Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Library Commission met Jan. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

Call to Order

Call to order at 1:05 p.m. by Mary Jo Rowley

Roll Call

Becky Wayne

Mary Jo Rowley

Julia Livingston

Ruth Wrigley

Pat Parr

Absent

Ken Kirchner

Also Present

Rachel Miller, Library Director

Minutes

Pat Parr moved to approve the November 13, 2019 meeting minutes; Becky Wayne seconded to approve the November 13, 2019 minutes as submitted. Motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea. November 13, 2019 minutes officially approved.

Public Comment

None.

Old Business

Update on program room improvements:

In December 2019, electrical upgrades were done in meeting room, including new outlets. Wiring for electrical and internet are completed. This room has been the weakest spot for internet in the entire library and the upgrades will improve this. Other updates to the room will be completed after the first of the year, including adding a TV where there was previously a white board. The entire room will be repainted. There is money in the FY2020 budget to finish the upgrades. Staff is also looking at freestanding equipment to use for different programs which will be mobile throughout the library including in the Community Room. Great accomplishments after well thought out plans for the past year.

New Business

None.

Librarian’s Report

Rachel shared numbers for both November and December since we didn’t meet in December.

In November, our circulation went up and patron count went down slightly. In December, both circulation and patron count went up, which was a good month. A couple more families moved away from Forsyth over the holiday season.

Rachel highlights that in November and December, the FPL had several programs that went over really well. December—gingerbread house making class: (53 kids and 35 adults). Also ornament making class at the beginning of December; this went over well. At the end of December, the Lego Genius brought his masterpieces and FPL had a drop in class. Kids came and chatted and looked at his stuff. He gave kids advice and encouragement and children and kids built while here (78 kids and 64 adults).

As the year changes, FPL created a “best of list”—most popularly checked out items of 2019. These lists are available at the front circulation desk. Categories include juvenile books, adult fiction, DVDs, easy books, and more.

January through April, the puzzle table is up and ready for patrons. Two programs planned for adults— air fryer and instapot informational meeting with demos and adult craft class.

Book drop is completed with new letter labels and a decal. New bench painted to match the new sign.

Bernadette Birkholtz has placed her resignation in for the Forsyth Public Library Commission. She has served for many years. A replacement will be searched for.

Adjournment

Next meeting is February 12, 2020.

Becky Wayne moved to adjourn, Ruth Wrigley seconded. Motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea. Meeting adjourned at 1:46 pm.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/Library_Commission_Meeting_02_12_20.pdf