The Arnolds Park Library Board met Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. in the Arnolds Park Library.
Present were Diana Jensen, Joyce Burgeson, Robb Keizer and Library Director, Kara Rice. Absent were Barb Woodley and Mitch Brown.
The minutes of October 19, 2016 were read and approved. Keizer moved to approve the minutes. Burgeson seconded. All aye.
Rice gave an update on our current library software. The state has changed its accreditation standards effective 2017. To comply and keep our state funding at the highest tier we will need to switch to software that allows our patrons web based access to their account. All the local libraries in the area have switched to Apollo Library Software. There are some nice benefits of sharing a system with other libraries that include: Versa Card, shared card catalog access, and patron information. The cost of Apollo is around $1500 a year. They will host our card catalog so our card catalog issues should be non-existent after the switch. Rice is looking at making the change after the 1st of the year.
Rice gave a handout for the next “Paint Night at the Library” which will take place on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.. Rice added that the last two paint nights have been full.
Rice shared her experience of the ASRL Conference she attended in Fargo last month. Rice said the conference was extremely beneficial as it pertained to small libraries only.
Rice also shared that the money willed to the library from Joan Williams was willed to the Arnolds Park Library not the library foundation. Wanda spoke at length with the attorney’s office, as well as, our city accountant. Because the money was left for library use and not to go to the city’s general fund the city will write a check to the library foundation upon receiving the funds. This has been cleared with both attorneys, as well as, the city’s accountant.
There was a small discussion about some sport “betting” that was being done in the library. While there was no money exchanging hands, the participants were factoring winnings and counting cash on the library tables. Rice asked the board if they felt a policy should be put in place in regards to gambling/betting in the library. It was decided upon that we would adapt the city policy that establishes the rules and regulations for gambling or betting on city property. The board agreed that a policy that is library specific would not need to be created because of one incident. If similar occurrences continue, the board will re-evaluate at that time.
Rice handed out a copy of our current library budget for FYE 2017. While the library is slightly over budget it is a reflection of the continuous computer issues that the library has had for past few months. Rice stated she had already spoke with Ron Walker about the possibility of a budget amendment. Rice was told that several departments will need to amend due to unforeseen circumstances.
Rice will have a copy of the current budget, as well as, a proposed FYE 2018 budget for the board to look and discuss at the December meeting.
Bills were presented in the amount of $4,400.71. Rice reviewed the bills. With there being no discussion, Burgeson moved to approve the bills as presented. Keizer seconded. All aye.
The next meeting will be December 14, 2016.