Clyde Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Date: November 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Present: George Johnston, Amanda Dirlam, Scott Rogers, Steve Kaple, Marie Archer, Frank Weasner
Absent: Karen Langley
Others Present: Rachel Henck Bentley, Director; Karen Gerber, Fiscal Officer
Correspondences
An email was reviewed regarding concerns about psychic readings. Multiple verbal complaints were registered. The concerned citizen who emailed was invited to attend the board meeting but did not. The board discussed that the program may continue or be discontinued depending on the appropriateness of the content.
Michele Wood sent a thank-you card.
Minutes
Motion to accept the previous meeting minutes was made by Steve Kaple and seconded by Scott Rogers. Motion carried unanimously.
Gifts
Gifts totaling $288.80 were received. Motion to accept was made by Marie Archer and seconded by Steve Kaple. Motion carried unanimously.
Director’s Report
- Window cleaning services by 419 Window Cleaning began on November 17, 2025.
- The Stephenson Grant was awarded and will be used for signage at the circulation desk, the children’s area, and the copier.
- The library website has met accessibility standards.
- Training and Meetings:
- October 21: ZoomShift (free employee scheduling software), meeting with Brett (insurance provider), Friends of the Library meeting (Friends purchased a third Toniebox, a button maker, and a Nintendo Switch).
- Director Meetings: October 23 (OLC Small Library Directors Meeting); October 27 (OLC Regional Directors Meeting); October 31 (Clevnet Directors Meeting); November 6 (Sandusky County Directors Meeting); November 14 (Directors Roundtable at Montpelier Library).
- November 3: Meeting with Jeff from the State Library regarding Strategic Planning.
- Tech Meetings: November 7 (PC Tech Special Interest Group Meeting); November 10 (Technical Services Special Interest Group Meeting).
- November 18–21: OLC Convention and Expo in Cleveland.
- The Director met with staff regarding goal setting in December and began creating clearer guidelines and expectations for certain positions.
- There were 50 applicants for the Clerk position and four interviews conducted. Jillian Bradley was hired as Clerk II.
- A policy change was proposed regarding employee termination, allowing termination at the Director’s discretion rather than requiring Board permission. Motion to approve the policy change was made by Amanda Dirlam and seconded by George Johnston. Motion carried unanimously.
- The Board reviewed and adopted the new cybersecurity policy in accordance with State of Ohio requirements. Motion to adopt was made by Marie Archer and seconded by Scott Rogers. Motion carried unanimously.
- The library received $10,000 from the Carnegie Gift. A StoryWalk installation near the park pond is being considered.
- Strategic Planning: At the December 15 meeting, the Board will meet at 6:00 PM to hear a presentation from Jeff of the State Library.
- A microfiche inquiry was made to the Ohio History Connection.
Programs at the Library
- November 22: Gingerbread Jam at 11:00 AM (gingerbread houses provided by Michele)
- November 26: Library closes at 5:00 PM
- November 27: Closed for Thanksgiving
- December 1: Polar Express Interactive Movie
- December 8: Holly Jolly and Handmade
- December 11: Mystery History
- December 19: Staff Christmas Luncheon
Fiscal Officer’s Report
As of October 31, 2025:
- General Fund: $1,341,481.59
- Total Amount: $1,641,274.30
Motion to accept the fiscal report was made by Marie Archer and seconded by George Johnston. Motion carried unanimously.
The first version of the 2026 appropriations worksheet was presented. No suggestions for improvement were made. A 5% reduction was applied in some areas due to anticipated funding cuts.
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 8:05 PM was made by Amanda Dirlam and seconded by Steve Kaple. Motion carried unanimously.
Next Meeting: December 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM