Clyde Public Library Board Meeting
Date & Time: February 23, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Present: Langley, Dirlam, Johnston, Rogers, Kaple, Weasner
Others Present: Rachel Henck Bentley, Director; Karen Gerber, Fiscal Officer
Public comment was heard from two community members, Scott Mills, Jr. and Brittani Mills.
The Board entered into executive session at 7:2 pm. pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(3) to confer with legal counsel regarding pending or imminent court action. Executive session concluded at 7:41 p.m. The regular meeting reconvened at 7:41pm. No action was taken.
Correspondences:
Minutes: Motion to accept minutes was made by Dirlam and seconded by Kaple. Motion carried unanimously.
Gifts: $20.03 to be accepted. Motion to accept by Rogers and seconded by Langley. Motion carried.
Director’s Report
The Director reviewed her report with the Board.
Building & Grounds: The elevator was repaired on February 16, 2026 for a cost of $11,125.00 by Davis and Newcomer. 3 control panels boards were replaced. President Weasner was informed of the emergency repair. The front entrance of the library needs improvement and the director is looking into ideas and costs.
Technology: The process of the recent arrival of the Hotspots are being prepared for checkout. Expect to see them in circulation in April. Launched with O-PCI on 2/3/26. Applied through OPLIN for YubiKey’s for all staff including Fiscal Officer. This program is grant dependent.
Training and Meetings: February 4: OPLIN Website Accessibility Meeting. February 19: Board of Trustees Meeting for Norweld. 2/24: Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. March 3: OLC Preparation for Legislative Day Webinar. March 4: Meeting with Ohio History Connection for Microfilm Digitization.
Staff: Adult/Teen Services Position is open and 9 candidates that stand out and will start interviewing at the end of February and early March. SHOUT OUTS: Alyssa, Raini, and Jillian are doing fantastic. They are asking for more tasks and responsibilities. A special thank you to stepping up with the director’s emergency illness in regards to also being short staffed earlier this month.
Current Projects: With the $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Foundation, the library will start collaborating with the City Manager and Parks Superintendent for the Story Walk in Community Park. American 250 Programs - Book Club, Focus on 1-2 History Programs a month, Possibly join Abe Lincoln program with museum. Talking with Hayes and Terra for fall program collabs. Working on the State Report. Planning out Summer Reading Kick-Off Party in May and Harvest Theme Open House in October.
Programs: March 5: Financial Literacy with Adam Wolf. March 9: Tween Time: Button Maker. March 12: Great Railroad Strike of 1877 History Program. March 17: Rainbow Party for Kids. March 23: Sketchbook Club. March 26: Early Stories of the Western Reserve and Firelands Ohio.
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Fiscal Officer’s Report
As of 01/01/2026 – General Fund: $1,270,538.16
Total Amount: $1,583,009.99
Motion: To accept this amount by Dirlam, seconded by Rogers. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion to adjourn: 8:13 pm, made by Rogers and seconded by Kaple.
Next Meeting: March 16, 2026 at 7:00 pm