FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2025
The Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. on January 8, 2025, at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: M. O’Leary, S. Sheppard, T. Lancaster, J. D’Agostino, M. Richmond, D. Grisgraber, G. Mayfield, J. Donald
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: J. Kelly, Director; C. Hall – Associate Director; B. McDermott, Finance Manager; J. Marshall, Manager – Systems; A. Archibald, Personnel Supervisor; C. Brohawn, Project Coordinator; K. Cambrel, Communications Manager; M. Currens, Library Collections Manager; C. Krogh, Facilities Coordinator; J. El-Zeftawy, Development Officer; B. Heltebridle, Branch Administrator – C. Burr Artz Library; L. Branson, Branch Administrator – Walkersville Library; D. Spurrier, Branch Administrator – Emmitsburg Library; S. Yates, Branch Administrator – Urbana Regional Library and Point of Rocks Library; A. Knight, Branch Administrator – Middletown Library; B. Brannen, Branch Administrator – Thurmont Regional Library; J. Diaz, Branch Administrator – Brunswick Library; R. Cox-Steib, Branch Administrator – Myersville Library; B. Watts, Staff Development Coordinator; C. Jacobs, Library Associate; C. Smith, Executive Assistant and Recording Secretary.
CITIZEN REMARKS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: M. Richmond motioned to approve the amended Minutes of November 6, 2024, and November 20, 2024; seconded by J. D’Agostino. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair shared the books she and her family are currently reading. S. Sheppard remarked that books have been her escape but that she is learning to use them as a form of connection.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Mr. Kelly congratulated two staff members who recently received promotions – Beth Heltebridle was hired to fill the new role of Branch Services Manager and Betsey Brannen became the new Branch Administrator at the Thurmont Regional Library.
Mr. Kelly reported how the FCPL is working toward the strategic priorities. Some examples of FCPL expanding access include the Urbana library serving as an early voting and election day site, which brought attention to their newly opened passport office and resulted in a spike in usage. The Thurmont branch noticed a trend in hotspots being returned uncharged, creating barriers for unhoused customers, and set up a charging station in response. To build bridges, FCPL embarked on a new partnership with Family Connects along with Frederick Health to offer prenatal yoga and free diaper bags with supplies. The continued partnership with the County Health department has resulted in the disbursement of almost 600 boxes of naloxone across the four branches equipped with distribution boxes, with more locations coming later in the year.
FCPL sparked excitement all month with special activities and programs, especially with one well-attended teen program at the Brunswick branch.
Pivoting to statistics, Mr. Kelly shared the October and November numbers due to not meeting in December. October data shows visits, circulation, Wi-Fi usage, number of programs, and attendance all increased significantly. While November resulted in the expected seasonal slowdown during the winter months, Mr. Kelly shared the success Walkersville had with programs for adults with developmental disabilities, connecting with over 350 participants.
BUDGET/CIP UPDATE:
Regarding the operating budget, a video call held earlier in the week provided a budget refresher for the Board’s Finance Committee, which was recorded and distributed via email. The FY26 draft operating budget will be presented to the Board’s Finance Committee on January 13, 2025.
Mr. Kelly provided an update that the Frederick City Council voted unanimously to approve the land transfer agreement with proposed amendments. As the transfer moves forward, FCPL will host a community input session with Dewberry Architects regarding the library’s design, on February 13, 2025, at Butterfly Ridge Elementary School.
The meeting with the County’s CIP committee to review FCPL’s projects was rescheduled due to the weather closure. The Board Finance Committee will meet to review the proposed FY26 budget, and the full Board will vote on the proposed budget on February 5, 2025.
T. Lancaster inquired about the marketing strategy in place to publicize the input meeting to the community.
M. Richmond asked if the notice would be sent out to the surrounding elementary schools.
NEW BUSINESS
Financial Report:
B. McDermott shared FY25 budget numbers tentative as of Nov 30, 2024, with data pulled on Dec 18, 2024.
Thurmont Update:
B. Brannen shared the successes of the Thurmont branch using statistics from January to October 2024. The library not only circulates materials but has become a hub in the surrounding community by expanding resources to patrons. The staff at the Thurmont branch focused on current patrons, as well as expanding access to other growing populations they serve. Thurmont Regional Library has built bridges with the community, the school system, and nearby organizations, most notably by serving over 1,846 students with meals during their summer lunch program.
Board questions and comments:
M. Richmond inquired about the drive-through availability at branches throughout the county. She also shared her reflections on dropping off treats to staff during the holidays and what she observed, particularly the Urbana and Point of Rocks staff meeting, as well as the Emmitsburg space. M. Richmond also asked about the open hours at Emmitsburg and if more hours are possible.
Other Citizen remarks: None.
The next FCPL Board of Trustees meeting will be held at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room at 7:00 p.m. on February 5, 2025.
J. D’Agostino made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by M. Richmond. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
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S. Sheppard
Chair, Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees