Avoca Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes for July 2026

Regular Meeting of the Avoca Public Library Board of Trustees
Monday July 13, 2026 7:00PM

Present: Kathy Denning, Amy Pattee, Gary Schultz, Amy Parker, Mary Beatty, Denise Suedkamp, Librarian Sabrina Lewis.  City Council Member Dean Krohn  Absent: Becky Bahnfleth

Call to Order: Kathy​​​​​​​

Public Comments: None​​​​​​​

Secretary Report: Minutes of June Meeting, Motion to approve Amy Parker, Second Mary. Motion passed.​​​​​​​

Financial Report: Midstates 002-$4359.31  Midstates 004-$107173.01  LPL $50,057.61​​​​​​​

Memorial Fund: no report​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Librarian Report:

  1. City Contracts-Shelby not yet done. 
  2. Summer Reading-going strong
  3. Pizza Hut Reading Incentive-123 kids are signed up
  4. Overall Buddies Concert-63 kids, Invoice was less than quoted at $295
  5. Teen/Tween Crafting-20, upcoming for July is crocheting bookmarks
  6. Ron Rosmann Author visit-8 (low attendance)
  7. Library staff hours have now increased: Jeremy 28 hours, Pam 19 hours

Scheduled dates:

  • Story Time every Wed @10:30 & Daycare Outreach
  • Friday Book Club @1
  • Book Clubs x2
  • Friday Flix-Every Friday @10
  • Tween & Teen Crafting July 22nd 5:30-7, Crocheting Bookmarks
  • Movie Monday-July 27th at 10
  • Touch a Tractor at the park-July 29h at 10:30
  • Teen Photo Contest Reception-July 29th at 5:30 (4 entries)
  • Adult Craft Class-Book Vases-Aug 5th 6-7:30
  • Adult Retro Game Night-August 14th 6-8

Old Business:

  1. Strategic Plan-Community Input Options.  Motion to try a Community Meeting by Amy Parker, 2nd by Amy Pattee. Motion passed.  We will need 20-25 recommendations from board members and staff for invites, food will be provided.
  2. Trustee Training Link
  3. 2021 Trustee Handbook-this is the newest version, not sure when the next update will be.
  4. Library Roof/Window Flashing-storm last week caused leak on North side with carpet getting wet. Sabrina contacted Public Works with no response.  At one time Shawnna discussed a building inspection?
  5. Library Landscaping-Contractor added more rock and put down PREEN for weed control, will monitor. 
  6. Libraries with heart program. Motion by Denise to proceed with program.  2nd by Gary Motion passed.
  7. Notary services renewed until 2029.  $30 fee was invoiced.

New Business:

  1. Sign Bills/Hours Motion to approve-Denise, 2nd-Amy Pattee, Motion approved.
  2. Gifts & Memorials:$0
  3. HF2490-Public Meetings & Records changes discussed
  4. Annual Designation of physical agenda placement location discussed.  Amy Parker motioned to post in the front vestibule facing the street, Amy Pattee 2nd.  Motion passed

Trustee Comments:

  • Trustee members discussed current issues with CFWI funds, IPAIT and joint meeting with City Council.
  • Community Members present included Serena & Monte Riesgaard.  City Council Member Dean Krohn present.
  • Consensus is we all want what is in the best interest of the library, including getting the highest return on our investment (in a vehicle which follows IOWA CODE) & continuing to be good stewards of the financial donations we have been given while providing the best library services to Avoca and the surrounding communities.

Next Meeting: Monday August 10th @ 6pm

Submitted:  Denise Suedkamp