Library Board meeting minutes - January 22, 2025

The public is welcome at all library board meetings

The Hennepin County Library Board met Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the St. Louis Park Library, Meeting Room, 3240 Library Ln, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426.

Attendees

Library Board members: Gordy Aune, Jr., Jane Brissett, Erin Carney, Michael Hogan, Amal Karim, Randy Klauk, Jessica Kraft, Ashley Krohn, Lynn Stetler.

Hennepin County Staff: Director Scott Duimstra, Lillian Albrecht, Michael Boe, Matt Dahl, Kat Debertin, Tonya Depriest, J.R. Genett, Char Kimber, Kelli Koob, Amy McNally, Ayanna Muata, Christy Mulligan, Kate Nelson, Dana Strahnson, Ali Turner, Josh Yetman.

Call to Order

Vice President Lynn Stetler called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed attendees.

Attendance of Library Board Members

Library Board Clerk Lillian Albrecht took roll call and the Board met quorum with nine Board members present.

Code of Conduct for Hennepin County Library Board Members

President Jessica Kraft reminded Board members of the Code of Conduct. She encouraged members to remain respectful and engaged during presentations.

Approval of Agenda

Motion: Gordy Aune, Jr.
Second: Randy Klauk
Motion passed.

Approval of Consent Items

Meeting minutes of the November 13, 2024, meeting, and donations.

Motion: Jane Brissett
Second: Lynn Stetler
Motion passed.

Public Comment

None.

Welcome from St. Louis Staff

St. Louis Park Patron Experience Supervisor Matt Dahl welcomed the Board with a playful video showcasing library staff and services.

President’s Report

Kraft highlighted upcoming Hennepin County Library and Friends of the Hennepin County Library events featured in Board packets.

Kraft reminded the Board about new per diem requirements and the March meeting location at Plymouth Library.

Director’s Report

Library Director Scott Duimstra discussed Library, Community, and County updates. These included comparing Hennepin County Library service statistics to peer institutions, renovation projects, Special Collections projects, and events.

Staff Dialogue

Strategic Services staff member Kat Debertin presented the findings from the 2024 Annual Patron Survey. Debertin discussed patron satisfaction, overarching themes, and how the survey has changed, including strategies used to extend its reach.

Committee Reports

The Executive Committee’s next meeting is February 27, 2025, 5:30-6:30 pm at Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Room.

The Budget and Long-Term Planning Committee’s next meeting is February 13, 2025, 5:30-6:30 pm at Ridgedale Library, room 174.

The Policy Committee shared its policy review order for 2025. The committee will review the Policy Review Policy during its next meeting on February 12, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm at Ridgedale Library, room 174.

The Friends of the Hennepin County Library ex officio Jane Brissett shared that Executive Director Kristi Pearson will present their year-end findings during the March Board meeting. Brissett also highlighted positive year-end statistics and shared the Friends’ updated strategic plan.

Unfinished Business

None.

New Business

Randy Klauk asked about communication regarding the new library app. Director Duimstra clarified that the app was announced during the November Director’s Update and there was a rollout campaign.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Library Board is Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 pm, Plymouth Library, Meeting Room.

Adjourn

There being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 pm.

Motion: Lynn Stetler
Second: Erin Carney
Motion passed.