Present: Bob Bates, Teresa Myott, Steve Balzarini, Becky Dickerson, Chuck Petras, Kristie Kirkpatrick, Peggy Bryan.

Teresa Myott, board chair, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. She asked for additions or modifications; there were none.

The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed. Bob Bates motioned to approve the January minutes; Steve Balzarini seconded and the motion passed. The minutes of the December were reviewed also. Becky Dickerson motioned to approve the December minutes; Bob Bates seconded and the motion passed.

Peggy presented the financial reports through January 31, 2013. She presented payment voucher resolution #04-13 totaling $60,080.47. Chuck Petras motioned to approve the resolution; Steve Balzarini seconded and the motion carried.

Teresa proposed that Becky Dickerson serve as chair for 2013 and then resume the normal rotation with Bob Bates serving in 2014. Bob Bates made a motion that Becky serve as chair for 2013 and to resume the rotation in 2014. Steve Balzarini seconded and the motion passed.

Kristie reviewed the circulation reports for January. Overall circulation rose by 4000 checkouts with Albion, Lacrosse and Tekoa seeing the biggest jumps. St. John and Colfax also saw increases. Computer usage also increased especially in Tekoa, St. John and Colfax. Program attendance remains strong and stable and library administration is really impressed with branch managers introducing a variety of new programs. Of the 552 programs held last month, 47 took place outside of the library in locations like daycares, schools and retirement facilities. Use of the library’s online databases dropped significantly while website uses and digital downloads from the website rose by about 20%. Volunteer hours remained strong at 299 or the equivalent of nearly 2 full-time employees.

Some interesting statistics we are focusing more upon is the Facebook, Twitter and blog followings. Last month WCL’s 15 Facebook pages had 1306 likes and 3268 visits. Our twitter had 68 followers. We have 2 blogs for Endicott and Colfax branches.

OLD BUSINESS: Kristie reported on the progress of the Endicott Library renovation, which is one week behind schedule but still expected to be complete by the first part of April. The contractors removed the sub floor during the asbestos abatement, which delayed the project. The cost of replacing the sub flooring used all of the contingency funds.

Kristie announced that LaCrosse Community Pride asked the library to apply for .09 funds for the LaCrosse Market Building. The funds will be used for the shared community space where the library will host programs. She plans to work on this application during the next week.

Kristie said there is nothing to report on the Lamont Library.

Kristie attended the reception for Malden recently, honoring Malden Branch Manager Shannon Roe who has taken another job and Wired to Wireless who have supported the library in a number of ways. The reception also announced the new hours at the Malden Library. Wired to Wireless renovated the library building two years ago through a USDA Grant, which provided computers and 60 hours a week of open hours. Although that portion of the grant has ended, Wired to Wireless will continue to support the building and computers for the next eight years. Wired to Wireless will be honored as March Library Supporters of the Month for these reasons. The board signed the library supporter award and a letter of appreciation.

Kristie announced that an Architect has volunteered his time to develop plans for the Community Enrichment Center (CEC). She shared his design, which seems very functional with movable walls. Should we find funding for this project, the Architect is hopeful he will be hired. Kristie will also be working with a grant writer on this project.

Peggy discussed the completion of the Washington State Auditor’s 2009-2012 accountability audit. The exit interview has been scheduled for Thursday, February 21st at 8:30. Becky Dickerson will attend the interview on behalf of the board.

NEW BUSINESS: Kristie announced that she recently nominated Sheri Miller for a WLA Merit Award. She shared the letter of nomination, noting the great job Sheri does at the library as Youth Services Manager. Becky offered to write a letter of commendation to Sheri on behalf of the board.

Kristie announced that library staff recently attended a number of training sessions: Gordon Graham’s Risk Management and Harassment Policies, Social Media, Customer Service, Library Friends and the Law and Online Trustees Training.

She thanked board members (Bob Bates and Chuck Petras) who attended an online Trustee Orientation workshop from WSL. She announced that WSL is available to do board trainings also.

Kristie asked the board if they would like to review a different policy every month. Everyone expressed their approval and we will add this to the agenda next month.

Kristie announced upcoming public programs: CCS ACT 2 classes, Author Steve Heaps on Prostate Cancer, Food for Fines, WSU Raptors, Read Across America and Jim Gill family concert.

Becky discussed the recent Library Legislative Day in Olympia. Kristie said she was unable to fit it into her schedule this year but that she will follow up via email. Both she and Becky hope to attend next year.

The next board meeting will be March 19th in Colfax. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:02.

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Peggy Bryan, Recording Secretary

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Becky Dickerson, Board Chair

For more information, contact:

Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366