August 5, 2021, at 4 Pm Beems Auditorium, Downtown Library

Agenda: Board of Trustees August 5, 2021, at 4 pm Beems Auditorium, Downtown Library

Invest in Young Minds, Engage & Strengthen Community, Transform Lives

Library Board President – Jade Hart A. Call to Order B. Consent Agenda – Action o Minutes: July 1, 2021 C. Public Comments and Communications D. Foundation Report – Charity Tyler E. Friends of the Library Report – Libby Slappey F. Board Education: Summer Dare Summary – Kevin Delecki G. Library Board Committee Reports (No July Meetings) o Finance Committee – Monica Challenger, Committee Chair • No Action o Personnel and Policy Committee – Clint Twedt-Ball, Committee Chair • No Action o Advocacy Committee – Mary Sharp, Committee Chair • No Action H. Library Director’s Report I. Old Business J. New Business K. Adjournment

The next Board of Trustees meeting is set for September 2, 2021 at 4 pm, in Beems Auditorium, Downtown Library

***To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, masks are required for all Library trustees, staff, and meeting attendees regardless of vaccination status, per the City of Cedar Rapids’ mask policy effective August 3, 2021***

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a City program, service, or activity, should contact Jessica Musil, Library Administrative Assistant, at 319.261.7323 or email [email protected] as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the meeting. DRAFT Meeting Minutes Cedar Rapids Public Library Board of Trustees July 1, 2021

Board members in attendance: [Vice President] Clint Twedt-Ball, Monica Challenger, Mary Sharp, Susie McDermott, Rafael Jacobo, Matt Wilding, Hassan Selim Absent: [President] Jade Hart

Staff in attendance: [Library Director] Dara Schmidt, Patrick Duggan, Erin Horst, Todd Simonson, Jessica Musil, Kevin Delecki, Jessica Link

Others: Charity Tyler, Executive Director, Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation

A. Call to Order • Mr. Twedt-Ball called the meeting to order at 4 pm. • This electronic meeting of the Library Board of Trustees is being held because meeting in person is impossible and impractical due to concerns for the health and safety for Library trustees, staff, and community members presented by COVID-19. An electronic meeting is allowed by Iowa Code Section 21.8 and Governor Reynolds proclamations of emergency disaster. All trustees and staff are joining remotely. This meeting is also live on the Library’s Facebook page. B. Consent Agenda – Action • Minutes: June 3, 2021 The motion to accept the consent agenda carried with unanimous approval. C. Public Comments and Communications • There being none, the meeting continued. D. Foundation Report – Charity Tyler • Ms. Tyler attended several conferences this month, which have given her many ideas to advocate for our Library and Foundation. This month, Ms. Tyler was inaugurated as President of United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association (ALA) for Foundations, trustees, and Friends organizations. She was also pleased that the Library presented a panel at ALA. • At this time, there is no enrollment updates for Dolly Patron’s Imagination Library (DPIL). The data downloads on the first of the month and the system is inaccessible. • The Foundation has started its focus on the next fiscal year and how it may support the Library’s initiatives. E. Friends of the Library Report – Libby Slappey • Ms. Schmidt reported for Ms. Slappey. The Friends hosted their first Farmers Market sale two weeks ago and felt it was well attended. Friends are trying a new system that pairs a board member with incoming board members to help the new member understand how the Friends operate. • The Library, Foundation, and Friends will host a tri-board orientation on July 29. New board members are highly encouraged to attend; tenured board members are also welcome. Trustees who wish to attend were reminded to RSVP. F. Board Education: ILS Transition – Erin Horst • Materials Manager Erin Horst demonstrated the new patron access catalogue (PAC) and its features from the Library’s website. She highlighted a few features on the main page including how to change text size, changing languages, and selecting different branches for customized suggestions based on that branch’s usage patterns. • The catalogue search has new features to drill down further into the type of material – keywords, location, material type, and more) while searching. Placing holds and managing your account has been streamlined. Patrons can choose to maintain a reader list. This is not enabled as it is can be a privacy concern. We don’t save this information as it could be subpoenaed though it is an option for patrons who wish to track their reading. • The catalogue now includes digital materials, such as OverDrive – and holds and accessing materials can be done straight from the catalogue versus the individual digital materials’ websites or apps. Ms. Horst is also setting up e-source links so while users are signed into their accounts, they can be routed to other resources. For example, logging into Ancestry’s database from the catalogue instead of going through a separate portal. • Ms. Challenger asked about the options for text sizes. The website only has two options for sizes so it does not include a drop down of choices. Ms. Challenger asked if the website changed based on the branch selected. The library logo changes and it is clear Marion or Hiawatha is selected; however, it is not so obvious between Downtown and Ladd. Ms. Horst will look into ways to better distinguish the two Cedar Rapids libraries. • Mr. Wilding questioned the form of the data and ownership. All materials records are MARC records – Machine Readabale Catalogue; this record system is the paper card catalogue system in an electronic format. We own all data for records including materials and patron. The vendor can only access the records at our request. However, we have different record access contracts with the various vendors. As a rule, we don’t allow personalized data. For eBooks and downloadable audio, there is no standard and it is product specific – the publishers set the rules. While, we own the book but we may have to buy a new copy after being checked out so many times. Or, we rent copies from 3M cloudLibrary and are charged based on the number of check-outs. • Mr. Twedt-Ball asked what types of responses we are receiving. Ms. Horst concedes that change is hard, especially year and timing wasn’t ideal but out of our control. While it is different, the system is clean and intuitive. It can feel significant for long-term users specifically relearning navigation. The staff side of the system will increase productivity and be more efficient once we get used to it. In general, feedback has been positive. • Ms. Challenger asked if the Library plans to release instructional videos to help users to understand the system. Ms. McNamara is developing these videos as we are understanding the pain points. G. Library Board Committee Reports • Nominating Committee – Matt Wilding & Susie McDermott o Action: Slate of Officers FY22 • The committee would like to nominate Jade Hart and Clint Twedt-Ball to serve another one year term as President and Vice President, respectively. Mr. Wilding and Ms. McDermott feel that the nominees showed leadership during a trying year. Both Ms. Hart and Mr. Twedt-Ball are willing to serve another term. The motion to accept the Slate of Officers FY22 carried with unanimous approval. • Finance Committee – Monica Challenger o Ms. Challenger reported that the budget will be under for both expenses and revenue for FY21. Some large expenses – such as IT, materials, and furniture purchases – were moved from FY22 to FY21. • Personnel and Policy Committee – Clint Twedt-Ball, Committee Chair o State Library of Iowa, Trustees Handbook Discussion Chapters 11 & 12 • Chapter 11: Effective Board Meetings • The board is effective because of its members’ leadership abilities and commitment to the organization and the board. Everyone works collaboratively while also adhering to the state’s Open Meeting laws. Mr. Twedt-Ball outlined the responsibilities of board members during meetings. • The consensus is that the board operates well and upholds the Library’s mission and vision. Mr. Wilding did note that the board is rarely in conflict but healthy conflict can be a positive tool. • Chapter 12: Problem Solving and Decision Making • Trustees make decisions that influence library policy. This chapter provided actionable steps to effectively problem solve and make decisions as applicable to the trustees’ role. • Ms. Sharp noted that she feels good about the board, Library director, and leadership team to provide information so trustees can make hard decisions. • Advocacy Committee – Mary Sharp, Committee Chair o This summer, Ms. Sharp will meet with mayoral candidates to start preliminary conversations on the Library’s role. In the fall, trustees will also have the opportunity to meet with the candidates. Ms. McNamara will provide talking points regarding upcoming initiatives including the west side library and contracting cities. o Ms. Sharp encouraged trustees to share photos and posts on social media to promote the Mobile Technology Van out in area parks. H. Library Director’s Report • Ms. Schmidt has been involved in many conversations with the City and County about their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which could possibly be linked to the new west side library project – especially if the project includes affordable housing and workforce development. Ms. Schmidt is hopeful to share more information with the board soon as discussions continue. In the board packet, we included some bullet points of the project’s vision. In July, a City committee on neighborhood survey will meet – we will use the data in our planning – and in August/September, we anticipate releasing a feasibility study RFP. • Ms. Schmidt reviewed the updated performance goals for her in the next year, which also include a general timeline. In future, Ms. Schmidt will include the goals in a calendarized format along with strategic plan calendar. • The Mobile Technology Van has been successful out in the community. Recently, it joined an event with the Parks and Recreation’s Rolling Rec’ Mobile and Iowa Children’s Museum van. The van also went to a job fair so attendees could write resumes and take home printed copies from the van. • The City of Alburnett chose to contract for library services with the Center Point Public Library. At this time, the board does not need to take action. The Metro Library Network (MLN) directors are providing information to their respective boards. o Citizens get library service two ways: support and have an accredited library in your community, or contract with a neighboring accredited library. The State mandates the minimum level of property taxes. The rate, set in 1977, is six and three-fourths cents per $1,000 of assessed value. Only three libraries in the state operate at this funding level. o Prior to 2008, MLN libraries offered $25 library cards for non-residents. The fee was reimbursed by the person’s city. In 2008, Enrich Iowa started and annual paid library cards were discontinued. The State Library of Iowa would pay libraries a set rate, which changes annually, for each physical transaction (or circulation) between libraries. At this time, the County started to pay for rural resident service as well. Contracting cities were then asked to pay up to 80% of what an MLN patron would pay. Enrich Iowa or Open Access services apply to physical items while a contracting city would also gain access to electronic resources as well. o Ms. Schmidt shared the financial aspects of the Alburnett contract, its history, and the negotiated rates, and also an approximate reimbursement from the State Library based on Enrich Iowa reimbursement. o A library can deny service based on Clause 3A in the Enrich Iowa/Open Access program. A board can “deny Open Access service to residents…deem[ed] to be inequitable.” Inequitable is not defined and is open to interpretation to the board. o The MLN’s boards have to make a choice – treat Alburnett (and Palo) like any other Enrich Iowa/Open Access community (access to physical items only with state reimbursement) or deny service to Alburnett based on contract inequity and discontinue use of any services. o Ms. Schmidt and the other MLN directors believe it is ethical to allow Open Access. It may not be fair but this is a common practice amongst Iowa libraries. o Ms. McDermott asked if other urban libraries encounter this and how it has been handled in the past. According to the State Library records, MLN libraries are the only cities who have used this clause. The State believes six and three-fourths cents is fair, which is significantly lower than approximately 30 cents reimbursement under Enrich Iowa/Open Access the State Library. o Ms. Sharp asked if a library can use Open Access while having an active contract with another library. Palo does; Ms. Schmidt can get more information on this. In 2013, the board voted to deny services without an end date, and so Palo currently does not have service with MLN libraries. Any changes to Palo would need to be a separate vote. o Ms. Sharp asked if there is any work at the state level work to increase minimum. At this time, no though Ms. Schmidt will continue to advocate for a change. However, most of these systems are setup to benefit rural Iowa libraries versus the large urban libraries. About 15 to 20 libraries out of 545 are considered large and are the minority. o Ms. Schmidt feels that this is a philosophical struggle, and while it is not fair financially, what benefit is there to deny service? Communities need libraries. Communities can opt to increase access with a contract to give residents digital services. o Mr. Twedt-Ball feels it is hard not to link this issue with going fine free. The board voted to remove approximately $100,000 in fine revenue, which is much more significant than any gains from a contract that is split between the MLN libraries. Based on usage, Cedar Rapids receives about 20% of the Alburnett contract compared to 40% for Hiawatha and Marion, respectively. o Trustees are encouraged to send questions or thoughts to Ms. Schmidt for further discussion at the board’s leadership committee. I. Old Business • There being no old business, the meeting continued. J. New Business • Mr. Twedt-Ball highlighted the great story in the board packet about the teen wishing to explore the library and previously scared. He praised libraries’ abilities to be ambassadors of sharing, equity, and inclusion. K. Adjournment • There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 pm

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 4 pm, in Beems Auditorium, Downtown Library 2C The Gazette ● Sunday, July 18, 2021 IOWA TODAY®

NEWSTRACK | CATCHING UP ON AN EARLIER STORY Libraries welcome THE IOWA PHOTO back patrons with no restrictions

By Lee Hermiston, The Gazette and Bookmobile capacity restrictions also were lifted. BACKGROUND Both libraries have meet- Area libraries have been no ing and study spaces avail- strangers to the impacts of the able to the public, as well. COVID-19 pandemic. “Folks are welcome to Both the Cedar Rapids and come in, in any number, for Iowa City public libraries closed as long as they’d like,” said their doors to patrons when Sam Helmick, community the pandemic arrived in Iowa in and access services coordina- March 2020. tor for the Iowa City library. As conditions changed, the Helmick joined the library libraries each offered curbside in September. She said it’s service initially before welcoming been a delight to see the com- patrons into their lobbies for munity return to the library grab-and-go checkouts. However, and watch how it’s used as a both libraries also were forced gathering space. to scale back services last fall in “We just had this joyful re- response to a surge in COVID-19 union feeling,” she said. “To cases. hear those stories about how the library helped folks get FAST WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE through the pandemic … has Now, for the first time just been heartwarming.” since the pandemic began, “There have been happy both libraries have lifted tears” from the staff and pub- restrictions and are eyeing a lic, Helmick said. return to a pre-pandemic ser- Both libraries have con- FOOD vice model. tinued with virtual pro- In February, the Cedar gramming and have offered Rapids Public Library al- outdoor programming this A barn swallow arrives to feed nestlings in the lowed patrons back into the summer. McNamara and rafters of a building next to the baseball field building for up to 30 minutes Helmick said their facilities June 21 at Center Point-Urbana High School in of browsing and up to one are hoping to have program- Center Point. Gazette photojournalist Liz Martin hour on the computer. On ming return in the coming had moved to the first base side of the field June 21, all restrictions were weeks and months. while covering a game when she heard frantic lifted. That said, Helmick said chirping. “Looking at the inside of the shed “People are just tremen- the pandemic has taught roof, I realized there was a nest of baby birds, dously grateful and excited to libraries valuable lessons chirping as an adult barn swallow approached,” be back in our spaces again,” about how to best reach their she said. “At least two adults were swooping said Amber McNamara, com- patrons. Staff have realized over the fields nearby, gathering insects to feed their young, but they moved too fast in flight for munity relations manager that not everyone has the ability to make it to an in- me to photograph. It took some patience, awk- for the Cedar Rapids library. wardly crouching on the ground with a 400 mm “We’ve definitely felt the love person story time or similar lens, and most of an inning, but the chirping from our community.” event and that Zoom might gave me enough of a warning to motor-drive On July 1, the Iowa City be a better option, she said. and successfully capture the adult’s fleeting library lifted the time limits “We’re not forgetting those return.” When reviewing photos later, Martin on browsing that had been in lessons,” she said. “We’re ac- says it appeared the adult was eyeing her place since allowing patrons tually something more than warily, for just a split second. to explore the stacks back in we were in February 2020.” March. Time limits on com- Comments: (319) 339-3155; puter access and Building [email protected] PCIPCI PRPRIMIMARARYY CCAARERE

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I hear the Joe Walsh (guitar) Richard Marx looks solo fading out and the DJ comes on and says, “And now at fame and laughs a word from Velveeta.” You’ve collaborated By Donald Liebenson, Washington Post Q:with legendary musical artists. Did watching how they When Grammy-winning dealt with their fans influence singer-songwriter Richard you? Marx set out to write his I’ll give you the perfect memoir, “Stories to Tell,” he A:example. It was 1986. I vowed that his would go all in. had just gotten my first record “If you’re just going to phone deal and was about to go into it in, then what’s the point?” the studio. I was obsessed with Marx told the Washington Peter Gabriel and his “So” Post in a phone interview. album. I was in a restaurant Marx was born to the breed. in L.A. when Peter Gabriel He grew up in Highland Park, walked in. I summoned up the Illinois, a prosperous arts-fo- courage to approach his table, cused community. The son of and when there was a lull in Dick Marx, a jazz pianist and their conversation, I said, “Mr. virtuoso composer of familiar Gabriel, I’m so sorry to bother advertising jingles (“What’s you. I just want to thank you the best tuna? Chicken of the for making music.” He stood Sea”) and Ruth Marx, a big up, walked over to me, put his band singer, Richard’s career hand on my shoulder and said, path was set when, at the age “Man, what a nice thing to of 5, he performed “I Wanna say.” He spent three minutes Be Free” by the Monkees for Richard Marx released a new album, “Limitless,” in February and a memoir, “Stories to Tell.” (Richard Marx) making me feel really glad I his elementary school class. went up to him. I remember Lionel Richie encouraged thinking, “That’s the way I Marx when he was 18 to take Marx writes with a self- has had somebody in their life What was in your par- want to be.” his talents to Los Angeles, deprecating sense of humor who says, “You should write Q:ents’ record collection? You are scheduled to where he became a prolific that undercuts internet trolls a book.” I have always been a I was so lucky. My dad Q:return to the road in background singer and even- who suggest that his career very private person; you never A:had to be contemporary August. You write that the tually went solo. His 1987 de- has cooled since his chart-top- see me in the tabloids. The in his music-listening to stay success you’ve had is enough but album, “Richard Marx,” ping heyday. Actor Johnathon challenge was determining contemporary as a composer for you. Is this something that went triple-platinum, and Schaech recently what I was willing in the jingle business. But he evolved, or was it a struggle his first single, “Don’t Mean tweeted at Marx that to write about in a genuinely loved modern pop for you? Nothing,” reached No. 3 on his son had heard way that didn’t feel and rock music. My parents I could torture myself Billboard’s Hot 100 pop chart, Marx’s 1989 hit invasive to me per- listened to the Doobie Broth- A:sitting around and com- the first of four singles on the “Right Here Wait- sonally, but I also ers, the Eagles and Jim Croce. paring my career to others, album to crack the top three ing” and loved it. told more than I’ve When I was 12 years old, my but that’s just ridiculous. So, on the Hot 100. He went on Marx replied: “Aww, ever told anybody dad played me Paul Simon’s I just finally found peace with to sell more than 30 million man. That’s so sweet. about my life. “Still Crazy After All These it. If anything, I’m more self- albums worldwide. He has col- How did the rest of How did you Years,” the album that made deprecating than people who laborated with, to name a few, his dentist appoint- Q:find your me want to become a song- love me wish I was, my wife Keith Urban, Barbra Strei- ment go?” voice? writer. He came home one day (Daisy Fuentes) being one. sand, NSYNC, Madonna and “Stories to Tell” One of my fa- and said, “I need 47 minutes of For a while, I’d walk into a Luther Vandross, with whom comprises anecdotes A:vorite things your time.” He introduced me room and I’d go, “Is it cold in he shared a 2004 Song of the from Marx’s 40-plus- to do if I haven’t to so much of the music that here, or is it just my career?” Year Grammy for “Dance with year career. One of seen someone in formed my musical life. We You have to have a healthy at- My Father.” his favorite early reactions to a while is to sit down over traded music until the day he titude. In writing “Stories to Tell,” the book came from his son, a martini or tequila and go, died (in 1997). There are great stories Marx said, he took his cue who exclaimed: “You got held “Dude, I have the funniest Where were you when Q:in the book, and you’re from his friend Rick Spring- up at gunpoint in Taiwan? You story to tell you.” I come by it Q:you first heard your first very candid, but there is very field. “He wrote a really great never told me that.” honestly because my dad was single “Don’t Mean Nothing” little dirt. Was that a con- autobiography,” Marx said. This interview has been ed- a really good storyteller. He on the radio? scious decision? “When I read it, I texted him ited for length and clarity. turned things that happened I was driving in L.A. to Don’t tell anybody that; and said, ‘You’re either the I remember listening to in his life into really entertain- A:an interview, and I was A:we want to sell books! bravest guy I know or the Q:your 2019 appearance on ing stories that I never got listening to KLOS, the rock (laughs) That was a conscious dumbest.’ He wrote about stuff Gilbert Gottfried’s “Amazing tired of hearing. Whenever station. They had just put the decision. This is my side of I would never have talked Colossal Podcast.” You told somebody new came into our song on their playlist. I was on the story. But I also find it so about. But I applauded him. great stories, and I thought, fold, I would say, “Tell them Santa Monica Boulevard, and inelegant, especially when it He said, ‘I’m only going to “He should write a book.” about … ” — and I would sit it came on, and I couldn’t wait comes to love affairs. It might write one of these and I’m go- Everybody who’s had there and enjoy these stories I for it to end because I wanted be true and honest, but I find it ing to put it all out there.’” A:any modicum of success had heard a million times. to hear the DJ say my name. tawdry.

CEDAR RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Dive into summer reading with these new books

By Kim Martens-Tyo nearly five decades later, a murder trial in London, with ness of Eastern Europe, finds Shadow. To survive an attack and Alison Gowans monument to the farthest hu- the history of policing and de- her life taking a turn after by Khan, Cranston cryogeni- mankind has ever traveled. velopment of forensic science her abductor dies, leaving her cally cools himself, waking People often perceive li- “Below the Edge of Dark- to solve crimes, along with an alone. When she meets a group more than a century later. He brary summer reading pro- ness: A Memoir of Explor- examination of a society that of Jews fleeing the Nazis, she meets teenager Maddy Gomes grams as aimed at children, ing Light and Life in the let him go uncaught for 15 sets out to help them survive and learns Khan’s influence but the staff of the Cedar Deep Sea” years as the doctor preyed on in the forest. What will happen still is felt in his city — and he Rapids Public Library want Much closer to home than the very women who turned to when her past catches up with may be the only one who can patrons of all ages to get ex- the moon lies an equally mys- him for help. her? counter it. cited about reading, not just in terious realm to explore — the “Dear Miss Metropolitan” “Not a Happy Family” “The Women’s March” the summer but year-round. depths of the ocean. Marine Our book list now turns to In this novel by Shari La- Inspired by true events, this So, although our official Sum- biologist Edith Widder takes new fiction. In this novel by pena, money can’t buy happi- novel by Jennifer Chiaverini mer Dare Program wraps up readers into the darkest Carolyn Ferrell, three girls ness, or safety, for the wealthy tells the story of three suf- July 31, we wanted to share depths, as she explores the are abducted by “Boss Man.” Mercer family. After an Eas- fragists fighting for women’s some July new book releases phenomena of biolumines- When they are finally rescued ter dinner at their house in right to vote in 1913. On the for adults that we hope will get cence, a language of light and from a rundown house in upstate New York, Fred and eve of anti-suffrage President you excited to dive into a great life in the deepest parts of the Queens, one still is missing. Shelia Mercer are brutally Woodrow Wilson’s inaugura- summer read. ocean. This autobiography Worry for the still missing vic- murdered. Their three adult tion, Alice Paul plans a protest “Across the Airless is an adventure story as well tim haunts the survivors, who children are either devastated march down Pennsylvania Wilds: The Lunar Rover as a scientific one, as Widder are now women, as does the mourners or suspects only Avenue. The marchers are and the Triumph of the Fi- navigates tense equipment continued trauma of being in pretending to be sad. Could met by a crowd of jeering men, nal Moon Landings” malfunctions while exploring the public eye, forced to relive one of the siblings in this un- some of whom go so far as to Who were the greatest ex- questions about our largest their horror. Meanwhile, they happy household be guilty? physically assault the march- plorers in human history? In ecosystem, one that is increas- wonder why longtime neigh- “The Shadow” ers and threaten their lives. Earl Swift’s history of Apollos ingly threatened. bor to Boss Man, an advice Vigilante crime fighter the Also joining the march are 15, 16 and 17 — the last three “The Case of the Murder- columnist for the local paper Shadow was first introduced librarian and advocate Maud manned missions to the moon ous Dr. Cream: The Hunt known as Miss Metropolitan, to readers as a pulp fiction Malone, a daughter of Irish — Earl Swift argues that title for a Victorian Era Serial missed the story happening hero in the 1930s. Now James immigrants, and civil rights goes to the astronauts of those Killer” across the street. Patterson and Brian Sitts have activist and journalist Ida B. often overlooked expeditions, Before the term serial killer “The Forest of Vanishing brought him back for modern Wells-Barnett, who is justifi- © who drove over the moon’s even existed, Dr. Thomas Neill Stars” readers with a time-jumping ably worried white suffragists 2021 surface in the revolutionary Cream was poisoning at least In this book by Kristin mystery. will leave Black women out of technology of Lunar Roving 10 people in the United States, Harmel, a young woman Only Lamont Cranston’s their fight for equal rights. The Gazette Vehicles. The tracks they left Canada and Britain. Dean who was abducted from her greatest love Margo Lane and Kim Martens-Tyo is a materials librarian behind remain almost per- Jobb weaves the horrific tales wealthy German parents and his nemesis Shiwan Khan and Alison Gowans is the content writer at fectly preserved to this day, of his crimes, based on his 1892 raised in the isolated wilder- know his secret identity as the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Category Platform Metrics June 2020 June 2021 % Change

Virtual Programming Facebook Virtual Program Views 22,483 3,177 -85%

eBook Circulation 11,477 11,012 -4% eAudiobook Circulation 6,791 9,097 25% OverDrive eMagazine Circulation N/A 1042 N/A New Users 284 210 -26% eBook Circulation 2,403 1,315 -45% cloudLibrary eAudiobook Circulation 693 869 20% New Users 113 55 -51% eBook Circulation 769 715 -7% Digital Collection Use eAudiobook Circulation 643 903 29% Hoopla eMusic Circulation 78 96 18% eVideo Circulation 511 415 -19% New Users 64 75 15% eMusic Downloads 1,425 1,233 -13% Freegal eMusic Streaming 2,948 2,191 -26% New Users 5 14 64% Kanopy eVideo Circulation 1,217 1,056 -14% Total Total Digital Circulation 28,955 29,944 3%

Databases Visits 30,340 17,129 -44% Other Online Use CRLibrary.org Visits 65,209 13,604 -79% WiFi Logins 2,098 6,110 66%

Facebook Followers 10,144 10,454 3% Social Media Instagram Followers N/A 3,648 N/A YouTube Views 1,000 4,225 76%

Curbside Holds - Items 17214 *N/A N/A Curbside Holds Pickup Circulation Curbside Holds - Patrons 8791 255 -97% *Number of items was not possible during Polaris transition Print Circulation 21,929 39,213 44% Materials Circulation Circulation Total Circulation 39,152 64,327 39% MLN Circulation (Print only) 43,146 73,802 42%

Director’s Report August 5, 2021

Department Updates

Community Relations welcomed Sarah Voels to our department as Community Engagement Librarian. She will assist with data analysis to help us tell the story of our library, as well as oversee the events specialists and meeting room use. We are so excited to have her on the team. We will also welcome a new Events Specialist after the recent retirement of Susan Moulder. We hope to have a full team by the end of August. We are working on the fall issue of OPEN+ magazine as well as the annual report for FY2021. We continue to be nimble in our signage and communications with the public to ensure they understand how to use the Library as pandemic response continues to change. We are also preparing for a collaboration with DPIL during September to encourage people to register for both Imagination Library AND a library card. In July, Library volunteers continued to help pull holds, add captions to online programs, and prep programming crafts/kits. Our Summer Reading Corps members – Emma, Kate, and Penelope – wrapped us their service with us after each serving 300+ hours at the Library. As we look to the fall, we anticipate bringing back several volunteer roles and resuming the onboarding of new volunteers. Volunteer Hours in June 2021: 117 hours

The Materials Team has been working steadily on setting up new cataloging and acquisitions processes in the new ILS. This is a detailed and labor intensive process but the team is making progress. The Materials Librarians used up the entire 2021 materials budget so the group is catching up on getting those materials cataloged and out for circulation. The department has just welcomed a new Materials Librarian Laurel Rhame, replacing Heather Meyer-Boothby's position. The Technology Solutions team is working through planning technology purchases for 2022 as hardware has been extremely difficult to acquire due to the pandemic. The team oversaw the installation of new hardware in Beems and the Conference Room to allow for easier hybrid virtual and in-person meetings. We're excited to try out this new functionality.

The Programming Department is excited to celebrate the completion of the 2021 Summer Dare! In a year of uncertainty, it was exciting to go out and reach the community where they were – and reach them we did! From June 5 to July 31, the department conducted over 100 outreach visits using the Mobile Technology Van, and reached more than 4,300 residents! In addition, 634 patrons read more than 550,000 minutes during our Summer Dare. Taken in context of the unknowns surrounding the summer, and the inability to partner with the many organizations we work alongside during most summers, and this was a very successful summer indeed! Looking forward, the department is working to begin a limited number of in-library programs in the fall in ways that focus on the safety of the patrons who attend.

The Public Service team has continued to see an increase of library usage with meeting rooms now available. We continue to provide great service to the community through our talented team and as we receive great/rewarding stories to share with the board in the monthly board packet. Also, we are working on the process of hiring a facility maintenance worker, who will be able to handle a lot of our internal daily needs for facility and grounds maintenance at each location.

General Updates On Tuesday, Aug. 3, all City of Cedar Rapids buildings returned to masks required per CDC guidance. At this time all service offerings remain unchanged, but library and city staff are meeting weekly to respond to the ever-changing situation.

Director Goal Updates: 2. Connect with patrons and stakeholders to help them engage in the library’s story and make it their story. Utilize new and existing pathways (committees, board packets, data and metrics) to further storytelling. • Align library finances and organization structure to hire data specialist by September, 2021 – COMPLETE. Sarah Voels hired in updated Community Engagement Librarian position 3. Prepare a long-term west-side service strategy. • Dedicate time in June-September to City-led neighborhood study – ONGOING. City internal team had first meeting in July • Dedicate at staff hours to creating RFQ, hiring, and working with Feasibility Study consultants August-December 2021 – ONGOING. In July, I researched other similar libraries and wrote the scope for an RFP. It is now out for applicants to provide concept design and vision planning for the potential permanent west side library facility. Proposals will be collected this month to award the contract in September. Also by September the trustees will form a subcommittee to provide regular updates to the full board as the process moves forward.

Great Stories

Yesterday, at Jacolyn Park, we saw one of our "regular" patrons coming down the hill. He has been in a cast up to this thigh for the summer -- his older siblings had been pushing him over in a wheelchair -- and yesterday he comes by himself with is foot in a boot and using a walker. Rollin' Rec Mobile and Library staff give him a round of applause and a warm welcome seeing him reach a new milestone. He came over and sat a while, eating his snack from Parks and Rec, and using Makey Makeys with another patron that he met just that day. He told us how his siblings stay home during the summer all day because their mom works and this is his "thing" that he can do during the summer -- that he "just waits around until he sees [our] truck (sic) pull up" and makes his way down the street. He loves coming over and it's even better now that he can come by himself. Yesterday, in the children's department, I was reunited with a family that I hadn't seen since before we closed for Covid precautions. Dad and four kids all were hanging out, one child needed help finding some Barbie books, and we all look around and find a book and start to recount the year. Dad said he was able to work from home with his law firm and I asked how they've been doing otherwise... Dad immediately crosses his arms and his body language changes: in the time since I saw them, his father experienced several amputations and then succumbed to what ailed him and passed away, a tree fell on their house during the derecho, Dad was diagnosed with having a mental illness that he is working through and they are preparing to move states away, to be closer to family... he said it's just been trauma after trauma (daughters then mentioned how they also lost a sibling several years ago) and Dad ends the conversation with "and that's why we're so glad the library's back open," it's a calm, welcoming, safe place for us where we can have these conversations ... it's our calm and safe place. And I really think he meant it; they always spend a long time here and the kids are experts at the collection... I was sincerely surprised at how much this library means to their family. Today at Tanager Place for Read Woke: We asked the folks there how the program is working for them, what they think about it, etc. and one person said that it's the only thing they look forward to in the week -- they can get away from Cottage, therapy, talking about trauma and all the problems that they have... and can talk about something that they love... reading... – Meredith Crawford, Programming Librarian

I came down to do some title work and printed a wrong form. I was trying to think about where I could go downtown to print it, and thought of the library. The staff was super friendly and helpful and made everything so easy! Thanks for saving me from the long “drive of shame” back to the North side! Also bonus kudos to the library team and for having such a great space for the community! – Chad, a patron, sent to Kevin Delecki

There was a young boy visiting the library with his mom and sister. He entered the children's area through the red O and as soon as he saw me, he said, "We love the library!" I asked the family if they were signed up for the summer reading program and they weren't; I signed up the whole family and the young boy was SO excited to get to pick out a book with his coupon. I later helped him look for some books and he told me the library has so many awesome books and library staff are awesome! His excitement and love of the library made my day. – Callie Crandall, Patron Services Specialist

Stopped by @CRPublicLibrary to get the fam library cards & do some article revising. The librarians w/in earshot have already helped five people apply for jobs, one person file taxes, and another enroll in medicaid. They're very clearly the community's lifeline.

Library Director Evaluation Goals - July 2021-June 2022 Goal JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 1. Engage stakeholders and the community by updating the strategic plan while maintaining the priorities of Literacy, Access, and Inclusion. Connect with individuals/organizations by February, 2022 to get input on Library Strategic Plan Produce and deliver an updated plan to the Board by May, 2022 2. Connect with patrons and stakeholders to help them engage in the library’s story and make it their story. Utilize new and existing pathways (committees, board packets, data and metrics) to further storytelling. Align library finances and organization structure to hire data specialist by September, 2021

Work with Advocacy Committee on reinvented Board Packet/data delivery structure by January, 2022

Demonstrate holistic board/public/patron storytelling strategy by May, 2022 3. Prepare a long-term west-side service strategy. Work with Westside Strategy team made up of City and Library representation between now and June, 2022 Dedicate time in June-September to City-led neighborhood study Dedicate at staff hours to creating RFQ, hiring, and working with Feasibility Study consultants August- December 2021 Calendar of Initiatives - Year Three 2021 Initiative JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Literacy Create responsive technology offerings based on patron need Audit internal and external technology classes and one-on-one services Develop a patron survey to assess needs Make recommendations for program and one-on-one assistance protocol Integrate post survey assessments of satisfaction and knowledge growth into technology programs Incorporate mobile tech unit/tech to go Access Leverage technology to increase user base Improve accessibility and navigation of physical and virtual branches through ADA audit and navigability testing Evaluate tactics that facilitate access Highlight current self-serve opportunities One click materials request 24/7 Automated Library Branch Mobile service Expand programming and services for seniors and children with attention and learning differences Respond to current and changing needs of senior centers/partners Assess options to expand offerings for seniors on their own/not in senior living Connect parents and caregivers of children with learning differences to existing community resources Build collection to support parents and caregivers serving children's educational needs Inclusion Provide programming and materials that are inclusive and responsive to patron needs and input Conduct community needs assessment Examine results through Equity Lens and community data Incorporate translation services and expand multilingual collection Identify gaps and make recommendations for internal practice changes to ensure future programming and services can be responsive to patron needs