Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Public Library, Library Commission met May 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Call to Order

Call to order at 1:02 p.m. by Mary Jo Rowley

Roll Call

Mary Jo Rowley

Pat Parr

Becky Wayne

Mary Jane Linton

Ken Kirchner

Lisa Peck

Absent

Ruth Wrigley Harvey

Also Present

Steven Ward, Library Director

Minutes

Motion made by Pat Parr to accept the meeting minutes for the March 8, 2023 meeting. Seconded by Mary Jane Linton. Motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea.

Public Comment

None

Old Business None

New Business

Ken Kirchner and Mary Jane Linton were reappointed to the Library Commission through 2026.

Lisa Peck made a motion to select Mary Jane Linton as Library Commission Chair and Becky Wayne as Library Commission Secretary. Ken Kirchner seconded the motion. Motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea.

Mary Jane Linton made a motion to accept Library Commission meeting dates and times through May 2024 as presented. Pat Parr seconded. Motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea.

Steven gave members a copy of each member's information.

Librarian's Report

Library owned local history materials are being inventoried. An improved history collection will be accessible both in the library and online.

The focus in 2023 is for the library staff to grow and improve in their roles.

Steven talked about the new IL Legislation related to censorship and how it would directly impact libraries.

Steven was asked to write an article on Intellectual Freedom and De-escalation for a professional publication.

The library hosted a Boy Scout Merit Badge event on April 1.

Chair Yoga takes place on Wednesdays in the Community Room. It is a very popular adult activity and will continue through the year.

The library's online resources are currently being evaluated.

Some minor changes have been made to the children's department to create more play space. 

Steven had a great experience serving as a mentor for Directors University 2.0.

Jana Howe is doing a great job leading the youth programs.

Several library projects will be completed soon. These include security cameras, shelving and furniture, computers, and a TV above the circulation desk.

Adding Roku sticks to the library collection is being researched.

Registration for the Summer Reading Program "Find Your Voice" begins June 5. The Kick-Off event is June 10. Many amazing prizes donated from area businesses will be awarded.

The Larry Reed Memorial Youth Garden will be planted on June 6 with assistance from youth volunteers and the Garden Club of Decatur.

The library's annual book sale has been a big success.

Patron card registration as of March 31, includes 1,462 adults and 161 juveniles. The March 2023 patron count is 3,021, which is 321 more than March 2022. Circulation for March 2023 is 5,031, which is 44 more than March 2022. Materials checked out by non-Forsyth patrons is 2,088. Materials checked out by Forsyth patrons at other libraries is 365.

Patron card registration as of April 30 includes 1,469 adults and 158 juveniles. The April 2023 patron count is 2,395, which is 157 more than April 2022. Circulation for April 2023 is 4,423, which is 78 more than April 2022. Materials checked out by non-Forsyth patrons is 1,774. Materials checked out by Forsyth patrons at other libraries is 393.

Adjournment

The next library commission meeting is scheduled for June 14, 2023. Ken Kirchner moved to adjourn. Pat Parr seconded. The motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea.

Meeting adjourned at 1:52 p.m.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/2023.06.14_Library_Commission_meeting.pdf