MINUTES of the Annual meeting of the Pitkin County Library Board of Trustees on July 9, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 12:00 PM in the William R. Dunaway Community Room.
Roll Call:
Trustees Present:
Pres. John Wilkinson (JW)
V.P. Elizabeth Nix (EN)
Sec. Anna Lookabill Scott (ALS)
Tres. Audrey Ellis (AE)
Ashley Connolly (AC)
Austine Stitt (AS)
Elizabeth Stewart-Severy (ES-S)
Alternates Present:
Staff Present:
Genevieve Smith (GS), PC Librarian
Anna Steinberg, Assistant to PC Librarian
Approval of Minutes for June 18, 2025
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Moved by Austine Stitt 2nd by Elizabeth Stewart-Severy
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Passed by the Board, unanimously
Public Comment:
- None
Trustees' Comments & Librarian’s Report:
Trustee Comments-
- Elizabeth Stewart-Severy just wanted to say how much her son loves the summer reading
program and wondered if the changes in the program this year are bringing in more in-person
traffic to the library?
Librarian’s Report-
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Trustee Comments-
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Elizabeth Stewart-Severy just wanted to say how much her son loves the summer reading program and wondered if the changes in the program this year are bringing in more in-person traffic to the library?
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Librarian’s Report-
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Presented the July Newsletter for Programs:
- Summer Reading
- Libby’s Big Read
- Snowmass Village Library Honor Book Room (and usage)
- Redstone Inn Library Book Room (change of librarian day from Sundays to Fridays)
- Language Chats
- Paint like Bob Ross
- Crafting at the Library
- Lee Shapiro Seminar
- Music Festival Concert Series
- Lunch n’Learn- Board asked about #’s/ Attendance
- Games- board games & Trivia
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Board of Trustees Update:
- PCCB honored the Library Board’s recommendation of keeping just seven trustees and one alternate for the time.
- Strategic Plan RFP- Moving forward with issuing an RFP for a consultant to walk the Library through strategic planning (see new business)
- Building Updates:
- Follow-up on Door locking system- Jody with Pitkin County is working on sourcing the new system. Library would replace all and add just two additional locks- price TBD
- Library Security Cameras- (see discussion under new business)
Old Business:
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Budget Update: Audrey Ellis, Treasurer
Mid-year budget review as well as reviewing processes & policies. Only have a partial year rather than 6- mos because Connie was out of town. Dates to be aware of:
- May Meeting - ideally review final numbers for Previous Years Financials
(County Budget Dir. – Connie Baker received in April) - July Meeting – Review mid-year financials on updated 5-year plan report
( May 2025 numbers) - August Meeting – PC Librarian present 2026 Proposed Budget to Board, first reading any questions changes
- Sept Meeting – opportunity to incorporate changes from Trustees, 2nd Reading and Approval by Board
- Sept -Library Dir review w/County Budget Director Connie Baker
- Oct – BOCC Presentation
John Wilkinson said the Board got bids to see if separating from PC and creating a Library District made sense, but financially it didn’t make sense. Genevieve agreed that she feels lucky to not have to manage maintenance, HR, Finance, and Attorney on top of Library Services.
- May Meeting - ideally review final numbers for Previous Years Financials
New Business:
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Updated Library Privacy & Confidentiality Policy: First Reading
Needed to be updated because of the recent passing of Colorado Bill SB25-276- Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status. Board needed to update language of Policy before September to meet the new guidelines required by the Bill.
Moved by Elizabeth Stewart-Severy 2nd by Audrey Ellis
Passed by Board, unanimously -
Strategic Plan RFP- Reviewed scope of RFP - discussed timing, cost, and what to expect as a time commitment from Board members.
Moved by Austine Stitt 2nd by Elizabeth Nix
Passed by Board, unanimously -
Internal Security Cameras Discussion- the Library is experiencing an increase in incidents that are impacting safety for staff & patrons as well as cleanliness- an issue seen trending up nationally. PC employs security cameras as part of the contracted security services in several buildings, including Health & Human Services and the Courthouse.
The American Library Association (ALA) acknowledges that libraries may use video surveillance to enhance safety and protect property, provided it is done thoughtfully and within legal and constitutional boundaries:
Libraries may use video surveillance in public areas to ensure the safety of staff and users and the security of library property, but this must be done in accordance with constitutional principles, including the First and Fourth Amendments.” — ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
ALA recommended best practices would be followed if approved based on reaching out and receiving response from 19 Colorado Libraries.
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Considerations made:
- Signage & Proactive communication
- Policies: no real-time, access restricted to specific people (PC Librarian & PC Risk Management), purpose of reviewing, data storage
- Law Enforcement/ privacy laws
- Cost (upfront costs but not much on-going costs- double checking)
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Perception/ Thought shift on surveillance by board, staff, and patrons
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Next Steps:
- Review & Update Policy
- Identify locations
- Budget proposal
- Consult PC Attorney on legalities and process
John Wilkinson moved to approve the cameras and signage to be budgeted for 2026
Moved by John Wilkinson 2nd by Ashley Connolly
Passed by Board unanimously
Review Future Meetings Schedule 2025
- August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10
Adjourned @ 1:21 PM
Moved by Austine Stitt 2nd by Elizabeth Stewart-Severy