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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLB Minutes: 04/16/2026ARCADIA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Thursday, April 16, 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: Director Bradley ROLL CALL: Chair Hsiuchen Chen, Chair Pro-Tempore Miriam Carter, Trustees Barbara Ansell, Barbara Delphey, Connie Liao; Director of Library & Museum Services Darlene Bradley; Library Services Manager Samantha Alba ABSENT: None SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: Monthly Report, and Hospice vs. Palliative Care flyer. PUBLIC COMMENTS: No public comment. REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS: Councilmember Fu reported that the City is experiencing additional personnel changes, noting that Police Chief Nakamura will retire on July 31. He wished both the Chief Nakamura and Director Bradley well wishes. He also announced the promotion of Lisa Flores to Director of Development Services and congratulated her on her new role. CLOSED SESSION: The closed session concluded at 5:23pm and there was no reportable action. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR Announcements / Statements / Future Agenda Items Director's Update: Director Bradley reported that administrative staff met with the City Manager to review the Library's preliminary operating budget. She noted that this is the first step in the process, with a Capital Improvement meeting scheduled for the following week, followed by a budget study session with City Council. Monthly Statistical Report: March 2026: Director Bradley reported that some of statistics are lower. She noted that 17 staff members have been with the Library for less than five years. A discussion followed regarding recommendations to increase numbers moving forward. Monthly Report Narrative: March 2026: A revised Monthly Report was distributed to the Board. Trustee Delphey inquired about the location of the pillar booth. Director Bradley explained that it will be installed around the corner from Administration, in the alcove currently used for newspapers, and is expected to be delivered by July 1. She also noted that the pillar booth is grant -funded. Trustee Delphey commented that this month's report included much more statistics in the narrative. Director Bradley explained that her intent was to highlight everything that staff does, including areas that are not always visible or shared, such as library card registrations, auditorium rentals, and Wi-Fi usage. Chair Chen asked about Hoopla, how it works, and whether usage has maxed out. Director Bradley explained that Hoopla is a pay -per -use service and has reached its budgeted amount due to its ease of use and popularity. She added that, over time, Hoopla will serve as the replacement for DVDs and CDs. Chair Chen asked if we would be turning off the access for a -books and audio books on Hoopla. Director Bradley clarified that it will not be turned off but instead usage limits may be adjusted. Chair Chen also inquired whether the memorial wall project would be coming out of the Library's budget. Director Bradley clarified that the project is funded by City Council and not the Library's budget. She noted that no bids were received for the project, and it will need to go back out to bid. Trustee Ansell asked about the location of the memorial wall. Director Bradley explained that it will be installed at the City Council Chambers and will include a QR code, which will be overseen by the Library. Financial Report: March 2026: Director Bradley clarified that the negative amount shown under Bibliographic Utilities represents an encumbered amount, meaning that the funds are not fully spent yet. Staff Update: Director Bradley reported that the manager candidate has completed the live -scan process and is scheduled for a physical on April 23 and should start in late May. Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage: Director Bradley reported that the Museum's Created Equal exhibit will be on display until April 17 and encouraged Board members to visit. She also noted an upcoming Preservation Workshop on photography scheduled for May 9, followed by an Advanced Photography and Digitization Workshop on May 18 at 10 a.m. Additionally, Director Bradley shared that the Pasadena Showcase House is here in Arcadia, which is the Clara Baldwin Stocker house, and invited Board members to attend. Calendar of Activities for Adult and Teen Services: April 2026: One Book, One Coast book discussion is scheduled for May 9. Other upcoming programs include Felt Quilting on May 7 and Destress Fest for Teens on May 26. Calendar of Activities for Children's Services: April 2026: Director Bradley reported that the PTA art installation will begin on April 17. She also noted that the Using Al Safely and Wisely program for 4th through 81 grade is scheduled for May 15. Children's Services staff are preparing for the Summer Reading Program. A brief discussion followed regarding bilingual storytime. Flyers/Articles/Posters/Attachments: Materials were reviewed by Board members. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2026 Recommended action: Approve The motion to accept the Minutes of March 19, 2026, as written, was moved by Trustee Ansell, seconded by Chair Pro-Tempore Carter, and carried on a unanimous voice vote. AYES: Chair Chen, Chair Pro-Tempore Carter, Trustees Ansell, Liao NOES: None ABSENT None Trustee Delphey reported on behalf of the Friends of the Library and welcomed the Board members to attend the Friends membership meeting on April 25, during which nominations will be taken. She noted that the bookstore sales totaled $1600 last month, and that Square has been installed, allowing the bookstore to now accept credit card payments. eBay sales totaled $2300, and the recent book sale generated $340 over Friday and Saturday sales. Trustee Delphey also announced that the Friends will be giving a $50,000 gift to the Library. Trustee Liao reported that the Arcadia Chinese Association (ACA) will be donating an additional $1000 to be used towards the purchase of an AWE station. Director Bradley and Chair Chen thanked ACA for their donation. ADJOURNMENT Chair Chen adjourned the meeting at 5:54 p.m. to May 21, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. Appr ve i siuchen Chen, Chair Darlene Bradley,"Secretary Minutes prepared by: Samantha Alba