Library Board meeting minutes - March 19, 2025

The Hennepin County Library Board met Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Plymouth Library, Meeting Room, 15700 36th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446.

Attendees

Library Board members: Gordy Aune, Jr., Jane Brissett, Erin Brudvik, Kimberly Connolly, Michael Hogan, Amal Karim, Randy Klauk, Jessica Kraft, Ashley Krohn, Lynn Stetler.

Hennepin County Staff: Director Scott Duimstra, Lillian Albrecht, Antonio Backman, Tonya Depriest, J.R. Genett, Commissioner Debbie Goettel, Char Kimber, Kelli Koob, Amy McNally, Ayanna Muata, Christy Mulligan, Friends of Hennepin County Library Director Kristi Pearson, Stephanie Steinwedel, Ali Turner, Ann Woodson-Hicks, Josh Yetman.

Call to Order

President Jessica Kraft called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. and welcomed attendees.

Attendance of Library Board Members

Library Board Clerk Lillian Albrecht took roll call and the Board met quorum with ten Board members present.

Approval of Agenda

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

Approval of Consent Items

Meeting minutes of the January 22, 2025, meeting, and donations.

Motion: Randy Klauk
Second: Amal Karim
Motion passed.

Public Comment

None.

Welcome from Plymouth Staff

Plymouth Patron Experience Supervisor Stephanie Steinwedel and Librarian Antonio Backman welcomed the Board and shared information on Plymouth Library’s accolades, programming, and community partnerships.

President’s Report

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

Kraft shared information regarding the upcoming American Library Association annual conference. She encouraged members to contact the Board Clerk before April 7 if they’re interested in attending.

Director’s Report

Library Director Scott Duimstra discussed Library, Community, and County updates. Topics discussed included capital project timelines, art events, family shelter play space renovations, strategic plan projects, staff accomplishments, and MLA Legislative Day. Duimstra and Commissioner Debbie Goettel also shared potential impacts to Hennepin County Library following federal changes to the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Staff Dialogue

Library Services Division Manager Ayanna Muata presented a staff dialogue regarding updates to the Patron Rules of Conduct. Muata shared her considerations in reviewing the policy, her community engagement processes, an overview of the revisions, and the rollout of the policy.

Committee Reports

The Executive Committee’s next meeting is April 24, 2025, 5:30-6:30 pm at Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Room.

The Budget and Long-Term Planning Committee’s next meeting is June 11, 2025, 5:30-6:30 pm at Ridgedale Library, room 174. The date was moved to give the committee greater input earlier on in the budget process.

The Policy Committee’s next meeting is April 16, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm at Ridgedale Library, Room 174 to review the Internet Public Use Policy. Chair Mike Hogan led the review of the Policy Review Policy, noting its role in guiding the Board’s policy development process. The committee proposed no changes to the policy, and a motion was made to approve the policy with updated policy history.

Motion: Amal Karim
Second: Ashley Krohn
Motion passed.

The Friends of the Hennepin County Library ex officio Jane Brissett welcomed Executive Director Kristi Pearson to present the Friends year-end update. Pearson reviewed the Friends’ structure, strategic plan, and funding commitment, and shared information on fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and events.

The Nominating Committee’s next meeting is on April 24, 2025, following the Executive Committee meeting at Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Room. All Board members should submit a statement of interest form to the Clerk no later than April 4.

Unfinished Business

None.

New Business

None.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Library Board is Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 pm, Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room.

Adjourn

There being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 pm.

Motion: Lynn Stetler
Second: Ashley Krohn
Motion passed.