MFRL Board of Trustees Archive

MFRL Library Board Meeting

Meadowbrook Library

September 17, 2025

Board Members Present:

Sue Mellen, Chair

Kamala Bauers, Vice Chair

Deanna Cox, Secretary

Megan Doney

Tim Thornton

Board Members Absent:

Linda Claussen

Beverly Martinkosky

Board Members on Zoom:

Michelle Ralston

Affiliate Liaisons Present:

Derek Kitts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Affiliate Liaisons Absent:

Kit Haggard, President of Floyd Friends of the Library

Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch, Floyd County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Affiliate Liaison on Zoom:

Judy Rea, President of Montgomery Friends of the Library

Staff Members Present:

Karim Khan, Library Director

Kerri Copus, Adult Programming and Publicity

Library Board Chair Sue Mellen called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Trustee Deanna Cox, and seconded by Trustee Megan Doney to accept the September 17, 2025 agenda.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 20, 2025

Trustee Michelle Ralston motioned to approve the minutes and Ms. Cox seconded the motion. Ms. Mellen abstained as she was not present. All others were in favor and the motion passed.

PUBLIC ADDRESS

None.

BOARD COMMENTS

None.

DEPARTMENT REPORT: Kerri Copus, Adult Programming and Publicity

Kerri Copus has been with MFRL since 2017, first as the Assistant Branch Manager at Blacksburg Library, and moved into her current roll in 2020.

Ms. Copus relayed that adult programming at MFRL goes beyond traditional book clubs and author talks, to include speed friending, community swaps, and a sensory museum.  Since 2022 MFRL has used Beanstack, with the aid of Library of Virginia, to host reading challenges online, including the adult Summer Reading Program.  Adult participation in SRP jumped by 85% from 2022-23, and participants had the option of using the app (47%), website (48%), or paper log (5%). MFRL has also collaborated with Montgomery County to offer county employees creative incentives like leave time and hoodies.

Through a partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, MFRL distributed approximately 50,179 COVID test kits, an estimated $501,288 value, from 2021-2025. The program concluded this year.

Ms. Copus also manages the online and print calendars for patrons.  The print calendars now include a Spanish translation created through Canva and manually verified for accuracy.

She closed by saying that innovative events, creative outreach, and responsive public engagement drive MFRL adult programming to meet the needs of its diverse patrons.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Information Items

Government Updates

• IMLS put out a new grant for launch six mobile exhibits known as “Freedom Trucks” to travel across the country throughout 2026, sharing the story of our nation’s founding. The project directly supports the January 29, 2025, Presidential Executive Order, “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.”
• USSC ruled 6-3 that the Universal Service Fund program (which funds e-rate) is constitutional and a statutory requirement. This indicates e-rate will continue as a program unless new changes are legislated.
• The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center at VCU has been shut down due to the end of its federal funding stream. Our communities have benefitted from their work through initiatives with Literacy NRV, Workforce, and the schools.  Per their former director Kate Rolander, all federal funds for adult education are either cancelled or suspended.

Floyd Pavilion Project

The roof is in place, and electrical work will be coming in soon. The floor and benches are in process. November is still the scheduled date of completion.

2026 MFRL Objectives

• Objectives for the year are typically voted in by the Board at the September meeting,
• Below are recommended objectives for this year (in no real order)

1. In partnership with the Floyd County Library Building Fund Inc., complete the construction and opening of the Floyd Pavilion and ensure a smooth transition to ongoing operations.
2. Strengthen the library’s role as a community partner by collaborating with educational, cultural, and civic organizations through outreach, shared initiatives, and ongoing assessment.
3. Evaluate vendor capabilities and costs, and align materials purchasing with library values and patron needs.
4. Establish, support, and sustain a Teen Advisory Group (TAG) at Blacksburg Library.
5. Expand the library’s community impact through outdoor and nature-based programs that promote environmental stewardship, support wellness, and foster lifelong learning.
6. Transform Meadowbrook Library’s computer lab into a vibrant, multipurpose Library Hub.
7. Develop and implement an online staff training platform to deliver, track, assess, and continuously improve training for all positions.
8. Enhance the consistency, accuracy, impact and usefulness of communications to and among library staff.
9. Redesign the library website to provide a modern, mobile-friendly, flexible, and engaging user experience.

For Board Consideration

Trustee Deanna Cox moved to approve the proposed FY 2026 Library Objectives and Trustee Michelle Ralston seconded the motion.

A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.

AYE                                                                                                       NAY

Bauers, Cox, Doney, Mellen, Ralston

Thornton

NEW BUSINESS

Information Items

For Board Consideration

Trustee Tim Thornton moved to approve Policy Updates to MFRL 105: Public Participation in Decision Making, MFRL 110: Proctoring Services, MFRL 204: Interlibrary Loans, and MFRL 309: Naming of Facilities, Rooms, etc. en masse. Trustee Megan Doney seconded the motion.

A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.

AYE                                                                                                       NAY

Bauers, Cox, Doney, Mellen, Ralston

Thornton

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

Customer Satisfaction

The August HappyOrNot ratings was 95% based on 1,356 responses.

Mobile Library Update

28 visitors at 16 stops in August.  The mobile library was at the Mercedes dealer in Roanoke for repairs until August 20 when it returned to service.

Financial Report

Reports are included in the packet. We are16.6% through Fiscal Year 2026.

Statistics

Total August circulation: 51,508

Books and other items: 30,421

eBooks and digital items: 21,087

Visitors: 27,178

New Cards: 758

Program Attendees: 2,365

WIFI accessed: 2,599

Passports processed: 75

Programming

• 2,279 pounds of food were distributed in August from the Floyd Free Fridge.
• 500 pounds of food were distributed in August from the Meadowbrook Free Fridge, Freezer and Pantry.
• Meadowbrook connected with 220 people at the Eastmont Tomato Festival, sharing information about upcoming library programs and events.
• In August, Meadowbrook wrapped our Summer Meal Box and Food Backpack programs in partnership with Feeding Southwest Virginia. Throughout the summer, we distributed 348 Meal Boxes and 270 Food Backpacks to children in Eastern Montgomery County, helping support families during the school break.
• At Meadowbrook’s Back-to-School Backpack Bash, we gave out 130 backpacks along with school supplies to local students.
• Three community organizations partnered to bring a program on creating Monarch Waystations to support the recovery of this endangered species at Floyd. 25 people came and learned how they can help the monarch with their gardens and lawns.
• At Christiansburg, Eight Point Star played the third Music on the Lawn show to 30 people.
• Smart Start NRV, sponsored by Montgomery County’s Small Business Development Center, drew 24 at Christiansburg.
• Christiansburg’s Kid’s Sensory Experience drew 65 attendees.
• SW Virginia Wildlife Center presented at Blacksburg to 115; the highlight was rescued kestrel Captain Jack.
• Blacksburg has supported the International Community Resource Network by submitting September events to the ICRN online calendar including Storytimes, ELL classes and conversation groups, and Speed Friending.

Partnerships

Blue Ridge Heritage (F), Dan River Basin Association (F), Good Samaritans of Floyd (F), Montgomery County Small Business Development Center (C), SW Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke (B), as well as 42 ongoing partnerships.

Collection

Weeding and refreshing of collections at all branches.

Facilities and Technology

A new door counter was installed at Christiansburg to replace the older damaged model.

Montgomery County General Services assigned a full-time custodian to Blacksburg, and staff has already received numerous compliments on the condition and cleanliness of the branch.

At Meadowbrook, brush and a wasp nest were removed from the fenced area and playground.  Three trees were also removed from the courtyard and one from the front of the library.

Trustees and Staff

• Lisa Thompson was appointed to Floyd County’s VA250 Committee and attended a meeting.
• Student Missy Sanders began interning with us. She is pursuing her MLIS through Old Dominion University.
• Christiansburg Library Assistants Travis Hagan and John Newton have each accepted a PT Library Associate position at Christiansburg (filling Rachel Dotson and Katrina Dohman’s positions). Their previous assistant positions will be recruited.

Incidents

None.

Reconsiderations

None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Mellen said the committee bylaws can be updated and revised to accurately reflect what they do. She encouraged committees to meet regularly.

Executive — Ms. Mellen said that according the bylaws the Executive Committee is to approve the budget request. Mr. Khan clarified that if the Montgomery County Board of Trustees meeting falls after the MFRL Trustees meeting, then the he could meet with the Executive Committee to review the annual budget request.  Sometimes, though, the MC BOT meeting precedes the MFRL meeting, and the tools to construct the budget aren’t available in October, so it would not be possible for the Executive Committee to review the request before it’s submitted to the MC BOT. 

Development — Ms. Cox clarified that the Development Committee will take on staff appreciation during the month of December. She and Ms. Doney will be responsible for Christiansburg, Mr. Thornton for Meadowbrook, Ms. Martinkosky and Ms. Bauers for Floyd, and Ms. Mellen for Blacksburg.  Ms. Cox asked Mr. Khan to email with branch staff numbers. 

Ms. Mellen noted that one of the Development Committees’ responsibilities is to serve as liaison to the Friends and the Foundation. Ms. Bauers volunteered to the be the liaison the Floyd Friends and FCLBF if they would like a liaison.  Ms. Cox said she will be the liaison to MFRLF and MC FOL.

Ms. Mellen asked Ms. Rhea where board members can access FOL applications, and she responded that each library has them.  (Recorder’s note: They are also available online at http://mfrlfriends.org/wp/join-us/ )

Leadership — Ms. Mellen said according to the by-laws, the Leadership Committee is responsible for the nominations, to assist in orientation of new board members, and to work with external consulting or advisory groups. She said there is a question if that’s ever been done before, what would that entail, and should that remain. Mr. Khan said that if the Board decided to outsource the strategic plan to a vendor then that might come into play. 

Policy — Met over email to update MFRL Policies 105, 110, 204, 309.

Floyd Friends of the Library — October 9^th is the next meeting at 3:30 at JPML.

Montgomery Friends of the Library — Ms. Rhea reported they met yesterday with a positive treasurer’s report. Book sales are finally going well, garden tour was much better than last year, and donations are up, not counting memberships.  The weekly newsletter will be out in a week and a half. November 7 is the Blacksburg book sale.  If you’re a member of the Friends, you get to go ahead and buy books before the general public does.  The Annual meeting when elections are held will be on Sunday, October 19 at 3 pm. They usually have an author or speaker, but have gone through 8 no’s, so the speaker is to be decided. Trustee Megan Doney volunteered to speak; she is the author of Unarmed.

Floyd County Building Fund, Inc. — None

MFRL Foundation — None.

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 15 at Jessie Peterman Memorial Library.

Approved by the Library Board

Deanna Cox, Secretary

Marissa Zrim, Recorder

MFRL Library Board Meeting

Blacksburg Library

August 20, 2025

Board Members Present:

Kamala Bauers, Acting Chair

Deanna Cox, Secretary

Megan Doney

Beverly Martinkosky

Michelle Ralston

Tim Thornton

Board Members Absent:

Sue Mellen, Chair

Linda Claussen

Affiliate Liaisons on Zoom:

Affiliate Liaisons Present:

Derek Kitts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Judy Rea, President of Montgomery Friends of the Library

Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch, Floyd County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Affiliate Liaisons Absent:

Kit Haggard, President of Floyd Friends of the Library

Staff Members Present:

Karim Khan, Library Director

Marissa Zrim, Recorder

Sarah Pahl, Youth Services Director

Ruth Bellman, Business Manager

Library Board Acting Chair Kamala Bauers called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Trustee Beverly Martinkosky, and seconded by Trustee Michelle Ralston to accept the August 20, 2025 agenda.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 18, 2025

Ms. Martinkosky motioned to approve the minutes and Ms. Ralston seconded the motion. All others were in favor and the motion passed.

PUBLIC ADDRESS

None.

BOARD COMMENTS

Ms. Martinkosky, referencing a discussion on the June 20th meeting, asked whether the Floyd staff will be getting a raise. Director Karim Khan said full time staff have received a raise, but he doesn’t yet have an answer about part-time staff.  There has been turnover in Floyd County admin delaying a response, but he will check with Floyd County Deputy County Administrator Kim Chiddo.

DEPARTMENT REPORT: Sarah Pahl, Youth Services Manager

As Youth Services Manager, Ms. Pahl is responsible for overseeing the Summer Reading Program (SRP) at MFRL.  The 8-week program, running from May 27 through July 19, oversaw increases across the board in both sign ups and participation. During SRP 2025, the youth services department implemented 58 regional youth programs.  The four large programs were Wolf Trap Institute, Musher Karen Land with sled dog Noggin, Tampa Taiko, and the Bubble Brigade.  Wolf Trap Institute, puppetry-based storytelling, was paid for with grant money. Musher Karen Land and her retired sled dog were a hit as kids were able to try on her gear and have a close look at her sled.  Tampa Taiko was an interactive program inviting kids to use Japanese drums, watch a performer, and learn about the history of the instruments.  The Bubble Brigade, a giant outdoor foam party, was the best-attended program this summer.  Over 200 attended in the outdoor area at Blacksburg.

This summer Youth Services also collaborated with community partners. At 4-H’s Horsin’ Around program, attendees met four horses (and a goat!), while Claytor Lake’s Park Rangers hosted a series of hands-on survival programs, including fire-starting.  A local hobbyist magician also entertained.

Prizes this year included passes to Mill Mountain zoo, Splash Valley, Floyd Center for the Arts, and June Bug Center for Arts. A donated guitar, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Meta Quest 3 (the last two purchases with money from the Friends of the Library) rounded out the prize assortment.

Ms. Ralston asked with there was an increase with teen participation this year, and Ms. Pahl responded it’s likely due to SRP starting as soon as the school year ended.  Visiting the middle schools may have also had an impact as the teen program starts at age 11.

The Board thanked Ms. Pahl for her report and all the work she does at MFRL.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Information Items

• Government Updates:

We are not expecting cuts to the E-rate program.

• Floyd Pavilion Project As of today the roof is complete. The projected month of completion is November.

NEW BUSINESS

Information Items

• FY 2026 Library Objectives
  • Establish, support, and sustain a Teen Advisory Group at Blacksburg Library.
  • Expand the library’s community impact through outdoor and nature-based programs that promote environmental stewardship, support wellness, and foster lifelong learning.
  • Transform Meadowbrook Library’s computer lab into a vibrant, multipurpose Library Hub.
  • Develop and implement an online staff training platform to deliver, track, assess, and continuously improve training for all positions.
  • Enhance the consistency, accuracy, and usefulness of staff communications, including announcements, discussions, documentation, and public records.
  • Strengthen the library’s role as a community partner by collaborating with educational, cultural, and civic organizations through outreach, shared initiatives, and ongoing assessment.
  • Evaluate vendor capabilities and costs to align materials purchasing with library values and patron needs.
  • Redesign the library website to provide a modern, mobile-friendly, flexible, and engaging user experience.
  • In partnership with the Floyd County Library Building Fund Inc., complete the construction and opening of the Floyd Pavilion and ensure a smooth transition to ongoing operations.

• Forthcoming Board Docs Update
• Vendor will roll out updates to look and feel this fall.
  • Each board will have a stable page, instead of linking off the Montgomery Board of Supervisors page.
  • Timing of the change will be the same for all boards

For Board Consideration

• Montgomery Budget Office has notified us that we can use $123,713 of MC funds from FY 2025 as carry forward in FY 2026.
• There are restrictions on the type of expense it can be used for, and tracking requirements.
• Typically, we put the bulk of this into the Materials budget, and hold some for furniture and IT needs.
• This year’s request is
  • FURNITURE AND FIXTURES $ 10,000
  • IT EQUIPMENT $ 18,561
  • MATERIALS FOR PATRONS $ 95,152

Ms. Martinkosky moved to approve the proposed Montgomery Carry Forward funds and Trustee Megan Doney seconded the motion.

A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.

AYE                                                                                                       NAY

Bauers, Cox, Doney, Martinkosky, Ralston

Thornton

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 

Customer Satisfaction

The June HappyOrNot ratings was 94% based on 1,694 responses.  The July score was 93% based on 1,769 responses.

Mobile Library Update

789 attendees at 32 stops in June, and 62 visitors with 5 stops.  The Mobile Library was at the dealership in Roanoke for the last three weeks in July for repairs.  It’s back on the road as of 8/18/25.

Objectives Report

FY 2026 objectives be voted in by the Board at the September meeting.

Financial Report

Reports are included in the packet. 8.3% through fiscal year. Please note that because Montgomery County is still in the process of closing out their FY 2025 in MUNIS, the Materials for Patrons line is only showing 25% of our approved budget as Original Appropriation.

Statistics

June circulation: 53,456

July circulation: 55,513

Programming

• 2,314 and 2,201 pounds of food were distributed in June and July from the Floyd Free Fridge.
• Meadowbrook Free Fridge, Freezer and Pantry distributed 500 pounds of food in June and 600 lbs. in July.

Mr. Thornton asked whether Meadowbrook’s fridge is as empty as acquaintances have said.  Mr. Khan replied that MPL’s core suppliers (the Extension and Agape) were federally funded and funding was removed.  Dollar General is now helping though.

Ms. Kuchenbuch asked if there is an overabundance of food in Floyd, whether it could be sent down to MPL.  Mr. Khan said there is very little food waste in Floyd but he will check with JPML Branch Manager Verostko.

Montgomery County Friends of the Library President Judy Rea added that the Master Gardeners in Blacksburg have a program called Grow Row which donated 200 lbs of produce last year to food banks in Blacksburg. She wondered if any Master Gardeners in Shawsville might be able to do the same for MPL.

She also added that the Blacksburg Farmers Market has a Share the Spare program where leftover farmers market produce goes to several food banks.

• Summer Reading events at all branches included Tampa Taiko Japanese Drums, Mush with Sled Dog Noggin, and Bubble Brigade.
• In June, Meadowbrook’s partnership with Feeding Southwest Virginia allowed us to distribute 165 Meal Boxes to children in Eastern Montgomery County, helping to support families during the summer months.
• Feeding Southwest Virginia also collaborated with Meadowbrook to host a Free Farmers Market for Children, where 52 young participants had the opportunity to “shop” for a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, promoting healthy eating habits in a fun and engaging way.
• At Christiansburg, Teen Connections had 18 participants who graduated to become Peer Educators.
• Music on the Lawn at Christiansburg drew many tasteful fans for The Old Pros (73) and Root 2 Music (12).
• At Blacksburg, Spanish Conversations on Monday nights has taken off, and on June 30 had 30 participants! New staff member Kareisa Nix attended as a way to brush up on her verbal skills and report-ed that the level of conversation in the advanced group was fun and sufficient for her desire to regain fluency.
• Also at Blacksburg, Adult Sewing, led by members of the Quilting Party, continues to be very well attended by members of the community. This month, T-Shirt Cutting and Machine 101 programs were full. Later patrons commented on Happy or Not: “Great Fun!”, “Very well done and presented, 10/10 would come back for another” and “It was very fun and I got to learn skills I will use in the future.”

Partnerships

Dollar General of Shawsville (Mobile), Eastmont Community Garden (M), Immigrant Connection Blue Ridge (F), Salvation Army (M) as well as 38 ongoing partnerships.

Collection

• Weeding and refreshing of collections at all branches.

Facilities and Technology

• Blacksburg’s community room dividing wall is now operational after a gasket was repaired.
• A breaker for the workroom lights at Blacksburg was replaced.
• New floor tiles in the staff and children’s bathroom were installed at Blacksburg.
• A water leak in the J area at Blacksburg was reported.
• Blacksburg’s Dessy Terrace alarms have been hooked into the electricity instead of relying on battery power.
• Christiansburg’s door counter was irreparably broken. IT will install the new counter currently in use at both Blacksburg and Meadowbrook.
• Christiansburg’s HVAC piping was repaired after a clog caused minor flooding in the adjacent staff restroom.

Trustees and Staff

• Welcome new Library Assistant Alden Ellery (Christiansburg).
• Congratulations to Katrina Dohman on her promotion to full-time Library Associate at Christiansburg.
• Farewell and good luck to Christiansburg’s PT Library Associate Rachel Dotson.
• Farewell and good luck to Children’s Program Assistant Linessa Wheeler.
• Farewell and good luck to Christiansburg’s Library Assistants Bee McDowell and Tara Cooper.

Incidents

• Superficial damage to the front bumper of the mobile library was noted on June 6. Damage has been repaired.
• Staff observed and reported public urination by a patron outside at Christiansburg. Patron was banned from library PROPERTY for one year, as this is a repeat offense.
• MC General Services reported damage to an outdoor table at Christiansburg that occurred during mowing. Replacement of table top is in process.

Reconsiderations

Three reconsiderations were processed in June and July in accordance with MFRL Policy 201: Collection Development.

• • Webb, M.L. The GayBCs. Philadelphia, PA:  Quirk Books, 2019.  Due to condition of the copies and the age of the work, as well as mixed professional reviews, the Reconsideration Committee and I agreed that this title be withdrawn from the collection.
  • Sedaris, David and Ian Falconer. Pretty Ugly:  A TOON Book.  New York:  TOON Books, 2024.  The Reconsideration Committee and I agreed that this title be retained in the children’s section  based on positive reviews:

“The Library depends heavily on reviews when making selections for purchase. This book received a positive review in Kirkus.  The reviewer says “the shock of this image, sure to elicit both gasps of disgust and barks of surprised laughter. Kids will be transfixed.” School Library Journal states “Sedaris’s familiar mix of sentimentality and acerbic wit shines through…Falconer’s sparse, goofily grotesque illustrations leave large swaths of white space for readers to settle into the story, using a calm, sedate visual style to emphasize the contrast of the book’s brash neon finale.” Both sources recommend this book for grades K-2.”

• Mess, Lil Miss Hot and de Dios Ruiz, Olga. Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen’s Guide to Color.  Philadelphia, PA:  Running Press Kids, 2025.  The Reconsideration Committee and I agreed that this title be retained in the children’s section  based on positive reviews:

“The Library depends heavily on reviews when making selections for purchase. This book received a positive review in Kirkus.  The reviewer says “this tale offer[s] an excellent message: Let’s learn about colors!.., [T]he book will provide countless interactive opportunities for storytellers to engage young readers… [T]he artwork is energetic and bold, with characters taking on an appropriately commanding presence.”

Trustee Deanna Cox asked whether the process usually stops after the letter is sent to the person requesting a reconsideration.  Mr. Khan replied that the letter outlines the next steps if the person doesn’t agree which is to appeal to the Board of Trustees.  And if the BOT’s judgement differs from Mr. Khan, they can then withdraw a book.

Ms. Rea asked when a person makes a request, do they have kids? Mr. Khan said anyone an make a request, whether they have children or not.  In this case, all three had kids.  Ms. Cox asked whether they were three different people, which Mr. Khan affirmed.  Ms. Martinkosky asked who is on the reconsideration committee.  Mr. Khan replied Christiansburg Library Branch Manager Salena Sullivan, Youth Services Manager Sarah Pahl, Blacksburg Library Branch Manager Laura Dobbins, and Mr. Khan.  He clarified that if the request came from MPL or JPML, then those managers would also be included on the committee.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Executive — None.

Development — None.

Leadership — None.

Policy — None. 

Montgomery Friends of the Library — The Garden Tour made $1,800 more than budgeted, grossing $10,075.  For next year’s tour, the friends have decided to drop the number of gardens from 7 to 6 and end the day at 4 PM instead of 5.  They aim to make it more walkable as well.

In June, the Friends voted to hold 8 meetings a year instead of 10.  The reasoning was there was a lot of redundancy, so they are going to knock out February and August.

Floyd Friends of the Library — October 9^th is the next meeting at 3:30 at JPML.

Floyd County Building Fund, Inc. — The roof was just completed.

MFRL Foundation — A new liaison will need to be appointed. The investments are doing okay.

ADJOURN

Kamala Bauers commented that she loves new-to-MFRL Candid, the information service specializing in nonprofits and grants, and that people loves it at all of the non-profits she goes to.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 17 at Meadowbrook Library.

Approved by the Library Board

Deanna Cox, Secretary

Marissa Zrim, Recorder

MFRL Library Board Meeting

Meadowbrook Library

June 18, 2025

Board Members Present:

Beverly Martinkosky, Acting Chair

Deanna Cox, Secretary

Megan Doney

Kamala Bauers

Sue Mellen

Michelle Ralston

Tim Thornton

Board Members Absent:

Gunin Kiran, Chair

Linda Claussen

Affiliate Liaisons on Zoom:

Judy Rea, President of Montgomery Friends of the Library

Affiliate Liaisons Present:

Derek Kitts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Affiliate Liaisons Absent:

Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch, Floyd County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Kit Haggard, President of Floyd Friends of the Library

Staff Members Present:

Karim Khan, Library Director

Marissa Zrim, Recorder

Jessica Tabor, Meadowbrook Library Branch Manager

Library Board Acting Chair Trustee Beverly Martinkosky called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Trustee Sue Mellen, and seconded by Trustee Michelle Ralston to accept the June 18, 2025 agenda.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 21, 2025

Ms. Mellen motioned to approve the minutes and Ms. Ralston seconded the motion. Trustee Deanna Cox abstained, but all others were in favor and the motion passed.

PUBLIC ADDRESS

None.

BOARD COMMENTS

None.

BRANCH REPORT: Jessica Tabor, Meadowbrook Branch Manager

Ms. Tabor has been branch manager of MPL for the past nine months.  She praised her talented, wonderful staff.

She relayed that over the past year, MPL has worked on growing a presence in the local schools by attending programs like Breakfast with Santa and, Kindergarten Roundup, visiting summer school and signing kids up for the Summer Reading Program, and hosting multiple school tours.  Youth Services staff have also visited the local middle school.

Ms. Tabor shared that the Neighbors Nursing Neighbors program, in which people donate a specific non-perishable food item, is going strong.  This month MPL is collecting peanut butter to help address food insecurity in the area.  Also, in the past two weeks, 110 summer mealboxes were distributed through a partnership with Feeding Southwest Virginia.  Each mealbox contains five breakfasts and five dinners.

Assistant Branch Manager Terra Hanks began a program to help children with “summer slide”.  Kids can practice their reading skills by reading to a staff member.  Snacks and games are a part of the program.

Little Critters Petting Zoo just visited this morning and 133 attended to see the goats, alpacas, bunnies, and other critters.

The Eastmont Tomato Festival will be held on August 16. MPL sponsors a magician and provides crafts for the event run by the Eastmont Foundation.  Also in August, the Back to School Bash will be an all day event where kids can get whatever school supplies they need for the upcoming school year.  MPL will also be holding a school photo shoot for free with backdrops and props in the fall.

In building news, Ms. Tabor shared that a new HVAC was installed.

Ms. Martinkosky commended Meadowbrook Library’s community-centered programming.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Information Items

• Government Updates:

State funding is secure for 15 months through September 2026. E-rate is the only direct federal funding MFRL receives. In the humanities field, grants have been cancelled for AI-related technology that would democratize AI.

• Floyd Pavilion Project The first and second pours were completed. Completion is still scheduled for November.
• FY 26 Budget Floyd

The total budgeted for MFRL is $332,579.42.  $225,674.42 for personnel costs, including salary and insurance, and $106, 905 for the annual Floyd County contribution to MFRL.  Ms. Martinkosky asked whether staff will receive the requested 3% raise, and Mr. Khan said he is trying to get an answer to that.

• Board of Trustees Self Evaluation

The Board discussed the results. Ms. Mellen asked whether committees have only met via email since COVID and Mr. Khan replied it’s always been that way.  Ms. Mellen suggested putting a half day of training back on the schedule, maybe about FOIA. Trustee Deanna Cox suggested a half day retreat on a Saturday as a possibility.

For Board Consideration

The Leadership Committee nominated Sue Mellen as Chair, Kamala Bauers as Vice Chair, and Deanna Cox as Secretary.

Ms. Ralston moved to approve the proposed FY 2026 BOT Officers and Ms. Cox seconded the motion.

A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.

AYE                                                                                                       NAY

Bauers, Cox, Doney, Kiran, Martinkosky, Mellen, Ralston

Thornton

NEW BUSINESS

None.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

 Customer Satisfaction

The May HappyOrNot rating was a 95%.

Mobile Library Update

512 attendees at 24 stops.  Feeding Southwest Virginia joined us at the Copper Hill Dollar General stop to distribute meal boxes.

Objectives Report

Included in the packet. The only uncompleted item was the Christiansburg CIP.

Financial Report

Reports are included in the packet. 91.6% through fiscal year. Froze purchases in June except for standing orders.

Programming

• 2,518 pounds of food were distributed in May from the Floyd Free Fridge.
• Meadowbrook Free Fridge, Freezer and Pantry distributed 700 pounds of food.
• MFRL applied to the US State Department to have Meadowbrook added to official passport processing locations. The State Department told us that there were already sufficient passport processing locations in the region, and told us “no.”
• Summer Reading kicked off at all four branches on May 30 and 31 with an interactive education program on insects with Wolf Trap Institute. Little Critters Petting Zoo came to Christiansburg as well, drawing 512 attendees.
• Blacksburg now has joined Meadowbrook as a branch with a seed library.
• Reading Day Relaxation event during VT exams drew 115 students for lemonade/coffee, and cat and dog relaxation.
• 10 attended Library Night Out, an after-hours adult social program at Christiansburg.
• Sustainable Blacksburg presented at Lunch and Learn about a new tool library that is a partnership between the town and Sustainable Blacksburg.
• Lisa Thompson visited each of the Floyd County Public Schools to talk to students about the Summer Reading Program, our online resources, and the importance of reading.
• Joann Verostko and Lisa Thompson attended the Floyd Farmer’s Market.
• At Meadowbrook 33 participants created a special gift for the mother figures in their lives by decorating flower pots and planting beautiful flowers.
• At Meadowbrook’s Taste the Book Storytime, 12 attendees enjoyed a fun and interactive reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, complete with themed snacks.
• The Grow It! event kicked off a four-part series in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension, where 15 participants planted vegetables in buckets to take home and grow. This Meadowbrook program was offered in both English and Spanish.
• MFRL partnered with the Montgomery County Employee Engagement Committee to again offer a “Spring into Adventure” reading and activities challenge in Beanstack from April 1 – May 31. 90 Montgomery County employees registered for the challenge with 3,614 badges earned. A total of 22 prizes were distributed from the EEC.

Collection

• Weeding and refreshing of collections at all branches.
• Meadowbrook now has face front shelving in the picture book neighborhoods; funding was from FY 2024 carry forward.

Facilities and Technology

• Meadowbrook received new air conditioning units.
• A new planting bed was installed in the grass of the Dessy Story Terrace by Girl Scouts Caroline Purcell and Maggie Lowe as part of their Gold Project. It has been planted with native plants.
• Small repairs are required to the community dividing wall in Blacksburg.
• A new leak in the roof at Meadowbrook caused a couple of ceiling tiles to collapse in the children’s area. No one was in the area at the time and no materials were damaged.

 Trustees and Staff

• Welcome new Library Assistants Mira Blumer (Meadowbrook), Melissa Banks (Floyd), Kareisa Nix (Blacksburg), and in July, Abigail Roberson (Blacksburg).
• Blacksburg Library Assistant Lilly Messner resigned to attend graduate school at VCU.
• Lisa Thompson attended a three day IMLS-funded National Forum-“Libraries Advancing Community Learning to Reduce Substance Use” in Kansas City.
• Lisa Thompson attended Floyd Recovery Court.

Incidents

None.

Reconsiderations

• No new reconsiderations in May. But two so far in June
• A patron would like us to review the inclusion and placement of Webb, M.L. The GayBCs. Philadelphia, PA:  Quirk Books, 2019.
• A different patron would like us to review the inclusion and placement of Sedaris, David and Ian Falconer. Pretty Ugly:  A TOON Book.  New York:  TOON Books, 2024.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 Executive — None.

 Development — None.

 Leadership — Met to discuss slate of officers for FY 2026.

 Policy — None.

Montgomery Friends of the Library — None.

Floyd Friends of the Library — None.

Floyd County Building Fund, Inc. — Ms. McCrea reports that the footers for the pavilion were poured the week of 5/19.  We are still short of the projected cost (estimated shortage is $30,000-$40,000). Planning on sending another fundraising letter at the end of summer.

MFRL Foundation — A new liaison will need to be appointed.

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 PM. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 20 at Blacksburg Library.

Approved by the Library Board

Deanna Cox, Secretary

Marissa Zrim, Recorder

MFRL Library Board Meeting

Blacksburg Public Library

April 16, 2025

Board Members Present:

Gunin Kiran, Chair

Beverly Martinkosky, Vice Chair

Deanna Cox, Secretary

Kamala Bauers

Linda Claussen

Sue Mellen

Tim Thornton

Board Members Absent:

Michelle Ralston

Board Members on Zoom:

Megan Doney

Affiliate Liaisons Present:

Derek Kitts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch, Floyd County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Judy Rea, President of Montgomery Friends of the Library

Affiliate Liaisons Absent:

Kit Haggard, President of Floyd Friends of the Library

Staff Members Present:

Karim Khan, Library Director

Marissa Zrim, Recorder

Laura Dobbins, Blacksburg Branch Manager

Library Board Chair Gunin Kiran called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Trustee Beverly Martinkosky, and seconded by Trustee Michelle Ralston to accept the April 16, 2025 agenda.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 19, 2024

Ms. Ralston motioned to approve the minutes and Ms. Martinkosky seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

PUBLIC ADDRESS

None.

BOARD COMMENTS

Board Chair Gunin Kiran welcomed Trustee Linda Capone Claussen. Trustee Kamala Bauers noted that today is Virginia Tech’s Day of Remembrance.

BRANCH REPORT: Laura Dobbins, Blacksburg Library Branch Manager

Ms. Dobbins greeted the Board and discussed the many new happenings at the Blacksburg Library.  The Dessy Story Terrace is now complete, and the Town of Blacksburg gave the children’s area a fresh coat of paint. Montgomery County will be repairing the floors of the children’s bathroom.

In programming news:

• The teen volunteer program has taken off, with 27 teens signed up to participate for the Summer Reading Program.
• Chair yoga and Music Therapy have both been steady successes with 10 and 15 attending in March.
• Virginia Tech’s Cranwell International Center will be partnering with Blacksburg Library to create a directory of resources for international students.
• A seed library and related programming will be coming soon to the library through a partnership with Blacksburg Parks & Rec and the NRV Master Gardeners.
• A local Girl Scout submitted a design to make a raised bed for the library for her Take Action project.

Ms. Dobbins reported that this summer three staff members will be leaving, with one enrolling as a full-time nontraditional student and two others graduating from grad school.

The Board of Trustees thanked Laura for her report and all she does for the library.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Information Items

Government Updates:

• It has been reported that over 90% of IMLS staff have been placed on administrative leave or laid off.
• A bipartisan quartet of Senators have sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget seeking to continue the statutory responsibilities of IMLS.
• ALA and AFSCME have sued the US Government asking the court to block immediately the Executive Order that targeted IMLS. Various arts organizations also have a separate suit.
• Some of our partners in the free fridge projects have been heavily impacted by loss of grants from USDA.
• Federal money was funding the state STAAC program – the program that supplied free COVID test kits to libraries for distribution to the public. When our current supply of test kits is gone, that will be the end of that program.
• Possible partnership to supply a career/job seeking resource with New River Mt. Rogers Workforce Development Board is not going to happen because they are hit by withdrawal of Department of Labor and Housing and Human Services funding.
• Some government libraries have withdrawn material based on their understanding of executive orders targeting “wokeness.,” notably the U.S. Naval Academy.

E-rate Program: This is a discount program whereby we receive 60% reimbursement on broadband, hardware that enables broadband, and, new this year, hotspots. It can take as long as 21 months to get a rebate.  It is funded by a tax administered by the FCC and companies make profits off of bids. Our five-year average total is $14,000 per year. It is consistent because we generally only apply for support for the broadband service we purchase from Citizens.

Blacksburg Outdoor Space: The Dessy Story Terrace is fully operational. The sign over the doors is still delayed. Trustee Sue Mellen asked if a fire pit might be installed, and Director Karim Khan said, “We’ll see.” Floyd County Board of Supervisors Linda Devito Kuchenbuch asked if there had been any incidents, and Mr. Khan said there haven’t been any yet.

Floyd Pavilion Project: Groundbreaking was on April 4 at 11 AM. The projected completion for the project will be October or November 2025.

Christiansburg Renovation and Expansion Update: The report was delayed because the amount of funding was exceeded by cost estimates.  Christiansburg needs 32,000 square feet to match the “enhanced level” of space per Virginia Public Library standards. A meeting is scheduled for April 25 to discuss whether to tear down and rebuild or to renovate.

Ms. Kuchenbuch asked how much the renovation will cost, and Mr. Khan said $14,000,000-$16,000,000.

Mobile first catalog and web page update: The webpage will not be completed this year, but the home page might be redone.

Strategic Plan Review: Mr. Khan asked the Board for their comments regarding the Strategic Plan draft that was shared this week. Ms. Ralston remarked that the vision and mission are stronger with community statements. She asked how frequently the strategic plan is reviewed to which Mr. Khan said annually. He explained that strategic goals lead to objectives and then the annual report.  The objectives all relate to goals in the strategic plan. Trustee Megan Doney said that the bullet list of values is terrific. The Board discussed the wording of the vision and mission statements.

NEW BUSINESS

Director Evaluation FY 2025

Ms. Kiran said all Trustees should have received the memo regarding the director evaluation. The director evaluation will be a google form like last year, and it will be published on April 20.  The responses are private.  She will collate the responses on May 14, one week before our next meeting.  On May 21, we will have a closed session to discuss the results.  The Board can decide whether to share the results after the meeting or in the future.  And then Ms. Kiran will write a letter to Montgomery County HR.

She also said the Board has a self-evaluation as well. If a Trustee doesn’t complete it this year, then it should be done the following year.  The self-eval will be shared on May 22, with the results collected on June 4.  They will be collated and shared around June 10.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

Customer Satisfaction

The March HappyOrNot rating was 94% with 1,557 respondents.

Mobile Library Update

558 attendees at 27 stops.

Objectives Report

Included in the packet.

Financial Report

Reports are included in the packet.

Statistics

• Circulation is at 52,292 for March
• 270 wi-fi sessions
• 28,628 visitors
• 539 new cards
• 2,686 attended programs
• 143 passport applications processed

Ms. Mellen asked whether circs affect budgeting of materials. Mr. Khan said they do not, but we can break down the budget to circ after the fact. It’s also important to note that adult materials are more expensive and that children’s materials need to be replaced more frequently, and large print  and e-audio are also both expensive.

Programming

• 2,808 pounds of food were distributed out in March from the Floyd Free Fridge.
• 800 pounds of food were distributed out in March from the Meadowbrook Free Fridge, Freezer and Pantry.
• Cessation of grants from USDA mid-year have hit some of our food partners – Montgomery County Extension, Feeding SW Virginia, and Plenty. Community donations have helped.
• The Lee and Ray Dessy Story Terrace at Blacksburg was dedicated on March 15 with a brief ceremony to thank everyone who made this wonderful outdoor space possible! Refreshments were served and the dedication was followed by a special Spring-Themed storytime with Joelle Schenk, a Blacksburg local who has performed all over the world. A cool and cloudy day notwithstanding, a wonderful time was had by all 111 people attending! So far it appears that an average of 28 people per day have been out to use the space from March 16-31.
• The Sensory Museum was held at the Blacksburg Museum after hours on Friday, March 7 with a record 17 in attendance. DCID team members Beth Newman and Kerri Copus welcomed teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and community members who were curious about sensory experiences.
• Floyd held a session on Knowing Your Rights with Immigrant Connection Blue Ridge. A similar program in planned for the Blacksburg community in April, but not at the library – it will be at YMCA at VT.
• DMV Connection and NRCC in the Community held sessions at Floyd.
• Tax Assistance rolled on with VITA at Floyd and Christiansburg; and AARP at Meadowbrook. Over 110 persons received assistance.
• Christiansburg held its session of a book launch for author Sheree Scarborough’s new history book Southwest Virginia Civil Rights Leader: Nannie Berger Hairston An Oral History with author Sheree Scarborough. 80 persons attended including Hairston family members.
• Each branch held a community input meeting for the 2025 Strategic Plan effort.
• Eastern Montgomery Elementary preschoolers had a library and Meadowbrook Museum tour.
• The Snow White Soiree drew 15 attendees at Meadowbrook – possibly a bigger attendance than the new movie.
• Kitchen Supply Swap drew 73 at Christiansburg

Collection

• Weeding and refreshing of collections at all branches.

Facilities and Technology

• A picnic-style table and two café tables were installed at Blacksburg in the Dessy Story Garden.
• A third chair for the teen area was installed at Meadowbrook
• Meadowbrook consolidated Friends book sale items in the Booksale room.
• Meadowbrook used a portion of their computer lab as “The Rack” for Prom Dress Extravaganza.

Trustees and Staff

• Congratulations to Christiansburg Library Assistant Charles Underwood, who begins as Cataloging Assistant in April.
• Welcome new Library Assistant Anna Sallee to Blacksburg’s excellent team.
• Floyd Assistant Ann-Margaret Shortt, as a member and chair of the Greater Southwest Virginia Digital Collective presented at the 2025 Virginia Association of Museums conference at Virginia Tech.
• Lisa Thompson attended Pre-K Night at Floyd Elementary – Pre-K Night invites the pre-K parents from all the Floyd elementary schools. Lisa also attended Floyd Drug Court as a supportive resource for attendees and the court; and chaired a committee meeting at Association of Small and Rural Libraries.

Incidents

• A patron reported that property was stolen from his vehicle while at the Christiansburg Library. The town police responded and security camera footage showed no one approaching the car while it was here.
• At Christiansburg, patrons reported a person approaching and disturbing them. The patron was reminded that MFRL Code of Conduct prohibits conduct that is disturbing, annoying, or harassing, and that this policy applies on library grounds as well as in the library.

Reconsiderations

None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Executive — None.

Development — None.

Leadership — Finished working on slate of officers for FY 2026.

Policy — None.

Montgomery Friends of the Library — The MCFOL met yesterday April 15. Members were concerned about the impact of the IMLS and will report information learned in this meeting to the FOL.  Every month memberships increase but are still not at pre-Covid levels.  The Garden Tour will be July 12 and already have lots of donors.  MCFOL are looking for a new member as one wants to fall back.

Floyd Friends of the Library — The FFOL donated $2,500 meeting Director Khan’s request, plus an additional $1,100 from a pass-through donation. Have also sold enough tees and bags to cover costs, and all additional sales will be donated to the Pavilion Project going forward.  The groundbreaking was well attended and an exciting step forward.

Floyd County Building Fund, Inc. — Groundbreaking for the Pavilion was April 4.

MFRL Foundation — The Foundation will meet on April 24 at Christiansburg Library at 2 PM.

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at Jessie Peterman Memorial Library.

Approved by the Library Board

Megan Doney, Acting Secretary

Marissa Zrim, Recorder

MFRL Library Board Meeting

Christiansburg Public Library

March 19, 2025

Board Members Present:

Gunin Kiran, Chair

Beverly Martinkosky, Vice Chair

Deanna Cox, Secretary

Kamala Bauers

Megan Doney

Sue Mellen

Megan Doney

Tim Thornton

Board Members Absent:

Linda Capone Claussen

Board Members on Zoom:

Michelle Ralston

Affiliate Liaisons Present:

Derek Kitts, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch, Floyd County Board of Supervisors Liaison

Affiliate Liaisons Absent:

Kit Haggard, President of Floyd Friends of the Library

Judy Rea, President of Montgomery Friends of the Library

Staff Members Present:

Karim Khan, Library Director

Marissa Zrim, Recorder

Library Board Chair Trustee Gunin Kiran called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Trustee Beverly Martinkosky, and seconded by Trustee Tim Thornton to accept the March 19, 2025 agenda.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 19, 2024

Trustee Sue Mellen motioned to approve the minutes and Trustee Kamala Bauers seconded the motion. Trustee Deanna Cox abstained because she was not present. All were in favor and the motion passed.

PUBLIC ADDRESS

None.

BOARD COMMENTS

Trustee Megan Doney asked whether the library will be celebrating We Need Diverse Books day on April 3.  Director Khan answered that it’s likely MFRL social media will acknowledge it.

BRANCH REPORT: Salena Sullivan, Christiansburg Library

Branch Manager Salena Sullivan greeted the Board and summarized notable Christiansburg Library 2024 happenings including the first Field Day event held after the end of the MCPS school year and the passing of the Assistant Branch Manager torch from Jessica Tabor to Kelcee Sykes. Currently, a feasibility study is underway for the Christiansburg Library CIP.  Ms. Sullivan is happy to report that two positions requested for upcoming FY 2026 were approved by the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors: the return of a full time Library Associate position and the newly created part time Library Associate for the MSU. The positions will post in May and new staff will start in July 2025.

1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Information Items

• Government Updates: This was not listed on the agenda, but it will be a new and continuous unfinished business category. MFRL does receive E-Rate money from the federal government while State Aid is from the state of Virginia.

Ms. Mellen inquired how much we get from E-Rate. Mr. Khan said he will look up the figure and report back. E-Rate money must be spent on IT-related expenses. He added that this year will be the first that the money can be used to reimburse hotspot purchases.

Ms. Doney asked whether Trustees can write op-eds to the newspaper, and Mr. Khan replied that yes, as first amendment rights apply to everyone. One can identify as an individual and library board trustee and stipulate that one’s opinion doesn’t reflect the Board’s.

Mr. Khan shared that the databases the State provides are funded with federal money, so it’s uncertain what will happen without IMLS funding. He stated that there will be opportunities to email and lobby.

Ms. Bauers asked about efforts to preserve government information, and Mr. Khan said that’s happening in both the scientific and library communities.

• Blacksburg Outdoor Space: 111 people attended the soft grand opening of the Lee and Ray Dessy Story Terrace held on Saturday, March 15. Miss Joelle the Storyteller entertained attendees.  The rules sign and plaque are mounted.  Additional furnishings are on order. The place making sign’s installation was held up by the door’s configuration but it’s in process.

• Floyd Pavilion Project: Groundbreaking will be held on April 4 at 11 AM. Food Lion okayed overflow parking as the parking lot will be impacted by construction.

• Mobile First Catalog Update: Systems Administrator Chris Elledge has demoed the mobile first catalog under construction with Mr. Khan and staff.

Ms. Doney asked if it will be an app. Mr. Khan said it will be mobile-friendly.  Apps were looked at three years ago and the cost was around $10,000.  The mobile first catalog will roll out in the next month. The updated webpage, however, won’t be completed this fiscal year because IT staff doesn’t have the capacity to complete it before July.

Ms. Mellen asked when it will be completed, and Mr. Khan replied by January 2026.

• Christiansburg Renovation and Expansion Update: The project is on hold because nine million dollars does not meet the required square footage and parking necessary. The town of Christiansburg will be flexible with parking spots. The nine-million-dollar quote was from three years ago, and that figure was based on Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic and South. Inflation is also part of the issue. The feasibility study must be completed by the end of April.

• Strategic Plan Review: The Board discusses possible mission statements. Ms. Mellen queried whether voting on MFRL 314 should be taken under consideration of current mission statement. Kiran said yes, and then policies can be revamped. Ms. Martinkosky asked for the deadline of the mission and vision statements.  Mr. Khan said they should be decided by the next meeting in April.  Advocacy, access, fostering intellectual freedom, generational legacy of library use, and welcoming were all emphasized by Trustees.

For Board Consideration

Due to an expected absence by Chair Kiran in June, some items have been pushed forward from June in the proposed calendar revision.

Ms. Mellen moved to approve changes the Board of Trustees Calendar 2024-2025 and Trustee Deanna Cox seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

After an extended discussion, Ms. Mellen moved to deny MFRL 314: Signature Gathering and Civic Solicitation. Trustee Michelle Ralston seconded.

A roll call vote was taken, and the motion failed.

AYE                                                                                                    NAY

Mellen, Ralston                                                                                   Bauers, Cox, Doney, Kiran,

Martinkosky, Thornton

Trustee Tim Thornton moved to approve MFRL 314: Signature Gathering and Civic Solicitation and harmonize with MFRL 304: Solicitation, and Ms. Martinkosky seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.

AYE                                                                                                       NAY

Bauers, Cox, Doney, Kiran, Martinkosky,                                            Mellen

Ralston, Thornton

NEW BUSINESS

None.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

Customer Satisfaction

The December HappyOrNot rating was 92%.

Mobile Library Update

186 attendees at 27 stops.

Objectives Report

Included in the packet.

Financial Report

Reports are included in the packet. We are 2/3 of the way through the fiscal year. Sums in the encumbered column are available to spend.

Statistics

• Circulation is at 48,104 for February.
• 3,046 wi-fi sessions
• 23,589 visitors, up from January.
• 548 new cards.
• 1,724 attended programs.

Programming

• 2,119 pounds of produce were given out from the Floyd Free Fridge.
• 900 pounds of food were distributed from the Meadowbrook Free Fridge. The amount of food to be distributed at MPL is now limited due to frozen federal grants to the FDA.
• 2,119 pounds of food were distributed out in February from the Floyd Free Fridge.
• 900 pounds of food were distributed out in February from the Meadowbrook Free Fridge, Freezer and Pantry.
• Meadowbrook developed and has rolled out a Seed Library. This is near the Free Fridge and reflects our interest in healthy eating in the community.
• All branches faced the challenges of inclement weather in February. Power outages at branches and especially in the community were significant, and during the power outages branches became a gathering place for people to read, get warm, charge their phones, play games and puzzles, and study.  At Blacksburg, staff served almost 700 patrons throughout the day on Thursday, Feb. 13, and received comments through Happy or Not such as “The people were so nice and entertaining!” and “I could charge stuff!!!!”
• The Book Launch for Southwest Virginia Civil Rights Leader: Nannie Berger Hairston by Sheree Scarborough was held at the Blacksburg Library on February 8. There were 30 in attendance including author Dan Thorp, and Dr. NL Bishop, author of the foreword. A second launch program at Christiansburg Library followed in early March.
• Blacksburg hosted a DCID program, Music Therapy for Adults with Developmental Disabilities for 6 patrons.
• The Mt. Tabor Ruritan Club asked Blacksburg Branch Manager Dobbins to attend their Donor Day meeting where she received a $200 donation to purchase materials related to civics and was able to show the club materials that had been purchased from previous donations.
• In February we continued the series of programs with Partnership for Floyd that focus on Floyd Rural Living Skills. This month we had two very successful programs with this partnership. A Vegetable Fermentation program drew 75 people; and a Grow a Productive Vegetable Garden program drew 59.
• At Floyd, the Library of Congress held a program called, A Library for All: Treasures of the Library of Congress
• Lisa Thompson read to the students in Head Start at the Floyd NRCA and the Head Start students at Check Elementary.
• Springhouse brought students to the library for a tour and to get library cards.
• Floyd County High School did a library tour for some of their special education students.
• Meadowbrook kicked off the month with a Dog Man Party. Thirty attendees enjoyed treats, trivia, and crafting. But no grafting.
• The Puzzle and Game exchange was held at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Saturday, February 22 with 32 participants. Any leftover puzzles in like new conditions were put in the puzzle collection at JPML, while old ones were weeded. Any other leftover puzzles were donated to Angels in the Attic.

Collection

• Weeding and refreshing of collections at all branches.

Facilities and Technology

• A new door counting system, door opener, and dedication sign were installed at Blacksburg for the Story Terrace.
• Fallen trees and branches were removed from the courtyard at Meadowbrook and other branches.
• General Services ordered a reversal switch for the teen area at Blacksburg. Delivery of parts is pending.

Trustees and Staff

• Farewell and best of luck to Blacksburg Library Assistant Laura Hoeting.
• Lisa Thompson attended Floyd Recovery Court.
• Joann Verostko went to Clark Gas & Oil to accept a very generous donation to put toward the pavilion project.
• Lisa Thompson co-led a session at the Big Talk from Small Libraries conference.

Incidents

• The library courier van dinged the door of a patron’s car. The Library is considering some sort of restriping for the Blacksburg Parking lot, as the configuration in the parking lot is rough on larger vehicles.
• The police appeared at the Blacksburg desk one day to say that had spoken to the patrons who were arguing in the rest room. It was odd because we didn’t the patrons were arguing.  But another patron had called the argument in to town police.

Reconsiderations

None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Executive — None.

Development — None.

Leadership — Prior to June, must have slate of candidates prepared for FY26.

Policy — Met to discuss policies 304 and 314.

Montgomery Friends of the Library — None.

Floyd Friends of the Library — The next meeting will be held at Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on April 10 at 3:30 PM.

Floyd County Building Fund, Inc. — Groundbreaking for the Pavilion will be held on April 4 at 11 AM.

MFRL Foundation — The Foundation will meet on April 24 at Christiansburg Library at 2 PM.

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 PM. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at Blacksburg Library.

Approved by the Library Board

Deanna Cox Secretary

Marissa Zrim, Recorder