Norman Public Library Board Meeting

Norman Library Board Meeting Minutes March 20, 2023 Meeting Minutes Meeting called to order at 4:30pm Roll Call Members in attendance: Bianca Gordon (Chair), Tim Mauldin, Jason Bingham, Jayme Shelton, Sarah Moran, Jody Foote, Debra Engel, and Megan Straughan (Secretary) Members not in attendance: Sue Ringus (Vice-Chair) Introduction of Staff and Guests Caroline Dulworth, Associate Director Beverly Thiege, Children’s Manager Norman West Kelsey Williamson, Norman East Branch Manager Consider and vote to approve/disapprove/take other action on minutes from previous meeting Member Mauldin moved to approve the minutes, Member Bingham seconded. Verbal vote, minutes were unanimously approved. Branch updates: ● Adult Online High School Graduation and information about this service- Presented by Kelsey Williamson ○ Recently hosted a ceremony at Norman East for High School Graduate for Excel Adult High School Graduate, the Mayor was in attendance. ○ This is an online program for adults to earn a diploma by completing high school credits. ○ Program is made possible by funds from the Pioneer Foundation ○ Suggested that this program can be highlighted at a future board meeting. ● Overview of PLS Marketing Messaging Campaign- presented by Kelsey Williamson ○ Marketing and Communications Team is focusing on intentional messaging tailored to highlight unique services to get more patrons in the doors. ○ Current topics include health and wellness, upward mobility, and summer learning challenges Questions from the Board about how the marketing is managed, is it in house? Williamson confirmed that it is an internal department out of the administration building at Norman West. In addition to the team, other representatives from all libraries are welcome to give feedback and contribute to inter system feedback. ● Update on Spring PLS stargazing programs (upcoming)- presented by Kelsey Williamson ○ PLS has partnered with Lunar Sooners (educational outreach team from OU Astronomy Department) for Spring programs such as star parties ○ Tie in with other library programming such as hosting Bill Moore, author focused on space exploration, to speak about his book: Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut's Journey ● Thinking Money exhibit at Norman Central Children’s department- presented by Beverly Theige ○ Exhibit was made possible by the American Library Association(ALA) and Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU) ○ Focus was on to teach financial literacy for elementary aged children ○ Over three thousand children have toured the exhibit including 20 area schools. ○ Tie in with other children’s programming such as pop-up art shop, which allowed children to manage their own funds to purchase and create art projects. ○ Over 136 financial focused titles here checked out from the library Discussion from the board: members inquired if it could be a yearly event? Theige clarified that the exhibit would likely not be able to return however there has been discussion on continuing events like the pop-up art shop and other programming focused on early financial literacy. This ties into the strategic plan of providing education and creating upward mobility for patrons. ● The Well Partnership- presented by Caroline Dulworth ○ PLS has refocused on the signature services they provide. ○ This has evolved into having a PLS weekend at The Well that kicks off with the Friday in Art Walk activities, a Saturday morning cooking demo, and STEAM family activities on Sunday. Old Business ● American Library Program on financial literacy Feb 15th-March 27th with children ages 7-11 with kickoff event February 16th ● Imagination Library o Over 6,000 registered (21% of the eligible children in our service area) o Donation to the Library Foundation to continue the program o If all the counties signed on to Imagination Library, Dolly Parton visits! New Business  ● Oklahoma Library Association Library of the Year award o Pioneer Library System won Library of the Year after being nominated by a Norman community member o Several staff members also won awards and scholarships o PLS recognized for including other libraries in their trainings ● Discussion of future advisory board topics- led by Kelsey Williamson o Summer Programs (most are on the website) o Workforce Development program with the high school o Censorship and book banning o Reviewing our mission as a library board o More about funding (what’s county, what’s foundation, etc) o Financial literacy programming o Entrepreneurship Board Comments Member Shelton brought up a possible collaboration with Assistance League, which provides children’s books donations Member Bingham asked about book giveaways to schools Comments from the Public None Next Meeting: *TUESDAY June 20, 2023 at Norman Library - Central Adjournment Secretary Straughan motioned to adjourn, Member Shelton seconded, verbal vote was unanimous to adjourn It is the policy of the City of Norman that no person or groups of persons shall on the grounds of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, including marriage to a person of the same sex, disability, retaliation, or genetic information, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in employment activities or in all programs, services, or activities administered by the City, its recipients, sub-recipients, and contractors. 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