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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 01-15 Library Special Minutes 300 E Superstition Blvd City of Apache Junction, Arizona Apache Junction,AZ 85119 vemv.Meeting Minutes (480)474-85 P:(480)474-8555 Library Board Special Meeting Doors are open to the public at least 15 minutes prior to the posted meeting start time. Thursday,January 15,2026 6:30 PM City Council Chambers A. Call to Order President Barker called the meeting to order at 6:35pm B. Roll Call Present: 6- Boardmember Fitzgerald Boardmember Walters Boardmember Meek Boardmember Wyroba Boardmember Barker Boardmember Borey Excused: 1 - Boardmember Perkins C. Acceptance of Agenda This was accepted Yes 6- Boardmember Fitzgerald, Boardmember Walters, Boardmember Meek, Boardmember Wyroba, Boardmember Barker, and Boardmember Borey No 0 Excused 1 - Boardmember Perkins D. Acceptance of Minutes for November 13, 2025 Special Meeting This was accepted Yes 6- Boardmember Fitzgerald, Boardmember Walters, Boardmember Meek, Boardmember Wyroba, Boardmember Barker, and Boardmember Borey No 0 Excused 1 - Boardmember Perkins E. Call to the Public None. F. Correspondence and Communications None. G. Librarian's Report Director Harrison presented the monthly statistical reports for October through December. The City or Apache Junction,Arizona page, Library Board Special Meeting Meeting Minutes January 15,2026 Mobile Library has been rewrapped to replace the aging and deteriorating exterior. The Library Reading Garden is nearing the final permitting stage, with construction anticipated to begin in late February or early March.The Friends of the Library Book Sale is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27, in the Opal Room. The westside book drop is expected to open within the next two weeks; installation was delayed while awaiting a protective cover, which has now been completed. H. Old Business None. I. New Business 1. 25-645 Discussion and possible vote on changes to the Library Program and Facilities Use Policy. Director Harrison provided an overview for the proposed edits and revisions to the Library Program and Facilities Use Policy and Permit.At the Board's request, the policy was reviewed line by line to highlight and explain the changes. Following discussion and additional edits suggested by Board members, it was agreed that all current and proposed revisions for both documents would be consolidated and presented at the next meeting for further review.A vote to implement changes may be considered at that time. 2. 25-646 Discussion of potential future literacy programs and community partnerships. President Barker noted that this topic had been discussed at the previous meeting and that there had been informal discussion about seeking community perspectives on the potential for an adult literacy program. President Barker reported that her feedback from community resources raised concerns about possible transportation barriers and the difficulty of sustaining consistent participation. Board Member Walters shared input from educators and associates, who expressed that while the library provides extensive services to the community, adult literacy initiatives may be more appropriately led by the school system. Board Member Wyroba discussed her involvement with the Valley Leadership program and its Education Impact Maker initiative in Mesa,Arizona, where alumni volunteer as substitute teachers to allow educators time to complete required Arizona Science of Reading trainings. She suggested that this model could be explored for Apache Junction and offered to contact the Mesa program to assess interest from local public schools. She also referenced a prior"Read to Me" initiative through UMOM, a homeless shelter, in which volunteers paired with children ages 4-12 to read together. She noted that a similar model could potentially be adapted to support readers of all ages in a safe and supportive environment. President Barker emphasized that the library already offers a number of comparable programs and that the key consideration is identifying a demonstrated community need before pursuing additional initiatives. It was agreed that the topic would be tabled for now and revisited at a later time should additional information or community interest emerge. J. Requests for Future Agenda Items Garden update. City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 2 Library Board Special Meeting Meeting Minutes January 15,2026 K. Adjournment President Barker adjourned the meeting at 7:33pm Robin Barker President City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 3