Library Board Meeting Minutes
Date: March 4th 2026
Location: Divide County Library
Attendees: Traci Lund, Isaac Jacobs, Shane Gunlock, Nate Nelson, Rosemary Tanberg, Rita Stewart
Absent: N/A
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:22PM.
2. Financial Update & Incoming Funds
- A correction was made to prior notes: funds received were from George Phelps, not Glenn Perkins.
- The library received $85,831 from George Phelps.
- These funds are held in a separate investment account, not within the operating budget.
- The exact balance was not listed on the printed financials; however, it was estimated to exceed $150,000.
- The trust department (Williston) has not yet contacted the library with investment options.
Additional Donation:
- Received $2,000 from John Andrus designated for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
- Associated expenses are expected to offset the donation.
3. Investment Options Discussion
- The Director consulted with other library directors; many suggested forming a Friends of the Library group.
- The Board determined this would add unnecessary complexity and likely not increase funding.
- Confirmation was received from the State Library that investment of funds is permissible under Century Code, and the Board has discretion in investment decisions.
- The Director intended to seek input at a commissioners meeting but was unable to attend due to a scheduling error.
Discussion Points:
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs) were discussed as a flexible investment option.
- Potential future expense identified: replacement of the exterior sign within approximately five years.
- Strategy discussed to split funds into multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates to reduce penalties.
CD Rate Context (from meeting materials):
- 91-day CD: ~3.36%
- 11-month CD: ~2.87%
- 54-month CD: ~2.48%
4. Financial Decision
Motion: Move $120,000 from the investment account into Certificates of Deposit.
- Approved Allocation:
- $60,000 into a 91-day CD
- $60,000 into an 11-month CD
Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
Additional Notes:
- The 91-day CD will be reviewed at the June meeting upon maturity.
- The Director will contact the financial institution to confirm if better rates are available prior to execution.
5. Library Annual Report & Operations
- The Public Library Annual Report (PLA) has been completed and submitted.
Highlights:
- Strong financial performance: revenues healthy and expenses within budget.
- Collection remains strong and well-maintained.
- E-collection usage continues to grow significantly:
- eBooks increased approximately 42% year-over-year.
- Circulation:
- In-house circulation: 5,000+
- Total circulation: 20,000+ (~19% increase from prior year)
- Active cardholders: 992
- Computer sessions: 613
Operational Notes:
- Wi-Fi remains active 24/7 per state standards and is accessible outside the building with a password.
- Visitor counts include both the west entrance and children’s entrance.
- Noted recurring restroom-only visitors (estimated 3–5 per day).
- PLA webinar attended; minimal changes expected, with two updates related to meeting room reporting next year.
- Planned American Library Association (Chicago) trip was canceled due to flight disruptions.
6. Policies
- Existing policies, including the reconsideration policy, were reviewed.
- No changes were proposed; therefore, no motion was required.
7. Upcoming Budget & Scheduling
- The next meeting will focus on the budget.
- Anticipated adjustment: a small increase in memberships due to a North Dakota Library membership fee increase (~$40).
- Scheduling for upcoming meetings will be coordinated via email.
- The Director will contact board members mid-to-late May to determine availability.
8. Action Items
- Director to follow up with the bank/trust department regarding CD options and confirm current rates.
- Director to execute approved CD investments:
- $60,000 (91-day CD)
- $60,000 (11-month CD)
- Add June agenda item to review the 91-day CD maturity and determine next steps.
- Director to email board members mid-to-late May to coordinate scheduling for the budget meeting.
9. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:55PM.
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