Library Board meeting minutes - March 18, 2026

The Hennepin County Library Board met Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Eden Prairie Library, Bluestem Room, 565 Prairie Center Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344.

The public is welcome at all library board meetings.

Attendees

Library Board members: Kimberly Connolly, Michael Hogan, Kim Kang, Amal Karim, Randy Klauk, Jessica Kraft, Ashley Krohn, Rebecca Lowen, Mike Sorensen, Lynn Stetler.

Hennepin County Staff: Director Scott Duimstra, Lillian Albrecht, Michael Boe, Elizabeth Cole, Katherine Debertin, Tonya Depriest, J.R. Genett, Lisa Howes, Char Kimber, Kelli Koob, Amy McNally, Ayanna Muata, Christy Mulligan, Will Sullivan, Kimberly Trinh-Sy, 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 ten members present.

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved with one amendment to omit the dialogue with Commissioner Goettel.

Motion: Kimberly Connolly
Second: Ashley Krohn
Motion passed.

Approval of Consent Items

Meeting minutes from November 11, 2025 and January 28, 2026 and donations.

Motion: Kim Kang
Second: Lynn Stetler
Motion passed.

Public Comment

None.

Welcome from Eden Prairie Library Staff

Eden Prairie Library Supervisor, Lisa Howes, provided a staff welcome highlighting the building history, service demographics, community partnerships, staff, and team building.

President’s Report

Kraft highlighted upcoming Hennepin County Library and Friends of the Hennepin County Library events featured in Board packets. She noted the upcoming Mary Ann Key Book Club event on May 13 and encouraged members to contact the clerk if they’d like a gift copy of the book club book, The Serviceberry.

Director’s Report

Library Director Scott Duimstra shared updates regarding Operation Reconnect expansions, Library Board conference budget reductions, and current interests of the Library Youth Advisory Committee. He noted capital project updates, including the study of Franklin Library. He recapped Library Legislative day and encouraged Board members to reach out to their legislators regarding the library’s priorities of fair e-book pricing, banning dangerous weapons on library property, and extending the ballpark sales tax.

Staff Dialogue – 2025 Annual Patron Survey

Katherine Debertin and Will Sullivan gave a staff dialogue the 2025 annual patron survey results. Survey results overall remain very positive year over year, with our collection being the most accessed service and the most concerns arising over wait times. They also shared strategies they used to continuously improve the survey, noting that implemented strategies have improved response rates, especially from BIPOC patrons and reduced complaints regarding noise.

Staff Dialogue – Library Display Policy

Elizabeth Cole and Kimberly Trinh-Sy presented on the new display administrative policy. This policy will provide clear guidance and messaging to support staff in developing displays that meet their intended purposes and community needs. They shared about the policy development and staff engagement process, discussed policy statements, and reviewed next steps for policy approval, implementation, and training.

Committee Reports

The Executive Committee’s next meeting is Thursday, April 30, 2026, 5:30-6:30pm at Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Room.

The Policy Committee’s next meeting is Wednesday, April 15, from 5:30-7:30pm at Franklin Library to discuss the Fee and Donation Policies.

A motion was made to approve the updated Patron Use of Library Spaces Policy.

Motion: Ashley Krohn
Second: Amal Karim
Motion passed.

A motion was made to approve the updated Library Bill of Rights.

Motion: Kimberly Connolly
Second: Lynn Stetler
Motion passed.

The Nominating Committee’s next meeting is Thursday, April 23, 5:30-6:30pm at Ridgedale Library, room 174. All Board members should complete the form of interest and submit it to the clerk by April 3.

The Friends of Hennepin County Library discussed how to provide financial support to library programs serving patrons impacted by Operation Metro Surge, including funding for postage and Let’s Read.

Community Connections

Board members shared ways they connected with Hennepin County Library outside of their existing Board duties. Stories shared included attending the Sean Sherman Talk of the Stacks event, praise for the library app, and visiting Franklin Library and speaking with staff about space constraints.

Unfinished Business

None.

New Business

Michael Hogan expressed concerns with a proposed study regarding Franklin Library, as it’s a historic Carnegie Library and is essential to the Phillips community. Duimstra shared that the study of Franklin is in its initial stages and may be delayed, but this study hopes to address service issues resulting from space constraints. Duimstra agrees to include any future updates regarding this study in his Director’s Update.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Library Board is Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 pm, at Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board room.

Adjourn

There being no further business, there was a motion to adjourn at 7:41pm.

Motion: Lynn Stetler
Second: Ashley Krohn
Motion passed.