President Leija called the meeting to order at 6:11 p.m.
President Leija noted that the meeting was being live streamed and that YouTube comments were being monitored for inclusion. He then outlined the process being used for tonight’s meeting.
22-044 II. ATTENDANCE
Board Present: Dharma Akmon, Molly Kleinman, Jim Leija, S. Kerene Moore, Onna Solomon, Scott Trudeau, Jamie Vander Broek
Board Absent: None
Staff: Len Lemorie, Rich Retyi, Sherlonya Turner, Karen Wilson (recorder)
Others Present: Brian Hare, Karen Miller, Briana Trudell, Bradbury Miller Associates
22-045 III. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
There were no citizens’ comments
22-046 IV. INTRODUCTION FROM BRADBURY MILLER ASSOCIATES
President Leija introduced Karen Miller, Brian Hare, and Briana Trudell from Bradbury Miller Associates. He noted that Mr. Hare would be moderating tonight’s presentations.
Mr. Hare noted questions for the candidates will be accepted from Board members, the audience present, and any received from the YouTube audience. Each candidate was asked to present an annual report from five years in the future of the AADL. Mr. Hare will then relate questions received to each candidate.
Bradbury Miller is also requesting feedback from the audience via a QR code provided at this meeting.
22-047 V. DIRECTOR CANDIDATE PRESENTATION-AARON MASON
Aaron Mason was introduced. Mr. Mason is currently the Director of Community Engagement at the Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland, Ohio.
Mr. Mason presented his 2027 annual report outlining how the library engaged the public and expanded the library’s reach to disparate groups.
Mr. Hare asked several questions submitted by the Board and audience to which Mr. Mason responded.
Mr. Mason left the meeting and a ten minute break was taken at 6:45 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 6:55 p.m.
22-048 VI. DIRECTOR CANDIDATE PRESENTATION-KRISTIN SHELLEY
Kristin Shelley was introduced. Ms. Shelley is currently the Director of the East Lansing Public Library, East Lansing, Michigan.
Ms. Shelley presented her 2027 annual report outlining the steps towards diversity, equity and inclusion along with additional place making and collaboration with local governmental entities.
Mr. Hare asked several questions submitted by the Board and audience to which Ms. Shelley responded.
Ms. Shelley left the meeting and a ten minute break was taken at 7:31 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 7:41 p.m.
22-049 VII. DIRECTOR CANDIDATE PRESENTATION-ELI NEIBURGER
Eli Neiburger was introduced. Mr. Neiburger is currently the Deputy Director of the Ann Arbor District Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Mr. Neiburger presented his 2027 annual report outlining a number of service updates and how the library and staff responded to several technological collapses world-wide.
Mr. Hare asked several questions submitted by the Board and audience to which Mr. Neiburger responded.
Mr. Neiburger left the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
In response to a patron inquiry President Leija noted that the Board’s decision not to require an MLS for this position was based on an equity stance.
A short break was taken at 8:13 p.m. and the meeting resumed at 8:20 p.m.
22-050 VIII. DIRECTOR CANDIDATE PRESENTATION-SCOTT DUIMSTRA
Scott Duimstra was introduced. Mr. Duimstra is currently the Executive Director of the Capital Area District Libraries, Lansing, Michigan.
Mr. Duimstra presented his 2027 annual report outlining the increased physical accessibility to library branches for underserved populations and of a collection that reflects the diversity of the population.
Mr. Hare asked several questions submitted by the Board and audience to which Mr. Duimstra responded.
Mr. Duimstra left the meeting at 8:52 p.m.
22-051 IX. ADJOURNMENT
President Leija noted that AADL staff would be meeting with all candidates tomorrow. The Board will continue with interviews on Wednesday morning. Reference reports were provided to all Board members and President Leija asked that the Board review these documents prior to Wednesday. Survey data obtained via the QR codes will also be provided then. He also reminded the Board that all deliberations are to remain in the public meetings.
President Leija adjourned the meeting at 8:54 p.m.