Present: Bob Bates, Teresa Myott, Steve Balzarini, Kristie Kirkpatrick, Peggy Bryan.

Teresa Myott, board chair, called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. She asked for additions or modifications; there were none.

The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed. After a discussion, approval of the minutes was tabled until the next meeting since only one board member was in attendance from the previous meeting.

Peggy presented the financial reports through December 31, 2012. She presented payment voucher resolution #01-13 totaling $78,629.05. Bob Bates motioned to approve the resolution; Steve Balzarini seconded and the motion carried.

Kristie reviewed the circulation reports for December, noting the highlight was Tekoa with circulation up by 165 (27%) and program attendance up by 265. Tekoa’s programs last month included a visit to the school promoting her new Wii, after-school programs, Play and Learn, Storytime and ladies craft circle. Cool programs countywide included Board Game days, breakfast with Santa, a cookie exchange, teen crafting and book clubs.

Reporting on the 2012 Annual circulation, Kristie commented that overall, traditional materials circulation is down by 10% (13,413) but WCL is seeing increases in other areas. Use of library computers was up by 48% (9875), program attendance up by 12%, (3004 people, mostly adults), eBook and audiobook downloads doubled and database use up by 5% (4927).

The board then reviewed a number of reports including the branch activity, circulation by year and media checkout.

OLD BUSINESS: Kristie reported that construction began on the Endicott Library renovation on January 3, with plans for completion by April 1. Peggy reported that the LaCrosse Market opened on January 14th and that as soon as the carpet is laid in the library portion of the building, the library will move in. She is hopeful the move will occur in February. Kristie announced that library service began in November to Lamont residents. The Town of Lamont annexed to the library district by an overwhelming 97% approval in the November election. Avista will help fund Lamont’s library costs until taxes can be collected in 2014.

Kristie announced the handrail going to the basement meeting room is done, but needs to be painted before it is installed. She thanked Don and James for overseeing the painting of the handrail.

Kristie reported that the Community Enrichment Center is now closed for winter, as the cost of heating the building is too high. Yoga and Latin fitness classes are on hiatus with hopes to resume this spring. Kristie announced that she contacted a grant writer to assist with the CEC building. With the assistance of the grant writer, she applied for a grant to hire a grant writer. Preliminary indications are very positive.

NEW BUSINESS: Kristie reported that Washington State Auditors are currently conducting their scheduled accountability audit for the library district. The audit will cover 2009 through 2012. Peggy discussed audit procedures and that the final exit interview normally involves Peggy, Kristie and the board chair.

Kristie presented updates to the library bylaws. Resolution #02-13 updates the policy manual to reflect the procedure that WCL follows regarding board candidate recommendations to the Whitman County Board of Commissioners. Resolution #03-13 updates a statement about annexation into the library district. A discussion followed. Steve Balzarini made a motion to accept both resolutions. Bob Bates seconded and the motion passed.

Kristie reported that the Friends membership renewal drive is getting a good response. She reported that renewals also occur during summer reading, an event that many businesses and individuals like to support directly.

Kristie announced that WCL received a CHIPRA Grant (Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization) with $15,300 for computers and scanners in all WCL locations. The goal of the grant is to provide local access for residents to scan and email documents for DSHS programs. This is a great service for those who do not have home computers.

WCL is one of a number of public libraries in Washington participating in the Project Views cooperative grant with UW. The grant studies the affects of children’s programming as related to student success and is a direct result of WCL’s involvement in the Early Learning Public Library Partnership (ELPLP.)

Kristie announced that an exhibit of Whitman County Art Students February 3-14 at the Colfax Library. The exhibit will feature 100 art students from the rural county schools, except Colton who does not have an art department. A community reception will be held on Mon., Feb 4 from 5:30-7:00 and students will be featured at Meet the Artist on Thurs, Feb 7 at 7 pm. Kristie encouraged each member to attend at least one of these events.

Kristie shared information on the Community College Enrichment Classes, which will be held at the Colfax library in April. She said the college has plans to send out information on the classes to a targeted area in Whitman County. The classes range from Ukulele, Watercolor, Indian Wars, and Chinese Culture.

The February board meeting will be February 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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Teresa Myott, Board Chair

For more information, contact:

Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366