Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Public Library, Library Commission met Aug. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Library Commission Meeting Minutes

Call to Order

Call to order at 1:00 p.m. by Mary Jane Linton

Roll Call

Mary Jo Rowley

Pat Parr

Becky Wayne

Ken Kirchner

Absent

Mary Jane Linton

Lisa Peck

Also Present

Steven Ward, Library Director

Minutes

Motion made by Pat Parr to accept the meeting minutes for the June 14, 2023 meeting. Seconded by Mary Jo Rowley. Motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea.

Public Comment

None

Old Business None

New Business

2023 Summer Reading Program was a success due to all the hard work by the library staff. 460 patrons registered. Total number registered by age group: 174 Adults; 31 Teens; 78 Ages 9-12; 83 Ages 6-8; 76 Ages 2-5; 18 Ages 0-2. 233 patrons completed their level. Numbers were a little down from last year. Terrific prizes were awarded.

Security Camera Policy was handed out to Commission members. Commission was asked to read and bring back thoughts to next month's meeting. FPL is planning to have 8 cameras. Steven, Jennifer and Jill Applebee, Forsyth Village Administrator, would have authority to view data on cameras.

Commission members were given Chapters 1-4 of 2023 Per Capita Grant Requirements to read before next month's meeting.

A vacancy on the Commission was discussed.

Librarian's Report

Steven praised the library staff for the great job with this year's Summer Reading Program. They tried some new things with great results.

Library patrons who use newspapers and magazines are being surveyed. FPL would like to dramatically reduce the number of magazines purchased and try Libby/Overdrive, a digital magazine service. This would provide instant access without holds to more than 4500 popular magazines remotely using your library card barcode and pin.

Steven has begun drafting a long-range plan for the library. The goal to begin the new long- range in 2024.

Illini Supply is working on a quote to extend 4 existing shelving units in the large print section.

Steven and Jennifer met with Watts Copy Systems to go over quotes to replace copier. A new copier would save the library money.

Steven is getting quotes to add security cameras in the library before the end of the fiscal year.

FY24 Budget preparation is beginning at the library.

Steven continues to focus on history digitization, emergency planning and potential for a library instruction program.

Patron card registration as of June 30, includes 1,488 adults and 159 juveniles. The June 2023 patron count is 3,902, which is 81 less than June 2022. Circulation for June 2023 is 5,701, which is 673 less than June 2022. Materials checked out by Non-Forsyth Patrons is 2,105. Materials checked out by Forsyth patrons at other libraries is 515.

Patron card registration as of July 31 includes 1,414 adults and 157 juveniles. The July 2023 patron count is 3,541 which is 84 less than July 2022. Circulation for July 2023 is 5,397 which is 275 less than July 2022. Materials checked out by Non-Forsyth Patrons is 2,107. Materials checked out by Forsyth patrons at other libraries is 364.

Adjournment

The next library commission meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2023. Mary Jo Rowley moved to adjourn. Pat Parr seconded. The motion carried on voice vote; all members present voting yea.

Meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/2023.09.13_Library_Commission_meeting.pdf