Avoca Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes for October 2026

Regular Meeting of the Avoca Public Library Board of Trustees
Monday, October 12, 2026 6:00PM

Present: Kathy Denning, Amy Pattee, Gary Schulz, Amy Parker, Becky Bahnfleth, Librarian Sabrina Lewis, Mary Beatty

Absent: Denise Suedkamp

Call to Order: Kathy

Public Comments: None

Secretary Report: Minutes of September Meeting, Motion to approve Gary , Second Becky

Financial Report: Midstates 002: $295.86 Midstates 004: $107,254.05

Memorial Fund: $33,051.92

Librarian Report:

  1. Print from phone printer is up and running - using library guest wifi patrons can print on their own, more private than sending email to staff
  2. Sabrina attended Rural Iowa Summit 10/1 in Oakland. Seemed to be more geared to City work than public libraries
  3. There will be a Community Forum 10/14 at 6pm at the AVCC. Public should register on the city’s website if they’d like to attend. There will be the ribbon cutting for AVCC and dinner will be served.
  4. FY26 Annual Report submitted to the state to fulfill accreditation requirements
  5. Flu Shot clinic was a success with 19 driving up to get their flu shot
  6. AHSTW STEM Fest 10/5 - Jeremy attended and had a fun program for children. 256 people attended the STEM Fest.
  7. Adult Craft Class was cancelled due to the presenter being ill
  8. Librarian II Posting will be posted on FB 10/13. Harlan Newspaper ad at cost of $39.50. Checking with Journal Herald to post there.
  9. Fire Safety Week Storytime took place 10/7. The Fire Department came with trucks and gear. 32 in attendance.
  10. Direct State Aid - payment of $1707.81 was received from the state. The total must be spent by 6/30 with report to the state of what the funding was used for. Library will use the funds for Hoopla as in past years.

Scheduled Dates:

  • Storytime every Wed @ 10:30 & Daycare Outreach
  • Friday Club @ 1:00
  • Book Clubs x2
  • AHSTW Sensory Storytime - Last Monday of the month
  • Movie Monday - October 26th @ 10:00 (25 attendees in September)
  • Crochet Club - Every Wednesday from 5-6:00pm
  • D&D at the Library - October 14 6-8:00pm (8 youth attended last meeting)
  • Brewed Awakening Storytime - October 29th 10-11:00am at the coffee shop. Walnut Library will do craft and Jeremy will read the story.
  • Halloween Party and Trick or Treat - October 29th 4-5:30 pm (Main Street Trick or Treat night)
  • Open House for Librarian Kim Retirement - November 23rd 2-4pm

Old Business:

  1. Strategic Plan comments
  2. Trustee Training Link
  3. 2021 Trustee Handbook
  4. Library Roof / Window Flashing - water is getting in every time it rains, library staff are doing the best they can with towels and buckets. Caden Larsen gave an estimate to remove and reuse or replace siding. Waiting for estimate from Martin.
  5. Libraries with Heart Program Update - Stand alone unit installed, gives user a printout with data.

New Business:

  1. Sign bills & hours - Motion to approve - Mary, 2nd Gary,, Motion approved
  2. Gifts and Memorials - $0
  3. Fund Advisors - CFWI has a new portal and asked Kathy who should have access to the portal. Kathy advised that Teresa Hoepner, Amy Pattee, and Sabrina Lewis should be authorized.

Trustee Comments:

Next Meeting: Monday, November 9, 2026, at 6pm

Adjourn - Motion to approve, Becky, 2nd Amy Pattee

Submitted: Amy Parker