06-21-2021 Library Board Regular Meeting PacketLibrary Board
Monday, June 21, 2021
Edith Abbott Memorial Library
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
This is a public meeting subject to the open meetings laws of the State of Nebraska. The
requirements for an open meeting are posted on the wall in this room and anyone that wants
to find out what those are is welcome to read through them. The Library Board may vote to
go into Closed Session on any Agenda Item as allowed by State Law.
2.Roll Call
Tanya Hansen, President
Maria Lopez, Vice President
Benjamin Boeselager, Secretary
Edward Meedel
Kelli Arens
Jaime Parr
Sara White
3.Public Participation
4.Approval of Minutes of May 17, 2021
5.Approval of Financial Reports
6.Approval of Bills Submitted - May 25, 2021 and June 8, 2021
7.Approval of Director's Report
8.Board Communications and Committee Reports
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 1 / 32
9.Approval of Bahr Money
10.Accept both the gift assignments and rights for Crane Art.
11.Next Meeting
12.Adjournment
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 2 / 32
Library Board
Monday, June 21, 2021
Regular Meeting
Item A1
Public Participation
This is an opportunity for individuals wishing to provide input on any of tonight's agenda items to
reserve time to speak. Please come forward, state your name and address, and the Agenda topic on
which you will be speaking.
Individuals may also request items for future library board meetings. If the issue can be handled
administratively, notification will be provided. If the item is scheduled for a future meeting, notification
of the date will be given.
Staff Contact:
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 3 / 32
Library Board
Monday, June 21, 2021
Regular Meeting
Item B1
Approval of Minutes of May 17, 2021
Staff Contact:
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 4 / 32
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND
GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
MINUTES OF REGULAR LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
May 17, 2021
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Regular Meeting of the Library Board of the Grand Island Public
Library was conducted on Monday, May 17, 2021. Notice appeared in the Grand Island Independent on May 13,
2021. A quorum present, President Tanya Hansen called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The following
members were present: Ed Meedel, Kelli Arens, Ben Boeselager and Maria Lopez. Celine Swan and Vaughn
Minton were also present.
Open Meetings Law Notice: Provided by President Tanya Hansen.
Public Participation: None
Approval of Minutes: Motion by Ed Meedel, seconded by Maria Lopez, carried unanimously to accept for filing
the Minutes of the April 15, 2021 library board meeting.
REPORTS:
Approval of Financial Report: Motion by Ed Meedel, seconded by Maria Lopez, carried unanimously to accept
for filing the March 2021 Financial Reports.
Approval of Bills Submitted: Motion by Ed Meedel, seconded by Maria Lopez, carried unanimously to accept for
filing the April 27, 2021 and May 11, 2021 Bills Submitted.
.
Approval of Director’s Report: Motion by Kelli Arens, seconded by Ed Meedel, carried unanimously to accept
for filing the Director’s Report.
Board Communications and Committee Report: Nothing to report at this time.
Planning for Strategic Plan: The Written Survey for the public was included in the packet for board review and a
vote was needed to accept this survey. Motion by Ed Meedel, seconded by Ben Boeselager, carried unanimously
to accept for filing the Written Survey.
Approval of Bahr Money: Tabled until June 2021 meeting.
Approval of Racial Justice 101 Training: The board has an opportunity to participate in the Racial Justice 101
Training from the YWCA. The cost for this training is $75.00 and the board can also receive continuing
education credits for participating. Motion by Ed Meedel, seconded by Maria Lopez, carried unanimously to
accept for filing for the board to attend the Racial Justice 101 Training.
Next Meeting: This meeting will hold on Monday June 21, 2021 at 4:30.
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Ben Boeselager, Secretary
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 5 / 32
Library Board
Monday, June 21, 2021
Regular Meeting
Item B2
Approval of Financial Reports
The reports of revenues and expenditures since the last board meeting are submitted as generated,
subject to City Finance Department journal entry changes.
Staff Contact:
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 6 / 32
05/21/2021 15:05 |CITY OF GRAND ISLAND |P 1
briansc |LIBRARY REVENUES |glytdbud
FOR THE MONTH ENDING APRIL 2021
FOR 2021 07 JOURNAL DETAIL 2021 7 TO 2021 7
ACCOUNTS FOR:ORIGINAL REVISED AVAILABLE PCT
100 GENERAL FUND APPROP BUDGET YTD EXPENDED MTD EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USED____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10044301 LIBRARY _________________________________________
74350 COUNTY SHARE OF LIBRARY -40,000 -40,000 -27,500.00 .00 .00 -12,500.00 68.8%
74360 FEDERAL GRANTS -13,070 -13,070 .00 .00 .00 -13,070.00 .0%
74365 STATE GRANTS -7,107 -7,107 .00 .00 .00 -7,107.00 .0%
74576 COPY MACHINE USE FEES -11,000 -11,000 -5,556.13 -1,122.06 .00 -5,443.87 50.5%
74703 FINES AND PENALTIES -25,000 -25,000 -4,482.33 -684.92 .00 -20,517.67 17.9%
74725 NONRESIDENT CARD FEE -5,500 -5,500 -2,300.00 -310.00 .00 -3,200.00 41.8%
74795 OTHER REVENUE -6,500 -6,500 -14,591.45 .00 .00 8,091.45 224.5%
TOTAL LIBRARY -108,177 -108,177 -54,429.91 -2,116.98 .00 -53,747.09 50.3%
TOTAL GENERAL FUND -108,177 -108,177 -54,429.91 -2,116.98 .00 -53,747.09 50.3%
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 7 / 32
05/21/2021 15:06 |CITY OF GRAND ISLAND |P 1
briansc |LIBRARY EXPENSES |glytdbud
FOR THE MONTH ENDING APRIL 2021
FOR 2021 07 JOURNAL DETAIL 2021 7 TO 2021 7
ACCOUNTS FOR:ORIGINAL REVISED AVAILABLE PCT
100 GENERAL FUND APPROP BUDGET YTD EXPENDED MTD EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USED____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10044301 LIBRARY _________________________________________
85105 SALARIES - REGULAR 996,791 996,791 530,717.81 96,440.60 .00 466,073.19 53.2%
85110 SALARIES - OVERTIME 1,000 1,000 207.52 32.01 .00 792.48 20.8%
85115 F.I.C.A. PAYROLL TAXES 76,255 76,255 37,538.43 7,003.51 .00 38,716.57 49.2%
85120 HEALTH INSURANCE 185,613 185,613 87,918.56 14,580.68 .00 97,694.44 47.4%
85125 LIFE INSURANCE 1,600 1,600 829.15 118.45 .00 770.85 51.8%
85130 DISABLITY INSURANCE 2,775 2,775 1,271.22 176.56 .00 1,503.78 45.8%
85145 PENSION CONTRIBUTION 59,787 59,787 31,184.43 5,683.87 .00 28,602.57 52.2%
85150 WORKERS COMPENSATION 1,962 1,962 380.90 .00 .00 1,581.10 19.4%
85160 OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 0 0 343.62 29.28 .00 -343.62 100.0%
85161 HRA-VEBA 12,220 12,220 6,983.75 1,263.75 .00 5,236.25 57.2%
85213 CONTRACT SERVICES 10,000 10,000 10,510.00 .00 .00 -510.00 105.1%
85241 COMPUTER SERVICES 30,000 30,000 6,281.41 851.51 .00 23,718.59 20.9%
85245 PRINTING & BINDING SERVICES 0 0 1,098.25 .00 .00 -1,098.25 100.0%
85305 UTILITY SERVICES 55,000 55,000 24,330.86 3,021.73 .00 30,669.14 44.2%
85317 NATURAL GAS 5,000 5,000 3,635.52 1,160.25 .00 1,364.48 72.7%
85319 REPAIR & MAIN-LAND IMP/IRRIGA 1,000 1,000 .00 .00 .00 1,000.00 .0%
85324 REPAIR & MAINT - BUILDING 20,000 20,000 10,584.31 1,809.84 1,836.23 7,579.46 62.1%
85330 REPAIR & MAINT-OFF FURN & EQ 15,000 15,000 10,890.32 567.46 5,000.00 -890.32 105.9%
85335 REPAIR & MAINT - VEHICLES 480 480 .00 .00 .00 480.00 .0%
85350 SANITATION SERVICE 750 750 414.20 118.60 .00 335.80 55.2%
85413 POSTAGE 6,000 6,000 2,643.21 446.73 .00 3,356.79 44.1%
85416 ADVERTISING 250 250 210.42 106.56 .00 39.58 84.2%
85422 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 26,000 26,000 15,463.00 2,172.00 .00 10,537.00 59.5%
85425 BOOKS 95,000 95,000 53,612.77 13,059.26 .00 41,387.23 56.4%
85426 AV/ELECTRONIC MEDIA 108,700 108,700 74,133.45 13,038.98 .00 34,566.55 68.2%
85427 PERIODICALS 14,000 14,000 8,885.18 39.00 .00 5,114.82 63.5%
85428 TRAVEL & TRAINING 2,500 2,500 1,904.34 .00 .00 595.66 76.2%
85453 CASH OVER & SHORT 100 100 16.99 3.35 .00 83.01 17.0%
85490 OTHER EXPENDITURES 1,000 1,000 757.32 88.89 .00 242.68 75.7%
85505 OFFICE SUPPLIES 51,000 51,000 15,090.03 4,571.05 .00 35,909.97 29.6%
85510 CLEANING SUPPLIES 4,000 4,000 629.78 .00 .00 3,370.22 15.7%
85515 GASOLINE 500 500 208.71 .00 .00 291.29 41.7%
85540 SMALL TOOLS & PARTS 12,279 12,279 .00 .00 .00 12,279.00 .0%
TOTAL LIBRARY 1,796,562 1,796,562 938,675.46 166,383.92 6,836.23 851,050.31 52.6%
TOTAL GENERAL FUND 1,796,562 1,796,562 938,675.46 166,383.92 6,836.23 851,050.31 52.6%
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 8 / 32
05/21/2021 15:03 |CITY OF GRAND ISLAND |P 132
briansc |ALL REVENUES |glytdbud
FOR THE MONTH ENDING APRIL 2021
FOR 2021 07 JOURNAL DETAIL 2021 7 TO 2021 7
ACCOUNTS FOR:ORIGINAL REVISED AVAILABLE PCT
295 LOCAL ASSISTANCE APPROP BUDGET YTD EXPENDED MTD EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USED____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
29555001 OTHER DEPARTMENT PROJECTS _________________________________________
74602 PLANNING COMMISSION PLAQUE _________________________________________
29555001 74602 PLANNING COMMISSION -120 -120 .00 .00 .00 -120.00 .0%
TOTAL PLANNING COMMISSION PLAQUE -120 -120 .00 .00 .00 -120.00 .0%
74701 EDITH ABBOTT MEMORIAL LIBRARY _________________________________________
29555001 74701 EDITH ABBOTT MEMORI -74,000 -74,000 -77,959.28 -1,294.91 .00 3,959.28 105.4%
2021/07/000163 04/16/2021 CRP -44.91 REF 262875 GI FOUNDATION 04/16/21 COVID REIM.
2021/07/000313 04/30/2021 CRP -1,250.00 REF 263610 NE HUMANITIES COUNCI 04/30/21 RECEIPT
29555001 74701 105 EDITH ABBOTT MEM 0 0 -15,000.00 .00 .00 15,000.00 100.0%
TOTAL EDITH ABBOTT MEMORIAL LIBRA -74,000 -74,000 -92,959.28 -1,294.91 .00 18,959.28 125.6%
74735 CONTINGENCY PROJECTS _________________________________________
29555001 74735 CONTINGENCY PROJECT -250,000 -250,000 .00 .00 .00 -250,000.00 .0%
TOTAL CONTINGENCY PROJECTS -250,000 -250,000 .00 .00 .00 -250,000.00 .0%
74799 CREDIT CARD REBATE _________________________________________
29555001 74799 CREDIT CARD REBATE -164 -164 .00 .00 .00 -164.00 .0%
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 9 / 32
05/21/2021 14:54 |CITY OF GRAND ISLAND |P 164
briansc |ALL EXPENSES |glytdbud
FOR THE MONTH ENDING APRIL 2021
FOR 2021 07 JOURNAL DETAIL 2021 7 TO 2021 7
ACCOUNTS FOR:ORIGINAL REVISED AVAILABLE PCT
295 LOCAL ASSISTANCE APPROP BUDGET YTD EXPENDED MTD EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USED____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
29555001 OTHER DEPARTMENT PROJECTS _________________________________________
91 OPERATING EXPENSES _________________________________________
29555001 85041 PLANNING COMMISSION 120 120 106.61 .00 .00 13.39 88.8%
29555001 85042 EDITH ABBOTT MEMORI 134,771 134,771 34,690.51 6,997.82 1,229.81 98,850.68 26.7%
2021/07/000042 04/07/2021 API 120.00 VND 010168 VCH513056 BANK OF AMERICA DELL - Vesa Mounts 7205
2021/07/000042 04/07/2021 API 239.94 VND 010168 VCH513091 BANK OF AMERICA AMAZON - SSD Drive 7205
2021/07/000042 04/07/2021 API 107.94 VND 010168 VCH513102 BANK OF AMERICA AMAZON-Peter Kiewit/Grant Mone 7205
2021/07/000042 04/07/2021 API 2,629.94 VND 010168 VCH513109 BANK OF AMERICA BEST BUY-Peter Kiewit/Grant Mo 7205
2021/07/000042 04/07/2021 API 3,900.00 VND 010168 VCH513201 BANK OF AMERICA DELL - Desktops 7205
29555001 85042 105 EDITH ABBOTT MEM 0 0 4,202.76 673.47 .00 -4,202.76 100.0%
2021/07/000206 04/21/2021 API 56.52 VND 010168 VCH513749 BANK OF AMERICA "WALMART-SRP, Activity Supplie 7225
2021/07/000206 04/21/2021 API 616.95 VND 010168 VCH513763 BANK OF AMERICA FIRESPRING PRINT-Summer Guide 7225
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 134,891 134,891 38,999.88 7,671.29 1,229.81 94,661.31 29.8%
96 CAPITAL OUTLAY _________________________________________
29555001 85010 CONTINGENCY PROJECT 250,000 250,000 .00 .00 .00 250,000.00 .0%
TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY 250,000 250,000 .00 .00 .00 250,000.00 .0%
TOTAL OTHER DEPARTMENT PROJECTS 384,891 384,891 38,999.88 7,671.29 1,229.81 344,661.31 10.5%
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 10 / 32
Library Board
Monday, June 21, 2021
Regular Meeting
Item B3
Approval of Bills Submitted - May 25, 2021 and June 8, 2021
The following bills were submitted by the Library Director in accordance with the Library Funds Policy
since the last library board meeting.
Staff Contact:
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Library Board
Monday, June 21, 2021
Regular Meeting
Item C1
Approval of Director's Report
The Director's Report typically consists of:
1) a monthly report of programs and activities, public use of meeting spaces, library media, and
Librarians' Reports
2) a quarterly Report of Household Library Cards Issued to Hall County Residents Outside of Grand
Island provided in January, April, July and October of each year
3) a quarterly statistical usage report provided in February, May, August and November of each year
4) upon execution of agreement, regularly scheduled report of use of Grand Island Public Library
Foundation library support funds
5) upon publication, a Library newsletter
6) and additional administrative items of note, either in the agenda packet or discussed at the meeting.
Staff Contact:
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 17 / 32
May-Current
• RFP for HVAC for Architect for this Capital Project-bids for construction are due July 14
• RFP for ILS-Integrated Library System Software-Shaun, and weekly meetings with TLC
• Update on Pioneer Consortium-Migration for GIPL to TLC beginning of July, August 9 all staff training.
• Virtual Report
• Media Report
• Library Newsletter
• Library Foundation Work: 295 funds, Peter Kiewit update,on signage (voting on June 24), 6 monitors-working on electronics with city IT and Jeremy, Edumarking and Outdoor Rec for centers for outdoor early literacy
• Go Big Give in Makerspace, Chocolate Bar, Sales of t-shirts, tours
• Presentation for Rotary Club, tour Young Professionals, Meeting with Children’s Museum Board, H3C groups
• Summer planning-Outreach to Parks/Schools, Promotional flyers out, posters went out schools May 1, in-library flyers, put on calendar, made flyers for Early Learning Center, Headstarts. Social Media
Upcoming-Library work
• Peter Kiewit-future projects-outdoor area Edumarking installed the graphics in the early literacy area
• Working with Outdoor Rec/Foundation for the literacy stations
• Partner with Hall County Historical Society on Bygone Hall County Book Club partnership promotion in September, Quarterly Open House with other groups such Stuhr, PPGS, DAR Chapter, Historical Society in the works
• PrimeTime School Preschool finishing June 26 have fall PrimeTimes booked in person, have Laura working with the groups
• Summer Reading Program virtual and makerspace, Big Events, Beanstack
• American Recovery Grants, ALA COVID Library Relief Fund, IMLS ARPA grants
coming SOON through Nebraska Library Commission
• Racial Justice 101-YWCA training for Library Staff paid for by H3C since the library is a member it is free for staff (Board and some staff July 22 4-6 pm)
• Strategic Planning-utility insert August/committee work
• Crane Art Install-status
• Outdoor Early Literacy Center Open House-we would like to do in July with music, storybook walk, music-patrons bring chairs
• Covid update-library status, masks and social distancing
• Interlocal agreement with Hall County
• Discussion of the library being closed August 9th for all staff training
Library Director
Name: Date:
Since Last Report
Celine Swan June 2021
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 18 / 32
GRAND ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
MAY 2021 STATS OVERVIEW & COMPARISON
PATRON VISITS – PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS
*Methods for collecting visits was changed from security gate counter, which was believed to be inaccurate, to
collecting counts based on security camera entry/exit data in 2020,
MOST POPULAR ITEMS – JAN. 2021 TO PRESENT
BOOK (NEW RELEASE) DVD (NEW RELEASE)
3760
3451
3821
21849
18364
26774
0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000 35000
MAR
APR
MAY
Patron Visits
2021 2019
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 19 / 32
CIRCULATION
HOLDS PLACED
1307
1487
1193
1243
1225
1028
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
MAR
APR
MAY
Holds Placed
2021 2019
998
1024
776
839
669
621
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
MAR
APR
MAY
Holds Filled
2021 2019
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 20 / 32
CHECKOUTS
*2019 numbers include Checkouts from RBdigital/Zinio; that service was acquired and absorbed into Overdrive in
Fall 2020.
12263
11246
17542
21100
18695
17848
0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000 35000 40000
MAR
APR
MAY
Physical
2021 2019
2638
2372
2426
2805
3121
2362
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000
MAR
APR
MAY
Digital -Overdrive
2021 2019
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 21 / 32
*Hoopla provided Bonus Borrows for the month of May 2021—The Bonus Borrows program allows patrons to
checkout titles in the Bonus Borrows collection above the maximum 10 titles per month, and also does not charge
GIPL for the circs of Bonus Borrows titles.
2137
2166
2772
1843
1810
1943
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
MAR
APR
MAY
Hoopla
2021 2019
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 22 / 32
1 of 2
Grand Island Public Library
Youth & Family Services Librarian Monthly Report
Laura Fentress June 2021
Since Last Report
Summer Reading (Beanstack) began May 21
As of June 18, we have
• 361 kids signed up in Beanstack, with 336 active readers who have logged a total of 122,298
reading minutes, earned 1,363 badges, and redeemed 414 prizes including State Fair passes,
free meal coupons, and free books
• 69 teens signed up in Beanstack, with 58 active readers who have logged 45,110 reading
minutes, earned 239 badges, and redeemed 100 rewards, including free meal coupons, free
books, and bowling passes
Regular Children’s & Teens’ Summer Programming began June 7
Virtual programming
• Checkers Library TV on Monday
• Preschool Storytime with Brenda on Tuesdays
• Every Child Ready to Read Lapsits with Elle and Laura on Wednesdays
• 80 total views for 5 virtual programs broadcast in May
In-person programming
• Weekly teen craft programs on Wednesdays
o Painting with Jill Canfield (June 9): 38 total attendees
o Cricut iron-on t-shirt (June 16): 25 total attendees
• Big Kids Club with Lori on Thursdays
o June 10: 6 total attendees
o June 17: 4 total attendees
• Outdoor Family Storytime on Saturdays in the new Early Literacy area
o June 12: 8 total attendees
Special events
• Virtual Wildlife Encounters kickoff June 1
• Music & Magic Night with Keith West at Hear GI June 11
• Crane River Theater’s Page to Stage: Cinderella at Grace Abbott Park June 14 (230 total
attendees)
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 23 / 32
2 of 2
Ongoing Programming
Primetime Preschool
• May 29, June 5, 12
Children’s Area Changes
• Furniture has been moved to encourage parents to
supervise their children
• Blocks and train table have been sanitized and put out
for kids to play with
Early Literacy Area
• Edumarking laid down colorful tiles for games and fun
• Development will continue
Upcoming
Programming
Summer Reading
• Teen Art Contest begins June 28; art show July 1-31
Primetime
• Preschool continues June 19, 26
• Fall dates set
o Preschool September 11, 18 25, October 2, 9, 16
o Elementary September 20, 27, October4, 11, 18, 25
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 24 / 32
Virtual Programs
May #of sessions Craft bags YouTube Total Views
Baby & Toddler
0 0 0 0
0
Wednesday Storytime
18*2
36
Teen/Tweens
0 0 0 0
0
Homeschoolers
1 0 22 22*2
44
# of programs = 5
Total views = 80
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 25 / 32
Library Media Report June 21, 2021 Report
Library Alive: Tails and Tales Coming Soon 5/6/2021 GI Independent
Grand Island Central Catholic Students Did Great Job at the Library on Voluteer Day 5/8/2021 GI Independent
Interview on Summer Reading Program 5/11/2021 KRGI
Library Alive: Salutations from Your New Librarian 5/16/2021 GI Independent
Grand Island Public Library Offers New Ancestry Program 5/19/2021 Local 4 News
Tracing Back Generations 5/21/2021 GI Independent
Tails and Tales 5/29/2021 GI Independent
Library Alive: Just Who Do You Think You Are?5/30/2021 GI Independent
Library Alive: Refresh Your Life at Your Library 6/13/2021 GI Independent
The Perfect Fit 6/15/2021 GI Independent
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 26 / 32
Laura Fentress, Youth &
Family Services Librarian
I grew up in the San Francisco
Bay Area, but went to St. Olaf
College in Northfield, Minnesota
and then was an English teach-
er in Japan for a few years after
that. Most recently, I ran the
library program at a public ele-
mentary school in the Bay Area
for six years.
One thing I love about my new
job so far is: the staff! Everyone
has been helpful and great to
talk to.
What I love about working in
libraries: Every day is something
a little new and different. It stays
interesting year after year.
What was the first book you
remember reading/being read?
The first book I was able to
read by myself was “In a People
House” by Dr. Seuss.
What is your favorite book,
author, or series? I grew up
loving C. S. Lewis’s “Chronicles
of Narnia”, but discovered a tie
in Lloyd Alexander’s “Chronicles
of Prydain” as an adult. (I have
no idea how I overlooked those
books as a kid.)
What book do you plan to read
next? “Samurai William: The
Englishman Who Opened Ja-
pan” by Giles Milton. It’s the true
story of William Adams, the first
English mariner to set foot on
Japanese shores in the 1600s,
and by all accounts, a colorful
and rollicking tale.
A Lifetime of Learning Happens @ Your Library!
Grand Island Public Library
Summer Edition JUN2021
The Grand Island Library is planning its next five years
and is asking for community-wide participation. You may
participate through written surveys or community conver-
sations. You will be asked to evaluate the services offered,
the Library’s role in the community, and what service areas
the Library should expand. The written surveys will be
available in June and the community conversations will
take place in the late summer.
More information on how you can participate will be
released soon!
www.gilibrary.org 308-385-5333 1124 W 2nd StreetPAGE 1
Full features on page 3
Library Board Spotlight
Maria Lopez,
Vice President
GIPL’s Strategic Plan
Welcome Laura!
Summer Reading is here! You can start tracking your minutes on Beanstack and earn prizes and badges! There will
be programs for adults, teens, and children throughout June and July. Programs will be a mix of in-person and virtual. Registration is required for some events; sign up online or call the library.
Sara White,
Board Member
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 27 / 32
August will
be 17 years
here at the
library.
I am mar-
ried to
Brian, and
we will be
celebrating
30 years on
June 1st.
We have three children, Niki
is a Speech Pathologist, Ky-
lie is entering Dental Hygiene
School, and Tanner is study-
ing criminal justice and will
apply to the police academy
as soon as he turns 21.
I was born and raised in
Grand Island and graduated
from Northwest High School.
I love being close to my fam-
ily and extended family here
in GI. We have get-togethers
often in our family.
I love working at the library.
When I was growing up, we
Grand Island Public Library
OPEN | Mon - Fri 9:30 - 6 & Sat 9:30- 1 JUN
2021
www.gilibrary.org 308-385-5333 1124 W 2nd Street
The children of Dr. William “Bill”
and Mary Grange honored their
parents’ legacy with a Memorial
Challenge Grant to the Grand
Island Public Library Foundation
during Go Big Give. The $5,000
Challenge Grant was earned
because the community rallied
around the Library to surpass the
fundraising goal! The goal, in-
cluding the Challenge Grant, was
$10,000. The Foundation raised
$12,689, which will be put towards
funding library programs and activ-
ities.
Leigh Lillibridge, Foundation Ex-
ecutive Director shares, “Bill and
Mary were tutors and mentors
to many in Grand Island. They
spent many hours helping others
learn at the Library. They not only
changed the lives and literacy of
their students, but they also left a
lasting impression on how to live
abundantly by giving time to help
others. Their selfless devotion of
time and talent is something we
are delighted to help our communi-
ty remember and honor.”
Bill and Mary were Grand Island
residents for more than 60 years
and both passed away in 2020.
Bill was a cherished optometrist,
known for his ability to make every
patient feel special and remem-
bered by name even years later.
Mary, who was an avid reader and
weekly library patron, is remem-
bered for her great wisdom and
sage advice.
The Grange children were happy
to make the Memorial Challenge
Grant possible for the betterment
of the Library and for our com-
munity. The Memorial Challenge
inspired many within our communi-
ty to give a donation.
Thank you to everyone who
helped us surpass our goal to
meet the Dr. Bill & Mary Grange
Memorial Challenge Grant! Their
legacy lives on in our community,
of this we are certain!
Thank you to the Grange Family
for their extreme generosity and
vision! Thank you to all our do-
nors, volunteers, patrons, staff,
board members, The Chocolate
Bar, Heartland United Way, and
Greater Grand Island Community
Foundation.
Although giving specifically to Go
Big Give has passed, you can still
make a general donation at
www.giplf.org
Donations can be also be mailed
to:
GIPL Foundation
P.O. Box 1364
Grand Island, NE 68802
To learn more about Dr. Bill & Mary
Grange and their amazing legacy,
please visit these articles:
https://theindependent.com/news/
local/humor-is-literacy-tutors-se-
cret-weapon/article_3a0358c0-
bb21-11e4-b83f-77e703a260dd.
html
http://eachmanslife.blogspot.
com/2015/08/dr-bill-grange.html
From The Foundation
Joe Cook
Serving on the Grand Island
Public Library Foundation
Board has allowed me to
give back to my community
which has given so much
to my family and me. I have
served as President of both
the Foundation and Library
Board.
The Library continuously up-
dates its services to benefit
the Grand Island community,
and I have been involved on
the board for its remodel.
Seeing a computer lab filled
with individuals, books being
read silently, and the sounds
of young voices in the youth
section gives me great plea-
sure.
Serving on the Library Foun-
dation follows my career. I
am a retired school admin-
istrator. I served as a prin-
cipal in Grand Island Public
Schools, Adams Central
School District, Red Cloud
Public Schools, as well as
a Social Studies teacher in Green River, WY. and Gro-
ton, SD. Along with school
administration, I served in
the United States Army, both
active and reserves, for 28 years. I retired as a Lieu-
tenant Colonel.
I enjoy seeing the young
children in the youth section, enjoying the books, and par-
ticipating in hands-on cen-
ters. I am also very happy to
see the activity in the new
Makerspace. This is a won-derful learning experience
for both adults and youth.
If you asked me where I
enjoy reading, just give me a quiet corner of the library
and I am in my own little
world!
Dr. William “Bill” and Mary Grange
Foundation Board Spotlight
Library Staff Spotlight
did not live in town, so I did
not utilize the library, and
once I started working here,
I saw what I was missing out
on. We did have the bookmo-
bile come out to our neigh-
borhood every other month
and that was always so
exciting. The whole neighbor-
hood would be waiting in line
to get on and get a few books
checked out!
My favorite thing about the
library is all the different
programs the library offers for
all ages. I also love the col-
lection of materials that are
available….there is definitely
something for EVERYONE
here.
My favorite author is James
Patterson, and my favorite
series is the Women’s Mur-
der Club
My favorite place to read is in
my recliner with my dog Kia
on my lap.
Nancy Broich,
Library Secretary
PAGE 2
www.giplf.org
@giplfoundation
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 28 / 32
Grand Island Public Library
OPEN | Mon - Fri 9:30 - 6 & Sat 9:30- 1 JUN
2021
Teen Library
Council (TLC)
Teens in 6th-12th grades can
help their library and commu-nity by joining the Teen Library
Council (TLC).
TLC is a volunteer and advi-
sory group made up of teens who love the library! Members
will have opportunities to help
library staff with tasks such as
preparing for programs, deco-
rating the library for holidays, and much more!
TLC is also asked for input on
what teens want and need in
the library. Teens can voice their opinions on teen pro-
grams, as well as what books,
movies, and games they want
to have available for check-out. TLC meeting hours count
toward volunteer hour require-
ments for high school, and
being involved looks great on a
college application or resume. It’s also a fun opportunity to
socialize with other teens who
share your interests, learn
about our Makerspace tech-
nology, and read Advance Readers Copies of upcoming
middle-grade and young-adult
books before they are pub-
lished!
TLC has been taking a break
due to the COVID-19 pandem-
ic, but it will start up again in
early September. Stay tuned
for details, or get in touch with Elle at the library.
Call (308) 385-5333 or e-mail
at elles@gilibrary.org
www.gilibrary.org 308-385-5333 1124 W 2nd Street
Maria Lopez,
Vice President
Board member since 2018
I was born in Zacatecas, Mexi-
co and I have lived in Grand Is-
land since 1992. My husband,
Roberto, and I have three
children: Fabian, Javier, and
Yesenia.
I work as an admissions diver-
sity recruiter at Central Com-
munity College. I enjoy working
with students of diverse back-
grounds and helping them suc-
ceed in school. I also volunteer
for the library’s Prime Time
Family Reading Time, a six-
week program that encourages
bilingual parents to read books
to their children.
I read a little bit of everything,
including the Bible. I often
“read” by Audible to keep from
straining my eyes. I especially
enjoy books by Isabel Allen-
de. The last book I read was
“A Long Petal of the Sea”, a
novel about the Spanish Civil
War and the people who fled to
Chile as a result of that war.
My favorite book is “Stellalu-
na”, a children’s book about a
young fruit bat who gets sep-
arated from her mother and
ends up adopted by a Mama
Bird who is raising her three
babies in a nest. I love this
book because it shows how
people from different back-
grounds can still be friends.
I love the library because it
serves everyone in the com-
munity, including people of all
ages and backgrounds. Most
of all, I love the programs for
children. The library stirs their
imaginations and shows them
the sky is the limit.
Sara White,
Board Member
Board member since 2019
Hello! I’m Sara White and I
joined the library board in De-
cember 2019.
I am a stay-at-home mom of three kids and work part-time
as a substitute teacher and
also for the Hall County Elec-
tion commissioner.
Our library is a hub of the com-
munity. I love books and the
children’s area and how the
library promotes literacy and
lifelong learning.
One of my favorite childhood
books is the “Phantom Toll-
booth” and these days I enjoy
reading historical fiction, cozy
mysteries, whodunnits, fan-
tasy, regency romance, and
more!
My nightstand is always filled
with books and I love Hoopla
and Overdrive on my Kindle.
Plus, my husband and I read
together with our kids, and it
feels like we’ve read about
every picture book in the kids
area!
Continued from page 1 - Library Board Spotlight
The Grand Island Public Library is now a FamilySearch Affiliate
Library!
Joining this free partnership adds FamilySearch to our other
popular genealogy services; Ancestry Library Edition, and My-Heritage provided to all Nebraska residents by the Nebraska
Library Commission.
FamilySearch has amassed billions of birth, marriage, death,
census, land, and court records from more than 130 countries to help you discover and make family connections. FamilySearch is
accessible only within the library building.
@grandislandlibrary@gilibrary
PAGE 3
Events
Happening
Soon!
Keith West Magic
ShowJune 11th @ 6 P.M. HEAR Grand Island presents a Music and Magic Night!
Happy Brush will provide a paint-ing program for kids after the show, followed by the HEAR GI concert.
Page to Stage:
June 14th @ 10:30 A.M.GRACE ABBOTT PARKCrane River Theater presents “Page to Stage: Cinderella.” Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets!
New Catalog SystemThe Library will be migrating over to
a new catalog system this summer!
We are excited to work with The
Library Corporation (TLC) to provide these much-needed improvements.
Find us on
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 29 / 32
Library Board
Monday, June 21, 2021
Regular Meeting
Item D1
Board Communications and Committee Reports
This item allows for the introduction and discussion of board communications and committee reports.
Included are items of discussion and communication with the City Council liaison to the Library Board.
Items requiring approval must also be indicated in Consideration of Unfinished Business or
Consideration of New Business.
Staff Contact:
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 30 / 32
Library Board
Monday, June 21, 2021
Regular Meeting
Item E1
Approval of Bahr Money
This item was tabled from last month.
Staff Contact:
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 31 / 32
Library Board
Monday, June 21, 2021
Regular Meeting
Item F1
Accept both the gift assignments and rights for Crane Art.
Staff Contact:
Grand Island Regular Meeting - 6/21/2021 Page 32 / 32