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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLB Minute: 01/15/2026ARCADIA 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 city 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 2026: 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 2026: 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 Ansel[ 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 Al Safely & Wisely program is scheduled for Friday, May 15, and will cover how to identify Al 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, 2026 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. Appro ed: H iuchen Chen, Chair Darlene Bradley gecretary Minutes prepared by: Samantha Alba