ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD
343 S. FIFTH AVENUE, ANN ARBOR, MI
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022
22-131 I. CALL TO ORDER
Jim Leija, President
President Leija called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
22-132 II. ATTENDANCE
Board Present: Dharma Akmon, Molly Kleinman, Jim Leija, S. Kerene Moore, Onna Solomon, Scott Trudeau, Jamie Vander Broek
Board Absent: None
Staff: Eli Neiburger, Len Lemorie, Sherlonya Zobel, Rich Retyi, Karen Wilson (recorder)
22-133 III. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF REAL ESTATE AND LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
22-134 IV. RECONVENE TO REGULAR MEETING
President Leija reconvened to the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m.
President Leija wished all a Happy Pride Month as it comes to a close and reminded all of the June 28, 1969 Stonewall Riots and their impact on LGBTQ community.
22-135 V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
(Item of action)
Trustee Kleinman, supported by Secretary Moore, moved to approve the agenda.
President Leija, supported by Trustee Solomon, moved to amend the agenda replacing XII. C. with a different resolution on the Section 125 Cafeteria Plan.
The amendment was voted on.
AYES: Akmon, Kleinman, Leija, Moore, Solomon, Trudeau, Vander Broek
NAYS: None
Motion passed 7-0.
The amended agenda was voted on.
AYES: Akmon, Kleinman, Leija, Moore, Solomon, Trudeau, Vander Broek
NAYS: None
Motion passed 7-0.
22-136 VI. CONSENT AGENDA
(Item of action)
CA-1 Approval of Minutes of May 23, 2022
CA-2 Approval of May 2022 Disbursements
Trustee Solomon, supported by Vice President Akmon, moved to approve the consent agenda.
AYES: Akmon, Kleinman, Leija, Moore, Solomon, Trudeau, Vander Broek
NAYS: None
Motion passed 7-0.
22-137 VII. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
Ryan Kersten
I’m afraid my question isn’t about the Summer Game. So I’ve been using the library forever since I was in elementary school and one of the things I like about it is the staff and they’re always friendly and always nice and always pleasant to deal with. However the library currently pays $13 an hour for some jobs which is both below what the city defines as a living wage and below what the market has for similarly talented jobs. I know that McDonald’s and Aldi all pay $15 an hour. So my question is you know that the library has a fairly big budget why isn’t the floor for all staff a living wage?
Lisa Storc
So mine is also kind of inquiry but less serious nature and more logistics. As was before mentioned we are living in crazy times. If I could pick up Ann Arbor and move it to Canada with me I would. I’ve never been more seriously invested in following through with my HR department than I am right now. I never thought it would happen but maybe very shortly can I bring the library game with me? So there is $150 if you’re out of the area? (Director Neiburger noted that library card is not needed to play the Summer Game.) How about to keep the overdrive account, because I have no idea. One of the primary things I love about Ann Arbor is library. There’s no mystery there. Anybody know about overdrive in that regard because I would still be working out of Dearborn so I would still be like in Michigan? (Director Neiburger noted that an AADL card is needed to access Overdrive and would need to be purchased if moving from the district.) Thanks.
Manya Patel
I would like you to buy more books.
Marionette Cano
Kudos to the AADL Board for choosing Eli Neiburger as the AADL director! He's doing a GREAT job. Thank you!
Jennie Rokakis
Thank you for all the work you do to keep open access to vital services for those in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. I greatly appreciate the new Narcan vending machine, the tool library, as well as the focus on other marginalized voices and history during the summer games. How do you plan to keep expanding services for those most vulnerable during this time of increasing inflation and instability? Do you have plans to keep virtual access to some programs and services for those who are unable to come in person? Thanks again!
Angie, Scott, Elijah, and Josie Berkley
Hello! I'd like to thank the library for being so wonderful. One small thing I've appreciated as we start getting back to visiting the library in the wake of COVID are the signs you post on the door reporting the Washtenaw county risk level and the date, and whether #s are going up or down. I wish more public places/businesses did this! Thank you also for the summer game (always a highlight of our summer) and for your incredible creativity and flexibility during the worst of the pandemic: the library was the same lifeline it's always been to us, even when we couldn't go there.
Maureen O’Brien
I absolutely love the Summer Games. I love getting out to places I'd normally not go to, meeting other players, and everything about the game.
Dawn Dubuc
Thanks so much for recommending and providing masks for adults and children in the library. A lot of people do wear masks, and that helps my family feel safe and be able to come to the library. Thank you for protecting our most vulnerable and allowing everyone access to books.
Deanna, Rich and Krista Lynch
AADL board thank you for having one of the highlights of every summer for me and my family, the summer games. We have learned a lot and visited many areas in Ann Arbor that we would not have discovered if it wasn’t for the summer games. So again our family says thank you for all the work you do to put on the best summer games.
Sarah
Hello, would it be possible to create a zero-waste system for hold shelf items? So many stickers just go right in the garbage. Thank you.
Carlotta Jones
Thank you for another summer of searching for clues. It has been great to have something to look forward to at the end of a work day. The summer game gives me a reason to explore Ann Arbor and go to places I otherwise would not go, like the Fox Nature Preserve because – well – if I drive that far down Miller, I’m turning left onto Zeeb Road. That and I tend to avoid dirt roads. I love the mini adventures and games to get me thinking. Now, who can tell me the name of Jupiter’s fourth moon?
Jenny Clark
My comment is simply praising the AADL and all that you do for the community. I love the summer game activities and the lectures/presentations throughout the year. This past year I've really appreciated having a small Friends of the AADL section at the Traverwood branch. It's nice to be able to occasionally buy a book and peruse the changing titles. Keep up the great work AADL - Ann Arbor is proud of its library!
Amanda Xu and family
Hello, AADL Board of Trustees, I just wanted to extend a huge thank you to all of you for your hard work and dedication to establishing and improving the libraries of Ann Arbor. My family and I really benefited from the wealth of opportunities that the Ann Arbor District Library provides year-round, including access to author events, the Friends Book Shop kindly sponsored by the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library, as well as the Summer Game each summer. We greatly appreciate AADL's commitment to ensuring public access to services, events, and information for all. Thank you.
The Diedrichs
Dear AADL board of trustees, I just want to thank you for continually making improvements to our already fabulous community library! Our family has recently discovered the puzzles and board games that can be checked out and could not be more delighted! Keep up the amazing work!
Kathleen Lok
I really appreciate the amount of events and programs being put on by AADL! I also love the fact that I can borrow puzzles for free from the library! It's really making this one of my best summers yet. Thank you!
Kathy Scott
Thank you for making 5 libraries that are a vibrant part of Ann Arbor. In the summer game I appreciate the many partnerships with other organizations, the walking tours that highlight art and history as well as the goofy trivia. Awesome as always.
Diane Bogenrieder
To the Board Members, Ann Arbor deserves all of the awards it receives. Besides normal library services the tools, art work, toys add a major benefit for us patrons. Besides the oversized games I’ve borrowed for Eagle Event and graduation events your Summer Games I have won ADDL tee shirts I’ve worn proudly in our community. And your games have given me simple puzzles, puzzles I’ve asked my grandkiddos help, explored walking while learning about places I might never had visited. Thank you ADDL staff and board for thinking out of the box and your generosity.
Peter Booth
Hi, I just wanted to comment that I first heard about the summer games program from one of my friends a week ago and my first reaction was "that sounds fun, it's really unfortunate that I live in Ypsi", but then I found out I could still participate without a library card and I couldn't have been more excited. It's been really fun having a chance to play with my friends and explore areas that I haven't had the chance to see even though I've lived here for a few years at this point. Thanks!
Susan Collet
I love the Ann Arbor District Library's summer game. I'm so glad to partaicipate with it! Is the Ann Arbor library associated with Ovedrive/Libby? If yes... The number of titles in Overdrive/Libby are very limited. Often there is a wait for many months to get a popular book. For example: "How to pronounce Knife" by S. Thammavongsa has a 4 week wait, and "Never" by Ken Follet has a 16 week wait. Is there a way for Overdrive/Libby to monitor the statistics of ebooks/audiobooks and manage the hold times? Is there a way to have Overdrive/Libby get more licences? Thank you.
Sangini Tolia
Using the library has rekindled my love for reading and given me a second home to do my work in. I would love for it to be open for one more hour so I can spend a bit more time there after work. Thank you!
Elizabeth Lusk
Hello to the AADL Board of Trustees, I couldn't be happier about the free Narcan vending machine in the downtown library. I am constantly impressed by the breadth of services AADL provides and I am so glad to see AADL readily directing services (literally life-saving services!) towards the most vulnerable, stigmatized members of the community. Thanks for your work for the library.
Erich Zechar
Thank you so much for being here during the pandemic for patrons and families. We are really enjoying the summer game, and exploring the city with the scavenger hunt-type codes.
Cleo Olson
I love the fact that AADL has a lot of manga series, and it would be cool to get even more manga series from AADL.
Sarai Koster-Stetson
Dear valued board members. I am asking that you consider hiring and supporting a team of social workers as part of the AADL system. I am a current UofM MSW candidate and have looked into the roles social workers can have in libraries and the variety of ways they can make a positive impact on communities. Some ways that social workers can be of value in a library system include-
1. Community members look to libraries for information and social workers are able to provide individualized client (the social work word for patron) consultations for questions that require subject expertise: How can I get health insurance? Why did I receive this letter that my benefits are being canceled? Where can I apply for food stamps?
2. Social workers are trained to be aware of, and develop connections with, community partners and so are able to help connect patrons with mental health services, housing supports, and food assistance.
3. Social workers are trained to work with people experiencing behavioral and substance abuse issues, have excellent boundaries, can relate to people in difficult circumstances, and can help de-escalate situations. Having a social worker on staff helps eliminate the need to have public or private policing of the space, which makes the library a safer place for all patrons, but especially patrons of color.
I would also direct you to the American Library Association website and their recent article supporting adding social workers to library staff- https://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/odlos-blog/social-workers Thank you for your time.
Jia Chen
We thank the library staff for all they do. They have been so kind and patient with our requests.
Jen Duman
I would like to thank the AADL board of trustees for supporting the summer reading game every summer. It provides great opportunities for my whole family to have fun and learn new things about our area!
Melanie Walny
Greetings, Ann Arbor Library, Thank you for all that you do to keep our community engaged! I truly love being a member and look forward to the Summer Game every year.
Luca Morris
Hello, I have a question for the board of trustees for this upcoming board meeting. My question is: is the library considering expanding the tools and materials available? I'm specifically thinking of other libraries I've been to that have had a "library of things" with tools and bakeware, or have had video games. If this question isn't appropriate for the board, please feel free to disregard it! Outside of curiosity, a Summer Game badge led me here--so I'm not too certain of what kinds of questions are usually asked of the board. Thank you for your time.
LaVerne Jackson Barker
First let me begin by congratulating Eli our new library director! I've been playing the summer game since 2011. I didn't realize it had been that many years, until I checked. I now look forward to find clues every year. Thank you for the Summer Games!
Jasmine Patel
Hello Board of Trustees, Hope you all are doing well. I wanted to say thank you for the work you have done with allocating our resources for the library system. I have used the AADL more than other libraries since I was young. Thank you.
Jill Mitchell
I'm really enjoying the Summer Game Arbor Explorer Badges. I'm learning about my community and having fun doing it!
Susan Baughn
Love that you folks are providing rapid COVID tests for the community! Plus, the Summer Game is always something to look forward to! Just one suggestion: since gas prices are so high, could you release the badges by area, so we don’t have to keep going back multiple times? Thanks!
Roberta Allen
Hi Board of Trustees thanks for your continued support of the Summer Game in 2022. I really enjoy the challenges and learning opportunities.
Royla Furniss
Thanks for continuing to support the Summer Game in 2022 and beyond!! I never knew what a cryptid was before!! 😁
Jessica Chen
Thanks for the AADL Summer Game! Participating in it is the highlight of coming back home during the summers for me. I always read so much more during the summer than any other time of the year. Looking forward to what's in the Summer Game Store this year.
Lauren McCarthy, Karla Groesbeck
My home branch is Westgate, but thanks to the Summer Game my wife and I have recently visited all the branches. Bravo for modifying the Traverwood and Mallets Creek study room layouts, moving the Ball Machine at Pittsfield from the adult section to the children’s section (and surrounding it with the computer screens), and especially adding a free Narcan dispensing machine in the Downtown Lobby. Thank you taking advantage of a bad situation to make something good.
Elizabeth Clifford
I wanted to thank you for your support of the Summer Game. The game is such a wonderful resource for the community, and in particular families. We are having so much fun with our daughters (9 and 6) playing the game as a team this summer and appreciate AADL and all of the Summer Game partners' efforts.
Cynthia Flynn
It's my first Summer Game without Josie as director. I hope she's enjoying her retirement. I'd like to take this opportunity to let Eli know that our household is delighted that he's the new director! Thanks for everything you folks do and let's have fun with the 2022 Summer Games!
Celine Berthier
Hi, As a French person doing the AADL summer game for the first time, I would like to say thank you to all the AADL people. AADL should be a model for other libraries in other countries. The dedication of all staff members and everybody at all levels at AADL is exemplary and the enrichment that it provides to the community is unique. Congratulations and please keep going, we all need you!
Martea Piper
Hello My name is Martea I am 25 years old. I have been a mostly self taught artist and crafts person, learning a lot from the library's crafting events when I was in high school. Is there a process to become a volunteer specifically to help host crafting events at the library? I spend all my free time beading, crocheting, sewing, and jewelry making and would love to share my knowledge with others. Thank you for all you do! We are all incredibly fortunate to have the AADL staff and the resources you provide!
Christine Timmo
Hello! I do want to thank the library staff for all the work they put into the summer game! I LOVE doing it every year. And now I have a new baby, so it gives me a good reason to get out and go exploring to find some badges and to get the baby some new experiences. Keep up the great work! It’s so much fun!
Meg Hixon
Hello! As we are all too painfully aware, this is an especially precarious time for libraries and for many members of our community. The AADL is a bright spot in a time of such growing darkness, and I am glad (and relieved) that the library continues to make a public commitment to supporting a robust and diverse community. At a time when stories of censorship are so common, I feel incredibly lucky that I can be sure that my public library will continue to purchase materials and create programs that reflect and celebrate queer (and especially trans) lives. I expect that the Board of Trustees and the AADL's leadership team will continue to publicly avow the library's commitment to diversity and I hope that you all have the courage to continue to do what is right in the face of rising opposition. On a much lighter note, I am greatly enjoying the new(ish) puzzle and board game collection and am happy as ever to see the Summer Game return. Thank you for all that you do.
Kristina Birk and LJ Birk
We congratulate Eli Neiburger on a smooth transition to library director and anticipate years of success to come. We also appreciate Josie Parker for her years of leadership. Finally, we thank the AADL staff and Friends of AADL for making the Summer Game possible.
Karen Karolle
Thanks for having such an amazing library system and amazing summer game!
Ried Elenich
Hello! Thank you to the AADL Team for creating such an amazing Summer Games program! We are new to Ann Arbor and it is such a fun way to explore our new community! Thank you!
Aurora
Hi, I want to thank the library for offering more in person programs. We enjoyed them. Thank you.
Audrey
Thank you for these Summer Games, and for the ones throughout the pandemic. They make me excited about the library!
Kanchan P. Manohar
Thank you AADL for bringing back In-person events safely. My 8 year old is enjoying the Summer Game 2022 and especially The Saturday Show. This year's Summer Game Banner is nice and I am wondering if Summer game yard signs will come back? I believe they were available in 2018-19 with special summer game codes.
Trina, Patrick and Olivia O’Boyle
Hello Library Board, We just wanted to express how much we appreciate the library. During the pandemic we loved watching Storytime and the Saturday Show on YouTube. Now that we’re moving out in public more, we love attending the different in-person craft programs, pulling great books from the shelves, and exploring for Summer Game badges. We’re hopeful that monster pageants will return in the future. Monster Queen Flumph will be a forever favorite. Thanks for fostering fun at the library!
Rachel & Kellen McGlashen
Dear Trustees, We appreciate your time and dedication to the Library. Ann Arbor would not be the same without the wonderful programming provided. The Summer Game has become a big part of our summer life and we now look forward to it every year.
Anne Yu
The summer games program is a great way for families to engage kids and adults in interesting activities together. Keep up the great work!
Emory Payne
Hello! I just want to express my gratitude and excitement for the summer game. I'm 26, and ann arbor is the first place I've ever had a library card. The game makes it fun and easy to engage with the community and enjoy the summer, while still being safe during covid. I want to thank everyone who put together this extremely well coordinated game! Thank you!
Nadya Novak
First time summer game player - loving it! Provides a reason to get moving, and educational to boot!
Kim Borger
Every year, Josh and Jamie ask for more classic Doctor Who. This year, we want to say thank you for all of the classics that have been added... And ask for more. Please. Thank you.
Elena Haviland
Hello, As I sit on the sofa with my 9 year old playing the summer game, I want to just say thank you for all the creativity and energy that goes into putting together the summer game. It is a top highlight for our family and even with full time jobs, camps and other life stuff - we love to find codes and earn points for the shop. We are so happy that codes are back inside the library, the AADLE badge is super creative and we can’t wait to hear about home codes this summer. Thank you again.
22-138 VIII. FINANCIAL REPORTS
Eli Neiburger, Director
Director Neiburger reviewed the May financial report listed in the Board packet. He noted that cash was at $5,053,918. Tax receipts of $17,936,944 which is 100.3% of the budgeted amount have been received. The Fund Balance is at $5,660,359. Total cash receipts through May are at $18,325,363 with year to date expenditures of $15,566,876. Currently year to date revenues exceed expenditures by $1,378,136. Actual cash receipts are 100.01% of the budget with actual cash expended at 85.09% of the budget.
Director Neiburger noted several lines were over budget or close to being over budget. Budget adjustments are being presented to the Board later on the agenda tonight.
Director Neiburger also noted that beginning July 1st a new accounting system will be used. Future financial reports may have a slightly different look, but financial information will be comparable to what the Board currently receives.
22-139 IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS
22-140 A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Vice President Akmon reported that she and Treasurer Trudeau met briefly on June 13th and discussed facilities.
22-141 X. LIBRARY REPORT
Eli Neiburger, Director
Director Neiburger presented statistical information reflecting an increase in door counts throughout the system. He also noted:
- That the Summer Game is in full swing with social posts shown.
- Lawn and Library Codes will replace the Home Codes. These codes will be launching July 8th. A “heat” map will be replacing pins on an “address” map for locating these codes.
- The Summer Game Shop opens also on July 8th.
- AADL Newsletters are now being emailed. They have a 23% open rate with a 1.6% click rate.
- Tools are now available for booking for a specific date range.
- In-person Storytime and Baby Playgroups have resumed.
- FamilySearch is being added to AADL’s genealogy offerings.
- Congratulations was given to Outreach staff for a great job at the June 8th VISIONS event.
- The Big Gay Read features The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater.
- July 9th and July 10th features both the AADL idle equipment sale and a Friends of the Library Summer Bag Sale at 265 Parkland Plaza.
- A A2CAF Mini event is being held at the Downtown Library on July 16th.
- Join us on July 30th for the Summer Game Spectacular at Veterans Memorial Park.
Social media and patron comments were viewed.
22-142 XI. OLD BUSINESS
22-080 A. PARKLAND PLAZA FACILITY UPGRADE UPDATE
Len Lemorie, Associate Director
Associate Director Lemorie reported that bids have been received for concrete work and steel for the Parkland Plaza upgrade. Lead time is improving for the steel. He anticipates providing the Board with the budget from O’Neal for this project next month.
22-143 XII. NEW BUSINESS
22-144 A. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE 2021-2022 APPROVED BUDGET
(Item of action)
Treasurer Trudeau, supported by Vice President Akmon, moved the Board resolves as follows: to transfer $5,000 from Materials to Accounting & Auditing; to transfer $20,000 from Materials to Legal Expense; to transfer $25,000 from Materials to Software Licenses; to transfer $20,000 from Materials to Building Rental; to transfer $30,000 from Materials to Repairs and Maintenance; to transfer $100,000 from Materials to Capital Outlay; that all resolutions and parts of resolutions that conflict with the provisions of this resolution are rescinded.
AYES: Akmon, Kleinman, Leija, Moore, Solomon, Trudeau, Vander Broek
NAYS: None
Motion passed 7-0.
22-145 B. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DIRECTOR’S CONTRACT
(Item of action)
Trustee Kleinman, supported by Treasurer Trudeau, moved the Board resolves as follows: that the Board of Trustees approve the employment contract for Eli Neiburger, Library Director and delegates the authority to negotiate, finalize and execute Mr. Neiburger’s contract to Jim Leija, AADL Board President; that all resolutions and parts of resolutions that conflict with the provisions of this resolution are rescinded.
AYES: Akmon, Kleinman, Leija, Moore, Solomon, Trudeau, Vander Broek
NAYS: None
Motion passed 7-0.
22-146 C. RESOLUTION TO AMEND AND RESTATE THE ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY SECTION 125 CAFETERIA PLAN
(Item of action)
Vice President Akmon, supported by Trustee Kleinman, moved the Board resolves as follows: that the Ann Arbor District Library Section 125 Cafeteria Plan be amended and restated in the form attached hereto, effective July 1, 2022, which Amendment is hereby adopted and approved; that the appropriate officers of the Ann Arbor District Library be, and they hereby are, authorized and directed to execute said amendment on behalf of the Ann Arbor District Library; that the officers of the Ann Arbor District Library be, and they hereby are, authorized and directed to take any and all actions and execute and deliver such documents as they may deem necessary, appropriate or convenient to effect the foregoing resolutions including, without limitation, causing to be prepared and filed such reports, documents or other information as may be required under applicable law; that all resolutions and parts of resolutions that conflict with the provisions of this resolution are rescinded.
AYES: Akmon, Kleinman, Leija, Moore, Solomon, Trudeau, Vander Broek
NAYS: None
Motion passed 7-0.
22-147 D. VOTE FOR CLOSED SESSION AT THE JULY 25, 2022 REGULAR BOARD MEETING FOR DISCUSSION OF REAL ESTATE AND LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
(Item of action)
Roll call vote
Trustee Solomon, supported by Secretary Moore, moved to hold a closed session on July 25, 2022 for discussion of real estate and labor negotiations.
A roll call vote was taken.
AYES: Akmon, Kleinman, Leija, Moore, Solomon, Trudeau, Vander Broek
NAYS: None
Motion passed 7-0.
22-148 E. DISCUSSION OF THE LIBRARY REPORT
(Item of discussion)
Director Neiburger presented the Board with a variety of options for consideration of inclusion into the Library Report. Board members provided the following comments on what they would like to see included in the report:
- Department/staff presentation feature
- High level statistical information
- Set of goals reflecting the Strategic Plan
- Successful events/programs and how they are determined
- Modular topics
- Annual reporting is supported
- Reporting throughout the year that will support the Director’s evaluation
22-149 XIII. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
There were no additional citizens’ comments.
22-150 XIV. ADJOURNMENT
President Leija adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.