Library Advisory Board - September 2026

So hello everyone is 601. I am calling the meeting of the long library advisory board to order. Um we have everyone here except Dian. So we have quorum. Um actually agenda open um um uh the previous month's minutes. So next agenda minutes um everyone get a chance to take a look at those. the August month minutes. Great. Um, any corrections or notes on that? Excellent. Um, any uh I don't remember how to say this. Is there a motion? We're >> approved. Motion to approve. Any second? >> Second. >> Great. Excellent. The minutes are approved. Um, are there any members of the public who wish to be heard at this time? I'm seeing all the members of the public. All right. And then we I don't know if anybody noticed and I was looking closely, but we Thank you, Tracy, by the way, for checking on that and switching around kind of what we're doing with the um order of everything. So, we're going to go to the reports and information items next. Um we'll go through that, then old business, and then any new business. Um probably help to kind of keep us moving. So, first up, we have our library director. Oh. Um well Jason is here again to to watch our board meeting and for me to bounce anything off none of the answers to. So um Jason is I don't know if you all know but Jason is the head of um technical services here at the library. So um just a heads up that the library will be closed on October 6th for an all staff day. Um we'll be having some uh safety training and staff collaboration that day. Um, we had two vacancies here at the library of the library technician, which was our former library technician, Denise, that passed away last month. Um, that has been posted and filled. I don't know that it's been announced yet who got it, but um, so now we'll have a, um, temporary library technician position possibly to fill. And we also had an empty library assistant full-time position that is now filled. Um, I'll let Tracy library on level up, but it was amazing. I went to it and it was so cool to watch all the library staff and the other staff from the museum to work together and get that done. It was really fun, too. I was telling um I think it was Jason that I really wanted to play Street Fighter again after watching that tournament on the museum in the museum auditorium. It was so cool to watch. Um we have some things coming up. We have the bilingual resource fair coming up this Saturday. And then there's also going to be I will be representing the library and outreach in Kensington Park that community. Um, and then on Sunday we had ASL family time, which I think this is the second time that we've had that. And there were 63 people there and about there were about 12 to 15 that were from out of Wla who came from as far as really in Denver to come to this. So, it's very popular. Um, the lockers are doing well. It's it fluctuates. It seems like in the middle of the month it's higher and then it goes back down and then it just like an it fluctuates but it's about it's used at about a 50% average. Um I would say um it used to be lashly that was the most popular but a scent is picking up so uh that's good. Um there is something that I wanted to bring to the board and it's mostly um think of thinking of ways on how we can collaborate more and make the best use of everyone's time during our meetings. And so I have a couple of homework or advisory questions that I was hoping to bring to the board to see if you would accept that or not. um if you're open to it. I'm hoping that um it might give us some opportunity to have meaningful discussions and help us make the most time the most of our time together. Um so it's also something that I might ask be added to the agenda if it's okay with you all. Um, but it could bring some topics that would benefit the library advisory board, library staff, and our community all together. Um, are there any thoughts on that or is this the right time to do that? I don't know. >> Go for it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um, we're curious. >> I can give an example. one of the I would like it to be added to the agenda just as a way for us to collaborate and communicate and brainstorm together on how we can um work together to make best use of the board and the library in general. So um one of the question it can be either questions for the library board for me or like um homework even. So, what I have today is a question that I would like to bring to the board. And I guess it's kind of homework because we don't have to discuss this all today. Um, but one of the questions I have for you all is what issues would you like the director to bring to the board for advice at future meetings? So, if you could think about that maybe and then next month hopefully we can add it to the agenda and just see what ideas we come up with. Um, I think that would be a good way for us to start brainstorming together and working together and bouncing ideas off of each other. Um, another question I had, that's the question that I was going to ask for this month, but another question I have just to give you an idea of what I'm thinking is, are there services the library provides now that may need to be modernized? So, just to start, everybody's thinking and what we can how we can work together. Um, and that is all that I have right now. Does anyone is everyone okay with adding that to the agenda? Do we need to vote on that? >> Okay, everyone's good with that being a regular or an agenda item for next month is the what kinds of topics the library can bring to the board for advice. And then another thing we can discuss is what services the library needs to be used to monitor. >> Yeah. It can just be like a general topic um like maybe uh brainstorming ideas together or um I don't know it doesn't have to be called that for the agenda but just like a basic agenda topic that gives those kind of questions that makes >> from from you to report or whatever you will kind of bring a >> question. Yeah, that sounds amazing. I think that board would love that. >> Great. >> Thank you. Any questions? >> I have a few follow-ups from last time that I'm not sure if they will come later, but I don't think they're also on the agenda. Um, so it was the the goals that were based on the annual not the annual plan. What did it >> strategic plan? >> Strategic plan. Thank you. Um, so based on the strategic plan, I think you had mentioned maybe being able to bring some of the the goals that you're tracking like quarter to quarter or year-over-year. Um, I do have the goals, >> but that's going to take a little bit of time. Um, and I can give you some of them right now or I can bring something next time to give you to be more sufficient. It's up to you. I can maybe name a couple. We don't have this on the agenda. >> No, but it's not on the agenda. >> Did you want it to be a like present formal presentation in in like the next month and stuff? >> We can add it to the agenda and I'll be more prepared with that. >> That sounds fine to me unless there's anything that you off the top of your head that you'd like to let the board know about. >> Um I can just give you a couple that you possibly already know about. Obviously the lockers that was one of the from the strategic plan that was one of the goals that was accomplished. Um the meeting room furniture which is this um this furniture in here the tables and everything. Uh the upgrade to the library PA system which thankful to Jason for being able to do that for not only safety reasons but other reasons. We've been down we've been without PA system for about 5 years I think maybe longer. Um replacing the shelving in the teen area. Those are just a couple to give you an idea of our goals that were accomplished and I can bring more next month if you want. >> Were most of those funded through the city budget or were some of those funded through the friends? >> Um that was all the city budget. >> They were through the city budget. Yeah. Um the some of it was through other parts of funds through the city like something called PBF 145 which is to the public facing um budget part of us that we were able to fund for the furniture in here. Um the literacy center is one of the goals but that was that was funded through the city as well. Um so those examples that I gave yes Yeah, I look forward to like a full presentation on it. I think that sounds awesome. >> We have a long list which we're really proud of. So I will bring >> whatever you think means is most it does not need to be an hour long or something. Yeah. Um, but just whatever you think is most relevant or that you most want to follow. And also like I mean anything that is like successful, great. Anything that that is at risk would actually be I think even more useful for us to know how we can either get involved or pay or help or whatever. So I think um calling out the things that are at resident will be even more interesting. Um, and then the other two things I have is uh the update on the train. Follow up on the train. I know it's gone from the children's section. >> It's gone. Yeah. Um, >> so they're supposed to start working on the new train the end of this month. Um, I don't know if that means coming into the lobby and doing it or if they have to do some things outside of here before that, but it's in process. >> They have work to do before they come here. Mhm. >> So, we won't visually see anything fried for a month or two, maybe longer, but uh the pieces that they were holding on to for the the new train that they saved from the old train are in the director's office. So, um yeah, >> um but in terms of like the funding for it and everything, it's all set. >> Yep. >> Cool. >> That's all set. Great. Um, and then the last thing was that the the I forget what you guys call the process of like sorting and bringing the new books out to the library. Is that still in the sad sorry state that we learned about last month? >> Yeah, there's no changes to that. >> Doesn't seem like there's plans for changes to that. >> I don't know, but I think we're okay right now. Okay. Right, Jason? >> At current, we're doing our best to keep up with things and we are able to manage what's there. The Future plans are still in place. We've been trying to work with our lenders, but that could be months. It could be years depending on how process goes. >> Yeah. When a big vendor goes down, all of the clients are >> and then somebody else has to. >> All right. So, I won't ask for more updates on that unless you think there's going to be >> unless there's a crisis. >> Either crisis or yay, we fixed it all. Like, either one of those sounds better than what's going on. Well, maybe not crisis. Um, great. Thank you. That's Does anyone else have questions? >> Thank you. All right. Um, the friends, would you like to you want to introduce yourself first? >> I guess I should introduce myself. I'm AJ Madison and my my job we actually have jobs for the France. So I'm the inventory manager meaning I I move the books around and I make certain that they show up on the patio in time for the sale and then help with carting them all the way to get get sent to dream books. Do are all the books that are left after the end of the sale sent to Dream Books or do you keep some for the next sale? >> Well, we're kind of in the embarrassing situation of having extremely low counts of all things Colorado and uh a couple other topics uh mostly paperbacks, but yeah. No, we hang on to a couple of them just because it just just seems not right to have any books set out on those topics. So yeah. Yeah. >> Was that true before the sale or just after? Like was it >> it's a phenomenon that started I'm going to say about a year ago where the donation just like fell off a cliff on some of those topics and it was sort of like well know uh it was like I noticed it was like oh we don't you know we must have we threw like a year and a half ago right everything got ditched. we went to Dream Books. Um, and then it was like the next sale after that I was like, "Wow, we have like three boxes of these things left." And what that also told me was it was like we weren't getting a lot of donations in that in that period. So, it's like, yeah, we save them. And yeah, I'm certain that some of our our steady customers come and go, "Oh, it's the same looks as last time. any other I was going to say anything. >> How did the sale go? >> Yeah, >> I actually don't know, but it was uh this this is the first sale where I actually stayed till we opened on Wednesday and watched the feeding frenzy. It was like it it really was it was like there was boxes where they just like throw the books up and try to find what they were looking for and we had to like put put it all back. It was kind of scary. >> But you my guess is we probably did another 10,000 thereabouts, maybe a little bit more. >> It's kind of funny. We we started some of these innovations like these wrap sets and the only difference between those wrapped sets and what we usually sell is the is a sulfate wrappers of ribbon >> and the baskets >> and the baskets. Yeah, baskets are another innovation. And it's just kind of funny because it was like the really the only difference is we put some self around books and you know the the people come and must just go oop shiny and they revive them. So >> um so I know Ryan you're planning on attending the friends meeting. >> I did last. >> You did Oh, you did last month? >> Yes. Okay. >> Because it was after >> Okay, cool. So, I'm trying I guess I'm confused, right? >> I Tracy and I were going back and forth on when it was supposed to be and >> Okay. >> We We settled on the previous one. >> Okay. >> Because I thought it was a different one and we were going back and forth. I was like, I think it's this coming one. >> Okay. I'm so glad you went there. Would you like to talk about your experience at the meeting? >> Um, it was good. It was really uh insightful. Um I will say uh for new people especially who haven't gone uh they do have an agenda slot for you uh almost like uh councilwoman uh Diane Chris who shows up and I did not know that. Uh >> sorry do you have any like hi I'm Brian. >> Um but yeah it's it's really interesting. I I do think the newer people should go. It's it's pretty insightful very organized. Um, and it's interesting listening to some of the debates with all the online stuff. Yeah. Yeah, it's good. >> Well, we're also very receptive to any ideas about how we can help you, you know, uh, get more visibility to the library or whatever. Um I mean our mission is literacy but that doesn't you know we and we also don't want to just be the fundraising arm of the library. So, you know, we have a lot of people come and, you know, if like you want some sort of thing where we have the table out and people are, you know, you know, saying, "Oh, come, you know, come see the structure or or work, you know, library is doing this." You're more than happy to help. >> I think I think it'd be great to do more. I know um one I've been talking about um giving a talk to the grand um the >> I can't remember it was like a a women's fun >> yes it's part of the area chamber of commerce women's group >> specifically that the friends are part of yeah and I think they're kind of going to share that presentation with them of course >> um and they've also shot at the road kind of similar presentations with that >> um but yeah it's really just like the value of your library card is kind of the basic uh logistic that presentation. >> Yeah. No, that's great. I think the fact that you know friends are doing things like that could be something that that we get involved in as well. So that would be really cool. >> Um okay. I guess just to get the to the logistics of the friends leaison thing. I had been envisioning that it would be one month we would send one of our members to the friends meeting and the next month the following month a member of the friends would come to our meeting. So I guess what we could say is that since the friends have come to our meeting this month, so for the month of October, we will send a member to their meeting and then you won't have to come to this meeting for the month of October and then the friends can come for the month of November. Oh, >> does that does that sound and we we can make sure that whoever would like to visit the friends next month. Um make sure that all of the friends are aware of that too that they don't need to come in October. >> Okay. >> They can come in November. Does that make sense to you? You're in both of the meetings. So you both are. So >> if you can I was dates more. So yes, that makes more sense. Yeah. >> So I'm going to write this down for myself. So for for October, is there anybody who I don't know if you know the dates. >> What is the date? Um, it's almost always, but not but not always always. >> It would be the 28th, October 28th. >> Okay. So, it is actually the week after our meeting. So, it would be so Monday the 19th is our is our proposed meeting and then Wednesday, October 28th and it's at 5:00 here in this room. >> Is there anybody who is available for visiting the friends in October? I could go until like 5:30 or 5:40. >> I don't know how long meetings are. >> Oh, we don't. >> Oh, we start at 5, but >> yeah, we we like to talk a lot. So, yeah, we would go until >> Is that an always thing for you or is that just >> Sorry. Not always. >> It's not always. >> I like interested in going, but I have something else later that night. Is there anybody else who would be available on that Wednesday in October who would like to go? >> Is do you know is the December meeting a different date? >> It often does get shifted. Yes, because the holidays um I think historically it usually is in the beginning of the month like sometimes the first week, second week of December. Um I can't say that for sure yet, but yeah, usually that's when it gets shifted. >> Okay. But we have what is our sale of like the technique of >> Yeah, I think so. Yeah. >> We we like to not >> not have to like spend all day at the sale and then suddenly, oh yeah, we got a board meeting. >> I would guess it would be probably that second week of December that your sale is the week after that. >> Oh, right. >> Right. >> Something like that. >> So, attending a friend's meeting is not an obligation of our board. You do not need to do this. Um, if all of us did attend one meeting, it would be one every 10 months. Um, so just if you take a look at your calendar, if you if there is a month that you would be willing to go, it would be awesome. Um, but otherwise, it sounds like we don't have takers for October 20th. If you if you don't mind attending for the beginning of it and maybe do you, Tracy, do you mind letting the friends know that we would like to have an agenda item or something early on in the meeting? Absolutely. Guest. >> Awesome. Thank you so much, Carrie. >> Um, >> and it's right here. It's here at 5:00. >> Yeah, we just don't have video. >> Carrie, I will send you that invite. Okay, that way it's on your calendar. >> And then Carrie, Tracy, Julia, um, the friends will not need to attend our October meeting, but we would love to have one of them at our November meeting if they're to it. Okay. >> And our November meeting would be the 16th. Um it is >> it's usually >> yeah should be >> okay. So that's not >> if you're Thanksgiving. So >> no >> I don't know if it's too early but there is a friends meeting on Wednesday. >> This this coming Wednesday because we have a lovely guest from the friends. I'm thinking every other month we will do that. That way it's just not a burden on any >> Yeah. >> one person, you know. >> Um Cool. Yeah, it's probably a little too early, but eventually we will probably want to move our December meeting. So, that's another thing to think about eventually. Um, so make sure at some point, maybe in the next month, we take a look at our calendars and figure out what we do. Um, December 13th. Okay. Anything else about the friends from our leazison? >> I have a question. Um, so South Bank or South South State Bank helped you all this year, didn't they? >> Uh, well, the one time. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> How was that? >> That was Well, we're you know, when you throw something new at us, we're we've tried to do our best, but in some ways it was not it didn't work as well for us as it would have been hoped. Um, it turns out that moving the books from the garage to the front door is quite timeconuming. And so on one level we're like reticent about do we really have to start moving book at 7:00 in the morning? It seems like that's kind of the answer. >> Yeah. So they they I mean they moved what was out there but we had another four pallets to come. So, >> but no, we're grateful for the help. Just it was like we didn't really take advantage of them as best as we could. >> Other questions or business regarding the friends? >> All right. Um, oh, I absolutely missed our icebreaker. Are we continue rolling on or Okay, sorry about Okay, >> it's okay. >> Okay, I will do that next month. So, sorry. Um, okay. So, our council leazison is not here. Um, do do we have anyone from the city, Jeff, who would like to say anything about city council or The thing I mean the only thing we do not have on the budget is sorry on the agenda is the budget which I know has been proposed. >> Yeah. >> Um do you want to give I've looked at it but I don't know if anybody else has. So you want to do a quick >> Yeah. So as a part of the budget process the city manager has to present the budget by the end of August first part of September. Then council reviews that proposed budget. generally all through September and into October. Um, we can provide you the list of what was funded or proposed to be funded and not to be funded. If Could you write that down, Julian? That'll be sending that >> and let let's take let's make it easy for everybody to read and just have it be just the library stuff. >> Yeah. >> And we can send the whole thing if you want to see it. But it it is been a very difficult budget year. Um, we actually got more budgeted than I think what we really expected. Um, still not not great, but um I I think that uh things things could be better, let's put it that way. And if do you mind if I talk about the library director position because it kind of ties to the budget as well. >> Sure. So, I have officially announced my retirement to occur in in January. And one of the Oh, thank you. And and one of the parts of of replacing the directors, it makes sense that there be a new person in my seat before that happens. There was uh as part of the budget, there was a elimination of a position in parks and recreation. That was kind of my right-hand person and his his position will be eliminated and then he will go through a process and ultimately be appointed into my chair. I'm thinking that that will happen by the end of October at the latest and then we'll be able to start the process to replace the director. It it makes with with me leaving makes a lot of sense that that this person really gets to pick his library director if that makes sense that uh that there's a good fit there and I'll be a part of the process but ultimately he'll be the decision maker. I will have his name for you next month. I'm still communicating to all of the staff. Um I started that today because it became just became public last week that his position was going to be eliminated. Um so he's been with the city for 10 years. Uh has a great uh work ethic. Um, I think he's really good with staff and I think he's gonna be a a perfect fit with the library. Gonna be good. So, cutting positions is never a good thing. Um, having it happen in your own department is never a good thing. U, but it's it's where we're at right now. I I took a look at the proposed budget. I saw that all of our level one requests were granted and zero of our level two requests were granted. Is that speak about right based on what you said? >> Well, not the temporary um requests for temporary budget employee temporary budget was not um >> Okay. >> Level ones >> in the level one. Yeah. But besides that, everything else um was um I think there was one more thing that wasn't too >> very few things of level two. >> Most of the level ones were approved though which we're voting for >> and and maybe we need to talk about what level one that you mean you >> not familiar but in case >> so as a part of the budget when staff makes uh requests it comes in three categories. one time level one and level two. One time is you want to buy a new car. It it would fit there because it's only, you know, one time purchase. Level one ongoing are those things that are in our budget that are increasing that we really don't have a choice in whether we decide to pay for those things. A lot of the software that uh is used in the library goes up every year. we have no choice because it's going to go up whether we agree or not. So those are the things that I think we were pretty successful. And then level two items are really those things that are new that the library or other parts of the city want to to do. And again with the the situation with the budget, very few if any of those were approved uh are proposed to be approved for uh 27 and we'll send you the list of what we asked for and what we got approved are hope hoping to get approved. That will probably happen sometime late October the final approval. Um okay. And so then from like looking at this what I understand is there was there was zero for the increased temp wages. That's zero extra hours and that affects um in addition to that materials processing that you would hope to get stuff for but there was also in the level one request there was a request for more temp wages. And is that do you guys remember what that is that first specific or is that just generally you would be more people working? It's just general. >> It's just the general space to the temporary budget to help with literacy center or any other >> um programs that we have, but it was requested for the adult services, children's and tech services all to have increases in the wages for level one, which were not approved. >> Okay. Um and so I mean that was maintaining your core services. So that's why it was a level one because it was actually it wasn't for a new program or a new need. It was for something. it was an existing it was continuing to maintain that >> that level of service for the library. Okay. >> Um and I saw that there's zero for program zero bud budget for programming zero increase for ebooks. Um no there was an increase for the um costs to ebooks and books throughout the library but not for an increase to our collection not to add to the collection. It was just to because of the increase in the >> price. So, it's like the year where your group. Okay. >> Um, does anyone else have any question? I know not everybody has like looked at the budget. >> Where where did you see >> um we can send it out. There's the city I I just went to the city website that has the um the information on it >> because I'm so um and I just I just happened to look at it recently. It wasn't um uh it wasn't like sent to us or anything like that. It was just part of I was also looking because we had talked about talking in front of city council. So I want to be like what actually happened. >> Um >> the only thing that I saw that I did not understand and maybe Jeff you can explain this to me. Um it called out something called the library services fund. >> Do you know what that is? >> I have no idea what that is. Do you two know what that is? >> I think it's the MIT fund. >> No. um library services fund is um essentially more or less the friends. Um there's a few different things couched in there. So the state grant is also part of that. Um but then any kind of additional funding besides city funding usually is in there. Um that is separate from something like a capital improvement fund or something like that. But that's essentially yeah what we get in like donations or grants. So specifically to those two things. Um the Mosher and MSON are actually technically separate but the um Mosher is part of that library services fund. >> What is it called again? Library >> library services fund. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So it's it was shown as in contrast like so the library gets funding from the general fund and then separately it was like the library services fund and it was like in the budget it was like the library services fund little fund I figure it was like it's like 60 grand >> and some of it goes to programming and things like that and I was like wait hold on a second and so how does the money go from the friends to the library services funds to the library >> is essentially an estimate of what we'll be getting from more or less reimbursements through the friends um so the the library um kind of estimates revenue if you will with that kind of in mind with the friends what they actually fund and then it's tracked through the kind of a system with the friends. Um so that is more of an estimate than anything for what the number is. Um but that's kind of but based on the like previous years of tracking those expenditures and what the friends actually fund and so that's why that number is where it's at with within the budget. Um because that's an estimate of revenue technically. Um, so that's that's just kind of what we've spent year-over-year. Um, and so they estimate that within the budget to then it's essentially then reimbursed through friends. >> Doesn't seem like they should be allowed to. >> So, okay. So, does the library have to report the money that comes from the friends to the city? >> Yes. >> Okay. And so, >> and it has to be it can't come to the city until council has appropriated it. Once they go through the appropriation that allows the library staff to spend that money. >> Okay. So >> no money can be spent by by the library until council has appropriated includes including moer funding. >> Right. Right. >> Okay. So the so when when the library goes to the friends requests x amount of money for level up that money then goes to the city to be approved and it is tracked by >> yeah it's typically done in chunks but yes it's then requested to be appropriated back into that fund assumption to cover it so one for one from that appropriation. Yes. >> Okay. Um, okay. So then I guess my next question is I think for a while we had this idea presented to the board that we we wanted to make sure that the things that we were requesting were things that the city kind of could or should have in its budget if that makes sense. But the city knows about all of it and is so it so the city kind of thinks of this library services fund which is partially funded by the friends >> as part of the city's kind ofudget >> budget and okay >> but there's specifications that it can only be for the library though >> in some of those funds >> right but why would the city pay for programming if the funds are the city if the library services fund is paying for program. It's another way for them to get that money budget. >> Okay. And you said the Mson and funds are not part of the library. >> Um they are in some sense. Um so >> the fun is they Yeah. 426 budget in the services fund was like $48,000. It's not a large amount of money, but library couldn't do many of the things they do without the support of those areas. >> Definitely. >> But but you're right that if if the friends continue to fund that, there's no reason for the city to step up to that. But it also is, I think, part of the commitment that have made to supporting the libraries as well. >> I just can't believe the the city can actually take volunteer nonprofits like into account into as if it's part of their budget. >> Well, it's come it's our it's not our budget until it's given to us. Once the money is given, it goes into this fund and it has to be appropriated to be spent. So then it becomes no different than >> I totally agree with you. I I've it seems like there it's part of the calculation of what be is to be given to the library. >> They take the friends like a nonprofit into account when they're allocating budget to different departments. In this case the library >> the library provides an estimate to the city of >> funds they assume that they will get. >> So because of them we could get x less. >> Oh yeah right. >> I think that's definitely what's happening. >> Yeah. I think that that's a thing across the city for departments or divisions that have friends as well. >> Yeah. >> Senior services is is that way as well. >> Interesting. Um, any other questions about the budget? I have not read it yet, of course. I I would just say it at this point, if I could make a suggestion for the future, I think it's way too late for the board to make any type of request or support of of different funding. I think it would be really a good thing that after the first of the year that you invite the city manager or or Jen Newton, our assistant city manager to come to your board. Uh so that you have a plan of you know what we just talked about. Is it fair that city council on on the friends or whatever other things you might want to talk about? And then that would set the stage that you could possibly have a presentation to uh council before the budget even kicks off because once once it's presented to to council, it's it's >> pretty unusual that any changes are made. >> So what would be instead of October, what would be the best month? I would invite Harold, Debor, Jen Newton either in February or March with a goal of trying to present to council at by May at the at the latest. Again, those are all recommendations. I don't get to make those determinations, especially when I'm not here, but I I think that uh I've seen that by other boards how they've tried to do that, and I I think they've had some success. at least they've had the opportunity to to talk with the city manager and and share their thoughts and he can share his point of view of about funding of of the library and and what the challenges are if if he wants to do that. >> But I he's done that with the senior services board and I he's done that with the museum board. Both very good conversations. >> Yes, we have that on our list of things that we're wanting to do. I will say also um I think for some historical notes, this um previous in this previous budget cycle um the library representative to our um board did not present the requests before submitting them to the city. So we've learned about the library requests, budget requests after there was nothing that the advisory board could even advise on. Um and I would like to change that. And I think if if you follow the schedule I just talked about, yeah, May is really that month where staff is doing the requests. So maybe even April, you're saying, "Hey, I think you should consider these things." And then Julia or whoever director is at that point in time can can make those uh requests as well. >> Great. Excellent. That makes sense. Did and would would you be okay if Julius started working with the executive assistant for the city manager to start getting on his calendar already before he gets too busy? >> I'm okay if it's okay. >> Super agree. >> Great. So, do we want to Well, first first of all, I think we had talked about Harold coming sometime in the beginning of the year >> to our to our board meeting. >> Yes. >> And then are you suggesting what is it you're suggesting? >> I think he you should invite him to come in February or March. >> Okay. >> And that way if he he can't do it, you still got April to to talk to. >> All right. Sounds good. Get it on his calendar. Yeah. Tracy, did you already reach out to Harold about coming? >> Um, I have previously talked to his uh executive assistant, yes, about it. Um, but it was, yeah, kind of in the middle of that budget season where it was really hard to pin down a date. Uh, so I could follow up easily um just see if we could kind of figure out some kind of general tenses of date that for Yeah, probably February for sure. >> Okay. Any other questions on the budget and or the uh board's kind of plan for discussing this? Probably more for next year, but also for October. We have we have a city council public comment line as well. >> All right. Well, thank you. um upcoming engagement opportunities. >> Sorry, give me a second. >> You're good. You're good. Take your time. >> Yeah, Brian actually. >> Oh, >> I was hoping to be there, but I had had a week, so I'm glad you guys went. Um >> Yeah. And um uh Wanda was there for a long time and >> I forget her name. >> Barbara who used to be on the >> Yeah, Barbara. >> Barbara, >> she's great. >> She was cool. >> They were there for a lot of the time. Tracy was there. >> There were Yeah, there were a few people. >> Yeah, I didn't go until about seven cal. Yeah, it wasn't too I mean it was like steady but it it was never overwhelming. >> Yeah. >> You know the table was just a stream triple people if you will, you know. >> Yeah. >> If it helped having the roller ring behind the table >> that that helped a lot. It >> was good. Was a good event. >> Yeah. >> Did people have questions for you? Things that they liked about the library any complaints or they were just come to say hi? I I think a lot of them just curious and then wanted to know about library cards. >> Yeah. But there were good signs that were showing all different things and talking points of different things that library does. Um I think people some people are surprised the library offers as expected >> especially the library things and the discovery passes signs up >> so that was thank you very >> that actually segus really nicely even though it's not upcoming but into level up if you're okay with that quick report um because one of our volunters unteers originally was only scheduled for two hours. Um, and that was through Unity. We actually got a commitment through that event. Um, but he ended up staying the whole day. Um, so he's just so excited to be part of our event. Um, that he ended up helping with the prize table specifically, but all day. Um, so I was very grateful for his just involvement. I think a lot of our volunteers ended up pitching in um, because we were somewhat short in the afternoon unfortunately, so we were a little bit stretched thin. Um, but it ended up working out fine. Um I think a lot of our volunteers just ended up hanging out for longer. So So uh just big shout out to all of our volunteers for Level Up. I think it was really great um just to see the excitement and again just kind of that involvement um that community engagement with all of them. Uh we had one family, she has three children and they were all very excited to just be involved even though they didn't have specific assignments. Um and they were actually our volunteers last year too. So it was really fun to see some of those returning uh volunteers. Um, we also had some returning players. Um, our tournament players ranged from age 13 to 43. So, we actually got a little bit more of an age range this year, so that was kind of exciting. Um, and we have we had a lot of just different variety of ages, variety of interests. Um, this year we included a little bit more than just like video games. So, we also had a like a board game, tabletop game, card game, uh, room um, and then a kid zone kind of specifically set out um, and se separate from the main festival area. Um, but yeah, we had a lot of good feedback. Uh, we had 320 is the official count of people that at that event. Um, which was a little bit higher than last year. So, we're excited for that. Um, but it was a really great event. Um, and I think overall if at the beginning we were a little bit tentative if it would work out for that venue. We were a little bit worried about the the closeness and things. Uh, but it actually worked out pretty well. The flow seemed like it worked um more better than expected. Um, so I brought some examples if you wanted to see anything, but one of the biggest things that I think was fun in the kids zone is the Amazing Rights Challenge. Uh, so they got different little envelopes throughout the whole festival. Um, little clues of where to go next. And so it was one of the competitions where they just kind of raced throughout everything and have different challenges. Um, we had a lot of different age groups and and they were teens, teams of two, uh, doing all that. So there was kind of a fun interaction for kids and especially like kids and their parents. Um, and then yeah, so we had um an integration with W Longmont um which I don't think got as much traction as I'd like it to, but um so the the whole map here is just kind of a gamified map of basically Longmont Main Street area. Um so that was just kind of the general area where you could actually take a ride for free through Ride Longmont. So it was kind of just an exciting new thing. We'll hopefully bring it back for next year, but I just thought that was kind of cool to have a map of that area. Um, and then this is our main like activity for the event. So, this is our quest log is what we call it. Kind of like a passport or bingo style activity. And it also shows the full map of the venue. Uh, so this was the same kind of as last year, but we um increased a lot of it. We had a lot of new vendors. We had uh 24 total sponsors or vendors um throughout all the areas. Um and so we were really excited to have that much community engagement. And then yeah, this here is the back where um everyone who participated in anything throughout the festival would keep track of what they interacted with and then they got XP points which are those little holographic stickers. Uh so they actually kept track of what they interacted with and then we had the prize table where they were able to redeem for prizes. So yeah, it's all integrated and then one of our sponsors here, Pump House Brewery, they also included a little $10 bonus coupon. So it was a lot of Yeah, a lot of good interaction, a lot of good collaboration. Um we already have three more or three vendors committed to next year. Um and several volunteers also interested. So u most of the feedback I've heard was just when is it going to happen and they don't want to wait a year. >> Uh so it was really fun. It was really good overall. >> Yeah. >> Was was the I think you said like 320 number that's is everyone cons is all are all the attendees considered a like participant? Was that >> Yeah, that was just head count. So that's kind of a rough count, but that's Yeah, that's just basically participants. >> It's not a competitor. >> Yeah, that would include them as well. It's just count for everyone. So yeah, that would include and we had 16 total players for the tournament itself teams of two. So eight teams of two. Um and then yeah, just kind of participatory for throughout the rest of the events. So yeah, it was pretty good turnout for what we did. >> Yeah, very cool. Um and then so then we have a couple other events here on the upcoming engagement opportunities. The first one is coming up here pretty shortly, the romance author open house. Uh we have several romance authors coming. Uh it's kind of like a fair kind of convention style uh event. Um so that will be here at the library uh October Saturday, October 3rd. Um and there's also a band books um event which is very similar to previous years. Books on the chopping block is the title. Um it's through Outlaw Production Collective. They're going to be doing basically readings of the um top 11 like most challenged books. Um so that will happen. Um and then kind of there's two programs tied to band books week. So that one as well as a film screening of a a film called Band Together. Uh it's a group of teenagers who um essentially were trying to put back the the titles that were removed from their school library. Um and so that's also going to happen. That's at the museum on Sunday, October 11th. Um, and then we have a fun kind of different program that we're working on with um, one of our very longtime um, like performers. Um, they're called Dandelion Arts Collective. Um, they're doing a program essentially where we collected and you may have seen this in the the main lobby here. Um, they collected questions um, essentially then wanting answers from children. So like how do you make the best peanut butter j peanut butter and jelly sandwich or you know what makes a good friend? Something like that. Um, so children will actually answer those prompts in the programs we have coming up. Um, so that first one is Saturday, October 10th here at the library. And, um, are there any questions on any of those? >> Yeah. >> That's coming up this Saturday. Um, but yeah, the bilingual resource fair. Uh, it's just kind of a get to know your library. Um, a lot of the resources that are available both in English and Spanish is coming up this Saturday. Um that is one to three. So >> is that being uh like advertised in any way additional to the typical advertisement of the library? >> Um yeah that out to the community more. Okay. >> I mean our typical channels for sure. Um we also typically do bilingual events through a uh like a city channel called WhatsApp. Um so that's actually sent through you know Spanish language. um but it's sent through that way uh to different families and things who might be interested that way. So yeah, kind of typical channels but then that in addition to >> I'd be curious to hear next month about the engagement in that event. >> Okay. Yeah. That's one of the things that I think was interested in that. Cool. Um any other questions on any of the reports? Moving into old business. Um Jeeoff, I don't know if you have any other think anything else you want to say about the library director candidate update or if that was all. >> Great. Any questions on that? >> Question. >> Yep. >> Um has uh has the board ever had any input or engagement at all with candidate search or for a director in the past or anything like that? >> I wasn't here. Um however, Tracy, were you here when John was hired >> and working with the board? Okay. I do know that the board interviewed candidates for the role that John was trying to fill. >> Oh, you? >> Yes. >> So, there were board members on the interview panel. All of the recruiting is done by the HR department, but I don't know why uh when we do interviews why we wouldn't want board members on that as well. That's almost >> and that'll we'll bring all that back to you when we get to that point. >> That's great. >> We officially express interest in being part of those interviews. >> Yeah, it's great. >> Would you like to at least be part of the conversation and maybe take our statement or whatever recommendation? Cool. >> And is this the kind of position where you be doing national level searching or >> we could Yes. I don't we haven't made that decision yet. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> but we did that's when we went out and hired John, we did a national search >> and it was successful. I think we're very good. >> Yeah. >> You're good. >> Um, okay. So, the motion funds procedural document. Casey, would you like to give some history on this one? I have like what is this? send me a copy of that. >> Does everyone have Did everyone get to see a copy in their email or need another copy? >> Oh, I did. >> Thank you. >> Um, yeah. So, this comes about from several years ago. I believe it was 2019 around there that the library board at the time uh was looking to adopt this. I do not think it was ever officially adopted. I think that was this was just written out kind of more as context and reference um of what those funds look like and how the board kind of fits into that approval process. Um but this document itself um does kind of mirror what the bylaws hint at um because the the board does have that purview of actually uh approving um any kind of funding or not funding requests but like requests to use the funding from that. Um, so this would would apply to both Mson and Mosher funds. Um, as you saw last month, um, we did have to uh request that appropriation essentially. So it's kind of similar to um, uh, that same kind of process if those things come about. Um, and I think that the intent from what I can find in the context I'm able to um, hunt down, I think the intent was really just to have the board have more um, of like an annual or like a regular kind of structure to that approval and that appropriations process. So, it wasn't more kind of random, but it was more of a scheduled uh, interest from from the library then and then that would be approved by the board to actually um, fund those those requests essentially that the cost for those. Um, so I think that was kind of the intent they were working through through. Um, but it never actually got officially appropriated, officially, you know, amended to those bylaws. Uh, so I wanted to bring it here to the board currently. Um, and just kind of put it out there if there was interest in actually formally adopting it. Um, or if you wanted to adjust it and, you know, reddraft it, however that looks. Um, really just kind of sharing what we have currently. Does everyone need another minute to review it? >> I think it's it's pretty clear specific. So, I think it would be really good to have it somewhere in the >> I I would like to see it mention the two funds specifically cuz if you're a new board member and you came came in to review that, you might think it's the entire budget and so I I think that would be important to add that in the title. I agree that I think while the process is very clear and specific, I I do not this does not look very official to me. >> Um, any other thoughts on it immediately? >> I will say I don't know if I personally need the library to wait until January or July to make a request, okay, >> to use the money in the fund. I don't know if anyone else feels that that's a thing that they would like the library to stick to. >> I was wondering about the timeline like if something is an urgent need and then we have to wait and then it goes through us and then city council no no it's too long. >> I think that I'll just give some context on that. I think some of that comes from the appropriations process because that's at least usually about two months out. And so I think that's why that intent was there was like January would be the request, but it wouldn't really be uh appropriated and available until March, maybe April. And so it would be it would still be kind of a waiting period no matter when that happens, even if it weren't those specific months. Um so it wouldn't be like something that would come to the board every month, for example. Um but it could be something that Yeah. maybe be like not regular but also just within that time frame in mind >> because you just made this request for appropriations. Was that something that you drove >> somebody to? >> So each month we had in starting in April we have the opportunity to appropriate funds. That process takes about two months like Tracy said where we have a deadline in October like the first week of October to get our October appropriation funded or at least in in the mix. And it it's a frustrating thing for staff. I'll just put it that way because it takes too long and we want to be more respon responsive to our patrons and what we need. But but it is the policy. Um so the sooner we know about things, the the quicker we can get them into the system and and then it you always miss the deadline by one day, which means you're another month out. Um, so I I get why that would be in there. Um, but I I think also from a a staff point of view, there may be an opportunity that comes about in April that we had no idea was going to happen and having our hands tied will not make us as responsive. So, I would I would rather you say something about the appropriation process and and get it to us sooner because then you get to spend it later or sooner. Um, but but again, that's that's not your problem. That's our problem. >> Well, I guess that's what I was asking about is is the the board gets to come once a month either way and say yes or no and then we don't have to go do any of the paperwork. So, I guess what I was asking about is like someone at the library, is it you, Julia, does does the goes to the meeting or whatever, goes to request these? >> It it's by email and Tracy, I think, has been the one that does that. >> Okay. Um, and it doesn't it seems like it's been pretty rare. We've had >> Yeah, it's been >> one request every year that I've been. Okay. >> Um, so I I personally don't feel like it need to have a restriction of January and July. Does anybody else feel No, I agree. Also, I guess general question here. Uh we are we attempt do we want to attempt to change our bylaws? Is that even something that is part like can we do that? Why do >> I mean so what what the advisement of the city clerk's office was saying to me specifically to the stock because again I did look into you know has this ever been formally adopted? Where does this exist? We don't know. So so essentially yeah it's completely informal. I think like again I think it's more to give context to board members. Um I don't think it necessarily needs to be a change to bylaws but it could just be an amendment that officially the board adopts as this this is official process. So it wouldn't change the bylaws specifically. they would just say yes this is a formal document to say this is the procedure and that I think kind of within the discussion we've already had we would make those changes to make it clear that it's for these two funds and then it doesn't have that restriction of the two months so there's going to be a little bit of update to it but yeah it would really be more of a procedural document and that's why I've called it that then change to bylaws great um and then do we did not last time and I don't believe we need to draft a motion and representation to city council asking that they authorize expenditure release of funds. >> I mean that's that's more on the staff yeah staff side to actually formally request that. So as long as it's been approved by the and then again that's also why that part of that process is that it has been reflected in the minutes from the board meeting. So it does have to be approved officially through the board but then yeah that's part of that request that goes through library staff um to then present that to council just say yes this is going to be approved by the board for this amount through this fund. So it's not really on the board itself to actually present that and officially. Yeah. >> And where's that bit? Is that part of city law that the advisory board must approve use of private funds or something like what is that? >> This is new to me. >> It's recommended. It's recommendation. It's not really like approved I think. Okay. But the city >> recommended by who? Who? >> By the board. If they recommend yes that you do get this funding then um they ask for the minutes as proof of that. >> But I I don't think that was the question. I think the question was >> why does it have to go to the board at all? >> Yeah. Does the is the library required to bring it to the board >> before spending money for these? >> I know that in the motion it specifically asked that it's recommended by the board first and then sent to the city. >> Okay. that was part of the request as it was created >> as it was as these trust funds were created. That's something >> can you just get that document and share that with the board? I I think that would help kind of explain why we're having to do that. And I as a staff person I also um where it talks about the vote that I struggle with, you know, getting five people to vote all the time for something. Um, again, I would I would hope that you would trust Julia and and her staff to to come to you with items that they really need and that, you know, we wouldn't have to outline that you're going to vote 100% that, you know, it's just a a process that Julia asked for something and you vote yes or no on it. I think it's probably valid for Julia comes to request some to to request that the board recommends the use of the funds. >> We discuss we might vote on whether or not we recommend it just as part of something to be recorded in the minutes. If we all are like no, you should not do this, then that will be recorded in the minutes and you will not be able to go to city and be like the the board recommends this. But if we all like like uh recommend it then you can say that in your you know I think that seems like a very reasonable and more casual way of doing this. >> Do have you ever had where it was denied before Jeff that a board? >> No because I think the only I think we've only asked twice in the time that I've been involved with the department >> there other boards. >> Nobody else has money. I mean, I think it was the the previous owner voted off was to buy the van for the lockers and that was $70,000. So, you know, I think it was important that, right, it was even, you know, the purpose was obvious, >> right, >> to us. And so, >> I hope it it always speaks for itself. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You're trying to throw like a wild party or something. >> Yeah. Like, oh, 70,000 people like much. Yeah, I think it's just to share that transparency of what that funding is being used for. So, it's just in a public space giving it that community vote essentially to say yes, we approve that, you know, that funding used for that. Yeah. And essentially, it's just trans transparency. >> Great. >> I will say the one thing that I do want to pull from this for sure is the regular update on the state of the fund. >> Yeah. Um, so just you know what is the and I don't think it I think it could be like we were really only doing a request once or twice a year like it could be just during that request coming with the state of the funds. However, I think we should do it at least once annually maybe twice. Um, and I think just having that Tracy and like your notes for the agenda every we can stick with January and July. Every January and July on the agenda we just get a quick report. I think that sounds very reasonable. >> Yeah. Um, I don't mind taking an AI to kind of just um revise this doc and bring it next time with just what we discussed here. Not as something that needs to be like officially stamped, but just so that we all know what we kind of agreed on tonight. Um, if that works for everybody. If anybody else would like to do that, they would welcome, but I'm happy to do it. Do we have is there a place for procedures that the board knows that are not necessarily part of the bylaw that shows? I haven't necessarily given a great answer on that. Uh so like the not the term it's the um public comments procedural kind of document. >> Yeah, >> it exists somewhere but it's not easy to find. >> Yeah. Um so concern I have. >> Yeah. No, that's totally fair. Uh, I think that I'd like to work a little bit more with the city clerk to make it a little bit easier to find, which is something we also have tried to do more with our website to just have it be linked so it's easier to redirect there. Um, but yeah, I don't I don't necessarily know if all those things are one like >> and that's the thing. I mean, you know, we spend a lot of time discussing and and defining and everything, so it should be accessible so that we don't have to come up. I I just sent today a document to Julia for her to vocat that the parks and recre advisory board had developed which is along this same line >> and next time we we will bring that back to you next month so that you can look at it. Gives Julia and I a little time of putting library language in there instead of park and wreck. But I I feel like they did a really good job and uh it's a great starting place. It doesn't mean that you all have to take it the way we presented, but I at least you don't have to start from scratch. >> What What was the what was the topic of the document? >> It really is is a document for how the board does business. Okay. >> And it's a great document for Duke board members. And again, they just just created it. Um, but I I we will get you that early. Uh, so you have time to look at that before the the next meeting, but I think I think you'll be interested in that. And this sort of thing could be included in it where it's not as formal as your bylaws and it it could be a fluid document that you go a year and you say, "Hey, this this number three is really bad or or we need to add to it." Um, but it it just helps you with business and and again that new person that has no clue about what you're talking about, it helps them at least understand why you're talking about it. >> Yeah, Jeff and I were talking about this and he sent it over to me, but the title of the one from the parks and recus is titled our commitment as the Longmont Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. So it it gives a breakdown of like um their commitment, the purpose and meaning um advocate when it matters. It gives a lot of information as to guide the board and it would be the library too um for contributions as a board member and it's just putting everything in in a good form to where everybody understands like what is the purpose or what can we work on and I think it would help also to for us to collaborate better and know what our positions are. So >> it's a good time right now especially with the new board members. Any other questions on this the motors document or comments, things that want changed or um last item for old business is the talking points draft and flyer. Um, I think attached to the packet was the flyer that Brian put together. Um, um, as our members who were at Unity Community, did you find reading through the talking points ahead of time at all? And would you want something like a flyer to be handy or do we because the other thing so this this business started before this iteration of the board. Um I do think it was helpful for us to bring a bunch of information into one place. I don't I'm I'm potentially kind of okay with us being like these are the things that the board members should know about and I'm not sure how many other iterations or action items we need to come from this item. However, I'm open to ideas from anybody. >> I don't know if it was necessary for you because you had giant sides. >> Um, so I don't know if it was necessary or necessary uh for that type of public to then I don't think it really came up with the people that actually came to the police. >> I mean, I will say people some people were surprised, you know, a huge sign saying all the different services library. They don't know it. No, >> but yeah, the fact I know that they have like a giant poster more than >> I do not. >> Okay, great. >> They're not. >> Oh my god. >> But it gave us pretty much most of the important things for the library. So I have that if anybody wants to make it into a nice >> talking points pamphlet or poster or whatever. And that's why >> but yeah that's what I was thinking is that we do want to have something >> for the software to our friends. >> Okay. I can do >> maybe services. >> Yes. So, in the list that we had had originally was how to get a library card, which sounds like it came up a lot, how to get a library card, the the current program calendar, what's on the library of things. That's >> um the library board advisory board calendar and minutes and how to apply. >> Wow. >> Um how to join the friends of the library, how to volunteer with the friends and how to donate to the friends. how to volunteer for the library and I'll link to like city council meetings, how to speak up on behalf of the library during public comment section type thing. That was the original list that was depleted um were things that we thought that the public would want to have access to. So, another thing is that I think the previous iteration of the board was very focused on marketing the library to the public. Um, which is cool. Uh, and but that's another kind of thing that we we're we're attending things like unity in the community. Obviously, we want to be able to talk about the library and things like that. Um, I don't know if that's really a role of the advisory board. I mean, it can be obviously like making sure that the library um that the public is is uh is able to use the library services as best as possible and also able to have input to the library and to city council, things like that. Um but yeah, I mean I guess like the other thing is that do we want to how much do we want to invest in >> something like this when I mean obviously the library has a lot of of its own marketing material and things like that. But it's not normally. I will say that like obviously when awesome conservative effort was made for unity in the community, but not generally. Uh I know it's still advertised, but like generally when people are walking into the library, you know, I think uh that's why we find a lot of people don't have the things that the library does. And that's where my mind was going with what I did. I don't know if it's worthwhile at all. Doesn't matter. I don't know if you guys think it, but you know, I just use claw to just how do you attract somebody's attention? Um because you they say you only have like 5 to 10 seconds to grab someone's attention. They're still only going to read 20% of whatever's on there. Um so how do you make that 20% count and how do you attract their attention? And that's what I was using to create. And I especially made it so it's nothing that people literally know. It's all the things that people would not know. >> Um, you know, there's other things periphery. You know, you'll notice everything's periphery like this many books checked out, but I'm not trying to be a hater, but >> that's all we care. Nobody cares about we care, >> you know. So, it's like, but that's all peripheral. It's everything else, you know, front and center stuff that they're not going to know about. Discovery taskings, you know, things of that nature. Um, so I don't know if that's worthwhile, but right or wrong, that's what I have in mind. >> In curiosity, the library does not send out mailers to houses the same way that like the rec services and the museum does. I know you guys have the program pamphlets here in the library, but it's not something that is sent out. We don't have the mailers unless we specifically mail something out like for the lockers. >> Um, which you did with a specific radius >> to the 800 residents in that area. >> Connect that. Is it still advertised here? Like if people walked into the library, >> the lockers. >> Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. Right. When you walk in late, >> but if you think like if it didn't catch your attention, let us move it somewhere else. I I walked in at 6:00, so >> it's been there for months. >> But, um, that's a good idea, though, too. Um, we do have the Born to Read program that we're still part of, um, where they where we have a postcard with a children's library card attached to it that they give to newborns that are born here at the two hospitals. >> Cute. >> Yeah. So, those are there's about a thousand given out every year in Spanish and in English. So, we do have that. Well, we don't have like a mailer specifically that we send out, which would be a good idea, especially if it's like next year for library card signup month, maybe send something fun to all the residents, too. >> Well, I think that's such a good idea for things like library things and discovery classes, right? Like I think >> I think largely when I'm talking to members of the community is often because they have something that they feel strongly about either a complaint or something that they love and want to you know keep and promote. So that and so often those those things that we mentioned like how to volunteer, how to, you know, get involved is often what I want to share with people. Um whereas like I do think that the library's marketing goals could be something like sending out a mailer to talk about the library of things and discovery classes. Great idea. >> But you're right that they there's a lot of people who do not know about the burdens. Yeah. >> There are patrons who have been here for 20 30 years who don't know about the discovered passes and library things. >> My dad has a wife on the friends and a daughter on the board and had no idea what the library of things was. >> He was like, "You got things that aren't books." The library. Come on. One of my goals like for the circulation department is to use that great area behind the desk to advertise like library of things physically like pictures of it or maybe even a sewing machine or something that shows exactly what we because it's a great area to do that. Um just don't have time for that but but it's on our radar because we do know that a lot of our patients don't know half the stuff that we offer. Yeah. Well, I wonder if there's an opportunity with the lockers too, like if if people are now using the lockers instead of here, if there's some publicity that could be associated with this. >> We do u make it a point at the desk to voice all of that, but um that's just patrons that come in. So, >> were you able I know that there had been talk about putting a little display on the lockers that had like a little thing that had like the program guide stuck in it. >> Did that ever happen? We had talked about that a few months ago. >> Program that because there's no protection from the weather to >> they talked about the little acrylic thing with a lid like you get like a trail like a trail map or something. Yeah, that's that's what we discussed we talked about a few months ago and I don't >> because the attaching to the actual things I would >> worry about the vendor having a problem with that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Or if the QR code could be >> what could we do the same thing in a book when people pick it up? >> Yeah. Just stick the flyer every book that gets picked out. >> There is a QR code on the side of the locker that leads us to our website. >> Yes. that also has like all of this information, but it's very basic and it's one QR code that's on the um what is that called? The wall, the paper that's on the >> wrap. >> The wrap. Yes. Thank you. What is that called? There is a QR code on the wrap that um leads to the library website, but that Yes, those are good ideas. So, I'm thinking even if you if you did bookmarks, right, and like you had English on one side, Spanish on the other, and and maybe you're even just advertising the digital services that the library provides >> because the idea is that they're not probably coming into the main branch of the library to pick up, you know, the um the a thing, a sewing machine, right? But they might be interested in the online language classes or tutoring or whatever. So, that would be a cool like little bookmark to stick in all those >> bookmarks. They were very popular when I first started here and they just kind of went away, but I think they're coming back now and it would be a great time to do that again. So, thank you for that. Those are good ideas. >> Friends, all their book sale dates on theirs specific library things. >> But especially if we're trying to get out to more people having those digital things. So, our talking points, any thoughts on next steps for them? >> So, I wasn't here before, but it doesn't feel like there's a lot of energy. >> I am carrying it to its grave because I hardly >> But I don't want to make that call unilaterally. So, I was hoping somebody else would be like, I think we're good. >> All right. Cool. Um, we will not put it on old business anymore. Feel free to use that draft that we have if we need it for any future obviously thing. We'll probably still include it in when somebody new joins the board. I think it's really helpful for that. Um, I do know Diana had mentioned interest in having it sent to city council. Um, I can maybe bring that up with just her and see if she wants me to kind of like revise it quickly for city council for her to bring. Um, but otherwise, I think we can put it to rest. Awesome. Thank you all. Okay, new business, uh, our city council public comment. So, we talked about this last time whether or not we wanted to go during the, um, the public comment on the budget. Um, I know nobody else has looked at the budget yet, so this is a little bit hard to discuss. Um, and knowing Jeff's advice about the fact that it's probably not going to change, but doesn't mean that as a member of the public, not as a member of our advisory board, um, if we wanted to make kind of a concerted effort to make statements about either what's going on with this budget or why the library is important. Otherwise, we can shift our energy to focusing on next year's budget cycle if we'd like. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on making a statement? Looking at the dates, it looks like the the date to do to do this would be September 29th. Is that right? Yes. Um the city council meeting is at 7 p.m. There are two meetings that allow for public comment on the budget. Um that's this is the first one. The next one I think is a date in October that I actually can't make. Um, I remember it's October 6th or 13th. Um, but I can look that up if need be. Um, if anything were to change, I think the second public comment date is also the date that city council approves the proposed budget. So, let's be real, they're going to be done thinking about it and modifying it. Um I don't know if even the 29th of September is going to be something that that's next by the way it's next Tuesday. Um that's all the information I >> kind of feel like this point it's moved. >> I mean we made our statements these things they did not move the needle at all on any of the things that we talked about. So, um, >> listen. >> Well, we're not going to let Jeff tell us that we are not that we are powerless in this community. However, >> I hope I didn't say that. >> No, I'm just kidding. Um however I kind of agree that I think this year's budget even the fact that this board was not well the previous iteration of this board was not able to make any comments on the budget before it was the requests were sent to city council means that hopefully we will be working with our library director to um make sure that we're a part of that conversation earlier on um and I think we can kind of shift our energy to that for the next week's budget cycle. Any other thoughts on any of that? City council gentlemen. >> So to save myself, >> you're retiring city. >> Yeah, >> it's it's always good for council to hear from the public. Um, and maybe it doesn't make a difference this year, but it might plant a seed for the future. So, if I said it's not worth, I I apologize that. Okay. >> Can I ask a question about that? Is the most influential person city manager or council? >> Um, >> cuz imagine council >> council is >> just like I'm not saying they blindly approve. I know they don't, but like by the time it gets to them, you know, it's like things are >> I think the city manager sets the stage and meeting with him is is important. >> Yes, that that's that's where I was going instead of city council. It's like what's by the time it gets to council works like this is all I think >> the city manager is at the city council meetings as well. >> Um not not that he will necessarily be paying close attention to all the public comments. I don't know but but um but he is there and then the other thing is that when uh well I think when we're making a statement like a public comment statement we are just a member of the community who is talking to city council >> as the library advisory board we do have that direct link to city council because we have alias on here um and I do think that is a a something that we can kind of like push a little bit on that relationship in terms of like what the priorities are um for the community with regard to the library. Um however, I do think additional additionally having the city manager come to our meeting and actually answering questions and learning more. I just want to make sure our focus >> is where it shouldn't be. >> I agree. >> And then you have his attention for a period of time where nothing else matters but the library, >> right? >> But still things for us to think about in terms of what are our priorities like what obviously you know the city at large has a bud a limited budget that needs to favor a lot of other things in addition to the library. So on some level being like we need more ebooks. Uh yeah, there was probably some other priorities as well that the city has set to balance. Um so it might make sense for us to continue discussing in this meeting what kinds of things we want like are actually like crucial to the library's operations that are not being funded that potentially couldn't be funded by the library services fund or other other resources that like we do really need to be like this is actually important. Um and so and I think we are we are all going to have different feelings on that and sometimes that could be something that we say when we're at um public comment like if I feel very strongly about ebooks then like that might not be the opinion of the entire library advisory board or even the library. So um getting information from staff on what is actually the highest priority for the continuation and also for us coming with the opinions of the community, right? And so that could be you as a representative of the community, that could be talking to your neighbors or friends or co-workers or whoever else um is interested in the library. So um kind of getting informed that way about what the community's needs are. Um, we Julie and I talked a little bit about trying to get some of the needs of the community from a more diverse perspective because that's another thing is that um, we may not be the most diverse board um, ever. And so I think coming up with way ideas or ways that we can also make sure that we're representing the entire community of Longmont and not just, you know, the five people in the room. Um, so those are things that I would love to think about over the next few months before we um decide what statement we do want to make disclos. Um, but if anyone else has other ideas about how we want to kind of do that going forward, let us know. On that note, I think if we're all in agreement on not not wanting to Does anybody want to continue to make a concerted effort to visit city council >> next week? Great. Um I'm okay taking that back for myself, too. Um okay. And then the last thing we have is just library board comments. if anyone has anything that they want to share. I also want to take this moment to ask if anyone has anything that they would like to add to the future agendas, things that they think are important that the advisory board should be discussing here. I like Julie's idea because I feel like we don't have enough sense of some of the more specific things about the library that it would be really helpful for us to understand as we talk about the Okay. So, I really like that suggestion. >> Can you just what is the suggestion of the of the first suggestions you have? >> What kinds of questions library come with? And then also the the everyone's homework just to remind you for next month is uh what current services should be modernized >> and um what issues would you like the director to bring to the board for advice at future meetings? >> I have a question. Is it unheard of to ask like the board to join in an outreach program or somebody from the board to join in an outreach program to kind of to see how we communicate and um support the community outside of the library? I'm just interested because I'm doing an outreach event by myself on Saturday and I could use the help if anybody's willing to go. It's for um I don't know if that's even allowed. Is it Jack? Do you know? >> Yeah. um it's from 10:30 to 12 at Kensington Park. And so I'll just be sharing library resources there and just showing a happy face and um welcoming anybody that would like to come to the library, giving them that space for that. So if anyone's interested, please reach out to me. Otherwise, I'm I've done it before by myself. So >> So that's actually so the agenda item that is the upcoming engagement opportunity. That's that's literally how that started. Okay. So any any month that you have something coming up that you're interested in somebody and like you can really say like this isn't just you know an author talk or something I am actually going to do outreach at this park and I I would love if somebody from the board can come and and for us that's great research right that's a great way for us to learn more about what the community needs um I would be away this weekend but I don't think >> what's the program Um, it's, let me pull it up exactly, but it's in the Kensington neighborhood at the new amphitheater and I've always felt like we need to reach that area anyway. Um, because I don't know that we have any current outreaches over there and it's the Kensington area around the Southstead of Herkins and um, so that is I'll give you exactly what it's called. Um it is annual meeting for the neighborhood association and that will be um they've asked the library and the youth center to to go but it's also the same day as our bilingual English link and um Spanish festival so a lot of our staff were busy. It was also short notice, but um I feel very strongly about it and that's why I'm going to do it. So >> So this is kind of like a meet and greet. >> Yeah. So what we would do is set up a table with all of our library resources, maybe give out some free books they've offered or we could do a story time, which I'm not going to because I'll do it myself. But like um just ask answering any questions, giving library cards if they'd like. I can do that directly from my laptop. So that's what I'll be doing there. a presence from the library in that neighborhood to um to reach a really underserved community. >> So, >> I'll double check when I get >> It's from >> 10:30 to 12 and um I'll be there. So, >> okay. >> When are the hours of the bilingual event here? >> Is that from 1 to 3? Let me check that. I wonder if bringing flyers for that. >> It's 1 to three. >> 1 to 3. Yeah, that's a good idea. >> Bring some flyers to that event. >> Yeah, they've um they have put up flyers in like the bedas around the library and um some of the Spanish churches for that event. So hopefully it will be a great turnout. But I that's a good idea. It'll do that, >> right? Because people are like, "Oh, what are you doing after this?" We're going to go to the library, right? Any other comments from the board or suggestions for agenda items in the future? Right. Our next meeting is October 19th, which is the third Monday in the library meeting room at 6 p.m. Did everyone everyone make it? >> Okay, one down. We need three. Is everyone else pretty sure they can make it? Great. Um, then you'll be attending the friends meeting though the following. >> Great. Um, okay. And then that's it. I will call this meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. >> Thank you.