Grangeville Centennial Library Board Meeting Agenda
Council Chambers – 225 W North St.
September 21, 2023 – 5:00 p.m.
Meeting was called to order by Brennan Wright at 5:06 PM. Those present: Bridget Arnzen, Betty Nafziger, Nancy Moser, Stacy Stone, Dylan Canaday Heidi Brown and Gina Sobrero
Visitors:
1. Fred Stevens-Discuss titles of books currently accessible to minors. He’s concerned about what’s going on in the library and how children can get inappropriate books.
2. Heather Stout-Discuss Intellectual Freedom, banning of books and Collection Development Policy. Everyone has the right to use the library and choose their own books even though people do not approve all selections.
3. Clarence Weckman-Discuss 2023 Collection Policy/Library Card Application. He feels it represents a dictation and is not fair to those living outside city limits. Blames the ALA for enforcing these policies.
4. Lynn Johnson-Discuss support of free access to library materials. Valnet provides materials to 55,000 library users. Parents should help children select materials of their own values, help them decide what books to read, and be involved.
5. Leta Strauss-Discuss support of Library Board, Directors and Policies. She reflected on her childhood experience at this library and how wonderful that people have the right to decide what they want to read. Many people in the community support Grangeville Centennial Library and the right for parents to be responsible for what their children read.
6. Tiffany Shurtz-Discuss about using reading levels as a determining factor for placement of books. Reading levels should not be used in libraries but literacy levels should be primary consideration for book placement in the library. It’s the library’s responsibility to provide the necessary tools to the parents to help protect our children from inappropriate materials.
7. Lynette Brinker-Discuss the value of libraries. Books build bridges, conversation, critical thinking skills, and knowledge through the generations. The First Amendment tells us we do not have the right to ban books. If you are concerned about your child’s selections, go to the library with them and discuss their selections, before and after they read them.
8. Liz McLeod-Discuss to allow all books to be at the library. It is the parent’s job and responsibility to decide what is appropriate for them to read. Each family has their own unique set of morals, other families or government officials should not have the final say. A book is available to be used but does not have to be used.
Minutes: Nancy approved and Bridget seconded to approve the July 20 minutes.
Budget Report: Heidi shared the current budget report
Library Report: Story time is offered every Wednesday from 11-12 with Katie Matthews. My first book starts October 5th in the kindergarten class. The library received a grant for 5 new
Chrome books with backpacks, headphones, and wireless mouse. Family Read Week theme this year is Art is all Around Us. This takes place in November. Idaho Teen Reading Challenge from Oct-April. Teens read 8 books in 8 different categories. Heidi and Gina are still making changes to the library. The library has a new section called New Adult which ranges from age 18 and up.
Old Business:
New Business:
1. Betty read a letter of support from Sally Nolan. The library is more than just books and provides full educational support through a variety of programs and offerings.
2. Nancy read a letter of support from Meleah McCulley. The library serves all members of our community, so we must keep a vibrant, up-to-date collection of resources for all. This includes books that might clash against our beliefs. The new policy is encouraging parents to be involved and take responsibility for what their children read.
3. Stacy read a letter of support from Carmen Sangster. Everyone involved in Grangeville Centennial Library knows the wants and needs of the community. They do their best to make the library an inclusive place and provide materials for all members, not just a select few. Under Gina and Heidi, the library has become a pillar of the community.
4. Discuss and recommend a board member to serve a 5 yr. Board Term running 1/1/2024-12/31/2029. Gina and Heidi recommended two names to the board. Betty Nafziger would like to serve another five year term and Fred Stevens would like to be considered. Nancy stated that Betty had the experience and knowledge of the board procedures. She is reliable and easy to work with. Brennan talked about how Fred Stevens is a good citizen and also would be a good candidate for the board. Nancy made a motion to recommend Betty to the City Council. Bridget seconded it. Motion carried. Stacy voted no. (Secretary note: the 5 year term expires 12/31/28)
5. Discuss future Library Board meeting dates for 2024. Nancy moved to accept the Library Board meetings for 2024. Betty seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned 6:07 p.m.
