 5.1. Resolution 2026-03 Accepting TdS Honorariums 27 Resolution 2026-03 Accepting TdS Honorariums 6. OTHER BUSINESS 7. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 27 New Ulm Public Library Board Thursday, January 8, 2026 City Council Chambers Meeting called to order at 4 p.m. by Ruth Ann Webster. Library Board members in attendance: Nancy Byrne, Lynn Henle, Kaitlin Houlihan, Dustin Sauter, Yvonne Weber, and Ruth Ann Webster. Absent: Sarah Berger Others in attendance: Library Director April Ide, Assistant Library Director Meggin Kitterman, New Ulm Public Access Television (NUCAT). I) APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Ruth Ann Webster Second: Yvonne Weber Approved II) INTRODUCTION OF LIBRARY BOARD MEMBERS III) ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Current officers agree to continue as officers. PRESIDENT: Ruth Ann Webster VICE PRESIDENT: Lynn Henle SECRETARY/TREASURER: Dustin Sauter Motion: Kaitlin Houlihan Second: Lynn Henle Approved IV) BROWN COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE Yvonne Weber agrees to continue as representative. Motion: Lynn Henle Second: Nancy Byrne Approved V) APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 11, 2025, LIBRARY BOARD MEETING Page 2 of 27  Motion: Yvonne Weber Second: Dustin Sauter Approved VI) FINANCIAL REPORT We are 100% through 2025 and our budget is approximately 97.79% expended. Although the fund balance was used for the badge entry cabling ($7,373.60), the expense is still coded to the Contractual maintenance building line. When considering that expense, the line is spent at approximately 62.95%. The Subscriptions & memberships line is overspent because the library’s department header website license ($980.42) and Libdata license ($900), as well as a few other technology subscriptions, were budgeted in the Computer supplies & equipment line. They have been budgeted to the Subscriptions & memberships line in the 2026 budget, per recommendation of the City’s auditor. The Computer supplies & equipment line is underspent due to this coding change. Overall, the 2025 budget is approximately 91.22% expended when we remove the spending for the Mellon Foundation Grant (coded to the Library technology-grant and Library furniture-grant lines) and the badge cabling project. Over the next few months, the City’s Finance Department will adjust any final expenses and complete the 2025 audit. Ide notes: • Notable expenses include $300 to North American Alliance for Mental Illness for staff day training on Dealing with Difficult Situations, $100 to Imagination Theater and $200 to Anna Covington for special storytime performances, $352 to New Ulm Journal for publishing the 2026 fee schedule and the Library Aide ad. • For 2026, instead of including a list of notable expenses in the financial report, Ide will run a complete report of expenses for each month and include it in the financial report. This report is like what is presented at City Council meetings for expenses for all City departments. Webster question: How did staff training day go? Ide answer: Overall it went well. Feedback from staff indicates that the session covering resources for the homeless in Brown County was most helpful, while the session “Dealing with Difficult Interactions” was not specific enough to the library and so did not seem as helpful. VII) LIBRARIAN’S REPORT • Library Aide Sean Gaston started on Monday, January 5. A second new Library Aide resigned due to receiving an offer of a different position. • The Reference Aide job description has been updated and retitled to Library Assistant to reflect the more general nature of the duties. This position has been posted externally and closes January 25. • Programming and Technology Services Library LeRoy Harris submitted his resignation. His last day with the library will be February 3. • Work on the elevator keypad has started and will continue with Precision Alarm for the next few weeks. Page 3 of 27  • Installation of children’s room and service desk shelving has been scheduled for January 28-30. Stats • Two hundred fifty patrons attended the Noon Year’s Eve celebration at the Civic Center on December 31. Thank you to New Ulm Park and Recreation for partnering and to the Optimist Club for sponsoring the event. • Door count and circulation were up slightly over December 2024, and public computer and Wi-Fi use saw similar increases. • Under items weeded, you’ll see that the nonfiction items count includes the annual magazine discard. We retain the current year and the most recent past two years in our magazine collection. A complete list of our magazine, newspaper, and microfilm collection can be found at www.newulmlibrary.org, under Special Collections. Programming • The Adult Winter Reading Program started January 5. This year’s theme is crossword puzzles. Patrons receive a grand prize entry and free book after reading 4 books and can submit up to 5 entries for the grand prize. • Art Group meets on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., beginning January 14 and continuing through May 13, when the group breaks for the summer. • Friday’s Special Storytime is January 23 at 10 a.m. Activities include stories, songs, and a craft. • Senior Movie Matinees continue Fridays at 1 p.m. This is a partnership with CAST, but all are welcome at the film screenings. • The library is closed on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. VIII) ACTION ITEMS Resolution 2026-01 Accepting October 1 – December 31, 2025, Donations Motion: Dustin Sauter Second: Lynn Henle Approved Resolution 2026-02 Approving Carryover of 2025 Funds Motion: Lynn Henle Second: Yvonne Weber Approved VIV) OTHER BUSINESS No other business. X) ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Meggin Kitterman, Assistant Library Director. Page 4 of 27 New Ulm Public Library Board 2026 Summary Financial Report Prepared February 6, 2026 We are 10.14% through 2026 and our budget is approximately 8.15% expended. A budget report, balance sheet, and report of January expenses are attached. REVENUES % OF BUDGET Copy fees 3.72% Meeting room rental 0.00% Lost & damaged item fees 3.46% Miscellaneous 7.40% Book sale 2.25% EXPENDITURES ____ % OF BUDGET SPENT Salaries regular 7.60% Salaries part-time 5.92% Office supplies 0.00% General supplies 2.35% Audiovisual supplies 0.00% Books 0.65% Electronic resources 76.99% Computer supplies & equipment 0.00% Cataloging & processing 50.00% Communications 5.33% Travel conferences & schools 0.00% Printing advertising & promo 0.00% Contractual maintenance building 13.31% Contractual maintenance equipment 7.52% Contractual maintenance books 0.00% Subscriptions & memberships 23.69% Miscellaneous 0.00% Special events programming 1.99% Page 5 of 27  Budget Report New Ulm, MN Account Summary For Fiscal: 2026 Period Ending: 02/28/2026 Variance Original Current Period Fiscal Favorable Percent Total Budget Total Budget Activity Activity (Unfavorable) Used Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND Revenue 211-5500-31010 Taxes general 1,158,738.00 1,158,738.00 0.00 0.00 -1,158,738.00 0.00 % 211-5500-33631 Brown County payments 18,100.00 18,100.00 0.00 0.00 -18,100.00 0.00 % 211-5500-34760 Copy fees 4,000.00 4,000.00 0.00 148.79 -3,851.21 3.72 % 211-5500-34762 Meeting room rental 4,100.00 4,100.00 0.00 0.00 -4,100.00 0.00 % 211-5500-35104 Lost & damaged item fees 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 34.60 -965.40 3.46 % 211-5500-36200 Miscellaneous 500.00 500.00 0.00 37.00 -463.00 7.40 % 211-5500-36210 Interest operating pooled cash 15,000.00 15,000.00 0.00 0.00 -15,000.00 0.00 % 211-5500-36293 Book sale 500.00 500.00 0.00 11.25 -488.75 2.25 % 211-5500-39100 Transfer from other funds 2,700.00 2,700.00 0.00 0.00 -2,700.00 0.00 % Revenue Total: 1,204,638.00 1,204,638.00 0.00 231.64 -1,204,406.36 0.02 % Expense 211-5500-110001 Salaries regular 548,764.00 548,764.00 0.00 41,707.12 507,056.88 7.60 % 211-5500-110006 Salaries parttime seasonal & t 183,000.00 183,000.00 0.00 10,839.72 172,160.28 5.92 % 211-5500-110600 Salaries overtime 100.00 100.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 % 211-5500-112100 Social Security 45,421.00 45,421.00 0.00 3,102.90 42,318.10 6.83 % 211-5500-112150 Medicare 10,623.00 10,623.00 0.00 725.68 9,897.32 6.83 % 211-5500-112160 Minnesota Paid Leave 3,223.00 3,223.00 0.00 203.25 3,019.75 6.31 % 211-5500-112210 PERA 54,890.00 54,890.00 0.00 3,877.60 51,012.40 7.06 % 211-5500-112275 Employer deferred compensation 725.00 725.00 0.00 346.59 378.41 47.81 % 211-5500-113100 Insurance group medical 113,000.00 113,000.00 0.00 8,174.98 104,825.02 7.23 % 211-5500-113140 Insurance group life 600.00 600.00 0.00 56.52 543.48 9.42 % 211-5500-113150 Insurance group dental 2,600.00 2,600.00 0.00 146.45 2,453.55 5.63 % 211-5500-115100 Insurance workers compensation 2,200.00 2,200.00 0.00 387.75 1,812.25 17.63 % 211-5500-220010 Office supplies 3,800.00 3,800.00 0.00 0.00 3,800.00 0.00 % 211-5500-221005 General supplies 8,000.00 8,000.00 0.00 187.99 7,812.01 2.35 % 211-5500-223027 Audio visual supplies 10,500.00 10,500.00 0.00 0.00 10,500.00 0.00 % 211-5500-223060 Books 60,000.00 60,000.00 0.00 390.42 59,609.58 0.65 % 211-5500-223065 Electronic resources 10,100.00 10,100.00 0.00 7,776.38 2,323.62 76.99 % 211-5500-224100 Computer supplies & equipment 11,000.00 11,000.00 0.00 0.00 11,000.00 0.00 % 211-5500-331028 Cataloging & processing 31,595.00 31,595.00 0.00 15,797.23 15,797.77 50.00 % 211-5500-332100 Communications 3,400.00 3,400.00 0.00 181.12 3,218.88 5.33 % 211-5500-333050 Travel conferences & schools 4,000.00 4,000.00 0.00 0.00 4,000.00 0.00 % 211-5500-334100 Printing advertising & promo 1,200.00 1,200.00 0.00 0.00 1,200.00 0.00 % 211-5500-338100 Electricity 24,500.00 24,500.00 0.00 -204.28 24,704.28 -0.83 % 211-5500-338200 Gas 10,000.00 10,000.00 0.00 0.00 10,000.00 0.00 % 211-5500-338300 Water 650.00 650.00 0.00 0.00 650.00 0.00 % 211-5500-338400 Steam low pressure 1,200.00 1,200.00 0.00 -202.99 1,402.99 -16.92 % 211-5500-338500 Sewer 500.00 500.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 0.00 % 211-5500-340050 Contractual maintenance buildi 17,000.00 17,000.00 0.00 2,262.07 14,737.93 13.31 % 211-5500-340110 Contractual maintenance equipm 7,500.00 7,500.00 0.00 564.18 6,935.82 7.52 % 211-5500-340275 Contractual maintenance books 3,000.00 3,000.00 0.00 0.00 3,000.00 0.00 % 211-5500-341160 IT support 16,047.00 16,047.00 0.00 0.00 16,047.00 0.00 % 211-5500-347040 Subscriptions & memberships 7,300.00 7,300.00 0.00 1,729.30 5,570.70 23.69 % 211-5500-350010 Miscellaneous 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 0.00 % 211-5500-350050 Sales Tax 700.00 700.00 0.00 0.00 700.00 0.00 % 211-5500-350070 Cash short or over 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 -0.04 0.00 % 211-5500-363101 Special events programming 6,500.00 6,500.00 0.00 129.45 6,370.55 1.99 % Expense Total: 1,204,638.00 1,204,638.00 0.00 98,179.47 1,106,458.53 8.15 % Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND Surplus (Deficit): 0.00 0.00 0.00 -97,947.83 -97,947.83 0.00 % 2/3/2026 8:57:05 AM Page 1 of 4 Page 6 of 27 Budget Report For Fiscal: 2026 Period Ending: 02/28/2026 Variance Original Current Period Fiscal Favorable Percent Total Budget Total Budget Activity Activity (Unfavorable) Used Fund: 212 - LIBRARY BOARD FUND Revenue 212-5500-36210 Interest operating pooled cash 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 0.00 -2,000.00 0.00 % Revenue Total: 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 0.00 -2,000.00 0.00 % Expense 212-5000-223113 Children's memorial books 0.00 0.00 0.00 52.94 -52.94 0.00 % Expense Total: 0.00 0.00 0.00 52.94 -52.94 0.00 % Fund: 212 - LIBRARY BOARD FUND Surplus (Deficit): 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 -52.94 -2,052.94 -2.65 % Report Surplus (Deficit): 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 -98,000.77 -100,000.77 -4,900.04 % 2/3/2026 8:57:05 AM Page 2 of 4 Page 7 of 27 Budget Report For Fiscal: 2026 Period Ending: 02/28/2026 Group Summary Variance Original Current Period Fiscal Favorable Percent Account Typ… Total Budget Total Budget Activity Activity (Unfavorable) Used Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND Revenue 1,204,638.00 1,204,638.00 0.00 231.64 -1,204,406.36 0.02 % Expense 1,204,638.00 1,204,638.00 0.00 98,179.47 1,106,458.53 8.15 % Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND Surplus (Deficit): 0.00 0.00 0.00 -97,947.83 -97,947.83 0.00 % Fund: 212 - LIBRARY BOARD FUND Revenue 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 0.00 -2,000.00 0.00 % Expense 0.00 0.00 0.00 52.94 -52.94 0.00 % Fund: 212 - LIBRARY BOARD FUND Surplus (Deficit): 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 -52.94 -2,052.94 -2.65 % Report Surplus (Deficit): 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 -98,000.77 -100,000.77 -4,900.04 % 2/3/2026 8:57:05 AM Page 3 of 4 Page 8 of 27 Budget Report For Fiscal: 2026 Period Ending: 02/28/2026 Fund Summary Variance Original Current Period Fiscal Favorable Fund Total Budget Total Budget Activity Activity (Unfavorable) 211 - LIBRARY FUND 0.00 0.00 0.00 -97,947.83 -97,947.83 212 - LIBRARY BOARD FUND 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 -52.94 -2,052.94 Report Surplus (Deficit): 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 -98,000.77 -100,000.77 2/3/2026 8:57:05 AM Page 4 of 4 Page 9 of 27  Balance Sheet New Ulm, MN Account Summary As Of 02/03/2026 Account Name Balance Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND Assets 211-101000 Invest pool operating 652,237.19 211-101090 Invest pool Somsen, Holz/Child 0.00 211-101094 Invest pool Wanda Gag collecti 0.00 211-101990 Invest Pool Mkt Value Adj 0.00 211-102001 Petty cash 174.18 211-107000 Taxes receivable delinquent 13,769.91 211-115010 Accounts receivable miscellane 407.27 211-115020 A/R Miscellaneous 0.00 211-126060 Due from Brown County 0.00 211-130000 Due from City funds 0.00 211-143010 Prepaids 0.00 211-143011 Prepaid insurance 0.00 Total Assets: 666,588.55 666,588.55 Liability 211-202000 Accounts payable 0.00 211-202002 Accounts payable misc 0.00 211-202005 Accounts payable charity book 0.00 211-202051 Sales tax payable miscellaneou 0.00 211-203000 Accrued salaries payable 0.00 211-203010 Federal income tax withheld 0.00 211-203011 Social security withheld 0.00 211-203012 Medicare withheld 0.00 211-203015 Minnesota income tax withheld 0.00 211-203020 MN PERA withheld 0.00 211-203025 Vacation purchase withheld 0.00 211-203029 Computer loan withheld 0.00 211-203030 Health insurance withheld 7,793.41 211-203035 Employer paid life insurance 124.37 211-203036 Other insurance LT disability 0.00 211-203037 Other insurance Pera 0.00 211-203038 Other insurance MBA 0.00 211-203039 Other insurance Aflac 0.00 211-203040 Cafeteria plan withholdings 0.00 211-203041 Other insurance Assurant - dental 0.00 211-203042 Other insurance vision 41.20 211-203050 Deferred comp withholdings Gre 0.00 211-203051 Deferred comp withholding ICMA 0.00 211-203052 Deferred comp withholdings St 0.00 211-203053 Deferred comp withholding MN 0.00 211-203054 Def comp withholdings HCSP 0.00 211-203060 Union dues AFSCME 0.00 211-203070 Child support withholdings 0.00 211-203072 Garnishments 0.00 211-203073 NU Fitness Center withholdings 0.00 211-203074 Savings bonds 0.00 211-203075 United Way withholdings 0.00 211-203076 Employee Incentive withholding 0.00 211-208000 Due to City funds 0.00 211-222000 Deferred revenue 0.00 211-222001 Deferred revenue property tax 13,769.91 2/3/2026 8:56:41 AM Page 1 of 3 Page 10 of 27 Balance Sheet As Of 02/03/2026 Account Name Balance 211-222002 Deferred revenue A/R 0.00 Total Liability: 21,728.89 Equity 211-247055 Fund balance res for prepaid e 0.00 211-253030 Fund balance design for other 0.00 211-254000 Fund balance unreserved undesignated 742,807.49 Total Beginning Equity: 742,807.49 Total Revenue 231.64 Total Expense 98,179.47 Revenues Over/Under Expenses -97,947.83 Total Equity and Current Surplus (Deficit): 644,859.66 Total Liabilities, Equity and Current Surplus (Deficit): 666,588.55 2/3/2026 8:56:41 AM Page 2 of 3 Page 11 of 27 Balance Sheet As Of 02/03/2026 Account Name Balance Fund: 212 - LIBRARY BOARD FUND Assets 212-101000 Invest pool operating 81,845.54 212-101013 Invest pool childrens memorial 6,277.61 212-101033 Invest Pool Good, Rudy 1,179.15 212-101044 Invest pool HUB Club 0.00 212-101056 Invest pool Lions Club 29.07 212-101057 Invest pool Landscaping & sculpture 554.15 212-101061 Invest pool Lieb Memorial 64,752.55 212-101087 Invest pool purchase books 5,942.42 212-101990 Invest Pool Mkt Value Adj 0.00 212-115020 A/R Miscellaneous 0.00 212-130000 Due from City funds 0.00 212-143010 Prepaids 0.00 Total Assets: 160,580.49 160,580.49 Liability 212-202000 Accounts payable 0.00 Total Liability: 0.00 Equity 212-247055 Fund balance res for prepaid e 0.00 212-254000 Fund balance unreserved undesignated 160,633.43 Total Beginning Equity: 160,633.43 Total Revenue 0.00 Total Expense 52.94 Revenues Over/Under Expenses -52.94 Total Equity and Current Surplus (Deficit): 160,580.49 Total Liabilities, Equity and Current Surplus (Deficit): 160,580.49 2/3/2026 8:56:41 AM Page 3 of 3 Page 12 of 27  Expense Approval Report New Ulm, MN By Vendor Name Post Dates 1/1/2026 - 1/31/2026 Vendor Name Description (Item) Account Name Account Number Payment Date Amount Vendor: 028150 - AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, … LIB - nametags General supplies 211-5500-221005 01/29/2026 19.47 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 19.47 Fund: 212 - LIBRARY BOARD FUND AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, … LIB - 7/17/25 Friends Donati… Children's memorial books 212-5000-223113 01/29/2026 52.94 Fund 212 - LIBRARY BOARD FUND Total: 52.94 Vendor 028150 - AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC Total: 72.41 Vendor: 265000 - ELLIS, CHARLES D. Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND ELLIS, CHARLES D. LIB - Lib Data & mobile printi… Subscriptions & memberships 211-5500-347040 01/29/2026 900.00 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 900.00 Vendor 265000 - ELLIS, CHARLES D. Total: 900.00 Vendor: 331000 - HY-VEE FOOD STORES Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND HY-VEE FOOD STORES LIB - Teen Video Game Club 1…Special events programming 211-5500-363101 01/29/2026 29.45 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 29.45 Vendor 331000 - HY-VEE FOOD STORES Total: 29.45 Vendor: 341950 - INGRAM Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND INGRAM Lib - books Books 211-5500-223060 01/29/2026 131.06 INGRAM Lib - books Books 211-5500-223060 01/29/2026 259.36 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 390.42 Vendor 341950 - INGRAM Total: 390.42 Vendor: 351200 - JENNINGS, MARY Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND JENNINGS, MARY Imagination Theater Storyti… Special events programming 211-5500-363101 01/14/2026 100.00 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 100.00 Vendor 351200 - JENNINGS, MARY Total: 100.00 Page 13 of 27 2/3/2026 8:59:37 AM Page 1 of 4 Expense Approval Report Post Dates: 1/1/2026 - 1/31/2026 Vendor Name Description (Item) Account Name Account Number Payment Date Amount Vendor: 397250 - LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES INS TRUST Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITI… 1st Qtr. W/C Premium Insurance workers compensa… 211-5500-115100 01/07/2026 387.75 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 387.75 Vendor 397250 - LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES INS TRUST Total: 387.75 Vendor: 000202 - MENARDS - NEW ULM Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND MENARDS - NEW ULM LIB - wall repair supplies General supplies 211-5500-221005 01/29/2026 36.01 MENARDS - NEW ULM LIB - paint General supplies 211-5500-221005 01/29/2026 59.97 MENARDS - NEW ULM LIB - paint General supplies 211-5500-221005 01/29/2026 27.47 MENARDS - NEW ULM LIB - door stops General supplies 211-5500-221005 01/29/2026 12.72 MENARDS - NEW ULM LIB - tire gauge & psi pump General supplies 211-5500-221005 01/29/2026 20.38 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 156.55 Vendor 000202 - MENARDS - NEW ULM Total: 156.55 Vendor: 447380 - METRO SALES INC Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND METRO SALES INC LIB - service desk copier Contractual maintenance equ…211-5500-340110 01/29/2026 130.48 METRO SALES INC LIB - staff room copier Contractual maintenance equ…211-5500-340110 01/29/2026 128.08 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 258.56 Vendor 447380 - METRO SALES INC Total: 258.56 Vendor: 468000 - MN ELEVATOR Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND MN ELEVATOR 2026 Annual Elevator Service… Contractual maintenance bui… 211-5500-340050 01/29/2026 1,075.46 MN ELEVATOR 2026 Annual Elevator Service… Contractual maintenance bui… 211-5500-340050 01/29/2026 1,075.46 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 2,150.92 Vendor 468000 - MN ELEVATOR Total: 2,150.92 Vendor: 401900 - NUVERA COMMUNICATIONS, INC Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND NUVERA COMMUNICATIONS,…January services Communications 211-5500-332100 01/08/2026 146.34 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 146.34 Vendor 401900 - NUVERA COMMUNICATIONS, INC Total: 146.34 Vendor: 561902 - PITNEY BOWES BANK Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND PITNEY BOWES BANK PB reserve postage Acct#471… Communications 211-5500-332100 01/29/2026 34.78 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 34.78 Vendor 561902 - PITNEY BOWES BANK Total: 34.78 Page 14 of 27 2/3/2026 8:59:37 AM Page 2 of 4 Expense Approval Report Post Dates: 1/1/2026 - 1/31/2026 Vendor Name Description (Item) Account Name Account Number Payment Date Amount Vendor: 597750 - RIVER VIEW SANITATION/RVS Shredding Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND RIVER VIEW SANITATION/RVS…LIB - trash service Contractual maintenance bui… 211-5500-340050 01/29/2026 111.15 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 111.15 Vendor 597750 - RIVER VIEW SANITATION/RVS Shredding Total: 111.15 Vendor: 602750 - RUNNINGS Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND RUNNINGS LIB - keys General supplies 211-5500-221005 01/29/2026 11.97 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 11.97 Vendor 602750 - RUNNINGS Total: 11.97 Vendor: 676750 - STAR TRIBUNE Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND STAR TRIBUNE LIB - Star Tribune 12/24/25 -… Subscriptions & memberships 211-5500-347040 01/02/2026 829.30 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 829.30 Vendor 676750 - STAR TRIBUNE Total: 829.30 Vendor: 722000 - TRAVERSE DES SIOUX Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND TRAVERSE DES SIOUX LIB - Overdrive fees Electronic resources 211-5500-223065 01/29/2026 7,776.38 TRAVERSE DES SIOUX LIB - 1st 1/2 Member fees Cataloging & processing 211-5500-331028 01/29/2026 15,797.23 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 23,573.61 Vendor 722000 - TRAVERSE DES SIOUX Total: 23,573.61 Vendor: 748045 - VERIZON WIRELESS SERVICES LLC Fund: 211 - LIBRARY FUND VERIZON WIRELESS SERVICES… LIB - 3 hotspots Contractual maintenance equ…211-5500-340110 01/29/2026 105.57 VERIZON WIRELESS SERVICES… LIB - 5 hotspots Contractual maintenance equ…211-5500-340110 01/29/2026 200.05 Fund 211 - LIBRARY FUND Total: 305.62 Vendor 748045 - VERIZON WIRELESS SERVICES LLC Total: 305.62 Grand Total: 29,458.83 Page 15 of 27 2/3/2026 8:59:37 AM Page 3 of 4 Expense Approval Report Post Dates: 1/1/2026 - 1/31/2026 Report Summary Fund Summary Fund Payment Amount 211 - LIBRARY FUND 29,405.89 212 - LIBRARY BOARD FUND 52.94 Grand Total: 29,458.83 Account Summary Account Number Account Name Payment Amount 211-5500-115100 Insurance workers comp… 387.75 211-5500-221005 General supplies 187.99 211-5500-223060 Books 390.42 211-5500-223065 Electronic resources 7,776.38 211-5500-331028 Cataloging & processing 15,797.23 211-5500-332100 Communications 181.12 211-5500-340050 Contractual maintenance… 2,262.07 211-5500-340110 Contractual maintenance… 564.18 211-5500-347040 Subscriptions & member… 1,729.30 211-5500-363101 Special events programm… 129.45 212-5000-223113 Children's memorial boo… 52.94 Grand Total: 29,458.83 Project Account Summary Project Account Key Payment Amount **None** 29,458.83 Grand Total: 29,458.83 Page 16 of 27 2/3/2026 8:59:37 AM Page 4 of 4 New Ulm Public Library Board Library Department Activities Report January 2026 Library Aide Jenny Mosendon started on Monday, January 26. Welcome, Jenny! Page Sara Wendinger resigned. Her last day at the library was Friday, January 6. Programming and Technology Services Librarian LeRoy Harris’ last day with the library was Tuesday, February 3. We wish Sara and LeRoy well! New picture book shelving and shelving near the library’s service desk was installed on January 28-29. This project created more space for activities in the storytime area of the children’s room and more space for the Library of Things collection. The new year started off with a bang for the Youth Services Librarian: On Wednesday, December 31, the library partnered with New Ulm Park and Recreation to host the second annual Noon Year’s Eve Party. Participants were able to enjoy a free skate, snack, crafts, a photo booth, and a ball drop at noon. There were over 250 children and adults in attendance. The Youth Services Librarian presented fourteen programs this month with 132 participants in attendance. Children’s room visitors created 139 crafts and completed ninety-six scavenger hunts. The Memory Lab was once again busy for the month of January with 17 appointments. Adult program attendance was dampened at times by the cold weather, but discussion and engagement were as lively as ever. The Winter Reading Program for adults began on Monday, January 5, and will run through the end of February. The Friends of the New Ulm Public Library are graciously sponsoring the prizes for this year’s program and over fifty people are already registered. Page 17 of 27 The Programming and Technology Services Librarian represented the library on Something Artsy, at the city’s Emergency Management Committee meeting, and on KNUJ with the Youth Services Librarian. A new episode of Don’t Forget to Read the Instructions was filmed along with an update on library programs for February. The Programming and Technology Services Librarian met with other arts organizations’ representatives for a monthly collaboration meeting and planned out the next episode of Tales of the Town, which will be filmed in February. The Reference Librarian visited four Senior Living units in January. Tax time is here. The IRS sends out 1040/1040SR Forms and Instruction booklets to the library to hand out to patrons. So far, we have only received the Instruction booklets. The library will print tax forms for patrons upon request, including Minnesota state tax forms. The Assistant Director helped with outreach at Oak Hills Assisted Living Center. She attended the first part of a three-part Collection Development Course offered by Prairielands and an Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund grant application training offered by Traverse des Sioux Regional Library (TdS). She attended the following meetings: Library Board, Friends of the Library, and library supervisors. The Library Director attended the following January meetings: After Council, TdS Directors, Library Board, library supervisors (two), Friends of the Library, and TdS Board. She attended TdS training on advanced integrated library system reports and met with the Automation and Cataloging librarians from TdS during their site visit. She worked on staffing changes, preparation for shelving installation, and various staff, patron, and building issues. LIBRARY DEPARTMENT STATISTICS – JANUARY 2026 Reference Reference Statistic Total Reference Questions (Service Desk) 277 Reference Questions (Children’s Desk) 74 Proctored Tests 0 Microfilm Usage 10 Bound Newspaper/Plat Books/Yearbooks Use 3 Tax Prep Phone Number/Forms 82 Page 18 of 27 Collection Development Collection Development Statistic Total Total items added to collection 471 Total items catalogued by TdS 204 Items Weeded Adult Fiction Items Weeded 564 Adult Non-Fiction Items Weeded 68 Young Adult Items Weeded 8 Children’s Items Weeded 89 Total Items Weeded 729 Outreach Senior Living Centers Total Oak Hills 15 Ridgeway on 23rd 5 Ridgeway on German 5 Orchard Hills 3 Total Outreach Attendance 28 Library Space Use Meeting Room Total Total number of non-library reservations 3 Total users for non-library reservations 77 Study Rooms Total study room reservations 21 Recorded Programming Program Type Date Attendance/Video Views Online Tutorials and Information Adult Throughout the month 90 Game Demonstration Show Family Throughout the Month 123 Chad Lewis Presentations Adult Throughout the Month 16 Author and Arts Events Family Throughout the Month 87 Tales of the Town Family Throughout the Month 31 Stories for the Season Family Throughout the Month 4 Total Recorded Program Attendance 549 Page 19 of 27 Live Programming Date Program Title Attendance Audience 1/2 Senior Movie Matinee 12 Adult 1/5 Storytime 11 Children 1/5 Teen Pathfinder Group 5 Young Adult 1/5 Lit Wits Book Club 5 Adult 1/6 Knippling Group 6 Adult 1/6 Jr Video Game Club 12 Children 1/6 Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Session 4 Adult 1/6 Chess Club 2 All Ages 1/6 Online Pathfinder Session 4 Adult 1/7 Needleworking Group 10 Adult 1/7 Pajama Party Storytime 10 Children 1/8 Online Pathfinder Session 3 Adult 1/8 Creative Kids 5 Children 1/9 Senior Movie Matinee 13 Adult 1/10 Teen Video Game Club 4 Young Adult 1/12 Storytime 18 Children 1/12 Teen Pathfinder Group 4 Young Adult 1/12 Poetry Group 4 Adult 1/13 Knippling Group 5 Adult 1/13 Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Session 6 Adult 1/13 Chess Club 3 All Ages 1/13 New Ulm Film Society 8 Adult 1/13 Online Pathfinder Session 4 Adult 1/14 Needleworking Group 11 Adult 1/14 Art Group 7 Adult 1/14 Pajama Party Storytime 9 Children 1/14 Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Session 2 Adult 1/15 Wacky Wonders 13 Children 1/15 Genealogy Club 6 Adult 1/16 Online Pathfinder Session 3 Adult 1/16 Senior Movie Matinee 8 Adult 1/20 History Book Club 4 Adult 1/20 Knippling Group 6 Adult 1/20 Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Session 6 Adult 1/20 Chess Club 3 All Ages 1/20 Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table 8 Adult 1/20 Evening Sensory Storytime 13 Children Page 20 of 27 Date Program Title Attendance Audience 1/21 Needleworking Group 11 Adult 1/22 Sensory Playtime 13 Children 1/23 Friday's Special Storytime 3 Children 1/23 Online Pathfinder Session 3 Adult 1/23 Senior Movie Matinee 9 Adult 1/26 Storytime 14 Children 1/26 Teen Pathfinder Group 4 Young Adult 1/26 Mystery Book Club 5 Adult 1/27 Knippling Group 6 Adult 1/27 Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Session 4 Adult 1/27 Chess Club 5 All Ages 1/27 Online Pathfinder Session 4 Adult 1/28 Needleworking Group 12 Adult 1/28 Daycare Outrech 8 Children 1/28 Art Group 8 Adult 1/28 Pajama Party Storytime 12 Children 1/29 Online Pathfinder Session 2 Adult 1/30 Senior Movie Matinee 16 Adult January Memory Lab Appointments 20 Adult January Winter Reading Program for Adults 63 Adult Total Live Programming Attendance for January 479 Door Count by Month 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2023 5369 5815 7115 7346 7943 8257 7890 7148 6345 8139 5934 5901 2024 6186 7099 7353 7669 7101 9399 8481 7400 6605 7131 7055 5863 2025 6678 7099 7723 7779 7321 8600 9757 7567 6786 7027 6222 5903 2026 6499 Page 21 of 27  Physical Circulation by Month/Year 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2023 9447 8867 9920 9583 10500 12285 12122 11324 9560 9859 8828 8828 2024 9569 9596 10666 10333 10667 12583 13442 11272 9390 10361 9778 8713 2025 9365 9548 10446 9738 10071 13159 13540 11029 10166 10246 9068 9033 2026 9392 Libby Circulation by Month/Year 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2023 1453 1365 1278 1355 1560 1585 1665 1647 1547 1618 1466 1555 2024 1800 1673 1770 1790 1693 1772 1780 1782 1753 1868 1712 1856 2025 2082 1849 1958 1973 1893 2000 2070 2155 2009 2094 1805 1890 2026 1968 Page 22 of 27  Patron Computer Use Per Month 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2023 666 575 803 838 829 1005 1007 972 824 826 671 815 2024 877 872 888 888 892 1063 1020 905 831 847 795 728 2025 688 717 941 990 819 1226 1560 1245 906 992 770 811 2026 670 Wireless Stats, Total Clients by Month 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2023* 1080 829 610 597 796 723 904 2024 5625 5267 5369 5598 5132 4673 4832 5337 4457 6421 3848 4247 2025 9473 5822 5797 6945 4633 9861 7949 4731 10967 7962 9769 6524 2026 6977 *Access to UniFi stats down January-May 2023. Used "traffic" as metric in 2023; changed to "past connections" in 2024 to remain consistent with TdS. Page 23 of 27  Number of Views Total Number of Number of Photo Number of Video People Reached All Post New Page Total Page Programming Photo Video Engagement (Children's) Posts Posts Posts Engagements* Follows/Likes Follows/Likes Programming Engagements Engagements 2026 Facebook Engagement Statistics (Other) January 67 62 2472 1 15 2547 19 2310 47635 31385 175 2232 February March April May June July August September October November December Annual Total 67 62 2472 1 15 2547 19 47635 31385 175 2232 2026 Recorded Unique Resource Videos Programming Total Total YouTube Total Views Program Viewers Added Videos Added Subscribers Impressions Statistics Views January 197 549 137 1 1 182 1586 February March April May June July August September October November December Annual Total 197 549 137 1 1 182 1586 Page 24 of 27 FEBRUARY 2026 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 StoryTime with Ms. Pajama Party Fasching with the Kathryn 10:30a Storytime Narren Teen Pathfinder 6:30p 11a Roleplaying Game 3:45p 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 StoryTime with Ms. Jr. Video Game Club Pajama Party Creative Kids* Kathryn 10:30a 3:30p Storytime 3:30p 6:30p 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Library is CLOSED Pajama Party Wacky Wonders* Friday’s Special Teen Video Game for Storytime 3:30p Storytime Club President”s Day 6:30p 10a 2p 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 StoryTime with Ms. Pajama Party Sensory Playtime* Kathryn 10:30a Storytime 10a 6:30p All Programs are free and open to the public. Visit www.newulmlibrary.org or Page 25 of 27 call 507-359-8331 for more information. *Registration Required FEBRUARY 2026 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lit Wits Book Club Knippling 1p Needlework Group Senior Movie Matinee: 6:30p Pathfinder RPG 4:15p 9:30a Double Indemnity NU Chess Club 6p Art Group 1p 1:30p 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Poetry Group History Book Club 12p Needlework Group Senior Movie 6:30p Knippling 1p 9:30a Matinee: NU Chess Club 6p Art Group Key Largo MN Civil War Round at 1:30p 1p Table 6:30p 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Library is CLOSED Knippling 1p Needlework Group Senior Movie for NU Chess Club 6p 9:30a Matinee: President”s Day Art Group The Best Years of at 1:30p Our Lives 1p 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Mystery Book Club Knippling 1p Needlework Group Senior Movie 6:30p NU Chess Club 6p 9:30a Matinee: Art Group The Treasure of the at 1:30p Sierra Madre 1p All Programs are free and open to the public. Page 26 of 27 Visit www.newulmlibrary.org or call 507-359-8331 for more information. *Registration Required New Ulm Public Library Board Resolution Number 2026-03 Accepting TdS Honorariums First Reading and Adoption During January 2026, Traverse des Sioux Regional Library Board (TdS) awarded New Ulm Public Library with two $800 honorariums ($1,600 total) to help cover the cost of 2026 Public Library Association (PLA) conference attendance for the Library Director and Assistant Library Director. Any costs over $1,600 will be covered by New Ulm Public Library’s Travel conferences and schools budget line. The PLA conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on April 1-3, 2026. Key themes for 2026 include community partnerships, innovation, and professional growth. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend educational sessions, hear from bestselling authors, network with peers, and view hundreds of vendor exhibits. Approved at a meeting of the New Ulm Public Library Board on February 12, 2026, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: APPROVED: _____________________________ Ruth Ann Webster, Chair Page 27 of 27