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Home My WebLink About02-18-26 - Library Board of Trustees - Agendas & Packet MaterialsA. Call meeting to order - 4:00 p.m. B. Changes to the Agenda C. Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board D. Approval of Minutes D.1 Approval of Library Board Minutes from January 21, 2026 (Gregory) E. Action Items E.1 Library Budget Request for FY27-28(Gregory) F. Reports THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA LBT AGENDA Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Bozeman Public Library is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting: Topic: Library Board of Trustees Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86065639677 Meeting ID: 860 6563 9677 One tap mobile +16699009128,,86065639677# US (San Jose) +16694449171,,86065639677# US Join instructions https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/86065639677/invitations? signature=bTDlTWG5PlxPBQMsDvp2aIlGuo39BaltIF7KUCyn2h4 Please state your name and place of residence in an audible tone of voice for the record. This is the time for individuals to comment on non-agenda matters falling within the purview of the Committee. There will also be an opportunity in conjunction with each action item for comments pertaining to that item. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a property owner within the city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your comments to three minutes. Please limit your comments to three minutes. Approve 1 F.1 Director & Staff Reports / Correspondence (Gregory/Department Heads) F.2 Friends & Foundation Report(Johnson) F.3 Commission Liaison Update(Madgic) G. FYI/Discussion G.1 City Ethics Training(Gregory) G.2 Recognition of Library Staff Â 2025 MSL Certification awards (Susan Gregory) H. Adjournment For more information please contact Susan Gregory, sgregory@bozeman.net This board generally meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Committee meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability and require assistance, please contact our ADA Coordinator, David Arnado, at 406.582.3232. In order for this Board to receive all relevant public comment in time for this meeting, please submit via the Public Comment Page or by emailing comments@bozeman.net no later than 12:00 PM on the day of the meeting. Public comment may be made in person at the meeting as well. 2 Memorandum REPORT TO:Library Board of Trustees FROM:Bozeman Public Library SUBJECT:Approval of Library Board Minutes from January 21, 2026 MEETING DATE:February 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes RECOMMENDATION:Approve STRATEGIC PLAN:1.1 Outreach: Continue to strengthen and innovate in how we deliver information to the community and our partners. BACKGROUND:Written record of key details discussed during the meeting, which includes actions taken and next steps. Minutes are the formal document that captures the date, time, attendees, agenda items, and any motions and actions taken. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None ALTERNATIVES:N/A FISCAL EFFECTS:None Attachments: LBM 1-21-2026 Minutes.pdf Report compiled on: February 19, 2025 3 Bozeman Public Library Library Board of Trustees January 21, 2026 Minutes Attendance: Library Board Chair Ken Spencer, Trustees Stew Mohr, Pam Henley (via zoom) and Mike Redburn; Bozeman Public Library (BPL) Director Susan Gregory; Assistant Director Becky Kasten; Administrative Assistant Lauranna Cossins; Department Heads Carmen Clark, Ellie Newell and Sarah Widger; Library Friends & Foundation Director Janay Johnson, Commission Liaison Jennifer Madgic Not Present; Trustee Mike Long Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by Board Chair Ken Spencer at 4pm. Public Comment Approval of the Minutes Action: Trustee Mohr moved to approve the Minutes from the November 19, 2025, Library Board meeting as submitted. Trustee Redburn seconded. Correction to Minutes: Trustee Henley was not present. There was no further discussion. The Board voted unanimously to approve the Minutes as submitted. Action Items Library Closure for Library Staff Training Day on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Action: Trustee Mohr moved to approve Library closure on May 6, 2026, for All Staff Training Day. Trustee Redburn seconded. There was no further discussion. The Board voted unanimously to approve. Reports Correspondence Highlights were presented by Director Gregory. “Water station w/ filtered water please.” “More comfy and open areas!” “I don’t have a suggestion- just absolute praise for the amazing use of a building. My library card expired & I had to come in, I am so GLAD I did. This is the most awesome Library. Thank you so much!” 4 “I don’t think eating food while on a computer should be allowed. It’s annoying to sit next to someone chomping and the potential to spill and damage the keyboard and make a sticky mess is too great.” “In the teen corner, can we get a space for book recommendations and favorite books? This would be helpful - include a space for the two and a space for certain types of requests for recommendations.” “Thank you for being an inclusive space for everyone.” Director’s Report- Director Gregory provided her report to the Library Board prior to the meeting. Gregory provided an overview of the safety incident that happened two weeks ago with a patron experiencing a mental health crisis, and the resulting evacuation of the building. The patron got into an altercation with another person and announced that he had a bomb in his backpack. (There was no bomb.) She discussed the work that we are doing with our City Attorney to ban this person from the Library property permanently, based on the threat to the public and staff. The Library staff did extremely well in the moment of the threat. The routine trainings that we do on emergency evacuations and de-escalation came in handy. We were able to move everyone out of the Library quickly without anyone complaining or getting hurt in the process. We have now increased the Invictus security officer presence in the Library to every day, Monday thru Friday, for 4 hours a day. This is until the end of our fiscal year in June. We are in the process of preparing our FY27-FY29 personnel and operations budget requests for review by the City Administration and Finance office. We hope to present you with a draft budget request for the Library in March, after it's been reviewed in the City Finance office, if not earlier. We are requesting increased amounts of funding to pay for more security officers. We are also working with our City IT Director, Facilities Superintendent and Bozeman Police administration to install security cameras within the Library and in the parking lot this spring. We currently have cameras in our lobby that focus on the west and north entrances to the building. Department Reports were provided in the Board packet prior to the meeting. Highlights were shared by the Department Heads in attendance. Public Services Department Head Sarah Widger said that there were 65 applicants for the open Library Aid position that recently closed. Collection Management Department Head Carmen Clark highlighted e-resources growth due to patron demand. People are using Newsbank and online editions of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and The New York Times, in particular. Youth Services Department Head Ellie Newell updated the Trustees on the feedback we received from the public on surveys about the proposed renovation that our architects distributed in November: top comments from caregivers and kids said they love their library, but it's often overcrowded and too many bodies are in the small space. They value both the collection and the play spaces in the Children's room, specifically. 5 Friends & Foundation Report – Director Johnson provided a quick run through of the results of their recent Feasibility Study, via PowerPoint. Johnson explained that they wanted to assess the community's enthusiasm and level of support for a branch Library on the west side of Bozeman. The object was to get more information about potential donor support and potential roadblocks to the proposed branch. The Foundation and Friends, as well as Library Administration, want to build the idea of ownership and enthusiasm for this eventual project. Johnson said that about 100 donors were invited to give feedback, with 46 giving in-person interviews. An electronic survey went to a broader cross section of donors. The study revealed that there is potential for $12 - $15 million in support for a proposed branch at this time, while the goal of $25 million in donor funds could likely be achieved in several years' time. Commission Liaison Update – City Commissioner Jennifer Madgic shared that Joey Morrison was just appointed and sworn in as Bozeman’s new mayor. The City Commission and City Directors had a public retreat last week to set the Commission’s priorities for the coming year. Madgic said that she and Director Gregory discussed the Library’s goal of a future west Bozeman branch and the recent purchase by the Bozeman Public Library Foundation and Friends of a land parcel in the new Urban Farms development for the proposed branch. FYI/ Discussion Children’s Department Renovation Update- A PowerPoint presentation was provided by Youth Services Department Head Ellie Newell, in which she highlighted the guiding principle of this Children’s renovation project as “a library space for children that is safe, durable accessible, flexible and playful.” The meeting was adjourned at 5:20pm by Board Chair Spencer. 6 Memorandum REPORT TO:Library Board of Trustees FROM:Bozeman Public Library SUBJECT:Library Budget Request for FY27-28 MEETING DATE:February 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Administration RECOMMENDATION:Review STRATEGIC PLAN:7.5. Funding and Delivery of City Services: Use equitable and sustainable sources of funding for appropriate City services, and deliver them in a lean and efficient manner. BACKGROUND:City Budget Requests for FY27-28 Operating Budget UNRESOLVED ISSUES:N/A ALTERNATIVES:N/A FISCAL EFFECTS:FY27-28 Report compiled on: May 8, 2024 7 Memorandum REPORT TO:Library Board of Trustees FROM:Bozeman Public Library SUBJECT:Director & Staff Reports / Correspondence MEETING DATE:February 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study RECOMMENDATION:Updates & Review STRATEGIC PLAN:1.1 Outreach: Continue to strengthen and innovate in how we deliver information to the community and our partners. BACKGROUND:Departmental news & monthly highlights UNRESOLVED ISSUES:N/A ALTERNATIVES:N/A FISCAL EFFECTS:N/A Attachments: APO Board Report.pdf Collection Management Board report.pdf Mobile Services Board report.pdf Public Services Board Report.pdf Youth Services Board Report.pdf February 2026- Stats Report.pdf Report compiled on: January 14, 2026 8 APO Department Report January-February 2026 Program Highlights Outreach Highlights Laser Cutter Update We love to see how our programs lift spirits during the long winter months. Although it has been unseasonably warm we have still seen great attendance and interactions at our programs. • Béquet Caramel came to the Kitchen Table and demonstrated their culinary creations to full house of excited patrons. (Emily) • David conducted a new class on using the Cricut and the mug press for patrons to create their own personalize mugs. • Crochet and Knitting Workshop continues to be a popular class taught by two amazing volunteers. It drew in 22 people last month who not only make beautiful creations but also wonderful connections. (Liz) • Media and Design Lab participants completed a project over several sessions of designing graphics for a t-shirt and then making those shirts using the Cricut vinyl cutter. (Ben) • The Ultimate Book Nerd challenge is off to great start with hundreds of patrons picking up reading logs and the first Meeting of the Nerds coming up next month. (Becky) • Liz visited the local quilting guild to help them learn about the Library services. The guild later held a meeting in the community room and utilized some of our equipment and supplies from the Work Bench. Many guild members also came over to the Work Bench to tour around and see the machines. • Susan, Becky, and Carmen went to Rotary to give a presentation on Library services and explain the Ultimate Book Nerd challenge. • We now have the opportunity for a Library staff member to present at the City’s new hire meeting each quarter. Ben was able to present at the most recent meeting to about 30 new Bozeman City employees. Due to the generosity of the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation Book Sale Committee we received a grant to purchase a new laser cutter. We especially appreciate the committee approving the request off of their regular meeting cycle to help us take advantage of a cost savings and move forward more quickly on getting patrons back to making. After thorough research David decided we would get an X-Tool laser. It has now arrived and David has set it up and is remaking our laser cutting curriculum to work with it. He will start training staff at the end of the month and then work on the patron training. In the Kitchen Table with Béquet Carame T-Shirt made in Media and Design Lab 9 Statistics Highlight: This month I am sharing the statistics from our E-resource Libby (Montana Library2Go). I chose to highlight the number of holds that we see every month. The data shows a steady increase year over year which is very inspiriring. Patrons love their eResources! prepared by: Carmen Clark (Department Head Collection Management) COLLECTION MANAGEMENT REPORT FEBRUARY 2026 10 eBooks Jan Feb March April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec 2023 3699 2828 3177 3075 3089 3053 3015 3170 3161 3327 3287 3427 2024 4007 3479 3643 3546 3644 3459 3608 3451 3411 3259 3231 3847 2025 4346 3697 4047 3741 3761 3594 3823 3673 3584 3670 3606 3646 Audio Jan Feb March April May June July August Sept OOct Nov Dec 2023 4704 3820 4201 4372 4537 4588 4551 4886 4570 4788 4665 4687 2024 5346 4559 4861 4769 4949 4885 5117 5035 5110 5187 4968 5038 2025 5976 5087 5713 5333 5570 5530 5568 5891 5668 6095 5747 5446 11 Mobile Services Report January 2026 Summary Stop data: Total Stops: 49 Total Service Hours: 45.5 Total Patrons: 806 Programming Data*: Total Programs: 42 Outreach Storytimes Total Program Attendees: 618 Birth-5, 0 Elementary Age Children, 0 Teens, 118 Adults. Total: 736 *Some Data will overlap with Youth Services Report January was the first month of the Mobile Services new schedule, spreading our previous two weeks of stops out into a three week schedule. Because of this, the monthly totals for the spring are expected to be about a third lower than they would have been under the previous schedule. Mobile Services is already seeing benefits through the additional time to do prep and administrative work along with more flexibility to handle rescheduling and unexpected conflicts. Mobile Services staff will also be handling an increased coverage load moving forward in the spring to help in the building with public service. In the future, this schedule will also allow for an increase in the total number of unique stops and community reach. Elementary Students at Cottonwood School Preschoolers at Mountain Sprouts 12 February 2026 Public Services Department Board Report Prepared by Sarah Widger, Department Head swidger@bozeman.net, 406-582-2403 (desk), 406-579-9271 (cell) Calendar Year Statistics Every year, the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation request calendar year statistics for their annual report. Here are the numbers from January – December 2025, as reported to the BLFF in January (numbers in parenthesis are from calendar year 2024): • Total visitors: 337,292 (324,131) • Number of new library cards: 5,790 (5,763) • Number of new Bookmobile library cards: 219 (164) • Number of items accessed (physical and digital) o Physical: 578,737 (583,060) o Digital: 403,739 (334,686) o Total: 982,476 (917,928) • Bookmobile total circulation: 31,802 (28,467) o Circulation total with Bookmobile (main library + digital + mobile library): 1,014,278 (946,395) • Number of programs: 1,734 • Number of program attendees: 59,779 Hiring Update Peter Barker started at the library on February 2nd. He is a half-time Library Aide that works Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We are still working with City of Bozeman HR on the open 15-hour position. Patron Compliment As reported by Leslie McCleary, one of the APO staff members: “A library patron came up to share with me a recent experience he had in the library. He didn't remember any names but was very pleased with the assistance he received. He went to the library to find a particular Bozeman Chronicle article for some research he is doing. In the process, he discovered his library card had expired. The staff member that helped him renewed his card, and then helped him find the article he was looking for. He was surprised the library had both online access to past issues and current issues of the Bozeman Chronicle and microfiche of older issues. On his way out, he walked around the 2nd and was very excited to discover some quiet spots, including the McLeod Room. He has plans to return and make more frequent visits.” 13 A THOUSAND MOVING PIECES YOUTH SERVICES B O Z E M AN P U B L I C LI B R A R Y F E B RU A R Y 20 2 6 The Youth Services Team is moving at warp speed with a bunchof good projects in the works. At a glance: Programs are overflowingand we’re working on fair,kind, and sane ways to capattendance for the mostpopular ones. Patrons need booksand we’re consistently verybusy with intriguingreference questions andreaders’ advisories. We’re dreaming of summerand we’re planning a fullslate of programs at thelibrary and via the bus. Renovation next stepscontinue to march forwardas we work on the logistics ofrelocating, storing, andmoving the collection. Playspaces burst with joyas patrons play Florist Shop,send AirToobz foam ballsshooting up into the air, andconstruct block towers. Rosemary Wells is comingat the end of March forpresentations about her artand bunnies at both thelibrary and a public school. 14 February 2026 - Statistics Public Services Department Prepared by Sarah Widger, Department Head swidger@bozeman.net, 406-582-2403 (desk), 406-579-9271 (cell) 15 February 2026 - Statistics Public Services Department Prepared by Sarah Widger, Department Head swidger@bozeman.net, 406-582-2403 (desk), 406-579-9271 (cell) 16 Memorandum REPORT TO:Library Board of Trustees FROM:Bozeman Public Library Friends & Foundation SUBJECT:Friends & Foundation Report MEETING DATE:February 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study RECOMMENDATION:Discussion/Highlights STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues as others may see them. BACKGROUND:Standing item on the Library Board of Trustees agenda - Friends & Foundation provides an update of pertinent information for the Library. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None ALTERNATIVES:None FISCAL EFFECTS:None Attachments: Book Sale Poster.pdf Report compiled on: January 14, 2026 17 Sat ur d ay, F e bru ar y 21 | 8 am - 10 am Early Access for Library Donors Sat ur day, F e br uar y 21 | 10 a m - 5 p m Used Book Sale Open to All Su n day, F e br uar y 22 | 1 pm - 5 p m Fill-a-Bag Sale F E B R U A R YUSED B O OK S A L E Bozeman Public Library Community Room BOZEMAN LIBRARY FRIE NDS A ND FOUNDATION www.supportbozemanlibrary.org (406)582-2425 18 Memorandum REPORT TO:Library Board of Trustees FROM:City of Bozeman SUBJECT:Commission Liaison Update MEETING DATE:February 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study RECOMMENDATION:Discussion-City of Bozeman Commission Updates STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues as others may see them. BACKGROUND:Standing item on the Library Board of Trustees agenda - City Commissioner Liaison provides an update of pertinent information for the Library. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None ALTERNATIVES:None FISCAL EFFECTS:None Report compiled on: April 9, 2025 19 Memorandum REPORT TO:Library Board of Trustees FROM:Bozeman Public Library SUBJECT:City Ethics Training MEETING DATE:February 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission RECOMMENDATION:Participate in City's Ethics Training STRATEGIC PLAN:7.1 Values-Driven Culture: Promote a values-driven organizational culture that reinforces ethical behavior, exercises transparency and maintains the communityâ€™s trust. BACKGROUND:Per the City Charter, staff is required to establish standards and guidelines for conduct, provide annual trainings, for all representatives of the City to avoid the use of their public position for private benefit. This training will be the fulfillment of that requirement. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None ALTERNATIVES:None FISCAL EFFECTS:None Report compiled on: February 14, 2025 20 Memorandum REPORT TO:Library Board of Trustees FROM:Library Board SUBJECT:Recognition of Library Staff 2025 MSL Certification awards MEETING DATE:February 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission RECOMMENDATION:Listen, ask questions STRATEGIC PLAN:1.2 Community Engagement: Broaden and deepen engagement of the community in city government, innovating methods for inviting input from the community and stakeholders. BACKGROUND:Library Board will recognize Library Staff receiving their 2025 MSL certification award UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None ALTERNATIVES:None FISCAL EFFECTS:None Report compiled on: February 5, 2024 21