Library board approves minutes; director reports 300+ children in winter reading program and extra grant support

The Woodford Library Board of Trustees approved amended minutes and spent most of its meeting hearing a director's report that highlighted strong participation in the winter reading program, a school partnership to expand student access, and an unexpected grant offering additional devices.

Board Chair Michelle Riehl called the meeting to order and led the trustees through approval of the minutes as amended to include the meeting location, the Library Meeting Room. Mitch Cohen moved to approve the minutes; Beth Samas seconded. The motion carried with one abstention from Britney Burns and the rest voting yes.

In the director's report, staff described a winter reading video and large participant numbers. An unidentified staff member said, "Over 300 kids signed up so far," and that the library had initially bought 94 small "dragon egg" pouches for the program'which sold out on the first day'necessitating additional purchases. Board members praised the production and the enrollment numbers.

Trustees also discussed work with local schools. A trustee reported that Algonquin students were signed up and that nearly 200 high schoolers were issued or updated library cards and passwords in two single-day efforts so students could access subscription databases lost after federal funding changes. Trustees described the school partnership as important for restoring students' database access.

Staff said the library received follow-up support from a recent grant application. The grantor offered additional equipment that could include tablets, about eight extra laptops and possibly a smart TV for upstairs programming; staff said details were not finalized and distribution was expected by the end of the month. "They offered a smart TV for the upstairs," a staff member said, noting installation and programming considerations.

There were no public comments or substantive discussion of the appropriations report. Chair Riehl said the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. and is expected to be remote. Jocelyn McElhenney moved to adjourn; Pat Fonts seconded. The trustees voted unanimously to adjourn at approximately 7:18 p.m.

The meeting record shows the board acknowledged staff work on programming and school partnerships and documented the grant follow-up; specific details on the final inventory from the grant were not specified and remain pending staff confirmation.