HomeMy WebLinkAboutLBMinutes_2025_03_13BROOKINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
March 13, 2025
MEETING MINUTES
The Board of Trustees of the Brookings Public Library met on Thursday, March 13 at 11:45 am in the Historical Room at the
Brookings Public Library.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mark Binkley, Kathy Miller, Allison Schmitt, Denise Hall, Brittany Shaw
OTHERS PRESENT: Ashia Gustafson, Shane Andreasen
1. Call to Order
Mark Binkley called the meeting to order.
2. Approval of Agenda
Mark Binkley approved the meeting agenda with no changes.
3. Approval of Minutes
Mark Binkley approved the meeting minutes from February 13, 2025.
4. Other Items & Reports
4.1 Financial Report
Ashia Gustafson presented a review of the 2025 budget through February to the Library board members.
4.2 Librarian’s Report
Statistics: Physical circulations are down when compared to last year, but electronic circulation has continued to increase.
Programming:
Children: STEAM afternoon programs have proven successful. More programs are being planned on days when school is out.
Teen: In February, 6 attended Graphic Novel Club, 5 attended Teens in the Kitchen, and 8 attended Workshop Wednesday.
The Teen Summer Reading Program planning is in full swing.
Adult: The 8-week American Sign Language course filled up in 3 minutes and is well attended. The first Hotdish Cook Off was a
success with 6 different dishes and 29 attendees. The VisABILITY Grant will be wrapping up on April 30 and includes the
following programs: a collage craft, accessible yoga classes, a book club discussion on the book True Biz by Sara Novik, and
adding Memory Kits to the Library’s collection. Memory kits are made to help individuals with dementia or other cognitive
impairments reminisce and create discussions with loved ones. Once the grant is complete, the Library will continue to offer
programs for those with disabilities including the Read Aloud Book Club with Advance, monthly activities, Memory Kit usage for
outreach patrons or Memory Café activities at the Library, and incorporating disability education for the community by partnering
with the Disability Awareness Committee and other organizations.
Tech: Nancy Swenson nominated the Library for the Lowe’s Hometown Grant. Hoopla continues to increase in usage with
January’s cost up to almost $2,300 for check-outs. The 2025 allotted funds are being monitored. Additional funds or check-out
cut backs may be required to keep pace with usage. The Hoopla budget will most likely need an adjustment in 2026.
Upcoming Events: March 15 is the craft swap, Pie and Puzzles competition is March 25, Teen nostalgia night is March 27, and
the Friends of the Library book sale runs from April 9-13.
Other: Legislative update: House Bill 1041 passed out of appropriations with cuts to the State Library budget, but not a
complete elimination. Passed with amendments by the Senate. Four databases will be eliminated and three staff members will
be cut. Interlibrary loan services and SD Titles to Go remain active.
House Bill 1239 went to the Senate on Monday, March 10. It was amended on the floor and the amended bill was approved by
Senate and sent back to the House for approval. The House approved the amended bill. The bill will allow for an individual to
appeal to the governing body of the public library, as defined in § 14-2-27, to determine whether any matter or material is
obscene. Any determination made by the governing body as to whether any matter or material is obscene is subject to judicial
review in a court of competent jurisdiction
5. Old Business
5.1 Continuing Education Record
Ashia Gustafson reviewed the continuing education record with the Library Board members. The current credit total is 46.5 and
the minimum requirement of 45 credits has been satisfied.
6. New Business
6.1 Approval of Bills
The Library Board members reviewed the February 2025 bills, budgets, and expenditures. Kathy Miller moved to approve.
Allison Schmitt seconded. Motion carried.
6.2 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan
Ashia Gustafson reviewed the proposed Library strategic plan with the Library Board members. Kathy Miller moved to approve.
Brittany Shaw seconded. Motion carried. Brittany Shaw motioned for the Strategic Plan’s online dashboard to be updated
quarterly. Kathy Miller seconded. Motion carried.
6.3 Meeting Room Policy Updates
Ashia Gustafson reviewed the proposed Meeting Room Policy 2025 with the Library Board members. Kathy Miller moved to
approve. Denise Hall seconded. Motion carried.
7. Items Not on the Agenda
Kathy Miller asked about the cost to repair the Library’s exterior brick wall after the vehicle damage it incurred. Ashia Gustafson
explained that insurance covered the cost of repair.
Kathy Miller pointed out that the Brookings Register published the incorrect start time for the Library Board meeting. Ashia
Gustafson will make a note to update the start time to 11:45am when submitting to the newspaper.
9. Next Meeting: Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 11:45 AM in the Historical Room of the Brookings Public Library.
10. Adjournment
The Library Board meeting adjourned at 12:28pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Ashia Gustafson
Director of Library Services