Library Board Meeting 6.1.23

The Mountain Home Public Library Board of trustees held its monthly board meeting on June 1. It began with the approval of minutes for the board’s previous meeting, followed by the approval of the library’s bills for April and May of this year.

The board next discussed possible actions for revising library policy. Director Hochstrasser didn’t have pressing change requests, though Chair Venable-Harjo mentioned possible revisions to a section of the policy that would add legal text to portions of the policy relating to content review standards. She explained that she planned to present it to the board at a later date in further detail.

Next, it was shared that due to damages incurred during shipment, the signage for the new book drop will need to be re-cut. After new panels arrive, they will be placed onto the book drop, which will then be delivered to the library.

An update regarding the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program was given. The library is prepared to move forward with the program and plans to utilize the library’s soon-to-arrive privacy pod. If the program is prepared to launch prior to the arrival of the privacy pod, the library plans to schedule time in its conference room for patrons to meet with attorneys.

Moving on to new business, a discussion began regarding a change in the library’s hours of operation. Citing statistical data relative to patron counts, Director Hochstrasser proposed that the library shift its current hours of operation to the new 9am to 6pm on weekdays (Monday-Friday). Chair Venable-Harjo said that after speaking with staff, the statistics regarding patron counts and library usage reflect the views of the employees. Trustee Mercado was supportive of the proposed change and made a motion to approve the recommended change in hours of operation starting July 10th.

In her report to the board, Director Hochstrasser expressed thanks to those present who were able to attend the ribbon cutting event for the new Story Stroll. She also updated the board on the telehealth privacy pod. A vendor has been selected, as well as colors. The project is expected to pick up soon, as the installer recently visited the library to take measurements.

Next, the board discussed the library’s summer reading program. As of the time of the meeting, 405 participants were registered for the program.

Lastly, Director Hochstrasser listed a number of grants that the library has received or is in the process of applying for.

Following this the meeting was adjourned.