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Home My WebLink AboutLB Minutes: 02/19/2026ARCADIA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Thursday,REGULAR MEETING MINUTES • 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: Trustee Barbara Ansell ROLL CALL: Chair Hsiuchen Chen, Chair Pro-Tempore Miriam Carter, Trustees Barbara Delphey, Barbara Ansell, Connie Liao; City Council Liaison David Fu; Director of Library & Museum Services Darlene Bradley; Library Services Manager Samantha Alba ABSENT: None SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: Director Bradley provided the Board members with the 2026 Brown Act handout and advised the Board to include it in their policy manuals. She noted that the highlighted portions reflect the updated sections. PUBLIC COMMENTS: No public comment. REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS: Couneilmember Fu reported that there is limited activity at recent Council meetings, with some things that are still pending. He noted that residents have expressed concerns regarding a new rehabilitation facility on Santa Clara, at the current Extended Stay America. The project is funded by a state agency, which was not forthcoming with the development with City staff or Council members. Councilmember Fu stated that the property has been very dangerous for first responders and generates numerous emergency calls. Additionally, he also provided an update on the Alexan project, which will include 367 units, including seven live -work spaces fronting on Wheeler. The apartments are mostly smaller units that will include an affordable housing component. A discussion followed regarding several vacant mixed -use locations near First Avenue. Trustee Barbara Delphey reported that the Friends of the Library bookstore generated $1,800 in book sales during January. On February 11, the Friends sponsored the Kaleidoscope Concert, which was well attended with 150 participants. The Friends of the Library will hold their general meeting in April. Trustee Delphey also visited the Museum's Lunar New Year exhibit and commented that after walking through the Museum she was reminded that it is truly a gem. Trustee Connie Liao reported that in January the Arcadia Chinese Association (ACA) held their annual fundraising Gala benefiting the Children's Hospital. Additionally, ACA will be participating in and assisting with the Lunar New Year Festival in Downtown Arcadia. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR Announcements / Statements / Future Agenda Items Director's Update: Director Bradley wished Board members a Happy Lunar New Year. Monthly Statistical Report: January 2026: Trustee Ansell noted the Teen programming numbers were different. Director Bradley explained that the figures are now compiled differently, as Teen Zone is no longer included in program statistics and is now counted separately. Monthly Report Narrative: January 2026: Director Bradley reported that there were over 30,000 visitors in January. Staff processed 2,263 holds and more than 26,000 items were physically checked out. The Wellness workshop held in January had a strong turnout, and another workshop is scheduled for February 27. Trustee Delphey commented that she attended the workshop and found it very helpful. LA Metro presented a program on safety, which was well attended. Passport Services are increasing again, with staff processing 170 passports. Passport -related revenue is up and gaining traction. Director Bradley noted that the new City website is still experiencing technical issues, and users may need to clear their cache to avoid loading the previous website. She also explained that each City department is limited to four staff members who can serve as website editors to ensure more control and oversight. Chair Chen commented that the calendar feature is not easy to read and not very user friendly. A conversation followed regarding the website's ease of use. Chair Chen inquired about the Interviews for the Library Services Manager position. Director Bradley reported that two candidates have advanced and that she will contact the candidates for second round of interviews once the eligibility list is certified by Human Resources. Financial Report: January 2026: Trustee Barbara Ansell inquired what a POB is and noted that it is 100 percent spent. Director Bradley explained that POB stands for Pension Obligation Bonds and that City Departments do not have control over those specific budget categories. The Library is on budget and on track with its overall spending. Director Bradley expressed concern about increased building repair costs. She noted that the Library is a 30-years-old and is a 1961 remodel building. The Museum is a 24-year-old building with original HVAC system and roof. She further reported that earlier in the day there was a gas smell in the Library's Teen area, which was due to the HVAC unit not sparking properly. Trustee Liao inquired about the negative vacancy rate reflected in the budget. Director Bradley explained that this is due to cost savings that occur when staff positions remain vacant for a period of time. Staff Update: Recruitment for Library Service Manager is underway. Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage: No report. Calendar of Activities for Adult and Teen Services: March 2026: Three new students recently joined the English Conversation Class (ECC). ECC will conclude on May 18, as the Library will serve as a voting center in June. Director Bradley also noted that ECC is currently seeking additional tutors. The International Film Program continues to be well attended. The Smart Squad program is held on Saturdays, where teen volunteers provide technology assistance to patrons. Calendar of Activities for Children's Services: March 2026: Director Bradley congratulated Principal Librarian Amy on the successful Lion Dance program, which was well attended with 170 participants. Additionally, the Ten to Try Spring Reading Program will be tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Library's annual Bookmark Contest begins in March for ages 3 to 14. Flyers/Articles/Posters/Attachments: Board members reviewed flyers and attachments. Director Bradley noted that the Library has opened the small training room adjacent to the Computer Room for after school gaming. Manager Alba explained that staff are currently seeking volunteers to help support open hours, as the program's hours are currently limited. Trustee Delphey asked whether we anticipate Game Zone to operate as an after -school program or on the weekends. Manager Alba explained that it is an after -school program, with the goal of eventually offering similar hours to Teen Zone. Director Bradley added that the program provides a safe space for participants to learn how to play games if they don't know how. A discussion followed regarding the types of games selected. Games are selected in accordance with safeguards and guidelines. Featured Historical Photo: Lucky Baldwin's Santa Anita Park Racetrack: Board members reviewed the historical photo. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2026 Recommended action: Approve The motion to accept the Minutes of January 15, 2026, with an amendment, was moved by Chair Pro-Tempore Carter, seconded by Trustee Ansell, and carried on a unanimous voice vote. AYES: Chair Chen, Chair Pro-Tempore Carter, Trustees Ansell, Delphey, Liao NOES: None ABSENT None Chair Chen motioned to excuse Trustee Barbara Delphey from the March 19 Library Board meeting. The motion was moved by Chair Pro-Tempore Carter, seconded by Trustee Ansell, and carried on a unanimous voice vote. AYES: Chair Chen, Chair Pro-Tempore Carter, Trustees Ansell, Delphey, Liao NOES: None ABSENT None Director Bradley announced her retirement, possibly by the end of June. She noted that a closed session will be held in April with the City Manager to discuss next steps. A discussion followed. Councilmember Fu also indicated that he will be absent from the March 19 Library Board meeting. ADJOURNMENT Chair Chen adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m. to March 19, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. Apprpved: H, iuchen Chen, Chair Darlene Bradley, Secretary Minutes prepared by: Samantha Alba