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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLB Minutes: 06-19-2025ARCADIA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Thursday, June 19, 2026 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Liao called the meeting to order at 4:36 p.m. in the Library's Conference Room. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Trustee Miriam Carter ROLL CALL: Chair Connie Liao, Chair Pro-Tempore Hsiuchen Chen, Trustees Miriam Carter, Barbara Delphey; Director of Library & Museum Services Darlene Bradley; Library Services Managers Petra Morris, Samantha Alba ABSENT: City Council Liaison Paul Cheng PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CLOSED SESSION: No closed session. Rescheduled for the July Library Board meeting. REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS: Trustee Carter reported that the English Conversation Class (ECC) has concluded its current session and recently celebrated its end -of - year celebration. The ECC meets every Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will resume on Monday, September 15. Trustee Carter expressed her appreciation to Library Services Manager Morris for a job well done. Chair Liao inquired whether ECC is offered all year. Director Bradley clarified that the program runs during the school year and does not meet during the summer months. Chair Liao asked about the number of participants in the program. Library Services Manager Morris stated that it averages about 44 participants weekly, with six people in each group and a total of nine groups. Director Bradley noted that ECC has been around for almost 30 years, and the Arcadia Chinese Association (ACA) was previously very involved with the program. Chair Liao mentioned that ACA recently donated $500 to support the English Conversation Class, $700 for books in Simplified Chinese, and $300 for the Summer Reading Program. Additionally, a separate donation was also made to Arcadia High School to assist with the upgrade of its sound system. Chair Liao asked if ECC has enough tutors. Chair Pro-Tempore Chen inquired if tutors must report before 10:00 a.m. Library Services Manager Morris replied that tutors do report a little before 10:00 a.m. Chair Pro-Tempore Chen expressed interest in volunteering as a tutor. Trustee Delphey reported that the Friends of the Library donated $30,000 to the Library at Tuesday's Council meeting. Director Bradley noted that the Friends of the Library donation helps to support the Summer Reading Program for children and teens, as well as various programming throughout the school year. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR Announcements / Statements / Future Agenda Items Director's Update: Director Bradley acknowledged the Friends of the Library for organizing a pop-up book sale this past Saturday, which generated $129.50 in proceeds. The funds earned help give back to the Library to support the Summer Reading Program. Library Services Manager Morris reported that the Summer Reading Program is doing very well, with current registration numbers of 187 adults, 786 children, 40 teens, and 164 youth registered. Director Bradley mentioned that the Summer Reading Program is currently the Library's main event, with an average of 1,200 to .1,800 participants. Promoting literacy continues to be a key priority for the Library. Director Bradley noted that the City Council approved the budget on June 16, with the next fiscal year beginning on July 1. Chair Pro-Tempore inquired about the protentional impact tariffs would have on materials. Director Bradley responded that there have been numerous cancellations and delays, and it's unclear if it has to do with tariffs or vendor issues. A question was asked regarding having a flat budget and if it means the Library will acquire less materials. Director Bradley explained that the Library would have a better idea of any impacts in July once staff resumes ordering materials. Concerns were expressed about acquiring international language materials. Trustee Carter inquired about the California State Library. Director Bradley explained that the State Library is facing funding challenges, as it relies heavily on grants. The Southern California Library Cooperative relies heavily on grants and has recently experienced a reduction in staff, with two positions eliminated. Monthly Statistical Report: May 2025: Chair Pro-Tempore confirmed that the numbers are accurate and look good. The Friends of the Library donation is not included in this month's report, since it was recently formally accepted by City Council. It will be included in next month's financial report. Trustee Carter asked how the Library determines how to spend the Friends of the Library donation. Director Bradley explained that the majority, $25,000, is designated for programming. Since the Summer Reading Program has been recently restructured, staff will be reassessing how the money will be allocated for next year. Trustee Delphey noted an increase in Passport Services revenue and commented that it is doing very well. Monthly Report Narrative: May 2025: Trustee Delphey, remarked on the value of reaching out and celebrating the Library's volunteers. Library Services Manager Morris was thanked and acknowledged for her efforts in recognizing Library volunteers. Trustees also inquired about the Director's recent visit to the Dana Middle School Library. Director Bradley shared that she learned about the school librarian's unique system for organizing library materials. Financial Report: May 2025: Director Bradley mentioned that the fiscal year is ending, and most accounts should be fully spent. The Director anticipates having the final fiscal year report by mid - to -late August. Staff Reports: Director Bradley briefly explained that donations over $10,000 must be presented to City Council for approval. Additionally, purchases over $30,000 must also be submitted for City Council approval. Staff Reports are needed to open Purchase Orders for the upcoming fiscal year. Chair Liao asked if the City takes into consideration the $30,000 donation. Director Bradley explained that the City covers staff salaries, but the Friends of the Library donation funds the Summer Reading Program costs. Without the support of the Friends the Library, the Library would not be able to offer the program as it has been doing so. Trustee Carter, inquired when staff begin planning for the Summer Reading Program. Library Services Manager Morris, explained that a conversation takes place right after the program ends. Discussions focus on feedback, prizes, performers, how the program went, etc. Director Bradley added that the planning really begins in the fall. Trustee Chen inquired what next year's theme will be. Library Manager Morris will report back with next year's theme and noted that themes are selected a couple of years in advance. Chair Liao, inquired if the Library offers a book club for adults. Director Bradley confirmed that the Library does offer a book club called Bookish. Discussions are free and are held on the last Thursday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Staff Update: The Library is currently fully staffed. Library Services Manager Alba reported that seven new Library Aides were hired and began their roles in May and June. Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage: Museum staff are preparing for the Veteran Banners program. Staff are also gearing up for their Summer Enrichment Program, which will take place every Saturday in the month of July. A new exhibit case was purchased, and a new exhibition will be coming soon. The annual Dino Day event will take place on August 23. Educational Kits for August through September will focus on Architecture in Arcadia. Preservation workshops are scheduled for September 13 - Paper Workshop, October 11 - Textile Workshop, and December 13 - Genealogy Workshop. Trustee Delphey inquired if workshops are well attended. Director Bradley shared that on average there are about 12-15 participants. Trustee Carter inquired how the Museum receives support for the Veterans Banner program. Director Bradley explained that it is a City funded program, which was introduced by Dr. Cao. Additionally, the Friends of the Museum raised funds to purchase the Veteran's exhibit case and funds were raised quickly. Chair Liao mentioned that the Arcadia Chinese Association donated $1,500 to the Historical Society. Director Bradley noted that the Arcadia Historical Society is not affiliated with the Gilb Museum or the Friends of the Museum, but a separate entity. Calendar of Activities for Adult and Teen Services: July 2025: The Dungeons and Dragons program is scheduled for July 19, and the International Film Program on July 16. Smart Squad is available through the summer. Flyers/Articles/Posters/Attachments: Board members reviewed flyers. Featured Historical Photo: Lucky Baldwin's Packing House: Board members reviewed the photo, followed by a brief discussion. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2026 Recommended action: Approve The motion to accept the Minutes of May 15, 2025, as written, was moved by Chair Pro-Tempore Chen, seconded by Trustee Delphey, and carried on a unanimous voice vote. AYES: Trustees Carter, Chen, Delphey, Liao NOES: None ABSENT: None ADJOURNMENT Chair Liao adjourned the meeting at 5:24 p.m. to July 17, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. App oved: Connie Liao, Chai Darlene Bradley, Secretary Minutes prepared by: Samantha Alba