Library Advisory Board Meeting (2025-01-13)

LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting January 13, 2025 Convened: Adjourned: 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ethel Rowland called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM. The meeting was held at the Kilmer Branch Library. Members in attendance: Ethel Rowland, Jewel Armstrong Player, Amanda Botha, Marjorie Harrell, James Wilder and June Adams. Also in attendance: Charles Lockwood, Library Division Manager, Mark Freed, Library Division Manager and Nancy Woodfin, Board Clerk. Absent were Elloise Cumings, Rudy Widman and Eukeba Jones. 2. READING & ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST BOARD MEETING The minutes from the October 21, 2024, meeting were reviewed. A motion was made and seconded (Jim Wilder/June Adams) to approve the minutes as written. The motion passed unanimously. 3. OLD BUSINESS Library Division Manager Charles Lockwood provided an update on the ongoing Port St. Lucie Branch project. He reported that the project is experiencing delays due to permitting issues. Despite the setbacks, it is anticipated that the groundbreaking ceremony for the new branch will occur sometime in March 2025. CL reported on progress for accessibility stations. He said that library administration is actively engaged in comparing the accessibility measures and equipment of other public libraries. This analysis aims to identify best practices and integrate effective solutions into our own system. The focus is on reviewing specialty equipment such as larger keyboards and enhanced signage to cater to diverse needs. He spoke about the dedicated team within the library that is working on implementing a "universal design." This concept involves using the built-in accessibility features of Microsoft products, complemented by specialized equipment. The goal is to create an inclusive environment that is easy to navigate for all patrons. Amanda Botha mentioned incorporating "alternative communication" into the library's accessibility strategy. She explained that alternative communication methods can include technology like iPads or tablets, though they do not necessarily need to be high-tech. She said that signage can also play a role in improving the ability for individuals to communicate their needs. Ethel Rowland suggested that the library turn to the community for input. By seeking suggestions from community members, the library can better understand specific accessibility needs and tailor solutions to meet those requirements. CL gave the board an update on technology upgrades at the library. He told the board of a recent routine upgrade to the circulation system that occurred in October. CL reported on circulating portable

Library Advisory Board Monday, January 13, 2025 5:30 PM 2 | P a g e wi-fi hotspot devices that the library obtained through SEFLIN (Southeast Florida Library Information Network). He informed the board that the hotspots have a built-in data plan through T-Mobile, which offers the best program for libraries. He said that patrons can check out the device for 30 days at a time with an option to renew and would be responsible for a replacement fee if the device is not returned. He said that the library hopes to start circulating these soon, with five available at each branch. 4. NEW BUSINESS Board chair Ethel Rowland welcomed new member June Adams, who was appointed to one of the Friends of St. Lucie County Library seats, to the board. Charles Lockwood reported on grants. He explained that the library had joined SEFLIN for the proximity to our location for training opportunities and the benefits they offer. One opportunity is a grant to send an AI (Artificial Intelligence) instructor to train our technology staff to teach classes on this emerging resource. CL announced that the library has been awarded a $10,000 digital literacy workshop grant. This grant is provided by the Public Library Association (PLA) in collaboration with AT&T. The funding is designated to support the library's efforts in enhancing digital literacy within the community. The terms of the grant stipulate that the library is required to teach basic computer literacy skills to a minimum of 75 students by May 2025. This aligns perfectly with the library's existing mission and programs, which already focus on expanding computer literacy among community members. CL reported on the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) federal grant application aiming to allocate $5 Million for digital equity projects. If granted, the projects will encompass re-wiring existing buildings with up-to-date fiber options as well as renovating the Morningside Annex space as discussed at previous meetings. Further updates on the grant application process will be communicated as developments unfold. Charles Lockwood provided a report on Capital Projects. He said that the county did not receive the $500,000 construction grant for the PSL Branch project this year from the state. This was due to the fact that none of the proposed projects secured funding this year. The upcoming legislative sessions were discussed. Division Manager Mark Freed emphasized the crucial role of advocacy in supporting libraries. He highlighted that one of the most effective ways to advocate for libraries is by engaging with legislators through letters and emails and encouraging friends and associates to do the same. 5. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REPORT Friends of the Library Report: Charles Lockwood reported that there was not a quorum at the January 9 Friends of the Library meeting but that the Annual Dinner Meeting with author Steve Berry had been rescheduled for March 8, 2025, 6:30 PM, at the St. Lucie Trails Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. 6. LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT The library director’s report was distributed and is as follows: Library Services: the St. Lucie County Library System continues to serve the community through a variety of enriching programs and services. The library consists of 70.5 staff members and a budget of $7.4 million and a capital projects budget of $4 million. Accomplishments include:

Library Advisory Board Monday, January 13, 2025 5:30 PM 3 | P a g e • 2024 Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals AVA Digital Award. • AI Grant. • Annual Circulation 1,008,661 (+ 30%). • Approval for the design phase of Morningside Library Annex Technology Anchor Center. • Celebrated Volunteers at Volunteer Luncheon. • Collaboration with City of Port St. Lucie – Vending Machines & Hold Pick Up Lockers. • Collaboration with St. Lucie County School District – Summer Reading, Public Art. • Computer Sessions 52,093 (-1%). • Construction Phase on Port St. Lucie Replacement Library. • Electronic Content Use 276,553 (+15%). • Emergency Response – Milton. • Information Retrieval/Electronic (+13%). • Library Staff featured on the cover of the summer edition of the Florida Library Association Journal – St. Lucie County Breaking Barriers. • Library Visits 505,645 (+8%). • NACO Achievement Award for Library of Things. • PLA/AT & T Grant. • Program Attendance 32,459. (-3%). • SEFLIN Membership. • Silver President’s Volunteer Service Award to Barbara McCarthy. • Staff Incentive Program. • Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030. • Summer Reading Challenge participation 2398 (+20%). • Website Visits 327,935 (+.33). • Wireless Sessions 50,794 (+46%). 7. BOARD COMMENTS Marjorie Harrell told the board that “ZoraFest” is scheduled for April 3, 2025. She said that it is a street festival honoring Zora Neale Hurston to be held on 9th Street between Avenues H and E. She reported that in addition to the festival, there is exciting news for Hurston enthusiasts. A new novel, The Life of Herod the Great, has been published. This previously unpublished work from Hurston has been edited by Deborah G. Plant and became available this month. She suggested that Deborah G. Plant is an exceptional candidate to speak at a library program. Ethel Rowland recommended a book to members: The Book of Lost Names by Kristen Harmel. 8. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made and seconded (Jewel Armstrong Player/Amanda Botha) to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 PM. Next meeting scheduled for April 14, at 5:30 PM at the Kilmer Branch in Fort Pierce. Quarterly Board Meeting Dates in 2025: January 13, April 14, July 14, and October 13.

Library Advisory Board Monday, January 13, 2025 5:30 PM 4 | P a g e Minutes approved by the Library Advisory Board on 4-14-2025