Clyde Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting

Date: August 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM

Present: Langley, Dirlam, Johnston, Rogers, Kaple, Kinnear, Weasner

Others Present: Rachel Henck Bentley, Director; Karen Gerber, Fiscal Officer

Correspondences

None

Minutes

Motion to accept minutes as written was made by Rogers and seconded by Kaple. Motion carried unanimously.

Gifts

$334.08 to be accepted. Motion to accept was made by Dirlam and seconded by Langley. Motion carried unanimously.

Director’s Report

Buildings and Grounds

Jarrett Tree Service will be completing tree trimming at a cost of $5,800.00.

The last furnace replacement for the Meeting Room will be completed as soon as the necessary parts arrive.

The library is requesting a quote from Dr. Revival and Hall’s Family Pressure Washing for pressure washing the remainder of the library building as part of the 2027 projects.

Front entrance door replacement with Ahner Commercial has been postponed until November.

The library is waiting for a second opinion from Toledo Elevator Company regarding the elevator.

Technology Updates

Updates were provided regarding phones, the ILS, and Verizon VoIP.

Trainings and Meetings

• July 23 – Webinar with PLA regarding the results of the 2025 survey.
• July 31 – CLEVNET Directors Meeting at Orrville Public Library.
• August 7 – CLEVNET PC Tech Meeting.
• August 17 – OLC Committee on Convention and Expo meeting at Kalahari.
• August 18 – Training on using CLEVNET’s new statistical software and meeting with Laura from the Department of Health regarding becoming part of Sandusky County Bike Share.
• August 20 – Norweld Board of Directors Meeting.
• September 16–20 – Director will attend the ARSL Annual Conference in Alabama and be recognized as an Adult Literacy Grant recipient.

Current Projects

Microfilm: Microfilm updates were discussed.

Bicycle Lending: The library is waiting on an insurance quote and working on a partnership with the Department of Health and YMCA. Dr. Revival will help install additional bicycle racks in front of the library. Circulation is expected to begin in 2027.

StoryWalk: Due to a delay in shipping, the StoryWalk opening will be moved closer to the end of October.

Library of Things: The Library of Things collection will be announced at the Open House on October 6.

Planning for 2027 Projects: Potential projects include:

• Pressure washing the remainder of the building to remove orange buildup from the limestone around the doorways.
• Repairing and repainting windowsills and trim around the building.
• Replacing the outdoor stairs at the Buckeye Street entrance.
• Landscaping the back property following tree removal.
• Possible elevator modernization.
• Changing the security gates to work with the new sliding doors.

Staff Shout-Outs

Raini celebrated one year with the library on August 1.

Abbey has completed her 90-day introductory period.

The staff received recognition for their work throughout the summer. Staff worked together to handle the busy Summer Reading season, including shelving additional books in the Children's Department and serving lunches and snacks.

The library has received compliments from patrons regarding how nice and friendly the staff are.

Programs at the Library

• August 27 – Late Night Craft Club.
• September 5 – Books with Bailey, the library's therapy dog.
• September 10 – Tutus, Touring and Other Terrors.
• A new book club will be starting.
• Dianne will be playing harp music on Fridays during the month of September.

Old Business

None

New Business

120th Anniversary T-shirts will be sold by the Friends of the Clyde Library on October 6 at the Open House.

Fiscal Officer’s Report

As of July 1, 2026:

• General Fund: $1,337,939.13
• Total Amount: $1,651,519.01

Motion to accept the report was made by Johnston and seconded by Kaple. Motion carried unanimously.

The Fiscal Officer recommended allocating $15,000 among the following categories:

• General Office: $2,000
• Furniture: $5,000
• Contracted Services: $3,000
• Dues and Meetings: $3,000
• Property Maintenance: $2,000

A motion to approve the allocations was made by Rogers and seconded by Kaple. Motion carried unanimously.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn at 7:40 PM was made by Dirlam and seconded by Rogers. Motion carried unanimously.

Next meeting: September 21, 2026

Respectfully submitted by Karen Langley, Secretary.