The next regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Washington Park Library.
Minutes from the May 22, 2025 Board meeting:
Meeting of the Board of Trustees
May 22, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Carnegie Library
M I N U T E S
The Board of Trustees of the St. Joseph Public Library met on May 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Library. Board members in attendance were Harriet Gordon, David Jordan, Jonht Slayden, Kyla Ward, and LaTonya Williams. Joshua Bachman, Rosetta Ballew-Jennings, Bobbie Cronk, and Heidi DeSchepper were absent. Mary Beth Revels, Jenny Ellis, and Katie Green were present from the staff. Joining from Missouri Western State University’s School of Social Work were Brandon Johnson, Lindsey Menschik, and Kayla Ueligger.
Kyla Ward called the meeting to order, introductions were made, and the roll call was taken.
Upon review of the April 24, 2025 meeting minutes, David Jordon moved and Harriet Gordon seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Under the Report of the Treasurer, Jonht Slayden moved and LaTonya Williams seconded to approve checks #35494 through #35554, April electronic withdrawals, direct deposits, and journal entries. All Board members in attendance voted “yes” and the motion carried.
Mary Beth Revels presented the April Financial Reports and went over anticipated large expenses for the end of the library’s fiscal year. David Jordon moved and Jonht Slayden seconded to accept pages 10-19 of the financial report as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes” and the motion carried.
Under Reports of Committees, Kyla Ward discussed the upcoming Personnel and Nominating committee meetings.
There were no other Committee Reports.
Under Old Business, Mary Beth Revels updated the Board about ongoing library projects, highlighting the progress on the restoration of the front wall at the Downtown Library and the city’s plan to construct a new bus terminal in a parking lot next to the East Hills Library.
There was no other Old Business.
In New Business, Harriet Gordon introduced representatives from the School of Social Work at Missouri Western State University. Brandon Johnson, Lindsey Menschik, and Kayla Ueligger discussed the opportunity for collaborating with the library to assess and develop a mutually beneficial plan that allows their students to fulfill practicum hours while helping library patrons access the information and resources on-site social work services could provide. Discussions will continue with library staff to develop a plan for moving forward.
Mary Beth Revels presented four edited policies for review and approval. Under the “Interlibrary Loan Policy” Kyla Ward suggested an additional edit. LaTonya Williams moved and Jonht Slayden seconded to approve the update to the Interlibrary Loan Policy as edited. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Under the “Pets and Service Animals Policy” David Jordan moved and LaTonya Williams seconded to approve the updated policy as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Mary Beth Revels presented the “Proctoring Guidelines” that were rewritten and renamed the “Exam Proctoring Policy & Guidelines.” LaTonya Williams moved and Harriet Gordon seconded to approve the updated policy as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Under the “Programming Policy,” LaTonya Williams moved and David Jordan seconded to approve the updated policy as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Jenny Ellis, Branch Manager of the Carnegie Library, shared that a new dogwood tree was recently planted in the park, announced next year’s Kensington Cozy-Con date change to October, and talked about having wheels installed on the bookshelves in the Children’s section to help easily reconfigure the space when needed for meetings and programs.
In the Director’s Report, Mary Beth Revels presented the April statistical counts and discussed State funding changes and the success of the Northside Literacy Block Party that Washington Park Library cohosted with the St. Joseph School District.
There was no board discussion or public comment.
The next meeting will be on June 26, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., at East Hills Library.
There being no further business, LaTonya Williams moved and David Jordan seconded to adjourn the meeting. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Harriet Gordon
Secretary