Avoca Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes for July 2025

Regular Meeting of the Avoca Public Library Board of Trustees

6:00 PM July 14, 2025

Present:  Kathy Denning, Mary Beatty, Amy Pattee, Gary Schultz, Librarian Sebrina Lewis, City council liaison Diane Stamp absent Amy Parker and Denise Suedkamp.

Call to Order Kathy Denning

Welcome new trustee Amy Pattee

Public Comments: none

Secretary report : the minutes of the June 9th 2025 meeting were approved.  Motion by Gary 2nd Mary. Financial Report:

  • Savings   
    • MSB $3779.36    
    • CD SCSB $15,394.88     
    • LPL Tony Hoegh $ 13,9804.13
    • PCCF Endowment Fund $182,765.12
    • PCCF Library Fund $ 477,256.61
    • Memorial Fund $ 41,386.23

Librarian’s Report:

1. Memorial Benches waiting for city to anchor in concrete Nancy Mohr and Pat Sievers Mom.

2. Iowa PBS Farmer’s market STEM kits in use with weekly activities.

3. Summer reading program underway progress marked by readers on track poster.

4. Teen Photos Contest action shot theme one entry critiqued with feedback from Jeremy awarded voucher to Leonard’s Lunchbox

5. Battle Card Expo attended by older teens and young adults

6. Magic Show with magician Jeff Quinn attended by 90 patrons.

7. Summer Reading Bingo has resulted in 89 day passes to the swimming pool so far.

8. Teen volunteer at the library 2x per week for the summer Charolette Parker assigned various tasks.

9. Inter library loan program taken over by AEA 1 day / week delivery.

10. State Library Programs budget cuts resulting in reduced services

11. Credit Card change to new card will be down for 2 weeks with fewer purchases showing up next month.

12. Placer.ai purchased for $8000/year by City of Avoca and Avoca Main Street will allow data tracking of cell phones and analysis of participation in events. Library has access through Avoca Main Street.

13. Scheduled events at the Library Movie Monday 28 10:00 AM freewill donation for coffee and donuts.

  • Storytime Programs every Wednesday at 10:30 AM & Daycare outreach.
  • Friday Club at 1:00.  
  • Book clubs 2x.   
  • League of Human Dignity 2nd Monday 1-3:00.   
  • Friday Flix every Friday at 10:00 in July.  
  • D&D at the Library July 23rd 5:30-7:30 with 2nd Impressions Walnut IA.  
  • Mario Kart Tournament Aug 6th 5:30-7:00     

Old Business: 

1. Strategic Planning nothing new to report

2. Trustee handbook can be viewed at https://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/c-d/continuing-ed/conted-ials/archives-webinar  

3. Carpet cleaning scheduled for August 23 will ask about cleaning upholstery and regular janitorial cleaning.

New business:

1. Moved and seconded by Gary and Mary to approve the bills and hours as signed by Gary and Mary.  

2. $ 1025 gift and memorial to library $ 1000 from Roger Dollen on positive feedback from readers of books with Brenda’s memorial and $25 for use of Notary service.

3. Library Board meeting minutes on Library website starting this fiscal year for 2-year time period moved by Amy second by Mary passed.

4. Upcoming Board Training August 6th 6:30 -Strategic Planning Essentials link will be sent or can find recording on YouTube can be used for required Trustee CE (5 hour/year)

5. City council update:  walking trail repairs are completed. Safety Building Public Works under construction completion expected July 2026. AVCC due to start renovation in July 2025 completion in December 2026. Water is code red. Streets scheduled to be repaired start July 2026. Discussion of community coordinator / police position and procedure to obtain permission for public comment at city council meetings.

Trustee Comments: Next meeting Mon August 11 2025 at 6 pm move to adjourn Gary second Mary.