Executive Committee meeting summary - October 19, 2023

The public is welcome at all library board meetings

The Library Board Executive Committee met Thursday, October 19, 2023, Ridgedale Library, Meeting Room 174

Attendees

Committee members: Jane Brissett, Lynn Stetler, Ashley Krohn, Amal Karim

Library Board members: None

Staff: Director Scott Duimstra, Dan Rogan, J.R. Genett and Jeannette Lewis

Welcome and Call to Order

Chair Jane Brissett called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. and welcomed attendees.

Approval of agenda and August 10, 2023, meeting summary

Ashley Krohn made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Lynn Stetler. Motion passed.

Lynn Stetler made a motion to approve the August 10, 2023, meeting summary; seconded by Ashley Krohn. Motion passed.

Welcome to Scott Duimstra

Chair Jane Brissett and committee members gave a warm welcome new Library Director Scott Duimstra.

Other Board Training Opportunities

Ashley Krohn made a motion recommending to the full Board that all Board members be encouraged to take the Advancing Racial Equity training; seconded by Lynn. Motion passed.

  • Executive Committee members will strongly encourage Library Board Members to take advantage of American Library Association and Minnesota Library Association trainings that are available.
  • Lynn and Ashley will bring back some specific recommendations to the next Executive Committee meeting in January.

Bloomington School Book Challenges

  • Committee members discussed writing in support of those opposing book bans in the Bloomington Public School libraries.
  • Ashley spoke to the increasing number of formal book challenges in local school library systems including Osseo, East Carver, and others.
  • Suggestion to draft a resolution from the HCL Board to regional school boards that stays in the realm of supporting values and principles in time for next full Board meeting.
  • Library staff will provide template to Presidents Brissett to create initial draft.

November 15, 2023, Board Meeting Agenda

  • Add discussion of Library Board resolution of support for freedom to read in school libraries under new business.
  • Director Duimstra will provide his first Director’s report.
  • There will be a presentation from staff about the Makoce Team, a library work group that focuses on services to indigenous communities.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Library Board Executive Committee is Thursday, January 4 at 5:30 p.m., Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Meeting Room

Adjourn

Amal Karim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:33 p.m.; seconded by Lynn Stetler. Motion passed.