Library staff presented an update May 1 describing program growth after the district reinstated two full-time positions, and they asked the committee to consider summer per-diem days to recover lost time when librarians were used as substitute teachers.

Marjorie Golstrand, identified in the meeting as co-chair for the K–12 library department, and Kimberly Borden, one of the presenting librarians, told the committee that restoring positions allowed librarians to expand instruction, increase circulation and develop new programming. “We are curators of print resources,” Borden said, adding that librarians now also “create print resources that are current, relevant, diverse, and support the curriculum” and that they “ensure equitable digital access” through resources such as PebbleGo, BookFlix, Gale and National Geographic.

Presenters credited the reinstated staffing with improved collection development, restored scheduled library visits, and expanded programming including author visits, robotics and STEAM initiatives, student-created graphic novels, and an “inflatable classroom” used for literature activities. One presenter said she secured three grants, including a $3,000 grant used to purchase updated nonfiction titles.

Librarians noted remaining operational constraints. They said librarians are frequently pulled to substitute teach, which reduces time for inventory, shelving and collection maintenance; the department requested summer per-diem days to address that work. When asked to quantify the request, a librarian told the committee “85 days” as the amount of summer time she would ideally need to complete inventory and catch up on collection tasks. A district staff member told the committee she would draft the proposal and bring language back to the personnel review group for consideration.

The presenters also raised a web-access issue: library resources are now housed in ClassLink and staff were unsure whether parents have direct access to that portal. A board member asked who reviews book purchases; the presenters said each librarian selects titles and then the selections route to district administrators for final review. A district administrator on the record was Mrs. Snyder.

Why it matters: Presenters said a certified, full-time librarian in each building correlates with higher reading and research outcomes and credited the restored positions with measurable improvements in circulation and programming. Staff asked for modest summer support to keep collections up to date and requested clarification so families can access online catalog and resource lists.

Next steps: Staff will draft a per-diem proposal for summer work and return language to the committee and personnel review group. The committee acknowledged the request and asked for a formal proposal to be reviewed next week.