HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Committee - Minutes - 1/20/2022
Minutes of the:
Bayfield County Library Committee Meeting
January 20th, 2022 5:00 p.m.
Meeting Held
Remotely Via Teams
Members Present: Karen Jelinek, Darrell Pendergrass, Teresa Weber, Diane Posner, Addie Arens,
Jacqueline Pooler, Jim Crandall, Laurie St. Aubin-Whelihan, Connie Cogger, Kristine Lendved, Jeremy
Oswald, Jared Blanche, Mary Lynch, Charly Ray
Members Excused: Sherry Machones
Other Members Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Paige Terry-Clerk III
Items 1 & 2: Call to Order and Introductions:
The meeting of the Bayfield County Library Committee was called to order at 5:03 p.m. by Jelinek.
Introductions of members were made. Gina Rae introduced herself as a member of the Northern Waters
Library Service and explained that she is standing in for Sherry Machones who was unable to attend.
Item 3: Public Comment: None.
Item 4: Motion Regarding the Minutes of the August 19, 2021 Bayfield County Library Committee
Meeting:
Motion by Posner, seconded by Cogger to approve the minutes of the August 19, 2021, Library Committee
Meeting. Motion Carried.
Item 5: Guest Speaker, Professor Abagail Phillips, UW Milwaukee, School of Information and
Library Science:
Abeles-Allison informed the committee that guest speaker, Abagail Phillips, is unwell and will not be able
to attend the meeting, but she hopes to be invited back to speak at a later date.
Item 6: Review 2021 and 2022 Building Strong Library (BSL) Projects:
Jelinek reported that all the 2021 BSL projects were reviewed at the previous Library Committee meeting
except for the Drummond Library’s furnace replacement project. Since the previous meeting, Jelinek
explained, the Drummond Library furnace project was completed, and the paperwork will need to be
submitted for payment for the project.
Pendergrass reported that the Washburn Library tuck point project was successfully completed. Pendergrass
informed the committee that, over the past 16 years, the Washburn Library has successfully completed
numerous capital renovation projects thanks to the Building Strong Libraries Program.
Weber reported that the Bayfield Carnegie Library was able to finish the project to replace the flooring in
the entryway as well as the kitchen area and the oak doors on the library have been refinished.
Item 7: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding 2023 BSL Program:
Jelinek reviewed updates that have been made to the 2023 BSL Program document and read the important
dates that have been included in the document. Abeles-Allison suggested adding Darrell Pendergrass to item
4(b) in the guidelines, stating that Pendergrass pays a crucial part in determining the amount of funds
available to the libraries.
5:21 - Charly Ray joined the meeting.
Motion by Oswald, seconded by Crandall to approve the 2023 BSL Program document pending the change
to add Darrell Pendergrass’ name and contributions towards determining the amount of available funding
for Bayfield County libraries to item 4(b). Motion carried.
Crandall commended Abeles-Allison for his efforts towards pushing to obtain more funds for the county
libraries.
Item 8: Next Meeting Date: August 17, 2022 at 5:00 PM, REMOTE ONLY
Pooler informed the committee that the Evelyn Goldberg-Briggs, Iron River, Library 2022 project is to
acquire two libraries that will form a communications link between the local historical society and the
library. Pooler reviewed the projects that were completed for 2021.
Item 9: Library Reports:
Pooler reported that the Iron River library has begun its Winter Reading Program, which will end February
28, 2022. Participants are asked to read for 20 minutes for a chance to win one out of four prize baskets.
Book discussions are still be held online along with a weekly digital story time.
Weber reported that the Bayfield Library is beginning their strategic plan with the first step being to
distribute surveys to the public with over 140 responses being received in the first week. The results of the
survey should be ready in the summer. Weber informed the committee that she has been reading to the
Bayfield 3rd Grade class and will continue to do so virtually. An online story program is also being streamed
through Facebook and is available for small children. The circulation numbers for the Bayfield Library
continue to increase along with the number of visitors to the library.
Pendergrass reported that earlier in the month, the Washburn Library roof was leaking, and a crew was
called in to repair it. The work to patch the leaks in the roof took two days to complete. In the next six
months, the library is anticipating replacing the building’s elevator with a newer model that will include an
automated door. A couple of elementary classes were able to come down and visit the library shortly before
the local school switched to virtual learning.
Jelinek read a report prepared by Addie Arens stating that the Drummond Library had its second movie
night that was a large success with visitors asking for more movie nights and films themed for adult patrons,
and the library has experienced a significant increase in the number of patrons due to the school year. Due to
the increased number of COVID-19 cases, the library was only offering curbside pickup and masks are now
required for those visiting the library during the month of January.
Lendved reported that the Forest Lodge Library is currently requiring masks for all patrons and staff and the
library is only operating through curbside pickup. Fundraising to build the new library is still underway and
staff is still seeking donations. The library submitted a letter asking for funds in December but has not
heard any word on a response yet.
Blanche reported that the Red Cliff Library has experienced many positive changes, including a new
building that was acquired with ARPA Funds. A new library outlook worker position has also been funded;
the position will focus on improving hours for the library. The new position allows the library to be open
from 10:00-6:00 Monday through Friday. A new employee was hired in the education assistance department
as well. The Red Cliff Library was awarded the IMLS Enhancement Grant that will be utilized to fund a
worker to assist with library outreach. There have been some construction issues with the new library
buildings with repair work expected to be completed in the summer of 2022. Blanche reported that he is one
class away from receiving his library director certification.
Rae informed the committee that one of her duties at the Northern Waters Library Service is to assist the
Red Cliff Library in its efforts to join the NWLS network. On behalf of Sherry Machones, Rae commended
Weber on the Bayfield Library’s strategic plan. Rae informed the committee that the NWLS has all of the
prefills ready for the library directors for their library reports.
Oswald asked the committee members if digitally downloading books using the Libby app contributed to
the local library’s circulation numbers. Rae explained that, while the downloads may contribute to
circulation numbers, they do not contribute to any funds locally tied to each library for reimbursement.
Discussion took place regarding the impact of digital book downloads on local library circulation.
Item 10: Adjournment:
Abeles-Allison informed the committee that Bayfield County recently retained a grant consultant and letters
were recently sent out to all municipalities explaining that, should the municipality need assistance
searching for grant funding for short-term projects, Bayfield County would be willing to submit the project
information to the grant consultant for assistance. Abeles-Allison extended to invitation to the Library
Committee members and further explained that projects should be submitted by the end of January to
receive assistance.
There being no further business to discuss, Jelinek adjourned the meeting at 5:53 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Paige a. terry, Clerk III, Bayfield County Administrator’s & Clerk’s Offices
On behalf of Bayfield County Library Committee
PAT
cc: Ashland Daily Press, via e-mail