FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING
MAY 14, 2025
The Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. on May 14, 2025, at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: M. O’Leary, S. Sheppard, T. Lancaster, J. D’Agostino, M. Richmond, G. Mayfield, D. Grisgraber
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Donald
STAFF PRESENT: J. Kelly, Director; S. McDuff – Associate Director; C. Hall – Associate Director; B. McDermott, Finance Manager; J. Marshall, Manager – Systems; A. Archibald, Personnel Supervisor; C. Brohawn, Project Coordinator; K. Cambrel, Communications Manager; B. Heltebridle, Branch Services Manager; B. Hissong, Community Engagement Manager; S. Yates, Branch Administrator – C. Burr Artz Library; 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; B. Reeves, Assistant Branch Administrator – Urbana Regional Library; A. Moser, Assistant Branch Administrator – C. Burr Artz Library; and C. Smith, Executive Assistant and Recording Secretary.
CITIZEN REMARKS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: J. D’Agostino motioned to approve the Minutes of April 2, 2025; seconded G. Mayfield. No further discussion.
VOTE: Unanimous.
CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair shared lyrics from the song “Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Mr. Kelly reported on the recent dismissal of Dr. Carla Hayden from the Library of Congress. He shared an overview of her impressive career and achievements, particularly as the Librarian of Congress for the past 9 years, her advocacy and deep understanding of libraries, her time as ALA president, and her work as the long-serving director of Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore.
J. Kelly shared that FCPL was able to send 23 staff members to the Maryland Library Association’s annual conference in Ocean City, thanks to a grant from the IMLS. The Director provided an update on IMLS from his previous monthly report that a federal court judge granted a preliminary injunction, and he received word that reimbursements of previously awarded funds will be honored, though the availability of awards for the next fiscal year is still unknown.
The Director reported on ways FCPL is working toward its strategic priorities. FCPL is expanding access through a successful pilot project at Brunswick to expand certain collections, a systemwide partnership with Family Connects to allow families to learn more about the resources and services available at the library, and an accessible program for outdoor enthusiasts in Myersville. FCPL is building bridges through new language assistance technology at the CBA passport desk with hopes to expand use at outreach events to more successfully communicate and connect with non-English speakers in the community. FCPL sparked excitement with engaging and impactful events like the Teen Job Fair in Middletown and Urbana’s “I Survived” program series.
Pivoting to statistics, Mr. Kelly shared the March numbers and 3rd quarter report. Every measure saw a month-over-month increase and so far in this fiscal year over 2,000 customers have taken advantage of notary services. eContent circulation continues to increase and program attendance statistics have been higher than pre-COVID levels.
BUDGET/CIP UPDATE:
Regarding the budget, County Executive Fitzwater released her draft FY26 budget and one of FCPL’s three appeals was included, the Children’s Services position in Emmitsburg. Libraries were called before the County Council on April 23rd to provide an overview of our agency and recent use trends, as well as to field questions about the CSS position, how usage trends impact design decisions in new capital projects, and eContent publishing, costs, and circulation, among other things.
One important date to note includes the next board meeting on June 4th.
J. D’Agostino asked which libraries provide notary services, if there are plans to expand, and the cost of offering those services at more branches.
NEW BUSINESS
Financial Report:
B. McDermott shared FY25 budget numbers tentative as of March 31, 2025, with data pulled on April 17, 2025.
Myersville Library Update:
R. Cox-Steib shared the successes of the Myersville Community Library. The library staff has expanded access by partnering with organizations like the Mental Health Association and the Myersville Wolfsville Area Historical Society to offer popular programs to customers, as well as joining forces with the local puzzle community and gardening enthusiasts. Myersville Community Library built bridges through collaborative events such as the town’s Trolley Festival, monthly school visits, and even a local dentist’s office. The staff also sparked excitement through programming geared towards elementary-aged children, as well as events focused on the community’s history and craft interests.
Strategic Plan Update:
J. Diaz and S. Yates provided an update on the proposed strategic plan for FY26-28. The pair shared a recap of the workgroup’s planning timeline, as well as how they structured the plan. They shared the priorities FCPL will focus on in the next three years: anticipate, listen, and respond; grow sustainably; and foster belonging.
G. Mayfield acknowledged the structure of the plan and asked for clarification between aspirations versus successes at different levels.
M. Richmond asked about reports and data being presented to the Board, as well as how FCPL identifies community needs.
D. Grisgraber asked where there might be space built in for reassessing priorities, goals, or aspirations, as well as the rollout of the plan.
M. O’Leary discussed the comprehensive nature of the plan and how it will serve FCPL.
M. O’Leary motioned to approve the proposed Strategic Plan Priorities; seconded by G. Mayfield. No further discussion.
VOTE: Unanimous.
Board questions and comments: The Board further discussed the Strategic Plan and the Chair voiced her appreciation for the specific language that was used.
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 June 4, 2025.
M. Richmond made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by J. D’Agostino. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:09 pm.
Signed by S. Sheppard
Chair, Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees