Winooski Memorial Library Committee

11/3/2022 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Prudence Doherty, Jessica Wignall, Colleen Moore, Nikki Khajehali, Lauren Read City Staff Present:, Nate Eddy, Ray Coffey Guests Present: None Call to Order by: Nate Eddy Meeting Start Time: 6:35 PM Minutes Recorded by: Jessica Wignall II. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: Approved Motion by: J. Wignall Second: P. Doherty III. Public Comment None IV. Committee Member Updates None V. Library Updates Programming l Youth programming continues to be strong, including STEAM programming (costume making last Saturday), story times, play groups, LEGO club, Pokémon Club, and Thrive story times. She will be starting a youth graphic novel club with the first book of Snapdragon. The library is planning for some Thanksgiving activities as well. l VT Department of Libraries has purchased a number of “welcoming libraries” – a display of 30 diverse reads centered towards youth, including conversation prompts. Winooski will be one of the first libraries to host this display, for 3 to 4 months. l Adult programming is still ongoing, including the book club (approx. 17 members), the writing group, ESL, 1:1 tech assistance (just restarted), free veggie giveaway on Wednesdays (ending next week but starting a monthly distribution in December). The Intervale Veggie group enjoys partnering with the library. Restorative justice circles are continuing after a film screening last month. l This past Thursday the library hosted a session around rental assistance and will host another session in September. One-time COVID funding around housing is drying up and the state is working to respond to that. l Nate is continuing to visit Our Lady of Providence monthly to bring books and talk with  Intervale Veggie group enjoys partnering with the library. Restorative justice circles are continuing after a film screening last month. l This past Thursday the library hosted a session around rental assistance and will host another session in September. One-time COVID funding around housing is drying up and the state is working to respond to that. l Nate is continuing to visit Our Lady of Providence monthly to bring books and talk with residents about books. l L. Read asked if there are other ideas for adult programming. Groups often look to use the space to host meetings, though N. Eddy is considering options such as a puzzle night or a language learning club. l The librarians continue to attend the school library commission meetings. Monthly Stats l October was active, with almost 1k visits and an increase in collection use. Youth programs are very active. Staffing lVT Dept of Libraries initiated a mentoring program, and K. Wilson is participating. lThe library is looking to fill gaps for the front desk starting in Jan 2023 for up to 5 months, approx. 15 hrs/week. Budget for FY 2024 This will be our new city manager’s first city budget. Elaine will be reviewing how funding is allocated to confirm it aligns with departmental needs. The library budget would cover 2 clerks, the director, and the youth librarian, and is proposed to increase the materials budget to cover additional titles. One of the clerks is currently covered by ESSR funding so that would be very significant to maintain current staffing levels in the city budget. The community services budget will be presented on December 12. VI. Draft of Youth Committee Position Description Nate drafted a position description for review. The committee discussed it, including if the member responsibilities should be on the description (yes), the language used, how this will be advertised (will include through word of mouth and partnering with the school), if the position will be a voting member (yes, and planning a charter change accordingly), the age limit (8 th grade), approaches for onboarding, the application format (planning on a verbal interview), and a potential scholarship or stipend (pending city rules and tax considerations). The committee reviewed potential charter changes. N. Eddy will update the position description based on feedback. The Committee will plan to present this description to City Council. VII. Committee Meeting Structure P. Doherty brought up if the committee should reconsider anything about the structure (e.g., who leads the meeting). N. Eddy proposed asking for agenda items from all committee members instead of just the chair, which members agreed with. Members agreed to vote on a Vice-Chair at the next meeting. VIII. Committee Member Engagement P. Doherty asked about other ways the committee could be helping. N. Eddy mentioned visiting the library, including programming, promoting the library in the community, and coming prepared  Members agreed to vote on a Vice-Chair at the next meeting. VIII. Committee Member Engagement P. Doherty asked about other ways the committee could be helping. N. Eddy mentioned visiting the library, including programming, promoting the library in the community, and coming prepared to meetings. J. Wignall suggested defining some potential activities in the context of specific library goals as they come up. IX. Other Business None X. Adjourn Motion by: P. Doherty Second: C. Moore Adjourned at 7:58 PM