Library Board of Trustees on April 21, 2025
Agenda
City Council Chambers, 360 N Main St, North Liberty
6:30 pm
- Call to Order
- Additions/Changes to the Agenda
- Public Comment
- Board Position Update
- Approval of Minutes
- December
- January
- Staff Introduction
- Library Director Report
- Budget
- Operations
- Staff reports – questions
- Policy Review
- Proctoring Policy
- Mission Statement
- New Business
- Adjourn
- Next meeting date: May 19, 2025, 6:30 pm
Minutes
North Liberty Library
Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Trustees April 21, 2025
Trustees Present: Scott Clemons, Angela Fogt, Brandy Greene, Scott Kramer
Other Attendees: Jennie Garner (Director), Kayla Hodgson (Youth and Teen Services Librarian), Zoe Murphy (assistant Youth & Teen Service Librarian)
Absent: Cara Flynn
1. Call to Order
A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the North Liberty Library (the “Library”) was called to order on April 21, 2025, at approximately 6:32 pm by Scott Clemons, President.
2. Quorum, Agenda
The President recognized the Trustees present and established that quorum was met. There were no additions or changes to the agenda as presented.
3. Public Comment
None.
4. Approval of the Minutes
The December minutes were reviewed. Upon motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the minutes of the meeting were approved.
The January minutes were reviewed. Because there was not a quorum of the directors who were in attendance at that meeting, approval was tabled until the next meeting with a quorum.
5. Presentation to the Board
Kayla Hodgson (Youth and Teen Services Librarian) and Zoe Murphy (assistant Youth & Teen Service Librarian) presented to the Board on the Library’s youth services program. This included an overview of the youth engagement initiatives, programming, approach, and related events.
6. Reports
- Budget
Director Jennie Garner provided a brief update on the current budget. The present financial condition of the Library remains strong, and expenses generally align with expectations.
b. Director
Director Garner provided an overview of proposed legislation that could impact the Library and its programs. This included Iowa H.F. 880, H.F. 521, and H.F. 856. The first two did not pass the second legislative funnel and will not proceed for this year. H.F. 856 may still be adopted.
H.F. 856 prohibits state and municipal entities from enacting or promoting trainings, programming, or activities relating to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Adoption of this legislation would have a material impact on the Library’s programs.
Director Garner provided a report on the Library’s general operations and activities that included:
- The library has filled four part-time
- Through a collaboration with Johnson County, posters have been put in school libraries signaling that public libraries may have books that are not available in school libraries.
- A new initiative, the Citizen Advocacy Alliance, is working to bring together patrons to establish a network of community advocates on issues related to public libraries.
c. Friends
No Update.
d. Staff Reports
There were no questions related to the written staff reports that were provided to the Board in the meeting packet.
7. Policy review
The Board reviewed the proposed edits to the Library’s proctoring policy. Upon a motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the Board of Trustees voted to approve the policy as set forth in the Board packet.
The Board also reviewed the proposed edits to the Library’s mission and vision statement. It was discussed that changes may ultimately be required if state-level legislation is adopted limiting the use of certain works in connection with inclusivity and diversity. Upon a motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the Board of Trustees voted to approve the Library’s mission and vision. The Board also asked Director Garner to propose updates to the mission and vision if H.F. 8565 is ultimately adopted since it may impact the language used.
8. Old Business
No old business.
9. New Business
Jamie Helmick resigned from the Board since she is moving outside of the geographic area. Stephanie Munestman will be joining as a new Trustee.
10. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:00 pm by the President.
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on May 19, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the North Liberty City Council Chambers.
Prepared by Angela Fogt, Secretary.
