HomeMy WebLinkAboutLB Agenda: 02/19/2026
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Library Board regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for
public inspection at the Reference Desk of the Arcadia Public Library located at 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia, California, during normal
business hours.
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 4:30 P.M.
Location: Library Conference Room, 20 W. Duarte Rd. Arcadia
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disability related modification or
accommodation in order to participate in a meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, may request such modification or
accommodation from the City Clerk at (626) 574-5455. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make
reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to the meeting.
根据《美国残障人法案》，需要调整或提供便利设施才能参加会议的残障人士（包括辅助器材或服务）可与市书记官办公室联系（电
话：(626) 574-5455）。请在会前 48 小时通知市书记官办公室，以便作出合理安排，确保顺利参加会议。
Pursuant to the City of Arcadia’s Language Access Services Policy, limited-English proficient speakers who require translation
services in order to participate in a meeting may request the use of a volunteer or professional translator by contacting the City
Clerk’s Office at (626) 574-5455 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
根据阿凯迪亚市的语言便利服务政策，英语能力有限并需要翻译服务才能参加会议的人可与市书记官办公室联系（电话：(626) 574-
5455），请求提供志愿或专业翻译服务，请至少在会前 72 小时提出请求。
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:
Hsiuchen Chen, Chair
Miriam Carter, Chair Pro-Tempore
Barbara Delphy, Trustee & Liaison to the Friends of the Library
Barbara Ansell, Trustee
Connie Liao, Trustee
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
PUBLIC COMMENTS (5-minute time limit per person)
Any person wishing to speak before the Library Board of Trustees is limited to five (5) minutes
per person; any changes to the allotted time will be announced prior to the Public Comment
period. Under the Brown Act, the Library Board of Trustees is prohibited from discussing or
taking action on any item not listed on the posted agenda. The matter may be referred to
staff for appropriate response or action or may be placed on the agenda of a future meeting.
REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS
Announcements / Statements / Future Agenda Items
REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR
Announcements / Statements / Future Agenda Item
a.Director’s Update
b.Monthly Statistical Report: January 2026
c.Monthly Report Narrative: January 2026
d.Financial Report: January 2026
e.Staff Update
f.Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage
g.Calendar of activities for Adult and Teen Services: March 2026
h.Calendar of activities for Children’s Services: March 2026
i.Flyers/articles/attachments
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Teen Zone: Game-Over
j.Featured Historical Photo: Lucky Baldwin’s Santa Anita Park Racetrack
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and can be acted
on by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members
of the Library Board, staff, or public request that a specific item be removed from the
Consent Calendar for separate discussion and action.
Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2026
Recommended action: Approve
ADJOURNMENT
The Library Board will adjourn this meeting to March 19, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference
Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia.
Information & Materials Fiscal Year to Date January January January Average
Management 2025-2026 2024-2025 2026 2025 2024 2024-2026
ACCOUNT SERVICES
Gate count 212,814 218,168 30,046 30,049 27,646 29,247
Circulation 315,146 312,780 45,162 44,443 44,215 44,607
Adult 61,586
64,098 8,513 9,204 9,512 9,076
Teen 13,268 13,211 1,956 1,856 1,611 1,808
Juvenile 185,376
186,754 26,331 25,702 26,716 26,250
Digital Collection 54,916 48,717 8,362 7,681 6,376 7,473
In-House Use Check-ins 20,863
84,285 * 12,053 10,496 7,516
Self-Check 142,521 150,724 20,552 20,419 21,185 20,719
Registrations 2,562 2,650 356 381 327 355
Overdues 1,584 1,352 189 199 145 178
Holds/Reserves 16,443 15,123 2,263 2,049 2,286 2,199
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Materials cataloged 5,559 5,662 889 849 904 881
Materials discarded 4,208 7,380 739 2,984 653 1,459
Interlibrary loan (ILL) 126 345 0 31 35 22
Bindery 0 146 0 0 0 0
Serials Processed 629 2,996 84 386 383 284
Program & Collection
Development
ADULT SERVICES
Reference questions 19,518 15,876 3,269 2,012 2,989 2,757
Total Reference 8,706 9,463 1,464 1,184 1,627 1,425
Total Other 10,812 8,626 1,805 828 1,274 1,302
Adult Programs 53 59 9 8 9 9
Participants 827 915 91 113 133 112
Teen Programs 8 76 2 15 1 6
Participants 557 3,756 163 448 68 226
Teen Zone 76 66 15 13 11 13
Participants 3,862 3,413 621 428 304 451
24/7 Reference email 1,250 556 207 145 88 147
CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Reference questions 16,948 16,712 2,032 2,012 2,419 2,154
Total Reference 9,469 10,192 1,266 1,184 1,482 1,311
Total Other 7,419 6,520 766 828 937 844
School Age Programs 48 53 5 5 12 7
Participants 2,208 2,160 124 158 136 139
Storytime/Class Visits/Scouts 80 80 12 11 16 13
Participants 3,689 3,954 540 374 727 547
Administration
STATISTICS
Volunteer Hours 5,787 5,187 839 583 721 714
Website Visits 30,133 28,935 2,907 5,299 9,492 5,899
Other Service Point Questions 8,245 8,720 1,340 1,542 1,356 1,413
English Conversation Class 16 16 3 3 3 3
Participants 420 291 84 61 25 57
REVENUES
Fines & Fees 17,133.66$ 18,460.33$ 3,139.34$ 2,853.79$ 3,237.90$ 3,077.01$
Auditorium 2,601.00$ 3,250.00$ 478.00$ 950.00$ -$ 476.00$
Lost books 4,191.73$ 3,863.42$ 692.33$ 466.66$ 551.07$ 570.02$
Gifts & grants 35,248.56$ 8,529.23$ -$ -$ 1,000.00$ 333.33$
Passport Services 39,430.00$ 31,470.00$ 7,665.00$ 6,425.00$ 7,705.00$ 7,265.00$
Total 98,604.95$ 65,572.98$ 11,974.67$ 10,695.45$ 12,493.97$ 11,721.36$
*System Reporting Error with In-House Check-in
Arcadia Public Library
Monthly Statistical Report
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
January 2026
ARCADIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
MONTHLY REPORT – January 2026
PROGRAMMING:
Adult and Teen
The L.A. County Mental Health Department presented one of three wellness programs. This
month, the focus was on Preserving Your Memory with 15 in attendance. The program was offered
in English and Mandarin. Only one person came for the Mandarin session. Everyone liked the
program and provided good feedback to the staff, including that they preferred daytime programs
over nighttime programs. Adult and Teen Services offered a Junk Journaling program where 23
participants brought their own receipts,
movie tickets, photos, and other
ephemera and learned the art of junk
journaling. There were 21 attendees at
International Movie Night, featuring Ang
Lee’s Pushing Hands. There were 32
participants that took advantage of Smart
Squad to get help with various technology
questions. The Book Discussion on The
Bookclub for Troublesome Women had
nine attendees and a lively discussion.
The evening book discussion
Bookmarked discussed My Sister, the
Serial Killer with six attendees. There were
42 teens that participated in the I Love My Selfie where they celebrated themselves by creating
vision boards, take instant photos, decorate photo frames, and meet new friends. There was also
a Teen Wellness Fair featuring several Arcadia High School clubs that focused on nutrition and
healthy habits. There were 15 afternoons with a total of 621 teens that participated in Teen Zone
in the Cay Mortenson Auditorium. Teen Zone provides a safe space for high school teens to
gather, chat, eat, and do homework.
January Activity
Visitors: 30,046
Holds Processed: 2,263
Physical Items Checked Out: 26,331
eBooks/Audiobooks/Magazines Downloaded/Streaming: 8,175
Programs/Attendance: 46 | 1,623
Passports Issued/Photos Issued/Questions Answered: 170 | 264
Facebook/Instagram/YouTube Followers:1,788 / 2,277 / 235
Children’s:
Children’s early literacy programs encourage ages 4 months
through Kindergarten to be read aloud to provide a strong
foundation for reading when school begins. This month, there
were ten storytimes with 513 participants. This provides not
only a great introduction to age-appropriate books for parents
to read aloud but a fun time for children to listen and interact
with stories, their peers, and to learn basic social skills, all
helpful before beginning school. There was a fun Book Party to
celebrate the book series Questioneers by Andrea Beaty. This
program introduced
families to the picture
and chapter books in this series, encouraging reading. Also
included was a scavenger hunt, hands-on science
experiment, fort building, and a themed craft with 45 in
attendance. The Metro Rail Safety Team provided a very
informative Rail Safety workshop for families through a fun
jeopardy style game to test their knowledge. Families
learned the safest ways to travel on the metro, along with
other fun rail-related facts. All participants received safety
activity books, bookmarks, safety guides, and a paper
model kit to build a model metro train to take home. There were 27 participants and the presenters
said this was their biggest turnout yet on this important safety topic. The English Mandarin
Storytime, which reinforces basic Mandarin vocabulary and concepts in a fun way celebrated the
Lunar New Year traditions through stories, craft, and interactive songs. Class visits included 7 th
and 8th grade students from Our Lady of Angels in which the students received a tour and research
instruction on the U.S. Constitution. To help reinforce the learning skills, a fun U.S. Constitution
trivia game was played. In addition, students were introduced to historical fiction titles set during
the American Revolution for further exploration and upcoming book report. Dana Middle School
SPED students also visited this month, exploring the many resources available at the Library.
Middle School:
Each month, there is a school collaboration day in which middle schoolers get out early. To provide
activities for middle schoolers, the Children’s Room hosted a Game Day in which 39 participants
played tabletop games and Nintendo Switch games.
PARTNERSHIP AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Staff attended the State of the City at the new Hilton Hotel and the memorial for longtime
Museum Commissioner and Friends of the Museum Janalee Shimmin.
The Arcadia Assistance League’s Book Buddies program has been providing one-on-one
reading for more than 25 years. This popular program pairs a teen to read aloud to a child ages
4-8 to discover the love of reading. This month, there were 13 attendees. Staff also met with the
coordinators for a check-in and boost teen participation for the program.
The display cases in both the children’s room and the walkway are a great opportunity for the
library and the community to collaborate. In Children’s, families are encouraged to share their
special collections. This month, there was a Funko Pop, Rubber Duckies, and Emoji Plushies
for everyone to enjoy.
Passport Services issued 170 passports and 104 photos this month. In addition, this staff
answered 264 questions between appointments, specifically related to passport services.
Account Services checked out 26,331 items and pulled and processed 2,263 holds. Holds are
placed on the shelves across from the front desk by patrons’ last name, making it easy for
patrons to grab and check out at the self-check machines. Account Services is the one desk that
almost everyone visits, even just one time to get a library card, pay for an overdue item or lost
book, or to ask a quick question. This month, 661 questions were answered by the front desk
staff. This section also processed 23 Chinese language applications, 254 English applications,
and 79 online applications. The busiest day of the week was Tuesday, January 6 with 1,432
visitors.
COLLECTIONS
The Graphic Novels, Spanish Language collection and the Children’s Playaways were reviewed
and old, outdated, and collections no longer being checked out were withdrawn to make room for
newly purchased items. The Seed Library is wildly popular, with 66 seed packets distributed this
month. There were 15 new members signed up. The seeds are provided through grant funding
and staff is looking at how to sustain this program into the future. The Arcadia History Room had
5.5 hours of inquires and research. There were 37,461 cataloging records added and/or deleted
from Kanopy, Creative Bug, Press Reader, and Linkedin, keeping the catalog up to date. In
addition, 889 items were cataloged and made available to the public.
Digital collections continue to be very popular with 6,817 checkouts from OverDrive, also known
as Libby. Interestingly, 2,121 are OverDrive listen, 1,844 OverDrive Read, and 1,594 OverDrive
Magazines, of which, in total 1,020 read on Kindle and 110 on Kobo eBook. There were 92
Chinese language and 27 Spanish language checkouts.
There were 752 views from Kanopy and 606 views from Hoopla, both of which provide
documentaries and movies. Kanopy had 3,042 visits with 752 videos checked out. Hoopla had 62
new registrants. There were 297 audio, 100 comics, 98 movies, 54 music and 29 TV checkouts
with a total of 1,680 patrons registered.
TECHNOLOGY
The City’s new website was launched this month. There were a few hiccups, but most issues
have been resolved for the Library. There were 2,907 website visits, 18 3D print requests, 5,558
unique public Wi-Fi users and a total of 7.0 TB of data downloaded and uploaded this month.
There were also 1,229 public computer sessions and staff assisted with 1,388 print jobs, public
copier, and WiFi network print jobs.
A popular afterschool activity is gaming. To better address this,
the small classroom training room, adjacent to the Tech
Center, that houses the Memory Lab equipment has been
consolidated, specifically the VHS and Audio Cassette transfer
stations. This now makes it possible to transfer both medias
from one station. With the extra space, a Gaming program
has been created for middle school and high school students.
All the Memory Lab equipment is still fully available in this
multi-use space. The Gaming program had a soft launch this
month with twelve participants. They were so excited to have
this space for an hour a day, usually 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesdays through Fridays. Staff is assigned in the room
during this time to ensure a safe environment and to answer
any questions about the various game options. There is a Play Station 5, Switch, and online
gaming such as Minecraft and Roblox.
STAFFING
Long time Library Services Manager Petra M. resigned to take another position in another city.
Over her long tenure in Children’s Services, she excelled in making connections with community
and the schools. As the Library Services Manager, she provided excellent training to the staff in
Children’s Services along with overseeing the English Conversation Class, the liaison to the
Friends of the Library, and publicity for the library and museum. The recruitment for this position
opened at the end of the month with interviews scheduled for mid-February. A technician from
Account Services regularly cross-trains in Cataloging and Acquisitions, assisting with various
projects. A Librarian from Children’s cross-trains in Adult and Teen Services and a librarian from
Adult and Teen Services cross-trains in Children’s, providing a more robust experience for staff
but also a better knowledge base to assist patrons. Six new Aides continue to be trained in
shelving. On average, 202 items are shelved per shift.
TRAINING
The City moved to a new City Website platform and four staff members were trained in how to
edit the website. In Cataloging and Acquisitions, staff cross-trained on taking in deliveries,
processing mail, and processing daily newspapers. Staff also took the mandatory Child Abuse
and Neglect Mandated Reporter training.
FACILITY AND GROUNDS
The new citywide janitorial company CCS began this month. It was relatively smooth with the
swap out of cleaning equipment from one company to the next. This new company has a day
and evening supervisor to oversee the work. So far, staff and the public have been pleased and
no complaints have been received. Walk throughs have also been done with Public Works and
then again with the contractor for paint and carpeting projects, most notably, the carpet in the
Imagination Theater on the stairs.
There was another leak from the air conditioning unit above the teen collection, damaging yet
another batch of teen materials. Sheldon Mechanical came out to inspect and fix. This is the
second time collections have been damaged beyond repair.
Volunteers
There were 177.25 volunteer hours in Adult and Teen Services, assisting with collections, Teen
Zone, and other various tasks. There were 156.5 volunteer hours in Children’s, assisting with a
multitude of tasks including craft preparation and bi-lingual storytimes. There were 16 volunteer
hours in Account Services, assisting with a variety of tasks as needed.
ACCOUNT_NO DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT BUDGET YTD AVAILABLE_BUDGET REMAINING_PERCENT
001-5601-4010 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4010 - REGULAR EMPLOYEES 570800 303291.76 267508.24 46.87%
001-5601-4015 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4015 - ALLOWANCES 1000 479.96 520.04 52.00%
001-5601-4017 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4017 - TAXABLE LIFE/AUTO 0 2648.06 -2648.06 No Budget
001-5601-4021 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4021 - LONGEVITY PAY 17100 6599.97 10500.03 61.40%
001-5601-4030 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4030 - PART-TIME PERS ONLY 0 2300.41 -2300.41 No Budget
001-5601-4032 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4032 - PART-TIME NON-PERS 28500 7647.75 20852.25 73.17%
001-5601-4241 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4241 - P.E.R.S 155600 84508.04 71091.96 45.69%
001-5601-4242 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4242 - NON-PERSABLE COMPENSATION 6100 4895.37 1204.63 19.75%
001-5601-4244 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4244 - MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE 60300 27462.24 32837.76 54.46%
001-5601-4245 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4245 - LONG TERM DISABILITY 400 130.2 269.8 67.45%
001-5601-4247 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4247 - LIFE INSURANCE 1500 867.43 632.57 42.17%
001-5601-4250 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4250 - FICA/HOSPITAL INSURANCE 8500 4631.34 3868.66 45.51%
001-5601-4299 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 4299 - VACANCY RATE -25100 0 -25100 100.00%
001-5601-5110 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 5110 - OFFICE SUPPLIES 7300 4137.83 3162.17 43.32%
001-5601-5115 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 5115 - PROGRAM EXPENSES 8600 6794.52 1805.48 20.99%
001-5601-5125 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 5125 - PRINT SHOP 8600 1471.67 6092.98 70.85%
001-5601-5230 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 5230 - BUILDING AND GROUNDS 29000 8919.01 20080.99 69.24%
001-5601-6160 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6160 - CONTRACT SERVICES 369100 221640.72 79380.22 21.51%
001-5601-6210 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6210 - TELEPHONE 30400 10131.6 -3293.31 -10.83%
001-5601-6310 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6310 - MILEAGE 400 1.4 398.6 99.65%
001-5601-6505 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6505 - GENERAL LIABILITY 112600 56299.98 56300.02 50.00%
001-5601-6507 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6507 - WORKERS' COMPENSATION 62200 31099.92 31100.08 50.00%
001-5601-6611 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6611 - ELECTRIC 213500 99514.27 113985.73 53.39%
001-5601-6612 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6612 - GAS 18900 7470.47 11429.53 60.47%
001-5601-6614 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6614 - WATER 4500 3043.67 1456.33 32.36%
001-5601-6730 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6730 - OFFICE EQUIPMENT 18100 494.08 16282.68 89.96%
001-5601-6750 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6750 - VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 2000 814.5 1185.5 59.28%
001-5601-6751 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6751 - VEHICLE FUEL USAGE 500 33.54 466.46 93.29%
001-5601-6752 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6752 - VEHICLE 3RD PARTY SVC 900 0 900 100.00%
001-5601-6760 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6760 - BUILDING REPAIR & MAINT 11500 0 11500 100.00%
001-5601-6930 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6930 - MEMBERSHIP & PUBLICATIONS 6500 4971 1529 23.52%
001-5601-6940 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6940 - OFFICIAL MEETINGS 8700 1847.31 6852.69 78.77%
001-5601-6960 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6960 - EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT 21300 200 21100 99.06%
001-5601-6970 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6970 - TRAINING 12500 1598 10902 87.22%
001-5601-6971 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6971 - TUITION REIMBURSEMENT 9200 7555.2 1644.8 17.88%
ACCOUNT_NO DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT BUDGET YTD AVAILABLE_BUDGET REMAINING_PERCENT
001-5601-6977 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 6977 - EMPLOYEE SUPPORT 3200 1254.36 1945.64 60.80%
001-5601-7811 5601 - LIBRARY-ADMIN 7811 - POB CONTRIBUTIONS 70400 0 70400 100.00%
001-5602-4010 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4010 - REGULAR EMPLOYEES 69500 35369.21 34130.79 49.11%
001-5602-4017 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4017 - TAXABLE LIFE/AUTO 0 129 -129 No Budget
001-5602-4021 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4021 - LONGEVITY PAY 1300 325 975 75.00%
001-5602-4030 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4030 - PART-TIME PERS ONLY 0 6675.48 -6675.48 No Budget
001-5602-4032 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4032 - PART-TIME NON-PERS 54400 18037.58 36362.42 66.84%
001-5602-4241 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4241 - P.E.R.S 17700 10799.51 6900.49 38.99%
001-5602-4244 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4244 - MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE 6900 3839.22 3060.78 44.36%
001-5602-4245 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4245 - LONG TERM DISABILITY 100 32.55 67.45 67.45%
001-5602-4247 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4247 - LIFE INSURANCE 100 80.36 19.64 19.64%
001-5602-4250 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4250 - FICA/HOSPITAL INSURANCE 700 828.14 -128.14 -18.31%
001-5602-4299 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 4299 - VACANCY RATE -2900 0 -2900 100.00%
001-5602-5110 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 5110 - OFFICE SUPPLIES 2000 450.91 1549.09 77.45%
001-5602-6730 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 6730 - OFFICE EQUIPMENT 5800 327.04 5472.96 94.36%
001-5602-7811 5602 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS 7811 - POB CONTRIBUTIONS 7700 0 7700 100.00%
001-5603-4010 5603 - SHELVING MANAGEMENT 4010 - REGULAR EMPLOYEES 0 709.51 -709.51 No Budget
001-5603-4030 5603 - SHELVING MANAGEMENT 4030 - PART-TIME PERS ONLY 15000 0 15000 100.00%
001-5603-4032 5603 - SHELVING MANAGEMENT 4032 - PART-TIME NON-PERS 120800 52478.26 68321.74 56.56%
001-5603-4250 5603 - SHELVING MANAGEMENT 4250 - FICA/HOSPITAL INSURANCE 0 771.41 -771.41 No Budget
001-5603-5110 5603 - SHELVING MANAGEMENT 5110 - OFFICE SUPPLIES 700 512.38 187.62 26.80%
001-5603-7811 5603 - SHELVING MANAGEMENT 7811 - POB CONTRIBUTIONS 1500 0 1500 100.00%
001-5604-4010 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4010 - REGULAR EMPLOYEES 274100 150428.02 123671.98 45.12%
001-5604-4011 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4011 - SPECIALIST PAY 1000 520 480 48.00%
001-5604-4017 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4017 - TAXABLE LIFE/AUTO 0 129 -129 No Budget
001-5604-4018 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4018 - RIDE SHARE 0 0 0 No Budget
001-5604-4021 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4021 - LONGEVITY PAY 0 1799.98 -1799.98 No Budget
001-5604-4032 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4032 - PART-TIME NON-PERS 53400 15493.63 37906.37 70.99%
001-5604-4241 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4241 - P.E.R.S 68900 39568.92 29331.08 42.57%
001-5604-4242 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4242 - NON-PERSABLE COMPENSATION 0 13.99 -13.99 No Budget
001-5604-4244 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4244 - MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE 51900 34096.08 17803.92 34.30%
001-5604-4245 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4245 - LONG TERM DISABILITY 500 162.75 337.25 67.45%
ACCOUNT_NO DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT BUDGET YTD AVAILABLE_BUDGET REMAINING_PERCENT
001-5604-4247 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4247 - LIFE INSURANCE 300 401.8 -101.8 -33.93%
001-5604-4250 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4250 - FICA/HOSPITAL INSURANCE 4000 2549.82 1450.18 36.25%
001-5604-4299 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 4299 - VACANCY RATE -12400 0 -12400 100.00%
001-5604-5110 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 5110 - OFFICE SUPPLIES 6400 5449.87 950.13 14.85%
001-5604-7811 5604 - LIBRARY-ACCOUNT SERVICES 7811 - POB CONTRIBUTIONS 31500 0 31500 100.00%
001-5605-4010 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4010 - REGULAR EMPLOYEES 334500 168526.83 165973.17 49.62%
001-5605-4011 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4011 - SPECIALIST PAY 1000 520 480 48.00%
001-5605-4017 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4017 - TAXABLE LIFE/AUTO 0 129.75 -129.75 No Budget
001-5605-4018 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4018 - RIDE SHARE 0 0 0 No Budget
001-5605-4021 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4021 - LONGEVITY PAY 2000 988 1012 50.60%
001-5605-4241 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4241 - P.E.R.S 84600 43723.71 40876.29 48.32%
001-5605-4244 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4244 - MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE 70700 34615.81 36084.19 51.04%
001-5605-4245 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4245 - LONG TERM DISABILITY 500 130.2 369.8 73.96%
001-5605-4247 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4247 - LIFE INSURANCE 300 321.44 -21.44 -7.15%
001-5605-4250 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4250 - FICA/HOSPITAL INSURANCE 4900 2418.93 2481.07 50.63%
001-5605-4299 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 4299 - VACANCY RATE -14600 0 -14600 100.00%
001-5605-5110 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 5110 - OFFICE SUPPLIES 2500 1565.53 934.47 37.38%
001-5605-5115 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 5115 - PROGRAM EXPENSES 3600 1725.33 1874.67 52.07%
001-5605-6922 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 6922 - LIBRARY MATERIALS 68000 33449.22 34550.78 50.81%
001-5605-6923 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 6923 - ELECTRONIC RESOURCES 28300 13540.6 14759.4 52.15%
001-5605-7811 5605 - LIBRARY-CHILDREN 7811 - POB CONTRIBUTIONS 26800 0 26800 100.00%
001-5607-4010 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4010 - REGULAR EMPLOYEES 376700 137342.98 239357.02 63.54%
001-5607-4013 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4013 - VACATION PAY OFF 0 0 0 No Budget
001-5607-4014 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4014 - VACATION SELL BACK 1300 179.21 1120.79 86.21%
001-5607-4017 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4017 - TAXABLE LIFE/AUTO 0 586.05 -586.05 No Budget
001-5607-4018 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4018 - RIDE SHARE 0 0 0 No Budget
001-5607-4021 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4021 - LONGEVITY PAY 17900 5349.78 12550.22 70.11%
001-5607-4241 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4241 - P.E.R.S 105700 39030.26 66669.74 63.07%
001-5607-4244 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4244 - MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE 55800 23487.71 32312.29 57.91%
001-5607-4245 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4245 - LONG TERM DISABILITY 500 134.85 365.15 73.03%
001-5607-4247 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4247 - LIFE INSURANCE 300 332.92 -32.92 -10.97%
001-5607-4250 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4250 - FICA/HOSPITAL INSURANCE 5700 2262.51 3437.49 60.31%
001-5607-4299 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 4299 - VACANCY RATE -16900 0 -16900 100.00%
ACCOUNT_NO DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT BUDGET YTD AVAILABLE_BUDGET REMAINING_PERCENT
001-5607-5110 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 5110 - OFFICE SUPPLIES 19800 6514.22 13285.78 67.10%
001-5607-6921 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 6921 - BIBLIOGRAPHIC UTILITIES 32500 31166.76 -1495 -4.60%
001-5607-6922 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 6922 - LIBRARY MATERIALS 10000 1544.47 8455.53 84.56%
001-5607-7811 5607 - LIBRARY-TECHNICAL 7811 - POB CONTRIBUTIONS 46400 0 46400 100.00%
001-5608-4010 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 4010 - REGULAR EMPLOYEES 420000 205323.37 214676.63 51.11%
001-5608-4017 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 4017 - TAXABLE LIFE/AUTO 0 414 -414 No Budget
001-5608-4021 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 4021 - LONGEVITY PAY 6000 3000.01 2999.99 50.00%
001-5608-4241 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 4241 - P.E.R.S 109100 54873.96 54226.04 49.70%
001-5608-4244 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 4244 - MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE 49700 27710 21990 44.25%
001-5608-4245 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 4245 - LONG TERM DISABILITY 500 162.75 337.25 67.45%
001-5608-4247 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 4247 - LIFE INSURANCE 300 401.8 -101.8 -33.93%
001-5608-4250 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 4250 - FICA/HOSPITAL INSURANCE 6200 3034.37 3165.63 51.06%
001-5608-4299 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 4299 - VACANCY RATE -18200 0 -18200 100.00%
001-5608-5110 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 5110 - OFFICE SUPPLIES 3300 1325.44 1974.56 59.84%
001-5608-5115 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 5115 - PROGRAM EXPENSES 3000 1217.83 1782.17 59.41%
001-5608-6922 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 6922 - LIBRARY MATERIALS 159000 84335.49 74664.51 46.96%
001-5608-6923 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 6923 - ELECTRONIC RESOURCES 121400 62752.52 57728.48 47.55%
001-5608-7811 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 7811 - POB CONTRIBUTIONS 45700 0 45700 100.00%
001-5608-9003 5608 - LIBRARY-ADULT 9003 - Purchase Change Order Control 0 0 0 No Budget
001-5640-4010 5640 - PASSPORT PROCESSING 4010 - REGULAR EMPLOYEES 0 468.69 -468.69 No Budget
001-5640-4030 5640 - PASSPORT PROCESSING 4030 - PART-TIME PERS ONLY 17200 10672.2 6527.8 37.95%
001-5640-4032 5640 - PASSPORT PROCESSING 4032 - PART-TIME NON-PERS 30600 11391.93 19208.07 62.77%
001-5640-4241 5640 - PASSPORT PROCESSING 4241 - P.E.R.S 0 2748.77 -2748.77 No Budget
001-5640-4250 5640 - PASSPORT PROCESSING 4250 - FICA/HOSPITAL INSURANCE 0 326.75 -326.75 No Budget
001-5640-5110 5640 - PASSPORT PROCESSING 5110 - OFFICE SUPPLIES 13000 1390.3 11609.7 89.31%
001-5640-7811 5640 - PASSPORT PROCESSING 7811 - POB CONTRIBUTIONS 2300 0 2300 100.00%
*Registration Required
Adult & Teen Services Calendar of Events
March 2026
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
423 5 6 7
9 13
20
27
10
1716 18
14
26242325
21
28
Smart SquadTeen Central10AM–12PM
Smart SquadTeen Central10AM–12PM
Smart SquadTeen Central10AM–12PM
ECC*Auditorium10AM–12PM
ECC*Auditorium10AM–12PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium12-3PM
InternationalFilm ProgramAuditorium6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-5PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
1211
19
Smart SquadTeen Central10AM–12PM
BeginningCross StitchAuditorium7-8 PM
BookishBook DiscussionLibrary ConferenceRoom10 AM
ECC*Auditorium10AM–12PM
3130
ECC*Auditorium10AM–12PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
BookmarkedBook DiscussionLibrary ConferenceRoom7PM
ECC*Auditorium10AM–12PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen Zone:Game OverAuditorium3:30-5PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
Teen ZoneAuditorium3:30-6PM
International Film Program:
The Blue Caftan (France, Morocco,
Belgium, Denmark, 2022)
Wednesday, March 18 at 6PM
Cay Mortenson Auditorium
Join us for a movie, snacks provided!
Synopsis: A couple runs a caftan store in
Morocco. They hire a talented young man as
an apprentice. Slowly the wife realizes how
much her husband is moved by his presence.
No registration required.
Adult Craft Corner
Beginning Cross Stitch
Thursday, March 12, 7-8PM
Cay Mortenson Auditorium
Learn how to cross stitch basic sewing
techniques! All supplies provided. Available
while supplies last. Adults only. No
registration required.
Smart Squad
Saturdays from 10AM - 12PM
Teen Central
You have technology questions, we have
answers! Get technology assistance & device
help at the Library. No registration required.
English Conversation Class (ECC)
Mondays 10AM—12PM
Cay Mortenson Auditorium
Practice your spoken English in a supportive,
small group setting. Requirements: A basic
understanding of English. This class is free!
Registration is required.
Bookmarked: Book Discussion
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Thursday, March 26 at 7PM
Library Conference Room
Meet and discuss exciting books with fellow
readers! Readers receive a themed bookmark
with every book! Synopsis: Retelling of the
Greek myth Ariadne, Saint explores the story
from the perspective of Ariadne, Princess of
Crete, and her sister Phaedra. Ariadne is
responsible for the sacrifices her brother, the
Minotaur, demands. When Theseus arrives,
she betrays her family for a chance at freedom
with him, leaving behind her sister. No
registration required.
FOLLOW US
ARCADIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
20 West Duarte Road
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626)821-5569
www.ArcadiaCA.gov/library
TN
18+
Bookish: Book Discussion
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Tuesday, March 24 at 10AM
Library Conference Room
Join us for a fun and lively discussion!
Synopsis: A man named Piranesi lives in an
endless, labyrinthine house filled with statues
and ocean tides, but as he uncovers clues to
his forgotten past, he discovers the world is
not what it seems. No registration required.
Teen Zone: Game Over
Thursday,March 19, 3:30-5PM
Cay Mortenson Auditorium
Take a break from your study sesh and
participate in a circuit of board games,
Nintendo Switch video games, and puzzles
for a chance to win cute prizes. No
registration required!
Teen Zone
Monday– Thursday
*unless noted otherwise
3:30 – 6PM
Cay Mortenson Auditorium
TN =HIGH SCHOOL
GRADES 9-12
18+ADULTS
ONLY=
Adult & Teen Services Calendar of Events
March 2026
18+
18+
18+
TN
18+
18+
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
7
March
Book Buddies
Sign-ups Begin
10 -11 am:
Priority registration
for Arcadia residents with
proof of residency
11 am onward:
Open registration
Annual Bookmark
Contest Begins
ANNUAL BOOKMARK CONTEST
March 7 — April 25, 2026
For Ages 3 — 14 Years
Visit the Library’s Jerry Broadwell Children’s Room or the Youth Services
webpage to access an entry form. All entries must be submitted to the
Library’s Children’s Room no later than Saturday, April 25, 2026 before
5:00 pm. Winning bookmarks will be professionally printed and distributed
throughout the summer.
9
10
Seedlings Storytime
4—23 Months
10:30 am
Blooms Storytime
4—7 Years
6:30 pm
11
Sprouts Storytime
24—47 Months
10:30 am
12
*Book Buddies
4—8 Years
6:30 pm—7:00 pm
*Registration required
13
14
Last Day to Vote for the
California Reader Medal
4 — 14 Years
Mario Book Party
Ages 4 — 8 Years
2:30 pm — 4:00 pm
16
17
Seedlings Storytime
4—23 Months
10:30 am
Blooms Storytime
4—7 Years
6:30 pm
18
Sprouts Storytime
24—47 Months
10:30 am
19
Game Day
6th—8th Grades
12:30 pm—3:30 pm
20 21
10 to Try
Spring Reading Program
Ages 4 — 14 Years
Register Online via
Beanstack or scan the
QR code
3/21 — 04/25
23
24
Seedlings Storytime
4—23 Months
10:30 am
Blooms Storytime
4—7 Years
6:30 pm
25
Sprouts Storytime
24—47 Months
10:30 am
Middle School
Advisory Group (MAG)
Program
6th — 8th Grades
4:00 pm — 5:00 pm
26
*Book Buddies
4—8 Years
6:30 pm—7:00 pm
*Registration required
English/Mandarin
Bilingual Storytime
3—5 Years
6:30 pm
27
28
30 31
Seedlings Storytime
4—23 Months
10:30 am
Blooms Storytime
4—7 Years
6:30 pm
Arcadia Public Library - Jerry Broadwell Children’s Room M A R C H 2 0 2 6
Photo Release: All participants in Library programs, events, and classes may be photographed or videotaped for Library promotional purposes.
Notify Library staff if you prefer not to be photographed or videotaped.
Our thanks to the Friends of the Arcadia Public Library for providing funding for our programs, events, and classes.
FOR EARLY LEARNERS
STORYTIME PROGRAMS
Grow Your Reader with Weekly Storytime!
These early literacy programs are a wonderful way to
introduce children to learning new concepts and vocabulary,
building their language skills, encouraging social interaction,
and introducing children to a lifelong love of reading and
visiting the community Library.
Registration is NOT required for all storytime sessions.
SEEDLINGS STORYTIME
Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 10:30 am
Best for Ages 4—23 Months
20 minute program of songs, stories, fingerplays and more.
BLOOMS STORYTIME
Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 6:30 pm
Best for Ages 4 — 7 Years
Join us for a 45-minute program of fun stories and activities
for children ages four to seven years.
SPROUTS STORYTIME
Wednesdays, March 11, 18, & 25 at 10:30 am
Best For Ages 24—47 Months
Join us for stories and activities just right for toddlers.
ENGLISH/MANDARIN BILINGUAL STORYTIME
Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 pm
For Ages 3 — 5 Years
A bilingual storytime with stories, songs and
activities in Mandarin and English.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
GAME DAY
Thursday, March 19 from 12:30 pm—3:30 pm
For 6th—8th Grades
Join friends for tabletop card games, board games, and
Nintendo Switch video games! Light snacks will be served to
attendees.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVISORY GROUP MEETING
Wednesday, March 25 from 4:00 — 5:00 pm
For 6th—8th Grades
Join the Middle School Advisory Group (MAG) to give library staff
valuable feedback and assistance for programs, resources, and
more! Get the chance to make a difference for middle school stu-
dents at the library and earn volunteer experience.
MARCH 2026 Calendar of Events
FOR SCHOOL AGE KIDS
VOTE FOR THE CALIFORNIA READER MEDAL
Monday, March 2 — Saturday, March 14, 2026
For Ages 4 — 14 Years
Read the books nominated for the California Young Reader medal
and vote on your favorites in the Jerry Broadwell Children’s Room.
Library staff will submit the votes to the California Library Association
after March 15. Children ages 4-7 can hear the picture book nomi-
nees read aloud at Blooms Storytime in January and February.
BOOK BUDDIES
Thursdays, March 12 & 26, 2026 from 6:30 pm—7:00 pm
For Ages 4—8 Years
A one-on-one reading program designed for kids ages 4 to 8 years
old. Listen to fun stories read aloud by the Assisteens®, an auxiliary
of the Assistance League of Arcadia. Registration is required.
Sign-up to participate, beginning Saturday, March 7, 2026.
10:00 am-11:00 am: In-person priority registration for Arcadia
residents with proof of residency.
11:00 am onward: In-person open registration.
If space is available. phone-in registration begins Monday,
March 9, 2026.
MARIO BOOK PARTY
Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 2:30 pm—4:00 pm
For Ages 4—8 Years
Celebrate all things Mario with games, crafts, photos, and more!
TEN TO TRY SPRING READING PROGRAM
Saturday, March 21 - Saturday, April 25
For Ages 4 – 14 Years
Children ages 4 to 14 years are invited to join Arcadia Public
Library’s 10 To Try Spring Reading Program. Participants register
online then read and log 10 books from 10 different genres or
categories. For every five books read, the reader will earn a virtual
badge and reading reward. Online registration begins Saturday,
March 21. Visit https://arcadiaca.beanstack.com/reader365
Or scan the QR code below to register.
Participants in Library programs may be photographed or recorded for promotional purposes. Notify Library staff if you prefer not to be photographed or recorded.
ARCADIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
20 West Duarte Road
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626)821-5569
www.ArcadiaCA.gov/library
FOLLOW US
Arcadia Library Presents
Take a break from your study
sesh and participate in a circuit
of board games, Nintendo
Switch video games, and puzzles
for a chance to win cute prizes.
No registration required!
Take a break from your studysesh and participate in a circuitof board games, NintendoSwitch video games, and puzzlesfor a chance to win cute prizes.
No registration required!
For High school students
Teen Zone:
Game-Over
Teen Zone:
Game-Over
Thursday March 19, 20263:30 PM-5:00 PMCay Mortenson Auditorium
LUCKY BALDWIN’S SANTA ANITA
PARK RACETRACK
If you’re interested in Arcadia’s rich history, visit either the Arcadia History Room at the
Arcadia Public Library or the Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage. The Arcadia History Room
is shown by appointment only. Call 626-821-5569 for an appointment, or 626-574-5440
for more information about the Museum’s collection.
Courtesy of Arcadia Public Library. ID 549 Mar-Apr 2026
FEATURED HISTORICAL PHOTO
Arcadia has a long history of horse racing. Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin
opened a racetrack called Santa Anita Park on December 7, 1907, on
the site of the present day Santa Anita Golf Course, shown here in a
circa 1907 photograph. Baldwin died in 1909. In 1912, the racetrack
clubhouse burned down.
Although today’s Santa Anita Park at 285 W. Huntington Dr. shares
its name with Baldwin’s track, it is an entirely separate racetrack that
opened on December 25, 1934. This is not confusing at all!
ARCADIA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, January 15, 2026
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Hsiuchen Chen called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m. in the Library’s
Conference Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Library Services Manager Samantha Alba
ROLL CALL: Chair Hsiuchen Chen, Chair Pro-Tempore Miriam Carter, Trustees Barbara
Delphey; Barbara Ansell; City Council Liaison Paul Cheng; Director of Library & Museum Services
Darlene Bradley; Library Services Managers Petra Morris, Samantha Alba
ABSENT: Trustee Connie Liao
A motion was made to excuse Trustee Liao from the meeting due to illness, which was made by
Chair Chen, seconded by Trustee Ansell, with the additional request that Director Bradley follow
up with Trustee Liao to discuss whether the Library Board meetings are manageable for her. The
motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
AYES: Chair Chen, Chair Pro-Tempore Carter, Trustees Delphey, Ansell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Trustee Connie Liao
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
PUBLIC COMMENTS: No public comment.
REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS: Councilmember Cheng congratulated
staff on a budget surplus of $4,678,325 following the financial audit. He also noted that there is
lower staff turnover and steady staff retention. Councilmember Cheng reported that the City
continues to grow, with additional development projects being approved due to State regulations,
which are expected to generate increased funding. He emphasized that the next few years will be
very bright for the City and Arcadia continues to perform consistently well. He announced that the
City Council reorganization will take place on Tuesday, February 3. Councilmember Eileen Wang
will serve as Mayor, and Councilmember Paul Cheng will serve as Mayor Pro-Tempore. He noted
that Mayor Wang will decide which commissions and meetings Councilmembers will attend.
Councilmember Cheng also shared a historical note, stating that he was the first rotating Mayor
on City Council. Chair Chen inquired about the park near the school Baldwin Stocker and whether
the area would remain closed to the public. Councilmember Cheng stated that he would follow up
with the City Manager regarding the status. Trustee Delphey commented that things are looking
good for the Library. She reported that the bookstore manager, Margarita V., is retiring and has
been training her replacement. The Friends of the Library recently sponsored a Kaleidoscope
Concert and will be sponsoring another concert next month. Friends’ eBay sales reached
$16,000, representing sales across eight international countries and 48 states. Contributions from
the water bill totaled $6,000, and a combined membership letter included with the water bill
generated an additional $6,000. Trustee Delphey also noted that the Friends of the Library are
now represented at Arcadia Community Coordinating Council meetings. Chair Pro-Tempore
Carter and Trustee Ansell complimented Library Services Manager Morris for coordinating and
organizing the English Conversation Class (ECC). Chair Chen noted that she is on the waitlist to
join ECC as a tutor in the fall. Chair Pro-Tempore Carter shared that she will be visiting the
Altadena Library to assist with replenishing their plants and seed collection. She noted that the
Arcadia Public Library allows users to receive three packs of seeds monthly and the seeds are
supplied from a grant. Chair Pro-Tempore Carter asked who applies for the grants. Director
Bradley explained that the City’s Environmentalist applied for the grant which provides seeds for
the Library’s program. However, the grant is nearly spent for this fiscal year and the Library will
not be able to maintain seed supplies once the grant runs out. The program will need to be
reevaluated due to associated costs. Trustee Ansell noted that she has requested a speaker on
emergency preparedness for the English Conversation Class. Library Services Manager Morris
arranged for an officer from the Arcadia Police Department to present at ECC on Monday,
February 9, to discuss appropriate use of 9-1-1 services. Chair Pro-Tempore Carter mentioned
that the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is coming to the City of Arcadia
and noted she is CERT certified.
REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR
Announcements / Statements / Future Agenda Items
Director’s Update: Director Bradley wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked the Board
for the holiday cookies. She reported that 155 participants took part in the Winter Reading
Challenge, which is up from 126 participants last year. Prize winners may pick up their rewards
through Saturday, January 17. Director Bradley noted that the Seed Library is doing very well.
However, the grant is nearly spent, and the program will not be supported through the Library’s
operating budget. Library Services Manager Morris has submitted her resignation, with her last
day scheduled for January 26, as she will be joining Covina Public Library. Director Bradley
shared that Manager Morris has been at the Arcadia Public Library for 14 years and will be greatly
missed. The recruitment process to fill the position will begin in the coming weeks. In the interim,
Director Bradley will oversee Adult and Children’s Services. The Library Board congratulated
Library Services Manager Morris on her new endeavor. Director Bradley also reported that the
English Conversation Class will be jointly overseen by Director Bradley and Library Services
Manager Alba.
Monthly Statistical Report: November and December 2025: An updated report was provided
to Board members reflecting updated fiscal year to date numbers. Director Bradley explained that
Serials Processed are now counted differently to more accurately reflect the total number of items
processed. Overall usage statistics remain steady, and digital checkouts continue to increase.
Director Bradley also noted that utilizing multiple book vendors has created workflow challenges,
with the unintentional purchase of duplicate materials. Additionally, discard numbers have
increased as staff continue to weed collections.
Monthly Report Narrative: November and December 2025: Trustee Delphey inquired about
the reorganization of adult new fiction titles. Director Bradley explained that titles are no longer
shelved by genre and are now interfiled like the general fiction collection by the author’s last name,
making materials easier to locate and shelve for both users and staff. Trustee Ansell asked for
clarification on what a MARC record is. Director Bradley explained that MARC stands for Machine-
Readable Cataloging, which allows specific data fields to be added to the catalog, displaying
detailed information about the items. Chair Chen mentioned she was surprised that the Library
still maintains a pay phone. Director Bradley explained that the Library has one of only two pay
phones in the City and that it is used more frequently than expected. Trustee Delphey asked what
de-escalation strategies are. Director Bradley explained that de-escalation involves techniques
for staff to use to calm an upset patron. Safety incidents were added to the Narrative so that Board
members are aware of situations Library staff manage on a daily basis. Chair Chen inquired about
the water damage in the Teen area. Director Bradley reported that 19 books were lost due to
drainage from a package unit. Chair Pro-Tempore Carter asked about current staff levels. Director
Bradley reported that the Library has 17 full-time and five part-time benefited employees, who
support the Library’s 60-hour, six-days a week operation.
Financial Report: November/December 2025: The Library is preparing to conduct a mid-year
budget review. At this point in the fiscal year, most accounts should reflect approximately 50
percent spent, with the exception for items that are paid annually, which will show 100 percent
spent. Director Bradley expressed concern regarding increased building maintenance costs,
noting that the facility was rebuilt in 1994 and several updates will be needed, such as electrical
outlets. The Library will need to plan for these expenses and be incorporated into future budgets.
Staff Update: Robert K. is the Library’s newest staff member in Cataloguing and Acquisitions and
began working at the Library in December.
Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage: Director Bradley reported that, in conjunction with the
Chinese New Year, the Museum will open a new exhibit on February 7. In recognition of the Year
of the Horse, the Museum’s Educational Kit was developed around this theme and includes an
origami horse activity. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, First Avenue
Middle School will install an art display at the Museum. The photography contest will open on
April 25, and submissions are due by March 17. A Preservation Workshop focusing on collectibles
and memorabilia is scheduled for Saturday, February 28. The Military Banner program is currently
open and applications are being accepted. Museum staff attended the Performer Showcase in
Mission Viejo earlier today. Trustee Ansell noted that the Museum offers Preservation Workshops
and the Library has a Memory Lab. Director Bradley announced that the Museum will be
welcoming two interns from East Los Angeles Community College (ELAC), who will be working
on a project related to the Latino community in Arcadia.
Calendar of Activities for Adult and Teen Services: February 2026: The Library will be hosting
a Palliative and Hospice Care workshop with Keck USC Medical, tentatively scheduled for
Thursday, February 12. The first Wellness program will take place Saturday, January 24,
presented by LA County Department of Mental Health, Preserving Your Memory, followed by a
program on Grief, Loss, and Resilience on February 28, and on March 28, Know the Scams, Don’t
Be a Victim. All programs will be offered in English and Mandarin. Director Bradley noted that she
believes these topics will be of interest to the community. Several Board members mentioned that
they take photos of Library flyers and share them with friends. The International Film Program is
scheduled for Wednesday, January 21. Director Bradley also noted that the City will launch a new
website on Friday, January 16. Trustee Ansell inquired if Smart Squad is well attended. Director
Bradley explained that the program is well attended and it is supported by teen volunteers.
Calendar of Activities for Children’s Services: February 2026: The LA Metro Kids Workshop
is scheduled for Saturday, January 31. The Questionnaires Book Party will take place on
Saturday, January 17, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The Using AI Safely & Wisely program is scheduled
for Friday, May 15, and will cover how to identify AI generated content.
Flyers/Articles/Posters/Attachments: Board members reviewed flyers and attachments.
Featured Historical Photo: Proud Peacock at the Rose Parade: Board members reviewed the
historical photo. Director Bradley noted that Arcadia previously had a parade float, a queen, and
a court.
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 20, 2025
Recommended action: Approve
The motion to accept the Minutes of November 20, 2025, as written, was moved by Trustee
Ansell, seconded by Trustee Delphey, and carried on a unanimous voice vote.
AYES: Chair Chen, Chair Pro-Tempore Carter, Trustees Ansell, Delphey
NOES: None
ABSENT: Trustee Liao
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Chen adjourned the meeting at 5:36 p.m. to February 19, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in the
Conference Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia.
Approved:
______________________________ _______________________________
Hsiuchen Chen, Chair Darlene Bradley, Secretary
Minutes prepared by: Samantha Alba