Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm. In attendance were Kristi Talbott (our newest member), Jennifer Buttrick, Ruth Lee, Taylor Powelson, Olivia Dudding and Diana Grant. Miriam Gileadi will no longer be a member of the board at this time.
Director’s Report – Buddy Reading with Mary Phelps was a success for the first summer of this program. Sponsored by Americorps Seniors, we had 8 kids partake of the free program to keep up with their reading skills over the summer. Every kid showed improvement, except for one, and parents and kids enjoyed working with Mary twice a week. We would definitely like to have the program next summer of ’27. Summer Reading Program, which is required by the State Library, ended up with 92 kids and parents enjoying dinosaur stories and art projects. The last one took place outside and was a fun time of bubble blowing and chalk drawings on the sidewalk. We could use more volunteers on this program for next summer. Carly Yates also had a “Robot Camp” for two days in the auditorium. Altogether, we had 60 kids participating in a fun STEM program and the parents were really happy as well. We had 433 visits in June and 471 for July. It’s been a busy summer.
We have been awarded a CLEF Grant for fiscal year 2026-27 of $4,672.00 but the State Library has changed the awarding process of funds. Any library given under $5,000.00 must spend local funds and be reimbursed next June instead of 90% up front and the balance received after spending the award amount. Diana had to made sure the city of Helper was okay with this new process and they gave the go-ahead. We also have applied for a new Borrower Support Grant (ILL’s) but have not heard back yet.
The Silent Book Club has averaged 5 people per session. Jen would like to continue into the Fall and we appreciate the job she is doing to continue this activity.
The Helper Engine Group – one of their purposes is to collect data. They are a non-profit entity to help local businesses. They are also involved in the new volunteer program called Helper Helper App, which is a pool of people interested in helping out for any activities locally needing extra people. The library is included in this new program too.
Bonnie Olsen, who has filled out a volunteer application and has passed her background check, is very interested in starting a poetry group in Helper. She did a similar thing in Provo, and the group is still going. Olivia is very interested in meeting with her.
Ruth went over some Helper meeting procedures so that we are on the same page with other Helper Boards. Beside going over making a motion, seconding it and voting person by person, she also stated that the rules say if a person has two unexcused absences, they could no longer serve on that board. Calling in on zoom to vote is acceptable.
A big topic of conversation is volunteers. We have a paper application stating interest and there is also a google form. The city requires a background check which is free for the applicant. Taylor has created a excel spread sheet to track and also the Helper Helper App where a new person creates an account and there is a library folder. The App also tracks hours.
August 20 – 22 is the Helper Arts Festival. The library will have a booth and we will volunteer for 2 hour shifts. The Helper Helper App will also control this activity. We will go from 9:00 am to late afternoon, with a book sale and library card applications.
Diana will contact our state library liaison and clarify if our 9-person membership for the board, includes city council person and librarian or are they in addition to.
Olivia is very interested in having a board retreat in September with details coming. We have decided to not have a meeting in August.
Olivia motioned to adjourn the meeting and Jen seconded the motion. All votes were aye and the meeting adjourned at 7:45.