FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING
MARCH 5, 2025
The Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. on March 5, 2025, at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: M. O’Leary, S. Sheppard, T. Lancaster, J. D’Agostino, M. Richmond, D. Grisgraber, G. Mayfield, J. Donald
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: J. Kelly, Director; C. Hall – Associate Director; S. McDuff – Associate Director; B. McDermott, Finance Manager; J. Marshall, Manager – Systems; A. Archibald, Personnel Supervisor; C. Brohawn, Project Coordinator; K. Cambrel, Communications Manager; M. Currens, Library Collections Manager; J. El-Zeftawy, Development Officer; B. Heltebridle, Branch Services Manager; B. Hissong, Community Engagement Manager; L. Branson, Branch Administrator – Walkersville Library; D. Spurrier, Branch Administrator – Emmitsburg Library; A. Knight, Branch Administrator – Middletown Library; B. Brannen, Branch Administrator – Thurmont Regional Library; J. Diaz, Branch Administrator – Brunswick Library; R. Cox-Steib, Branch Administrator – Myersville Library; B. Watts, Staff Development Coordinator; A. Blaser, Development Intern; and C. Smith, Executive Assistant and Recording Secretary.
CITIZEN REMARKS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: J. D’Agostino motioned to approve the Minutes of February 5, 2025; seconded by G. Mayfield. No further discussion.
VOTE: Unanimous.
CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair acknowledged that celebration and joy, grief and loss don’t cancel each other out. She encouraged library staff to smile through the grief.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Mr. Kelly introduced Development Intern, Alexis Blaser who is finishing her semester’s work under the supervision of Development Office Jess El-Zeftawy.
Mr. Kelly reported on Library Legislative Day which he and C. Hall attended in Annapolis; they spoke to elected officials about HB597, updated them on FCPL’s capital projects, and thanked them for their support of the state’s library capital grant program.
J. Kelly reported ways FCPL is working toward its strategic priorities. FCPL is expanding access by helping customers find jobs, navigating the challenges and opportunities of passport services in record numbers, and continuing to support customers’ accessibility needs. FCPL is building bridges through outreach to the nearly 50 households of military families near Sabillasville. FCPL sparked excitement with two exciting events: the first Golden Mile Multicultural Festival and a surprise meet and greet with the Baltimore Orioles’ Birdland Caravan at Urbana.
Pivoting to statistics, Mr. Kelly shared the January reports. He noted that eContent circulation surpassed print. Other statistics are up in visits, new card registrations, and programming.
BUDGET/CIP UPDATE:
Regarding the budget, the County’s budget office sent FCPL a save the date and the County Executive opened the annual public survey to gauge community support for funding initiatives. The survey was shared via social media and the public hearing is scheduled for March 19th.
Mr. Kelly shared an update regarding the community input session for the design of the West Frederick library held by Dewberry Architects on February 13th.
Important dates to note include the Speaker Series featuring Ruby Bridges, the next Board meeting, and an event with Kashmir Hill on the topic of technology and privacy.
J. D’Agostino asked about the link to the Dewberry survey.
T. Lancaster asked about the number of community members who attended.
NEW BUSINESS
Financial Report:
B. McDermott shared FY25 budget numbers tentative as of January 31, 2025, with data pulled on February 17, 2025.
M. Richmond asked about expenditures regarding equipment, maintenance, and repairs, as well as spending for sheriffs to be on duty at the C. Burr Artz branch.
Walkersville Update:
L. Branson shared the successes of the Walkersville branch over the past year. The Walkersville branch is working to expand access through unique program offerings such as the summer lunch program which distributed 4,000 lunches over 48 days, as well as the Naloxone box installed in October which has distributed 40 boxes and provided community learning and training. The Walkersville Library is building bridges by offering programs that expand their community’s view of the world and connect them to resources to support their goals and each other. Some examples include bilingual story time, a partnership with the Literacy Council to provide an ESL conversation class, a sensory program for adults with developmental disabilities, information sessions for FCC, and a teen job fair. They also spark excitement by increasing efforts to engage tweens and teens, as well as bringing the library to the community through storytime at the farm, fire department, and railway station.
M. Richmond inquired about any challenges to getting work done at the Walkersville branch.
T. Lancaster asked how many staff work at the Walkersville branch.
J. Donald inquired about parking issues.
Strategic Plan Update:
J. Diaz and J. Kelly shared an update on the strategic plan. Mr. Kelly shared the history of the core values, mission, and vision as it relates to the Strategic Plan. The language of the mission has been updated and now includes a new tagline, “You belong here,” which incorporates the priorities of the Strategic Plan and speaks to the recommendations FCPL received from the Widerstand equity audit.
J. Diaz provided information about the Workgroup that was formed to develop the Strategic Plan, the history of previous work, the current timeline, and key findings from their research.
Trends the group noticed include growth in the community, physical library spaces & uses, the welcoming & trusted environment, and the experiences that create community and connection. The Workgroup then identified three concepts that will take priority in the upcoming Strategic Plan: belonging, sustainability, and responsiveness.
M. O’Leary asked about statistics and reporting as a component of the plan.
Board questions and comments: None.
Other Citizen remarks: None.
The next FCPL Board of Trustees meeting will be held at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room at 7:00 p.m. on April 2, 2025.
M. Richmond made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by G. Mayfield. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm.
Signed by S. Sheppard
Chair, Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees