Norman Public Library Board Meeting

Norman Library Board Meeting Minutes June 21st, 2022 Location: Norman Central Public Library, 103 W. Acres St., Norman, Oklahoma 73069 Meeting was called to order at 4:30pm Roll Call Members attending in person: Sue Ringus (Chair), Jayme Shelton (Vice-Chair), Jason Bingham, Sarah Moran Tim Mauldin, Megan Straughan (Secretary), Jody Foote, Bianca Gordon Members not in attendance: Debra Engel Vote to amend, correct, and approve the previous minutes Member Mauldin moved to approve previous minutes, Member Foote seconded the motions. Vote taken by show of hands. Minutes were approved unanimously. Introduction of Staff and Guests Caroline Dulworth, Associate Director NPL Mike Pierson, Branch Manager of Norman West Beverly Theige, Norman Central Children’s Department Manager Kelsey Williamson, Branch Manager of Norman East Branch updates Beverly Theige, Children’s Department Manager, Norman Central ● All of NPL is participating in the Summer Learning Challenge ○ Sign up through the Pioneer Library Systems App ○ includes reading and other activities ○ completing outreach to daycares, who can log reading minutes for their participants ○ Partnering with NPS Summer School ○ 6000+ participants so far ○ We are close to our 2019 (pre-pandemic) numbers Member Gordon asked about outcomes. Discussion of how outcomes are analyzed. More information available after August. ● STEAM projects are growing during the summer ● 106 people attended the Jazz in June children’s program Mike Pierson, Branch Manager of Norman West ● West has been helping with Jazz in June despite location change ● Focusing on Soonercon and Summer Learning Challenge ● Finishing ODL health literacy grants ○ Including a superfoods program and tai chi Kelsey Williamson-Branch Manager of Norman East ● Summer Learning Challenge at East ○ focusing on family unit learning/intergenerational engagement ● Teen Connect Program ○ teen volunteer program at the library ○ teens are creating some of the younger children’s programming ● Teen advisory board is getting teens engaged ● Health literacy grant- somatic yoga Caroline, Associate Director of Norman Public Library ● Gave presentation on how to make a brochure from online events calendar ○ You can narrow search results by location, age group, event type, date, and “create brochure” ○ 277 events next month alone ○ Including one with Alpacas! ● Strategic planning ○ focused on creating a sustainable future ○ inspiring innovation engagement and learning in our communities ○ Curate an inclusive customer experience ■ want to make customers feel valued and hears with consistency across branches ○ Completing needs assessment to strategically plan for the future in the following areas 1. Early literacy and school readiness a. (inviting and educating caregivers as well, reading programs for all ages 2. STEAM a. focusing on highlighting the Art in STEAM b. ensuring that STEAM programming is accessible to all age groups 3. Health a. Partnering with The Well b. Food, exercise, self care, safety 4. Upward Mobility a. Individual focus on improving lives b. GED, ELL, GED classes, ELL, Career exploration, financial literacy, business help, college fairs and career fairs, “My future” programs, “Land that Job” 5. Community Conversations a. Book clubs, advocacy for local issues, information literacy, social empathy, adult SEL, Teen Connect and Connection Corner, “Community Matters”, “Making a Difference” ● New project- Benches with plugs to charge and free wifi- Francis Cate park, Ruby Grant, Near norman central ● Strategic plan allows the library to be focused and intentional in programming ● “Schedule a Librarian” to get an appt with a librarian for specific projects ● Social Worker Practicum student in Shawnee, can make appts in Norman with Zoom ○ Will continue program in the fall Old Business None New Business  None Board Comments Vice Chair Shelton expressed concerns regarding censorship and book banning occurring in libraries across the nation. Associate Director Dulworth identified that while some patrons have expressed concern regarding library content, staff is able to promote that libraries are for everyone, with content for everyone. AD Dulworth also discussed library staff attending a legislative day to advocate with Oklahoma Legislators about the importance of the library. Board discussed attending the Pioneer Library System Board meeting. East will host the PLS Board in August. Member Gordon identified that Bridges is hiring a resistant advisor. Housing included with a $150/month stipend, with hours 9pm-9am. Chair Ringus announced the next meeting will be on Monday, September 19th, 4:30pm at Norman West Comments from the Public None Next Meeting: September 19, 2022 at Norman Library -West Adjournment Secretary Straughan motions to adjourn, Member Gordon seconded the motion. Voted by a show of hands, the meeting was adjourned unanimously. 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