Winooski Memorial Library Committee

1/6/2022 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: P. Doherty, A. Hurd, J. Wignall, C.N. Khajehali, C. Moore City Staff Present: N. Eddy Guests Present: None Call to Order by: N. Eddy Meeting Start Time: 6:34 PM Minutes Recorded by: J. Wignall II. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: Approved Motion by: P. Doherty Second: A. Hurd III. Public Comment None IV. Committee Member Updates Welcome to new members C.N. Khajehali and C. Moore, and J. Wignall who was renewed. P. Doherty visited the library and noted the new layout looks good, including having the computers up front. N. Eddy noted that it helps with monitoring usage of the computers. C. Moore asked if library books that were released prior to the pandemic have generally been returned. N. Eddy will put out a call for any books in the future. A. Hurd has been enjoying accessing content through Overdrive. A lot of the collection is shared across the Green Mountain Library Consortium, which is statewide, though some titles are prioritized for Winooski library access. V. Library Updates Staffing l Applications have been open for the Youth Services Coordinator role. K. Wilson was the only applicant and is in the process of being hired. Once hired, she would be a full time staff along with the other two part-time clerks. l Programming l The library is continuing adult and children programming, though the library is slowing down in-person activities. Programming included English language learning, citizenship test prep classes, story time at the library and off-site, STEAM programming, and Dad  the only applicant and is in the process of being hired. Once hired, she would be a full time staff along with the other two part-time clerks. l Programming l The library is continuing adult and children programming, though the library is slowing down in-person activities. Programming included English language learning, citizenship test prep classes, story time at the library and off-site, STEAM programming, and Dad Guild. The library has postponed yoga for children and STEAM programming for the foreseeable future. The book club and writing groups are still meeting as of now. l Adult Dungeons and Dragons are meeting weekly at the library. Youth programming would happen through a potential future position that is pending approval by city council, paid via ESSR funds. Monthly Stats l Stats were consistent with the past month. l Virtual programming was discontinued when in-person programming started back up. l The library previously supported services that are now offered through the Rec department, such as distributing food at the pool. The library is also collaborating with other departments as possible for various services (such as story time for different audiences) and leveraging ESSR funds as possible. Grants l The library received a $1000 grant from the Simba fund. l The library received the Critical Languages Program grant application to support Arabic language learning in the Winooski community ($2,685). It will support a 10-week program of Arabic conversation circles for English speakers, monthly bilingual story times, and collection materials to support Arabic language learning for children. l The library has begun using the ARPA funding for library furnishings, including kids tables and chairs, stackable chairs, and adult tables. VI. New Member Orientation P. Doherty walked through a plan for new member orientation based on prepared slides, including ideas to orient new members to the library, the library committee, and available resources. The committee discussed these ideas, including a plan to review the material over time. The committee started reviewing the library committee elements, including the open meeting rules. N. Eddy will check if there is a write up around the open meeting rules. Other topics would include reviewing the charter, voting guidance, and discussing the Friends of the Library. The committee discussed potential fundraising activities and how to leverage the centennial celebration activities to generate interest in the Friends. The committee also discussed converting the materials into a manual for reference when onboarding new members. VII. Active vs. Inactive Patron Counts This topic was tabled for the next meeting. VIII. Requests for Book Removal(s): Policy & Best Practices The library has not received any challenges, but there has been an increase in challenges across the country around content related to race and LGBTQ+ materials. The Vermont Library Association is forming a committee which can support any libraries in VIII. Requests for Book Removal(s): Policy & Best Practices The library has not received any challenges, but there has been an increase in challenges across the country around content related to race and LGBTQ+ materials. The Vermont Library Association is forming a committee which can support any libraries in responding to challenges. The Winooski library has a form that individuals can fill out challenging materials, but the director is considering replacing it with the ALA form. In addition to the form, there needs to be a process to address these requests. The current process is outlined in the current Materials Selection Policy. The committee agreed to discuss this in the next meeting. While the committee reviews the form, the ALA form will be used in the interim. IX. Other Business None X. Adjourn Adjourned at 8:10 PM Motion by: J. Wignall Second: C.N. Khajehali