DIVIDE COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD MEETING – September 27, 2023
Meeting was called to order by Mr. Nelson on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. Board members present: Mike Melgaard, Nate Nelson, Carol Williams, Commissioner Isaac Jacobs, and Library Director Traci Lund. Rita Stewart was absent.
Minutes from the June 13, 2023 meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve the meeting minutes with correction was made by Mr. Jacobs. Seconded by Ms. Williams. Motion passed.
Financials were reviewed. The majority of items to be paid out in 2023 have been paid. Book donations were placed in the book fund.
Librarian’s Report: Doreen Wenstad’s family gave a donation in her honor. Marlys Dolan made a donation to the book account. Inventory and book sales went well with over $1,000 in donations. Ward County Public Library volunteered to take the leftover books to Minot to donate to Baker & Taylor and World Books. They distribute the books worldwide.
The library’s website will list board meeting times to comply with open meeting laws. The library is in compliance with HB1205. The library participated in the Mosaic of Culture, the hospital’s Suicide Awareness, and Raise Up (Divide County Schools PTA) Fill the Fridge activities. Ms. Vonni Anderson, library employee, attended the State Library Conference. The online book platform, Libby, purchased Kanopy which offers e-videos. The book sale, eclipse activity, Midwest Crunch off, and book signing with author John Bayer are being planned.
Old Business: none.
New Business: Received DPI Grant of $35,000 which needed to be spent by the end of September 2023 to be 100% reimbursed. Ms. Lund proceeded with her plan to update the shelving on the northeast corner of the library. Rough Rider Industries will build the shelves, STEAM table, circulation desk, and reface the adult bookshelf for $29,514. This includes $2,500 in freight and installation.
The carpet in the library will also be replaced with carpet squares from Teague’s Interiors for $25,118. The Divide County School District has agreed to split the cost of the carpet after the grant money is spent. The library has written grants to help with the $9,816 cost and will use the Donation Fund, if necessary.
Looking into the future the library could purchase the following items: Checkout-able STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) items, area rugs, stools, a computer, bean bags, and upgraded electrical outlets.
Motion for using $9,847.59 from the Donation Budget to pay for the library’s portion of the new carpet made by Mr. Melgaard, seconded by Mr. Jacobs. Motion passed with all in favor.
In December, staff will have a 2-day catalog entry training course with the ODIN office. After a six-month trial, the library will decide if they will continue doing it themselves or will revert back to paying the state to enter the books into the system.
The Board reviewed the Citizens Participating in Library Board Meetings Policy. Motion made by Mr. Jacobs to pass the new policy, seconded by Ms. Williams. Motion passed with all in favor.
Board reviewed the revised Operations Policy inserting the Miller test wording. Motion made by Ms. Williams to adopt the updated Operations Policy, seconded by Mr. Melgaard. Motion passed with all in favor.
Ms. Lund presented The KTGO radio station advertising flyer. No action was taken.
Next meeting will be in December.
Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Williams. Meeting ended at 6:18 p.m.
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