Library Board

LIBRARY BOARD PLANNING MEETING MINUTES Monday, January 25, 2021 6:30 p.m. I. Call to Order The Board of Trustees of the Wheaton Public Library held a Library Board Planning meeting on Monday, January 25, 2021. Board President Christine Fenne called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Members present at roll call via Zoom were: Christine Fenne, Al Herbach, Bob Lyon, Laurie Metanchuk, Simone Morton, Kathryn Staron and Vallari Talapatra. Absent: Bob McDonough and Joe McHaley. Betsy Adamowski, Library Director, Dawn Kovacs, Assistant Library Director, Ed Sirovatka, IT/Facilities Manager, and Lisa Christell-Sandri, Library Finance/Business Office Manager and recording secretary for this meeting, were also in attendance. II. Board Development with Consultant John Keister, John Keister & Associates Board President Fenne introduced John Keister from John Keister & Associates. Mr. Keister began with an overview of the library board’s role and stated that its primary role is the hiring of a Library Director. He asked the questions: “What do you need from the Library Director to be more effective?” and “What does the Library Director need from the Board to be more effective?” Mr. Keister stated that Director appraisals don’t have to be once a year; it should be a continuous process. He also said that another important role of being a board member is advocating for the library. Mr. Keister emphasized that respectful discussion and debate of library issues are good for libraries. He also noted that a lively, non-library related round-the-table is a good way to get to know each other better. During his presentation, Mr. Keister encouraged discussion among the members and answered questions. When he had concluded, both Mrs. Fenne and Mrs. Adamowski thanked Mr. Keister. III. Adjournment Mrs. Metanchuk moved and Mr. Herbach seconded to adjourn. A voice vote was taken and the motion for adjournment carried at 7:41 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Christell-Sandri Finance/Business Office Manager