August 14, 2023
Benton Public Library District
Board of Trustees Meeting
August 14, 2023
Members Present: Brian Crisp, Pat Hollada, Theresa Bates, Kathy Storey, Debbie Clark, Larry Journey (late)
Absent: None
Library Director: Susan Stickel
Meeting Called to Order: 5:30 pm by Sue Wells
Approval of July Board Meeting Minutes
1st by Debbie Clark 2nd by Theresa Bates
Payment of Bills:
1st by Debbie Clark 2nd by Kathy Storey
Financial Report:
1st by Brian Crisp 2nd by Pat Hollada
Librarian’s Report:
MAINTENANCE:
Susan met with the library’s insurance provider and had a walk-through inspection done inside of the library and outside in the Reading Garden and the Pirate Ship. The insurance representative was complimentary about the appearance of the library, garden and ship.
Susan contacted Mr. Wissinger for an estimate to finish the drainage area next to the patron parking lot. This was created last year when the asphalt was done. He will try to finish this project soon.
FW Electric has been here and they replace electrical outlet covers where needed.
Susan mentioned that it was time to get all of the carpeting and tiles cleaned throughout the building. It will be scheduled for Labor Day weekend.
PROGRAMMING:
Glen Poshard will be here on August 17th for a new book signing from 3:30-4:30.
The Summer Reading Program was well attended this year.
Susan mentioned that we are looking forward to our 2nd Annual Halloween in the Garden and the Christmas programs as we continue on with our regular programming. Kimberly has designed a children’s programming Brochure and Susan made a few changes on the brochure to promote library, Genealogy and the Reading Garden. These brochures will be made available to the public in addition to our standard detailed library brochure.
A library patron called Susan and was very complimentary about the tech help that she received from Joe. Another patron told her this type of assistance was really helpful to them. They wanted to tell us how much it was appreciated.
GENEALOGY DEPARTMENT:
Susan mentioned that “Articles from the Benton Evening News, Jan-Dec 1947” will soon be ready for patrons to enjoy. This is a similar book to the Obits & Tidbits that is available in the genealogy room. It covers articles of interest that were pulled from our microfilm and categorized into the month each article was published.
Pam and Kelsey will be moving forward with the years 1948, 1949, and 1950. The census books are now complete through the year 1950 and available for viewing in the genealogy room.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
The new brochures, calendar of events, the Franklin County gazette and the internet are this month’s effort in advertising for the library.
Old Business:
EXECUTIVE SESSION (NONE)
Personnel:
Susan mentioned that Tiffany may need to leave her position, but might possibly stay for the children’s department. She told Susan she would let us know.
Pat brought up the topic from the previous meeting about possibly purchasing new outside tables for the library. There was a catalog to see what the tables would look like. These tables are poly-made and are not from lumber. Pat believed the price to be about $1,900.00(with tax). Originally the suggestion was for four tables, but then maybe we could get by with two tables for the outside concrete pad.
We discussed the new tables and what we currently have. Pat also mentioned that there may be a couple of BCHS graduating classes that might donate money to this project. Susan mentioned that someone else might donate money.
We are putting this project on hold until we find out the exact cost, possible donations and a review of what the current tables look like.
New Business
None
Other
Theresa thanked Susan for the Children’s brochures and the Adult Programming brochures that were passed out for the variety of community events that were held recently.
Public Comment
None
Adjournment: 5:58 pm by Sue Wells
1st by Brian Crisp 2nd by Kathy Storey
