MEEKER | The Meeker Library Board convened last week in the community room of the Meeker Public Library for its regular meeting. All board members were present for the meeting
The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. Board member John D. Moffitt proposed adding a discussion on reviewing the library’s book collections to that night’s agenda. He suggested creating lists of books purchased, disposed of, and requested by the community members in the town of Meeker.
Library Director Kristina Selby raised concerns about sharing details of book requests, citing privacy considerations. “I can’t give you the books that are requested without having featured information on it,” she said.
Moffitt clarified that he wanted general information, not specific titles. Selby outlined her existing process for book acquisitions.
“I do give you the books that I made a purchase on with a check for it,” Selby said.
She then asked the board what would be the purpose of having two separate lists. Moffitt explained the goal was to track what books were being purchased and what books were being removed. Board member Dan Olson attempted to second the motion before board member Keri Grieser explained that the topic was not on the agenda and that it could go down as a discussion item for the end of the meeting which would be an action statement for the next meeting and going forward. Moffitt explained that he was requesting it to be on the agenda.
Board President Meredith Deming reminded board members that new agenda items must be published 24 hours in advance, as per policy, and suggested tabling the discussion until the next meeting. The agenda was eventually approved with the discussion slated for the end of the meeting.
During the public comment session, resident Mike Grady spoke passionately about his family’s long-term use of the library, explaining that he and his family have been using the library in the town of Meeker for 60 years, from the time when it was first in the basement of the courthouse.
“I’ve been able to see the positive transformation that the library has come to be today. We’ve had four kids use the library. My wife is a voracious reader and our kids are readers, so I hate to see you guys work so hard on reinventing the wheel,” stated Grady, noting that board president Deming outlined operating procedures for the board at the previous meeting.
To close his three minutes, he thanked the Meeker Public Library staff members.
“Let our library staff do what they do well and trust them,” Grady said.
Barone Middle School teacher Kris Casey also spoke at the meeting. She thanked the library staff for providing diverse books that engage her students. She shared a success story of a reluctant reader that she currently has and how he has read six books in one semester. “It’s opened a whole new world for him,” Casey said.
Dr. Bob Dorsett urged the board to focus on adhering to state statutes and their bylaws.
“I hope that the board will pay attention to statutes and its policies. My second point would be to read your own bylaws and information on library management from library organization and from the state office,” Dorsett said, adding, “It’s the role of the board not to manage the library, it’s also not the role of the board to select books and programs.”
After the public comment section the board heard staff updates. The library staff provided updates with no reported issues. School librarian Amber Garcia was highlighted for the work that she has been doing at the elementary school for the robotics program. The board also discussed performance evaluations for Library Director Selby and her staff. The board decided to evaluate Selby and then have her do evaluations for her staff at the library.
The board also approved a pay raise plan for library employees: a 3% cost-of-living adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2024, a $0.50 hourly raise starting Jan. 1, and a potential additional $0.50 per hour increase on June 1, 2025, contingent on evaluations. Board member Michael Cobb suggested shifting work sessions from Tuesdays to Wednesdays for the next calendar year, but the board ultimately decided to maintain the Tuesday schedule at least for the first meeting in January. The sessions for early 2025 were scheduled for January, February and March at 5 p.m.
The next library board meeting is set for Dec. 11, 2024, at 5 p.m. It will be a special meeting to approve resolutions after receiving information from the county on Dec. 10, 2024. There will be no further meetings planned for the month of December. With no executive session scheduled, the meeting was adjourned after discussing and approving the staff raises and calendar changes.
By JARED HENDERSON
