HomeMy WebLinkAboutLB Minutes: 09/17/2026PUBLICARCADIA
SeptemberREGULAR MEETING MINUTES
, 2026
ORDER:CALL TO ChairPro- a are Barbara Ansell called a ti to order at 1 pm. in the
Library's Conference oo .
PLEDGE OF : The Pledge of Allegiance was led by TrusteeElizabeth Renfrew.
ROLL
: Chair Pr -e Barbara nse ; Trustee JeffChang, Trustee r Y
Barbara elphe ,
Trustee Elizabeth Renfrew; Director of Library s u Services t Alba, Library
Services Manager Steven Park
ABSENT: Chair Hsiuchen Chen; City Council Liaison David
PUBLIC o public comment.
LIBRARYREPORTS FROM I : Trustee Renfrew shared d to from
the Friends of the Library F L , including information on the upcoming bookstore 50% off sal
from epte br 26 to October 3. Chair Pro-Tempore Ansell complimented recent TOL Fall
Newsletter. Trustee I reported that updated bershi forms will be included i
the October Arcadia t ill. Trustee Delphey s hared that the Arcadia Council donated
1,200 to the F L, reporting that each PTA (10) donating $100 contribution and a 00
contribution from the PTA Council. Trustee Renfrew noted that the PTA Council President
Nguyen serves on the FOL Board. ChairPro-Temre A sell recommend including English
Conversation Class flyers be added ith future water bill distributions.
DIRECTORREPORTS FROM THE
Announcements / Statements l Future Agenda Items
Director's : Director Alba shared facility updates. In August, the Library's water heater
roe and leaked above Principal Librarian Kruper's office, resulting in flooding and the
temporary ispl c nt of staff. A new ter heater was installed within a week. Several
Capital Improvement r j cts ( I ) are planned in the coming onths, including trellis
replacement, plumbing replacement, and new carpeting n painting, with consideration for
minimal impact on Library users during the projects. Director Alba noted that a portion of the
plumbing replacement roj ct will take place in the basement, n that staff L volunteers
have been asked to clear items from res that will be impacted by the work. Director Alb
reported that during the local o er outage in September, many users visited the Library to use
the electric outlets. Chair Pro - ore Ansell noted that the Library also served as a cooling
center during the recent het waves. Director Alba commented that the Library's HVAC system
was working albeit with daily maintenance still required y Public Works staff. Director Alba
sharedthe annual Fire Extinguisher Training, conducted by the Fire Department, was heldfor
staff on September 14 and September 1.
Monthly Stat'Istical Report.- Director Alba presented the updated format for the Monthly
Statistical Report for July and August, highlighting visual improvements and the incorporation of
previous feedback from Trustees. She noted that Library Circulation and Gate Count activity
were high in July relative to previous years, crediting the draw to summer programs and staff
efforts. For August, Director Alba highlighted the inclusion of statistics for the new Middle School
ones c e in the Imagination Theater. The space is for middle school students and is
available after school. She shared the attendance and impact in the Children'S Room have been
positive to date. Passive activities are planned for students, with monitoring by part-time Library
staff. Director Alba also highlighted a new statistical category for General Interest Programs for
all ages, including the well -attended screening of summer FIFA World Cup games in the Cay
Mortenson Auditorium. Trustee Renfrew and Chair Pro-Tempore Ansell stated they liked the new
statistical report format, noting it was easier to review.
Monthly Report Narratl*ve: Director Alba shared that the Summer at Arcadia Public Library
(SAPL) was successful, highlighting the variety of programs that were offered for users of all
ages. She also reported that the FIFA World Cup screenings were well attended and that the
Library is considering screening additional sporting events and other popular events in the
Auditorium in the future. Chair Pro-Tempore Ansell asked if admission was charged for the
SAPL Library Safari. Trustee Renfrew explained that the FOL provided donations to cover the
cost of the summer programs. Director Alba thanked the contributions of volunteers to the
success of SAPL programs. Trustee Delphey asked if student volunteers receive recognition for
their support. Director Alba replied that volunteers received certificates and are thanked during a
celebratory event with the section they volunteered with. Director Alba reported that Technical
Services staff had opportunities to complete collection call number updates, due to delays in
purchase orders for the materials vendor. Trustee Delphey asked if the Library still uses the
Dewey Decimal Classification system, Director Alba confirmed that we do. Director Alba
reported that the purchase order for materials vendor passed at the July 17 City Council
meeting and that ordering and receiving new materials continued thereafter. For August,
Director Alba highlighted the activation of the Library as a Cooling Center, the launch of the
Middle School Zone, pre -registration for English Conversation Class (ECC), and the first
graduation event for the 1 000 Books Before Kindergarten program. She also recognized the
collaborative support from Library staff for the Gilb Museum's Fifth Annual Dino Day event.
Fl"nandwal Report,: Director Alba noted that there was minimal spending in July due to the
delayed approval of the City's budget. Trustee Renfrew not that the financial reports did not
include the month of the report and Director Alba stated that would be added moving forward.
Chair Pro-Tempore Ansell inquired about the amount already spent on bibliographic utilities.
Director Alba explained that certain Library utility contracts are purchased in July and utilized
throughout the fiscal year. Trustee Chang inquired about the impact oft water heater
replacement on the Library's budget. Director Alba explained that the expense would be
reflected in the following month's financial report. She to that some encumbered expenses
of appear once processed by the City Finance Department. Trustee Chang inquired about
the carpet and painting projects. Director Alba explained that the project is a Capital
Improvement Project (CIP) and will be reflected in Public Works CIP reports and not in the
cti"vl't alesa Director Alba reviewed the Calendar of Activities,the return
of Storytime, In-N-Out Reading Program, and upcomingHalloween vents. Board members
reviewed all flyers.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve the RequIlar MeeUggMi,nutes
action:Recommended Approve
Trustee Renfrew oti ne to approve, seconded by Trustee Delphey, and carried on an
unanimous vote.
AYES: ChairPro-Te are nsell; Trustees Chang,Delphey, Renfrew
NOES.- None
ABSENT: Chair Chen
ADJOURNMENT
ChairPro-emore Ansell adjourned the meeting at :03 p.m. to October 15, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
in the Conference Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia.
Approve :
Hichen Chen, Chair Samantha Alba, Secretary
Minutes prepared by: Steven Park