Library Board meeting minutes - September 17, 2025

The Hennepin County Library Board met Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Brookdale Library, ABC Meeting Room, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, 55430.

The public is welcome at all library board meetings.

Attendees

Library Board members: Gordy Aune, Jr., Erin Brudvik, Erin Carney, Kimberly Connolly, Randy Klauk, Jessica Kraft, Lynn Stetler.

Hennepin County Staff: Director Scott Duimstra, Lillian Albrecht, Tonya Depriest, Bernie Farrell, J.R. Genett, Commissioner Debbie Goettel, DeMaris Johnson, Char Kimber, Amy McNally, Ayanna Muata, Christy Mulligan, Anna Schwindt DeGroot, Jenn Straumann, Gwen Wasmund, Peggy Woodling, Ann Woodson-Hicks, Josh Yetman.

Call to Order

President Jessica Kraft called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed attendees.

Attendance of Library Board Members

Library Board Clerk Lillian Albrecht took roll call. The Board met quorum with eight members present.

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved with one amendment to add an item to endorse the 2026 library budget.

Motion: Gordy Aune, Jr.
Second: Kim Connolly
Motion passed.

Approval of Consent Items

Minutes from the June 25, 2025, meeting, and donations.

Motion: Lynn Stetler
Second: Erin Brudvik
Motion passed.

Public Comment

One public comment was given regarding the library’s use of AI for patron learning.

Welcome from Brookdale Library Staff

Brookdale Library supervisors Bethany Wagenaar and Kelsey Shay-Flores provided a staff welcome and shared information about Brookdale’s services, programming, and community partnerships.

Dialogue with Commissioner Goettel

Commissioner Debbie Goettel shared updates regarding Southdale and Penn Lake renovations, along with information about the Capital Budget Taskforce’s upcoming presentation to County Commissioners.

President’s Report

Kraft highlighted upcoming Hennepin County Library and Friends of the Hennepin County Library events featured in Board packets.

Director’s Report

Library Director Scott Duimstra discussed Library, Community, and County updates. Topics included Westonka, Southdale, and Northeast project updates, Let’s Read receiving the National Association of County’s Achievement award, the ceasing of interfiling children and adult nonfiction materials, and summer programming outcomes.

2026 Library Budget Endorsement

Duimstra provided a detailed presentation regarding the proposed 2026 library budget and reductions. A motion was made to endorse the 2026 budget.

Motion: Lynn Stetler
Second: Gordy Aune, Jr.
Motion passed.

Staff Dialogue

Let’s Read coordinator and project managers Bernie Farrell, DeMaris Johnson, and Gwen Wasmund presented an update on Let’s Read following their first full year. They shared information on 2025 expansions, the summer and school year services, assessment statistics, and stories from students, volunteers, and caregivers showing appreciation for the program.

Committee Reports

The Executive Committee’s next meeting is Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30-6:30pm at Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Room.

The Budget and Long-Term Planning Committee’s next meeting is Wednesday, November 6, 2025, 5:30-6:30 pm at Ridgedale Library, room 174.

The Policy Committee’s next meeting is Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm at Ridgedale Library, Room 174 to discuss how the committee would like information regarding policies presented to them.

The Friends of Hennepin County Library at their recent Board meeting tentatively approved a $4 million donation to the library for 2026. Updates were also shared from the recent local Friends council meeting and the celebration of Edina Friend’s 60th anniversary.

Community Connections

Board members shared ways they connected with Hennepin County Library outside of their existing Board duties. Stories shared included attending Friends of Hennepin County Library events and book giveaways, appreciation for library passports, and children making friends at library play spaces.

Unfinished Business

The Board agrees to include a one slide update from the Library Youth Advisory Committee in future Director’s Updates to facilitate regular updates from the committee.

New Business

None.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Library Board is Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 pm, Golden Valley Library Meeting Room.

Adjourn

There being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 pm.

Motion: Lynn Stetler
Second: Erin Carney
Motion passed.