Loading...
Library Board Packet 02102025Joint BOARD OF TRUSTEES & PPL Foundation Feb 10, 2025 Chatham Public Library 3:00 p.m. AGENDA Call to order ORDER OF BUSINESS ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA • LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES o Reading/approval of the minutes of the Jan 2025 library meeting minutes o Approval of Jan 2025 Financial Reports o Approval of Jan 2025 Operations Reports o Director's Report 0111011Y.W601 o Readinglapproval of the minutes of the June 2024 library meeting minutes o Director's Report ACTION ITEMS • Library Board o Policies - Laminating — second reading o PPL Foundation Appointment PPL Foundation o Bookmobile Grants — Down Payment o Financial Report INFORMATION ITEMS • Bookmobile update • Dan River District Branch Update ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT Pittsylvania County Public Library Board of Trustees Jan 13, 2025 Chatham Branch Library The Library Board of Trustees met on January 13, 2025 at the Chatham Library. Library board members present included Karen Eades, Sandy Mitchell, Alice Shelton, Portia Fitzgerald, Shelby Buffington, David Law, Rhonda Griffin, and York Pilson. Karen Eades, Chair, called the Library Board meeting to order at 4:05 pm. The consent agenda containing the minutes of the November and December, 2024 Library Board meeting, the agenda without amendment and the financial and operations reports for November and December 2025 were approved on a motion by Portia Fitzgerald, seconded by Sandy Mitchell. Passed unanimously. Action Items: Rhonda Griffin presented a Laminating Policy for a first reading. A vote on the Laminating Policy will be held at the February meeting. Information Items: Rhonda Griffin updated the Board on the progress on the bookmobile. She announced the receipt of a $41,707.50 grant from the Community Foundation and the award of $100,000 grant from the Lion's Club, which will be awarded later in January. The library is still waiting on the final quote from Matthews Specialty Vehicle, but estimate the final cost to be around $400,000. The current bookmobile had another leak. This time in the radiator on the generator. The part is no longer made, but the mechanic was able to locate one in Italy, but it is on backorder. In the meantime, the mechanic soldered the cracked piece back together in hopes that it will last and the Bookmobile staff are carrying jugs of antifreeze with them. Brosville renovations were discussed. Rhonda informed the Board that the carpet and paint were completed, leaving enough money to purchase a new circulation desk. The desk has been ordered and should be delivered in February. Rhonda updated the Board on the budget process, letting them know that the library would have a capital needs meeting the following Wednesday. The Bookmobile, updates at the Chatham Branch, and the possibility of a new branch in the Dan River District are being discussed at the meeting. An update was giving regarding a potential library branch in the Dan River District: Rhonda presented to the School Board in October. The Maintenance Director for the school system was there and identified three potential locations for a public library branch on school property. In November, Rhonda was able to meet with Chris Adcock, Public Works Director. We took a trip to the schools to look at the three possible sites. • The first site had a large utility pole with several ground lines that took up most of the space. • The second site was between Dan River Middle and Kentuck Elementary. The school board had some concern about the buses that go between the schools. It also had a large road water drain right where the building would be, so Chris and I didn't think it would be the best site. • The third site has potential! It is where the playground is at Dan River Middle. The suggestion was to move the playground back and open that area up for a library building and parking lot. Chris and I both liked this site. Chris, the school Maintenance Director (Mike), and I had an email exchange going to discuss the idea. Mike's concern was the water and sewage. He and Chris discussed the need to update permits and reconfigure the septic system to allow for the additional usage, since this location would mean that we would be connecting to the school's water and septic systems. He explained that he believes that the water has plenty of capacity and would only need a permit update, but he is concerned about the septic system. Their septic system is pumped up the hill to the large drain fill and would need not only a permit change, but also an engineer to look into it and sign off on the current system or see if a larger system would be required or even possible. I have spoken with Chris about that issue. He directed me to call an engineer out of Lynchburg. I spoke to one person and gave them the information, but I'm waiting on a call back from the engineer that handles this area. In the meantime, I called Danville Regional Foundation to see if the engineer is something they would be willing to fund with a community connection grant. They informed me that it is possible, but I need more information from the engineer - amount, scope, etc. Then I could make a request to the committee requesting that funding. The meeting adjourned at 4:35 pm. Next Joint PPL Foundation and Library Board Meeting is scheduled for Feb 10, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Chatham Library. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 yy, b JJ0000bbbbo6 W w�wwwwwwwww o oog000++/o,,00 qoq QoQ a mmog�g'S $' oOO N tOiiN�00No+AN W V fOi� O o g0000000000poQoo 23 TINVlao c W c c M w c OD @-17+T N O �0 -MO m mo i `0 = <0 3 aT0 9,dom 33aii3mmm33�m c'333M EL °l-.am�mmm mm <a33o cm.(n nu,c 1>acnm m o�_.3. 3. a3mya B an'--°3M3aE��4-a. Co'�3 �dv yDgfnn 3' c m m m Q, `o n y 'n �'o o m fk'o n h 9a ; 6� c o o m = m m 3��9000� A!n?v°a yppa a°w ?�m� Nc�MK a.'. 3`<N w �'Nm IOi� Y'N a�Hm0Ma Tamn m��. mN g�9mc m 4l o ma0 �A mmNc yN4� a�a=�9= 1> mo 0>> 0}CiR 'm A g z Z _ + A m +O tWO UiNWOfT mad U Wtp aO 0 WmO NNmwW WNOO+JOA w OmaT W ODVA m+ O (nO Ol OW OO 5O0 VOpG mO aWA00ANON OOmTNWm00 00Wa�Nm Ci A+ + A N N V W W V pN�+ NNN+N (n pp]] am NO" V W NiO+O W (lIN AID A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 W V N W N N N O N W VNw+o00O ww w W A W N W W G A0. O N W N i000. W N(0 O�n 0oA0+fin NtOA V O> W O� O 00000000)tO Ctn O+mI CO+00000++fp M CI-�CGCGOCfO GO GO+ A W 4 V O O O O O O O f O A O V W+ W W W O O O O O O O W N f T C T O 0 0 0 0 N O f 0 A O W O W W A N N N�Np fgNil+ N+A O V W " Np O JmO(W�OOl yW� qa+N++ 1tplpl pp� +000OAOA OOV�OW N Ce WN �0{o1�WTOr OOpOfi NNJ�O+AN . O O O O O W O O O O O O T O N O O s�p O 4+ W O N . . . O O V O dq O+ 0 0 0 W V e O O O O W O 0 0 0 W O+ V O O O fp r. O J O W o 0 0 0 0 0 A O+ A N O m o N N + W N W A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O N N f0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O N N O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O S O O O S N W A _ W NN W N+A W W V W +N++ W N NN>+A1� OVI tWO W W V N (T IU O O m O W A Cf W N N O W !O A IV Of W+ f0 V +000OAO a Ov �A W N 00000 � N W O V OOtAOO V 0 W W Ntop (VT A V a 0 a a a W O O O m V W O O O O O S O O O O O O O O O O O O O O W O O W m- O !WO w W .. w ( fT i m W (.n . O O� W O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N O W �O P W W W w t0 00 0000 O 00 S00000 S000000000000 OO i� O tJ0 m OfWp OOi UOi N A �N. N fD O V N V tp W L O O O O O O O O o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 rS O w ao A W M W W a0 :. M m z ti> C m z cm tI O ;D m 0 0 O C6 N A m v O 1 Y� O O O N + N W + O O N O O O O O o O O e 0 00 00 O O O O O 0 0 0 0 0 O O O o 0 O 0 O O O O O O C O N N N N N N N N N N N N N i Mtn cn tno tno acn to to cn wy Ab g�000�bbbbb� W W W W W W W W W W W W W 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o C 0000000444444z mromtu+++mtn tnww O O N N N O O O W+ O S oni o0i m m_ ca 000m0y"HZ�v' E2O mcoomOm C i c C d-a 3 g�l Oc �cai 2 m mm�'.<y jd �SOQj tS a m a w V .UNi QUO V LJi tpAO J tn0[0[pp 0�J�f0 W 00 00+0 TO (Np tp V V 00 m 0 0 0 0 C 0 0 ip J+ 0 0 0 O OOOfT O+fn tP A<n 000 W N w to 10 N V Oyl O O O O A O p+p�00 0 OD O 000 00 Oo 000 e 0 O O m + m A O O w P Y O W 000000+ N AfpN J O O N 000lell O A V O00 N N N 0 0 0 a O f T O O O O 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 V W + N N U i 0 A 0 W A + (D O (J V O O O N O O V O O m 0 0 0 O tNG N O O O O O O U p P O O O O O W J P 0 0 0 0000+ +A000 O O O O V N V 0 0 0 0 0 (Op W (A PP O O N C n J t T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+ + A 0 0 0 O O O O V W N V 0 0 0 toil �im � F a A�=�m (oj1 (<{pop D not m O O N z c S c G7 m0 o av 00 a,T m p T N N m m n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O z m Mo 0 V 1 0 0 N W c ®000rom maoaa dddv + N + V W N O O N W Ip C G O i0 00000 O O O O O c g000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o O O O O O O O O O O N tp N O O N W ip 000io 00000 U O O N W IOOOOtO 0 0 0 0 1 0 f1 O m m2 a 0 Pz O = o; v0 N 1 �D /7 b1 F m m m z 0 c 3 co mm O 0 m m 1 m i mD m� CO W zC G a O m O A m 0 0 Ncn m a -t PITTSYLVANIA CO PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES REPORT FY 2023-2024 LAST MONTH THIS MONTH THIS MONTH THIS MONTH ACTUAL DESCRIPTION BALANCE PAID RECEIVED IN TRANSFERS BALANCE 100-4-073100-1022 Director -Salary 43,239.48 7,986.72 0.00 35,252.76 100-4-073100-1100 F/T Salaries 422,367.70 76,463.34 0.00 345,904.36 100-4-073100-1300 P!r Salaries 124,308.51 16,226.63 0.00 108,081.88 100-4-073100-2100 FICA 45,697.51 7.567.46 0.00 38,130.05 100-4-073100-2210 VRS 73,220.04 12,344.00 0.00 60,876.04 100-4-073100-2300 Group Health Insurance 81,906.27 12,039.16 0.00 69,867.11 1004-073100-2301 Dental 18,144.00 192.00 0.00 17,952.00 100-4-073100-2400 VRS Life Insurance 7,050.68 995.04 0.00 6,055.64 100-4-073100-2600 Unemployment Insurance 5.10 291.89 0.00 1004-073100-2700 Work Comp Insurance 2,000.00 0.00 0.00 2,000.00 100-4-073100-2800 LT Disability Insurance 491.60 304.82 0.00 186.78 100-4-073100-3161 Consultant -Data Processing 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1004-073100-3171 Emp Contract -General 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100-4-073100-3172 Emp Contract -Janitor 1,710.00 0.00 100-4-073100-3310 Repair & Maint-Office Equip 1,557.50 0.00 0.00 1,557.50 100-4-073100-3600 Advertising 300.00 0.00 0.00 300.00 100-4-0731005110 Electricity 36,201.48 4,215.15 0.00 31,986.33 100-4-073100-5120 Heating Fuels 2,863.83 1,030.65 0.00 1.833.18 100-4-073100-5130 Water&Sewer 2,678.29 272.72 0.00 2,405.57 100-4-073100-5210 Postage 1,580.06 39.98 0.00 1,540.08 100-4-073100-5230 Telephone 822.10 0.00 100-4-073100-5240 Internet Service 4,445.09 1,006.10 0.00 3,438.99 100-4-073100-5302 Fire Insurance 7,000.00 0.00 0.00 7,000.00 100-4-073100-5305 Motor Vehicle Insurance 3,500.00 0.00 0.00 3,500.00 100-4-073100-5500 Travel 14.00 0.00 100-4-073100-5540 Training & Education 0.00 0.00 100-4-073100-5840 Awards & Certificates 850.00 0.00 100-4-073100-6001 Office Supplies 16,731.72 519.13 0.00 16,212.59 100-4-073100-6003 Furniture & Fixtures 225.86 0.00 100-4-073100-6005 Janitorial Supplies 367.95 128.98 0.00 238.97 100-4-073100-600510 Rental/Copier Lease 5,308.72 1,282.11 0.00 4,026.61 100-4-073100-6007 Building & Maintenance 115,536.14 4,290.08 0.00 111,246.06 100-4-073100-6008 Fuels -Vehicle 5,815.50 277.57 0.00 5,537.93 100-4-073100-6012 Books & Subscriptions 200.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 100-4-073100-6012 Summer Reading Supplies 0.00 130.94 0.00 100-4-073100-6021 Computer Supplies 24,029.55 264.89 0.00 23,764.66 100-4-073100-6028 Petty Cash Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100-4-073100-6030 Service Costs -Parts 2,894.36 0.00 0.00 2,894.36 100-4-073100-6031 Service Costs -Labor 2,510.00 0.00 0.00 2,510.00 100-4-073100-8102 Furniture & Fixtures 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100-4-073100-8105 Cap Outlay- Vehicle 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100-4-073100-8192 Cap Outlay -Computer 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100-4-073100-8216 Property Improvements 41,681.00 0.00 0.00 41,681.00 PREPARED BY: Cheryl Montgomery DATE: 2/4/2025 PITTSYLVANIA CO PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES REPORT FY 2023-2024 GENERAL LEDGER BALANCES January2025 LAST MONTH THIS MONTH THIS MONTH ACTUAL LINE ITEM NO DESCRIPTION BALANCE PAID TRANSFERS BALANCE "LOCAL -REVENUE" INCOME 265-4-150212 Copier Fee Revenue 0.00 913.90 We 913.90 Telephone Account Fax Monies Collected 0.00 262.00 n/a 262.00 265-3-189903 Gifts/Donations/etc 0.00 0.00 n/a 0.00 265-4-410501 Unappropriated 0.00 0.00 n/a 0.00 0.00 1,175.90 1,175.90 "STATE FUNDS" 2504-073300-1022 Director -Salary 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2504-073300-3161 Consultant -Data Processing 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 250.4-073300-3320 Service Contract -Office Equip 10,357.00 0.00 0.00 10.357.00 250-4-073300-6001 Office Supplies 4,957.15 871.68 0.00 4,085.47 250-4-073300-6003 Furniture & Fixtures 19,449.74 0.00 0.00 19,449.74 250-4-073300-6012 Books & Subscriptions 73,729.96 12,324.80 0.00 61,405.16 2504-073300-6021 Computer Supplies 25,591.05 0.00 0.00 25,591.05 250.4-073300-8102 Cap Outlay-Fumiture & Fixtures 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2504-073300-8105 Cap Outlay -Vehicle 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 250-4-073300-8107 Cap Outlay -Computer 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 134,084.90 13,196.48 0.00 120,888.42 *GIFT FUND" 265-4-073310-6012 Memorial Books Expense 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 "COPY MACHINE FUND" 265-4-073320-3310 Repair & Maint-Off Equip 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 265-4-073320-3320 Service Contract -Off Equip 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 265.4-073320-6001 Office Supplies 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2654-073320-6003 Furniture & Fixtures 20,000.00 0.00 0.00 20,000.00 265-4-073320-8102 Capital Furniture & Fixtures 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20,000.00 0.00 0.00 20,000.00 PREPARED BY: Cheryl Montgomery DATE: 2/4/2025 Pittsylvania County Public Library Director's Report —February 2025 Personnel: Staff Development Day is being held Feb 18, 2025. The library branches will be closed so that all staff can attend. The Development Day will include policy review, idea and program sharing between branches, and tips and trick from library staff. Facilities — • Bookmobile: The draft estimate for the bookmobile came at $358,845. Hannah reviewed the quote and had six bulleted concerns/ questions that have been passed on to Matthews vehicle. Once those questions are addressed, we will send the contract to Purchasing for processing and down payment, which will be a split between the County and PPL Foundation. • Brosville: After the carpet installation, paint, and flooring, there was a little money left in the Brosville property improvement budget. The Brosville staff picked out a new circulation desk to replace the orginal circulation desk from 1992. It is being delivered and installed in February. • Chatham: We are still waiting on quotes for the ramps for the storage sheds at both Gretna and Chatham. Once that is complete, they will need to be re -inspected. • Gretna: We think we have finally found a company that can complete the book benches. The Danville company wraps vehicles and is currently busy with VIR, but plan on doing a site visit to determine if they can compete the book bench project. • History Center: The History Center's HV/AC system went out overnight and started making noise. Maintenance assessed the issue and was afraid the entire unit had burnt up inside. They called Southern Air, who came to inspect. They were able to replace the wiring inside the unit. We had planned to get estimates to replace the carpet in the meeting room, due to stains. That was put on hold until the HV/AC unit was repaired. We are now in the process of getting quotes for new carpeting. • Mt Hermon: The HV/AC unit in the ceiling at Mt. Hermon leaked. Maintenance was able to repair and patch the damaged unit, but we are still waiting to have the ceiling repainted. Budget — • Budget meetings are still underway with the County. The library requested $100,000 from the County to cover the balance of the bookmobile and $75,000 for Chatham updates. The Board of Supervisors have not yet started cutting funding requests, but will likely do that in the next several weeks. o Admin/System: cc 0 Branch managers visited Bedford Library to observe their passport process and equipment. A branch managers meeting was held at Chatham with IT staff to determine what equipment our branches need to begin offering passport services. The IT staff are researching the equipment and library staff are updating their 2025 passport certifications. The Library received grant awards for the bookmobile! $100,000 from the Lions Club and $41,707.50 from the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region. Programs & Activities: • Bookmobile: Hannah Moser, BS, MLS Candidate, Outreach Coordinator During the month of January, the Bookmobile was able to go out on the road as Ms. Myrna, Bookmobile Driver and myself decided to go ahead and take the Bookmobile out of the diesel engine shop. The diesel engine shop confirmed that the Bookmobile was safe to drive however, that we would need to keep a close watch on the coolant/fluid level for the generator's radiator in order to use the generator for the Bookmobile. The Bookmobile has been able to run despite the ongoing maintenance related issues in regards to the coolant/antifreeze leak coming from the generator's radiator. The diesel engine shop is continuing to assist the Bookmobile with locating and purchasing a new radiator for the generator. Ms. Myrna, Bookmobile Driver has been keeping a close eye on the coolant/fluid levels for the radiator to ensure the generator can run during Bookmobile operation in the community. Jan 2025 The Bookmobille did not go out in the community on several occassions during the month of January 2025 due to Pittsylvania County Schools being delayed or closed for winter weather conditions. Despite these instances, the Bookmobile did take a county van to our homebound patrons during the month to ensure continuation of services for these patrons. The Bookmobile also had passive activiites/programs avaialble during the month: Winter Anagram activity sheets, Take N' Make A Snowflake Craft, Taste of Home — Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe Sheets, Winter Puzzles, and a Gift Basket Giveway drawing for 1 adult patron and 1 child patron. The two winners for the Gift Basket Giveaway were randomly selected from the list of names of patrons that visited the Bookmobile during the month of January 2025 excluding our school populations. We are planning to distribute the gift baskets to the winners during the month of February 2025. The Bookmobile was able to visit Gretna Elementary School during the month of January 2025. One class of 3 year olds received a winter themed storytime reading and a passive to go activity. Unfortunately, due to Pittsylvania County Public Schools being delayed the Bookmobile was unable to report to Twin Springs Elementary School nor Union Hall Elementary School during their scheduled stops to provide services during the month of January 2025. All three elementary school have been notified at this time as well as the Preschool Coordinators for these schools that the Bookmobile should be returning in May 2025 for services due to my upcoming leave of absence/maternity leave. Throughout the month of January 2025, 1 was able to pass out a few of our Winter Reading Program Prizes to include 3 of our adult winners. A total of 6 adult winners were randomly selected in a drawing for these prizes. Winter Reading Program Prizes were based on participation for our adult patrons to include those who checked out materials during the month of December 2024 from the Bookmobile. I did have some patrons return paper Winter Reading Logs however, the majority of our patrons did not return the paper Winter Reading Logs. We hope to continue to distribute the remaining Winter Reading Program prizes during the month of Februay 2025 to include our school populations (to be selected) and children winners (to be selected) upon gathering additional data/reading logs— if applicable, for those patrons we missed seeing during the month of January 2025. At this time, we are still waiting to receive an official quote from Matthews Specialty Vehicles on the cost of the new Bookmobile. We are looking forward to receiving this information in the near future. The Bookmobile will be taking a short break from programming during the months of February, March, and April with hopes to resume programming in May 2025 upon my return from leave of absence/maternity leave. Thank you for your continued support! • Brosville: From Branch Manager, Kim Matthews January got off to a bit of a slow start due to the weather, but the snow was beautiful. In January, we also adjusted our library hours —now we're open every Tuesday and Thursday night until 8:00. Since the change, we've noticed an increase in patron visits. Our evening crochet group, which welcomes everyone from teenagers to adults, has become a popular spot for learning the craft. The kids had a great time creating bracelets by coding their names, and the colorful designs were both stunning and attention -grabbing. Our maker space is open throughout the day, offering a chance for people to explore various craft materials and tools they might not normally use. It's a place where individuals can get help with their projects and access resources they may not have at home. We provide a variety of equipment, including large quilting boards, a Cricut machine, a 3D printer, large cutting rulers, and paper cutters, among other crafting supplies. This month, we've had several people use the space and they've expressed how much they appreciate the opportunity, especially since they may not have the room or resources to complete a project on their own or needed a bit of for a one-time task. Chatham: From Assistant Branch Manager, Kristin Anderson and Youth Services, Allison Irby — Chatham Library Manager's Report Pictures from The Movement program which was held at the History Center: ffA 9 • Chatham continued: In January the Chatham library presented the documentary The Movement which tells the story of the protestors in 1963 who fought against segregation in Danville Virginia. Kristin hosted the event at the History Center and 20 people came as well as the director of the film, Jonathan Parker, and one of the cast members Carolyn Wilson who answered questions about their experiences. Beth started a Bingocize program which incorporates the game bingo with exercises. The program has been successful with people participating and showing interest. Bridge has continued to be a staple of the library and attendance is high. The Page Turners book club, led by Beth, read We Solve Murders by Richard Osman. After a holiday programming break, youth events resumed on January 21 st with toddler and preschool storytime, alongside storytime visits from local Head Start groups. Our monthly programs, such as Lego Club and the Friday Paws reading program, also continued as usual. In addition to these regular activities, Allison hosted a special Dragon Appreciation Day event on January 16th, which drew 36 participants. Attendees enjoyed crafting, playing games, and adopting mini dragon figures. Bill continued his book review program at the History Center with 20 attendees. The Chatham library celebrated National Puzzle Day and Inspire Your Heart with Art Day with activities, puzzles, and painting History Center: The history center remains busy with visitor and meetings. The carpet in the meeting room has several stains. After conferring with the Historical Society, the library is once again looking into getting estimates for carpet replacement in the meeting room. w[A Picture from The Movement program, which shows two of the stains in the carpet. Mt. Hermon: From Branch Manager, Tim Rogers The cold temps did not seem to hamper patrons as program attendance remained strong. The month started with one of our new programs the Reading Journal Craft. This craft involves customizing journals of all types with color inks and pasted images. Created by our own Haley Farthing attendance remains strong and is growing. Another creation by Haley, Knots and Needles, has also witnessed steady attendance and is also growing with more patrons taking part and sharing their various needlework skills. Book Bingo lead by our Earline Grant is a big bit with patrons with many calling weeks ahead to secure a spot. This month we had over sixteen in attendance. Judging from the laughter come from the room they seemed to really enjoy the event. Several first timers offered glowing comments and expressed interest in next game. The Senior Planet sponsored program, Everyday Al, was well attended as patrons received instruction and hands on practice exploring ways to us AI in everyday circumstances. The hour-long program actual ran almost two hours as patrons put Al through the paces. A surprise hit was the Beginner's Ukulele Class. Although open to all ages, we only had one adult learner and three children. Parents and kids alike commented on how much they enjoyed the class. The two-part class will be offered again in February. Paws and Read is a new program and is starting to gain momentum. It consists of kids, teens and adults reading to Summit, a registered therapy dog. Kids love Summit's gentle nature and he is a ham for attention. Angela Longerbeam our assistant branch manager has once again created a hit program that appeals to teens and adults. The Cottage Core Craft consist of making miniature, natured theme scenes. This craft is growing in popularity nationwide so kudos to Angela for catching the wave. Patrons expressed excitement about upcoming classes. Sixteen brave souls turned out to make Winter Slime. There were a lot of sticky hands and laughs as the kids made our own Mt Hermon version of slime. National Lego Day was also well attended by adults and kids. Many stayed over an hour as they let their imagination take them away. We also had sixteen turn out for the Dogman Party to coincide with the release of the Dogman movie which is based on the popular kids' books series. Our youth services coordinator, Sharon Jamison, created some great snacks consisting of toilet water (blue punch), kibbles and bits (Capt. Crunch cereal) and various other treats. Crafts, coloring sheets and games followed to the delight of the kids and parents. We finished the month with National Hot Chocolate Day. In total, twenty-five patron treated themselves to hot chocolate and cookies. Another exciting month at the Mt. Hermon Library! Gretna: from Branch Manager Adrian Badgett January brought a cold snap. Our programming didn't start until mid -month due to the potential weather conditions we typically experience in January. Despite the chilly conditions, many dedicated patrons braved the cold to visit the library and stock up on materials in case of inclement weather. The Adopt -a -Plant program, which ran through January, was a resounding success. Led by our Assistant Branch Manager, Jeanette, who propagated plants and cuttings from her personal collection, the program consisted of 53 plants and cuttings. By January 1 Oth, over half of the plants had been adopted, despite the holidays and cold weather. By the program's conclusion on January 31 st, only one plant and three cuttings remained. Patrons were thrilled with the opportunity to take home a free plant, and many expressed surprise at the generosity of the program. While some recipients preferred to remain off social media, they were happy for their stories to be shared in our report. January also saw a strong turnout of teens at the library. Among the month's pop-up programs were playing UNO and the first -ever "Teen Mayhem," which focused on creating collages. The Teen Zone featured a Zine-making activity, where teens crafted their own mini booklets. Our spring storytime sessions kicked off with winter-themed stories and songs for both baby time and storytime. The after - school program theme was "Gametastic," where kids enjoyed games like Jenga and several of the kids learned to play Trouble and Slap Jack. Additionally, the Wee 3 class at Gretna Elementary began its winter/spring semester with interactive stories and action songs provided by our youth services specialist, Cammie. On the evening of January 21 st, a group of patrons gathered for an exciting evening of bingo. The crowd spanned all age groups, and in addition to books, we offered puzzles as prizes, thanks to a generous donation from a patron. The new prize format was a hit, especially with the children. Inventory efforts are ongoing. As of January 22nd, Jeanette had completed checking the books on the shelves at Gretna and traveled to our other three branches to verify the location of Gretna -owned books. A few misplaced items were returned to their proper places. Our Adult Coloring program took place on Monday, January 27th. Although only one patron attended, that didn't stop us from coloring. We spent the time coloring spring-themed pictures while listening to soothing ASMR ocean videos. In celebration of Hot Chocolate Day, the Gretna Branch welcomed 31 patrons who enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Finally, our evening staff took the opportunity to refresh our book displays, switching from holiday- themed selections to winter and snow-themed books, all while providing excellent customer service to our patrons. PCP Laminating Policy Brosville, Chatham, Grenta, and Mt. Hermon Branches offer laminating services for sizes up to 8.5 x 11. Laminating Costs: $1 per sheet, regardless of size Limit: No more than 5 sheets per person/per day. To let the laminator cool, only 5 sheets will be laminated per hour. Restrictions - Library cannot laminate: Social Security Cards, Passports, Driver's License, ID Cards, historical documents where the heat could damage the original material, thick textures or materials, legal documents with seals, stamps, or security features. The Library is not responsible for damage or loss of materials of the final condition of processed materials. No refunds will be issued. Pittsylvania County Public Library Combined Meeting of the Board of Trustees And the PPL Foundation Board June 10, 2024 Gretna Public Library The Library Board of Trustees and the PPL Foundation met in a combined meeting on June 10, 2024. Mary Wertz, PPL President, called the meeting to order at 3:55pm. PPL Foundation members present included Alice Shelton, Karen Eades, Phyllis Roach, R. Steve Scruggs, Mary Wertz, and Rhonda Griffin. Library board members present included Alice Shelton, Karen Eades, Phyllis Roach, Janet Fitts, Portia Fitzgerald, York Pilson, David Law, Sandy Mitchell, and Rhonda Griffin. PPL Foundation The consent agenda containing the minutes of the May 13, 2024 PPL Foundation meeting and the agenda as presented, was approved on a motion by Karen Eades, seconded by Phyllis Roach, and passed unanimously. Information Items: The Library Board and staff held a reception for Mary Wertz in honor of her 28 years of service. Gretna Library staff declared June l0a' as Mary Wertz Day and had food for the reception. Adrian Badgett presented a plaque to Mary in honor of her years of service. Action Items: Rhonda Griffin reminded the Board that Mary Wertz was stepping down from the Board after 28 years of service. It was also confirmed that the Board elected R. Steve Scruggs as Chair via email vote in May 2024. During that same email vote, Sarracia Dalton was appointed to the PPL Foundation Board and elected Vice Chair. Rhonda also reviewed Kentuck Baptist Church's decision to not donate land for a Branch Library due to concerns about future library programs and services that close to the church. This setback will require that the Dan River Expansion Committee start from scratch trying to secure property for a future library branch. The PPL Foundation Board meeting adjourned at 3:01pm. Library Board The Library Board meeting was called to order at 3:05 pm. The consent agenda containing the minutes of the May 2024 library board meeting the agenda as presented, the May 2024 Financial and Operations Reports and the Director's report was approved on a motion by Portis Fitzgerald, seconded by York Pilson, passed unanimously. Rhonda Griffin collected the Board notebooks that were brought to be updated and reminded anyone that did not bring their board notebooks to bring them to the next meeting. A question about the paint for the book benches was asked. Rhonda informed the Board that the library had gotten in touch with a local vinyl wrap company about covering the book benches, which might be more durable and protective for the benches. Adrian shared examples of proposed designs. The Library Board adjourned at 3:07pm. Mary Wertz Reception followed. Karen Eades