01/10/2024 - MinutesTigard Public Library Board Minutes – January 10, 2024
TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES – Wednesday, January 10, 2024 – Page 1 of 6
1. BOARD MEETING
A. At 6:31 p.m. Board Chair Bogert called the Tigard Public Library Board Meeting to order.
Chair Bogert called the roll.
B. Call to Board and Staff for Non-Agenda Items – Staff would like to add to the agenda:
Library Board presentation to Tigard City Council.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
A. Follow-up to Previous Public Comment: None
B. Public Comment – Written: None
C. Public Comment – In Person: None
D. Public Comment – Phone-in or Video: None
3. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS & ICEBREAKER
Library Director Bernard asked everyone in attendance to introduce themselves and to share one
of their New Year’s traditions.
4. ELECTION OF 2024 OFFICERS
Board Chair Bogert opened the floor to nominations. Board Member Hulett nominated herself
to an open officer position. Board Member Coleman nominated Vice-Chair Ristau to an open
Present Absent
Mary Bogert
Candice Coleman
Lili Diaz (Alternate)
Bart Hawkins
Rose Hulett (Vice-Chair)
Pam Michael (Alternate)
Kate Ristau (Chair)
Jenny Stoffel
TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES – Wednesday, January 10, 2024 – Page 2 of 6
position. Kate Ristau volunteered for chair. Rose Hulett volunteered for vice-chair. A show of
hands-vote was taken and both members were voted in as officers.
Votes cast:
Mary Bogert: aye
Candice Coleman: aye
Kate Ristau: aye
Rose Hulett: aye
Jenny Stoffel: aye
Pam Michael: aye
Board Chair Ristau took over immediately and began by thanking Board Member Bogert for her
service.
5. APPROVE MINUTES
Board Chair Ristau moved to approve the Library Board minutes for the December 13, 2023
meeting. The motion was seconded by Board Vice-Chair Hulett, and the motion passed
unanimously.
Votes cast:
Mary Bogert: aye
Candice Coleman: aye
Kate Ristau: aye
Rose Hulett: aye
Jenny Stoffel: aye
Pam Michael: aye
6. MEET THE TEAM
Our “Meet the Team” guest was Teresa Ferguson, Technical Services Manager. Teresa brought
an example of “cataloger’s choice”, where a decision is made by the cataloger for a book’s best
fit. The example was a picture book with no text written by a Spanish author, then re-published
with an English dedication. This cataloging choice illustrates how equity is part of library work.
Teresa also shared that keywords need to be similar in different languages so patrons can find
books by searching in their native language. The last information Teresa shared was a set of
statistics that illustrate the value of a library cardholder. These statistics are developed from a
formula first created in 2006 for a report titled, “Value for Money: Southwestern Ohio’s Return
from Investment in Public Libraries,” which attempts to quantify library resources and services by
attaching monetary value to physical and digital item circulation as well as reference questions.
TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES – Wednesday, January 10, 2024 – Page 3 of 6
After this presentation, Board Member Coleman mentioned that the value of the card-holder
data would be helpful to share in the Library Board’s presentation to City Council to help
illustrate the value of the library to community members.
POLICY REVIEW
A. LIBRARY POLICY: Posting and Distribution of Materials (Last Approved: August 10, 2022)
Before beginning, Board Chair Ristau and Library Director Bernard explained to new members
how policies are adopted, re-affirmed, or amended by the Library Board. Director Bernard stated
that if a policy’s wording had been changed, board members would receive a clean copy of the
policy and a red-lined copy, so members could see the changes side by side. Board Chair Ristau
asked why the Posting and Distribution of Materials policy was being brought to board
members for re-adoption. Library Director Bernard shared that nothing had changed in the
policy, but that this policy was a good illustration for new members learning the policy review
process.
Board Chair Ristau entertained a motion to accept the policy. Board Member Bogert moved to
accept. Board Member Stoffel seconded. The Board voted to accept.
Votes cast:
Mary Bogert: aye
Candice Coleman: aye
Kate Ristau: aye
Rose Hulett: aye
Jenny Stoffel: aye
Pam Michael: aye
B. ALA POLICY: Library Bill of Rights (Last Reviewed: October 12, 2022)
Board Chair Ristau asked Library Director Bernard for her thoughts on this ALA policy. Director
Bernard shared that this is a cornerstone policy that informs library service.
Board Chair Ristau opened the floor for questions. Vice-Chair Hulett asked about censorship and
book challenges and asked for background on Director Bernard’s experience with it. Director
Bernard explained that the Library’s Collection Development Policy has a process for
reconsideration of library materials. Vice-Chair Hulett wanted to know what the process was and
how the Library Board was involved. Board Member Stoffel emphasized that this was important
to be prepared for. Director Bernard explained the process to the Library Board, and assured
everyone that additional education about the policy and process would be forthcoming.
Board Chair Ristau entertained a motion to endorse and reaffirm this ALA policy. Board Member
Coleman moved to endorse and reaffirm. Board Member Bogert seconded, and all voted aye.
Votes cast:
Mary Bogert: aye
TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES – Wednesday, January 10, 2024 – Page 4 of 6
Candice Coleman: aye
Kate Ristau: aye
Rose Hulett: aye
Jenny Stoffel: aye
Pam Michael: aye
7. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Bernard confirmed that we are prepared for the winter weather headed our way this
weekend. City policies and local procedures are very clear on how we will do our best to offer
library services, and what may happen if the Library must close due to inclement weather.
The Fanno Creek Trail Connections project is underway, starting with a temporary path
through part of our parking lot. The drive-up book return has been moved to the staff
entrance, and the blue herons are flanking the walk-up book return. We have more
information in our latest Books & Bits newsletter and our social media.
Our Technology Room continues to transform into a flexible resource space, newly painted
last week, and the furniture installation will begin tomorrow.
Amber Bell (Readers Services Manager) designed a training on communicating expectations
with patrons, which Amber has begun to roll out to our public service desk teams.
o This is about expectations of behavior and expectations of interactions.
o Vice-Chair Hulett mentioned that this interaction can be difficult for employees to
do because some people have a natural skill, but some don’t.
o Director Bernard said it is supportive leadership to provide training in boundary-
setting. Boundaries are key to healthy interactions, and it is essential to practice
setting and holding them. Vice-Chair Hulett emphasized that it was necessary
training.
Several Library employees attended the WCCLS Open House. It was a great opportunity to
meet WCCLS and member library staff, learn about WCCLS processes, and take photos to
share with our patrons on social media.
In the first two months of Tigard Library Holds Lockers operation, 604 items were retrieved
from the lockers by 47 unique patrons. A recent locker user sent the Library this message: “I
love having the books checked out and waiting for me in the lobby! The little door popping
open just makes me smile. I appreciate having expanded hours to pick up my books, too.”
Since moving the drive-around book drop on December 18th, the outside induction use
increased by 2186 (1.5 times!) items compared to November numbers. We’re sure the
fabulous blue herons had something to do with it.
The second annual Mystery at the Library is officially underway. Adults and teens can follow
clues to solve the mystery by January 31 and be entered to win a mysterious prize.
TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES – Wednesday, January 10, 2024 – Page 5 of 6
Some teammates attended the City of Tigard’s Community Roundtable at Rise Church. They
were able to make connections with other community organizations, learn about their
resources and needs, and connect some with library offerings.
Storytime sessions resumed on Tuesday, January 2. The Library team presents seven storytime
sessions per week for children ages 0 - 6 years old. The winter session will continue through
Thursday, February 29.
Teen Library Council contributed to the community by tidying up our beloved mascots, and
Tigard High Tech Team (along with Lisa!) hosted a wildly successful STEM exploration event
(115 in attendance).
The English Conversation Series has been steadily growing over the past three weeks, and
one of the attendees told the facilitator: “Teacher is the highest authority in the world. During
this time, you have taught us more about humanity through your behavior than English.”
A community member experiencing houselessness who often visits the library said he always
wants to "clean things up because Library teammates are always good to me, talk to me, and
don't treat me any differently because I’m homeless."
Questions:
Board Chair Ristau asked if bringing materials to the walk-up book drop made things easier
for library workers. Director Bernard agreed that it does remove a step from emptying the
free-standing book drop.
Board Chair Ristau mentioned that City Council presentation is around 6:30 pm and asked
Board Member Bogert for memories of what previous presentations were. Last year the
board showcased the Library of Things and ran a trivia game with prizes.
Director Bernard offered to share some statistics and stories from 2023 to help board
members prepare, including information about the cancellation of the scheduled Drag
Queen Story Time event.
Board Member Coleman wanted data about the value of the cardholder. Candice asked for
the last 2 quotes from this director’s report to include, and any other quotes.
Board Member Michael asked how long the Board’s presentation to City Council was.
Director Bernard said the presentation is usually 15 minutes. Board Member Bogert
reiterated that this Council is very welcoming and last year’s presentation was her most
comfortable time.
Any presentation materials the library board will be using are due to City Council by March
19th, 2024.
8. NON-AGENDA ITEMS
TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES – Wednesday, January 10, 2024 – Page 6 of 6
We have a date for Library Board’s presentation to City Council: April 9th, which is also National
Library Workers Day.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 7:36p.m. Chair Ristau adjourned the meeting.