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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/12/2025 Minutes Member of it Tigard Public Library Washington County Serving the public since 1963 Cooperative Library Services Tigard Public Library Board Minutes— November 12, 2025 1. BOARD MEETING A. At 6:30 p.m. Board Chair Ristau called the Tigard Public Library Board Meeting to order. B. Chair Ristau called the roll. Present Absent Mary Bogert Candice Coleman Lili Diaz ✓(virtual) Jessica Lin ✓ Pam Michael ✓ Kate Ristau (Chair) ✓ Jenny Stoffel (Vice-Chair) ✓ Abe Manion (Alternate) ✓ Vacant (Alternate) C. Call to Board and Staff for Non-Agenda Items I. Director Bernard said that there were substantive changes to the ALA policy on tonight's agenda that we were unable to review fully before this meeting. We will pull this policy and bring it back to a future meeting. II. Board Member Michael would like to share some compliments. 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. APPROVE MINUTES TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES —Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — Page 1 of 4 13500 SW Hall Boulevard, Tigard, Oregon 97223 • 503.684.6537•TPLcommentsatigard-or.gov•www.tigard-or.gov/Ilbrary A. Board Chair Ristau opened the floor for discussion of a correction to the October 08, 2025 minutes. Vice-Chair Stoffel moved to approve the Library Board minutes as edited for the October 08, 2025 meeting. The motion was seconded by Board Member Bogert, and the motion passed unanimously. 4. ICEBREAKER Library Director Bernard asked everyone in attendance the ice-breaker question: What's your favorite kind of cheese? If you don't like cheese, what is your favorite cheese-like snack? 5. MEET THE TEAM Our "Meet the Team" guest was Jessica Fredrickson, Youth Services Supervisor in Readers Services. Fredrickson's presentation topic was on Vox and Wonderbooks, a new audiobook format offered at Tigard Public Library. To begin her PowerPoint presentation, Fredrickson asked the board what they remembered about learning how to read, and the board shared some of their memories. In addition to the new juvenile Vox/Wonderbook kits, Tigard Public Library supports learning readers through Early Literacy Storytimes, Dogs &Tales, and Summer Reading, which help make learning to read fun, exciting, and enjoyable. Fredrickson highlighted that public libraries are important partners to public schools in supporting learning readers. In 2023/2024, less than 50% of TTSD 3rd grade students were meeting ELA grade-level expectations. Prior to Vox/Wonderbooks being added to the collection this summer, Tigard Public Library had Juvenile books with CDs. The Vox/Wonderbook kits offer an advantage in that no special equipment is needed for playback. These books are hardcover picture books and early readers with a built-in audiobook player that reads aloud as you turn the page. Some also have learning modes and sing-along modes. Fredrickson discussed that according to research, audiobooks offer the same benefits as reading physical books, stimulating the same core areas of the brain. Audiobooks also increase reading comprehension, particularly for kids struggling with learning to read. Finally, the circulation statistics of these new kits show that they are a popular resource. The new Vox/Wonderbook kits have circulated an average of 5.7 times in just 16 weeks. For comparison, the average circulation of the previous Juvenile Books on CD collection was 3.7 per year. Questions from the board: Vice-Chair Stoffel asked if Vox or Wonderbooks are available in languages other than English. Fredrickson said that Playaway offers Spanish-language Wonderbook titles and that Vox has titles in 14 different languages. Both companies also are starting to offer chapter books and books for adults. Fredrickson hopes we can expand the scope and breadth of this collection, but with collection centralization on the horizon, further development of this collection is uncertain. Board Member Lin asked if there is something library patrons can do to encourage the expansion of this collection. Fredrickson said that patrons can suggest purchases either on our TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES —Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — Page 2 of 4 13500 SW Hall Boulevard, Tigard, Oregon 97223 • 503.684.6537•TPLcommentsCtigard-or.gov•www.tigard-or.gov/library website or in person with a Suggest a Purchase comment card. Patron feedback like suggestions for purchase help our librarians understand and meet our community's needs. Board Member Lin has checked out many of these books with her family, thinks they are wonderful, and hopes to see more in the collection. Board Chair Ristau asked how we began selecting these books for our collection. Fredrickson said the Youth Services team had been tracking patron requests for a while, with at least one patron request coming in per week since she started in September 2024. Other WCCLS libraries offer this format, and Fredrickson also started this collection at a previous library. There was a small surplus in the budget and Fredrickson prioritized using these funds to start this new collection. Board Chair Ristau asked Fredrickson how she compares her time from when she first started at Tigard Public Library to now in terms of expectations. Fredrickson said she is grateful to be here during these times of change and during a time when libraries nationwide are under attack. She values having a supportive community, board, and leadership, and these aspects of support are better than she expected. She especially appreciates the institutional support for professional development and learned a lot from trauma-informed leadership training. She also said jokingly that as a supervisor, there are more meetings than she realized there would be! Library Director Bernard related to the board that one of Fredrickson's Youth Services team members complimented Fredrickson's leadership style, saying it mirrors leadership qualities they learned about in a recent trauma-informed leadership training they did. Vice-Chair Stoffel told Fredrickson that she loved the butterfly program. Fredrickson said that she never got to do this program at any other library she worked at because she didn't have the support, but that leadership here at Tigard Public Library supported her. 6. POLICY REVIEW A. LIBRARY POLICY: Meeting Room Policy (Last Approved: November 13, 2024) I. Director Bernard shared that language and information about posting information about events scheduled in meeting rooms was added to accurately describe and reflect current reservation and posting practices. II. Director Bernard discussed the Technology Room and how well it's being used by the community. She said that because it is well used, there will be challenges with scheduling during upcoming construction projects. III. Board Member Coleman moved to readopt the policy. Board Member Michael seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. B. LIBRARY POLICY: Interlibrary Loan Policy with correction from October 08, 2025 meeting. TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES —Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — Page 3 of 4 13500 SW Hall Boulevard, Tigard, Oregon 97223 • 503.684.6537•TPLcommentsCtigard-or.gov•www.tigard-or.gov/library I. Director Bernard shared that Board Member Lin caught the duplication of a sentence, which has now been deleted. II. Board Member Stoffel moved to readopt the policy as corrected. Board Member Manion seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. C. ALA POLICY: Economic Barriers to Library Access (Last Reviewed: November 13, 2024) I. Director Bernard said that there were substantive changes to this policy that we were unable to review fully before this meeting. We will pull this policy and bring it back to a future meeting. 7. DIRECTOR'S REPORT We switched to a new, more visual format for the report this month. A PDF version of the report will be at the end of these minutes. 8. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Board Member Michael wanted to share compliments she had for library staff. While visiting the library as a patron, she observed library staff handling challenging patron interactions and situations in a calm, kind, and compassionate manner. She expressed acknowledgment of the challenges library staff sometimes face when serving the community and commended library staff for their kindness. Director Bernard said that the library team participates in de-escalation and trauma informed trainings and regularly learn and practice emotional regulation. She said that Board Member Michael was seeing the result of years of thought about Tigard Public Library serving the community in this way. We want to provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone in our community. She thanked Board Member Michael for noticing and paying attention. Board Member Michael asked where one can take trauma informed training classes. Trauma informed Oregon is the organization that offers these classes. Vice-Chair Stoffel asked who responds from the police department when the library does need to work with our partners at Tigard Police Department. Director Bernard said that when our social services coordinator or a member of the PIC team senses there is a mental health issue happening with a library patron, they call Washington County non-emergency and ask for the mental health response team. Sometimes a mental health response team member is doing ride- alongs with TPD, but it's a limited resource. 9. ADJOURNMENT Prepared by: Ledja Johansson Approved on: December 10, 2025 At 7:42 p.m. Chair Ristau adjourned the meeting. TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES —Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — Page 4 of 4 13500 SW Hall Boulevard, Tigard, Oregon 97223 • 503.684.6537•TPLcommentsCtigard-or.gov•www.tigard-or.gov/library __ _._,__ 1 .. 4.„, Library 4 .4 ' • 4 _ 345 Passed Board measure 3 Thankyou , County. '... '11 .... T T .. \\'111. /// .-- " -......-....-.-.---"---- W515 •If • Director Report liti/V1 /1 deli re,Ae.u2t B.utairtt T t C � aatil % I : '�.. NW r f I � i s�t� J _ t.: . November 2025 'WA.- v 4 M \ ' I!, l t e'' ' ,`� Notes for the Board • This is Candice ' s last meeting . 1T" Thank you , Candice ! $ Tiga ) r‘‘1 • Jessica is now a voting member . Congrats ! Presented to Candice Coleman • In December, Abe will become ,n recognition of a voting member . Congrats ! your time and service to the Library Board by the City of Tigard • We are conducting an audit of our volunteer portal . Strategic The library building and grounds Priority One : are an accessible , vibrant space . Community Objective A Action ii : Enhance outdoor spaces to extend learning , play, and community engagement __ beyond the library building . w...... . ._ • Teen and adult volunteers participated in the All -Weather ;t8t.7-,' ,'' ` �7- 11,nr,�—^ ' Planting Party where they planted a vine maple, showy y ' •= - "= milkweed seeds, and three sea pinks before metaphorically ' r 1 � � �- -: � ' putting the Native Garden "to bed " for the season . it' ' 1v7--- * - 44 ` • ' • Roofing work continues and will extend for a few more I* weeks due to wet weather. HVAC work is mostly happening All-Weather Planting „ Party outside, and contractors are working around the weather. Strategic Excellent customer service defines Priority One: Community the patron experience . "I just wanted to express my appreciation for all those who work Objective B here and volunteer their time. You all make this place a nice, clean, informative, and comfortable atmosphere for all those who cross !I ■ the threshold. I have found the time I have spent here comforting. I ' feel very fortunate to have access to a climate-controlled atmosphere, clean drinking water, fresh restrooms, and comfortable ô rAt9 1 seating. I want to thank you for all the information accessible, 11 - - whether that is through books, magazines, Libby, or the Internet. The information workshops are helpful. The community focused . au".."ftlePimmw reasysossi, displays are encouraging and bring joy. Thank you for everything. Thank you for the home away from home." Strategic The library uses robust, responsive Priority One : internal and external communication to Community increase community engagement . Ob ' r Action ii : Assess internal communication and JeciIve develop a plan to improve collective library team -_ knowledge while incorporating opportunities for > °' dialog and collaboration . '" � �,�� �• ie;- • The Tigard Public Library team shared library resources with „{ IMd �. :�: . ' 543 community members at El Tigre Fest, gave away over r •V' 250 books for all ages ( mostly in Spanish or bilingual ), and \ created 24 new or replacement library cards. El Tigre Fest created a valuable opportunity to highlight Spanish - _ _ language collections and programs and Spanish - speaking teammates at the library. Strategic Patrons discover the materials Priority Two: they want and need . Knowledge Ok . ective D Action is Create inclusive, engaging browsing j options such as displays in order to simplify and , . ,.sM� �LIBRARY BANNED _ , expand choice - making . BOOKS k marl WEEK 0 it * **,**,2025 � • Many patrons expressed appreciation for the Banned Books -- : , � °i` ' Week display, including an educator who shared with staff that she has read many of these books to her class . 1 : ' 7t 'illat ...;.:(fi r 1-17: li i74:-r ri , ir,„,;- I jbE Strategic The library bridges the gap to Priority Two: technologyaccess, tools, and support . Knowledge Ob ' ective E Action is Develop and implement plans for a flexible technology lab that includes tools and events to support creativity, job seeking and skill development. _ .„.,... II;i1; , �� ,: t i, i r +'i� ,4�VI611i_ : : ir ,, 1 fj ti, ,\�: ".. III . ." -'., �,',;,z,�, • The Inclusive Technology Station has arrived ! It includes: ` � ° Wheelchair access! "' _ it ENA, N- A, o A height adjustable desk that uses hand cranks to raise and - - -- lower the desk to the patron 's preferred height. . _... , :, - - ---- -- ---: r-,- _ .=.,.,.,_.,,..,_- -. ..h.- _ c'-: t p A large print keyboard with contrast colors for low vision users. �� =� � --=. '`� a An accessible trackball mouse! These can reduce arm strain and :. °° ' '� offer more precise cursor control for individuals with disabilities JN, '' .ii, r �� or mobility issues. _. ... .. _ ;J a A computer with software that includes Zoom Text, JAWS, and Fusion (which combines those). Strategic Qualified professionals serve the Priority Two: Knowledge needs of the Tigard community. Obiective F Action iii : Assess and adjust staffing needs and priorities to best support departmental goals. .., pi. , .al dik ,,&___11 31 7 :4 • Our Library Experience Manager position has now been posted . The goal is It , for this manager to focus on creatingand maintaininga safe and inclusive 9 } ........ � � environment for library users. They will lead the Person in Charge team, ........ ...... ....... oversee trainings, and provide manager-level support for the Tech Services , li .._.........„ ,, , ________ _......______ ,4 team in the transition period of the next 18 months. ___..... ________ . _______.... , _....„..._... _________ ,....._.... dl , � 1, • Said goodbye to Teresa Ferguson, our Technical Services Manager for almost ` '��,,,�� � •i � 18 years. We sent her off with a fun retirement party. ' --pct ' '-';74-. f... . .1",•-' 4. -�-->-- �- • We welcomed Isabel Crabtree, our new Library Assistant in Circulation. ...--_ _ Strategic A diverse selection of library events Priority engages community members of all ages . Three: Enrichment Action is Provide culturally responsive programs Objective H to meet the needs of community members, including those who do not currently think of -,:> ;lit itit, the library as a resource . • The Library was a popular destination for families on several ?,. , �i, .., - extra no-school days this month, with 129 kids and caregivers V ' getting creative with LEGO bricks and craft supplies ! The new 1t 4;g4)eaf' Alt� �, , ,- - ' o WinterWalk went up, and passerby along the Fanno Creek Trail � % + will learn all about the history of the Tigard and fun facts about ,,/ ` 1 the library. Did you know we used to have a library cat named Libby? H 't ` • Book Babies Halloween had 45 costumed kiddos and caregivers in attendance ! Strategic Library expandservices access into Priority Three. the community . Enrichment Action ii : Collaborate with community partners to amplify outreach and increase library use by Objective I marginalized populations. _. • Community members continue to seek Library Social Services in increasing numbers, with 127 people served in September. 105 social service interactions ipip 4 — were logged in August. The Library Social Services Coordinator connects •!Is '�' � community members with support for food, clothing, public benefits, . , if. ,e��.Z" :� . education, housing, mental health services, or other community resources. A =-6 :3 ="L - recent donor to the Library Social Services Coordinator's Basic Needs Bookshelf 4041 -4 shared this message, "To me, public libraries are proof that the world will heal from the vicious place we are currently in. Thank you endlessly for the incredible work you do for our community. It does not go unnoticed." l' d • We (especially Jeanne) interacted with 2,369 people in October at outreach events. Strategic Library services expand access into the Priority community . Three: Enrichment Action iii : Develop robust, tailored volunteer opportunities that expand a participant ' s ability Objective to tell the library ' s story in the community. • More than 40 staff members decorated stars to thank the Friends of the Tigard Public Library for their support. The stars were it NE strung into a garland and hung around the Friends' workspace T 7 • for National Friends of Libraries Week. Financials • The levy passed ! Funding from the levy comprises approximately 19 % of our total funding ; the rest comes from the County' s general fund and the City' s general fund . When the budget kickoff happens in a few weeks, we ' ll have more information about the departmental budget we ' ll be asked to prepare for Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1 , 2026 June 30, 2027 ) . • WCCLS Funding and Governance : The contract focused on our centralized collections work was awarded to ARC Public Strategies . Across the Cooperative WCCLS Tigard Public Library • On 10/28, the Board of • The Strategic Plan steering County Commissioners committee had their first unanimously approved the meeting this week . The partner recommendation for steering committee, which the library service includes Amber, Jeanne, Tara, boundaries and funding and library board member methodology . Jenny Stoffel, are beginning work on the first set of engagement activities, which will focus on gathering input about our values and who we are as an organization .