FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING
September 3, 2025
The Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. on September 3, 2025, at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: S. Sheppard, T. Lancaster, J. D’Agostino, M. Richmond, G. Mayfield, D. Grisgraber, M. O’Leary, J. Donald
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: J. Kelly, Director; C. Hall – Associate Director; S. McDuff – Associate Director; B. McDermott, Finance Manager; A. Archibald, Personnel Supervisor; C. Brohawn, Project Coordinator; K. Cambrel, Communications Manager; M. Currens, Library Collections Manager; J. El-Zeftawy, Development Officer; B. Hissong, Community Engagement Manager; C. Krogh, Facilities Coordinator ; S. Yates, Branch Administrator – C. Burr Artz 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; R. Reeves, Branch Administrator – Urbana Regional Library and Point of Rocks Library; G. McQueeny, Library Associate; A. Bennett, Library Associate; E. Miller, Library Associate; and C. Smith, Executive Assistant and Recording Secretary.
CITIZEN REMARKS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: J. D’Agostino motioned to approve the Minutes of June 4, 2025; seconded M. Richmond. No further discussion.
VOTE: Unanimous.
CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair welcomed everyone back after the summer and shared moments that brought her joy, especially a book called Harlem Rhapsody. The Chair is excited for the work ahead as the library is an anchor in the community and a safe space, which relies on the work of FCPL. She implored staff to continue to build on that foundation, amplifying the impact of our programs, resources, and outreach efforts.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
J. Kelly provided a reminder of the new Strategic Plan priorities and the ways in which FCPL will continue to build on the existing work being done and to assess opportunities that may emerge during the life of the plan. These priorities reflect our mission, vision, and values. They also inform branch and departmental workplans, which in turn inform individual goals for staff.
FCPL is anticipating, listening, and responding through partnerships like the Kennedy Krieger Center to host an Autism Spectrum Disorder storytime and provide resources to families. The library had an opportunity to partner with a local non-profit in Thurmont and the City of Frederick’s Department of Housing and Human Service in Brunswick to distribute free lunches over the summer.
FCPL is discovering ways to grow sustainably by leveraging partnerships to bring in subject matter experts to deliver high interest programs. The Myserville library hosted a program on The History of the Sears Catalog in partnership with the State Library Resource Center. The Urbana library presented a program called Navigating the Joys and Challenges of Motherhood, facilitating a discussion with new mothers about their experiences, including coping with postpartum depression and anxiety. Urbana also partnered with Jason Francis and Brandon Chapman from “More than a Father” to host another community conversation about parenting.
FCPL is fostering belonging through ASLdeafined – a new online resource designed to teach American Sign Language through short video lessons and interactive tools. This resource will help us to better serve deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons. The Brunswick library also hosted a State Librarian who shared the history of the LGBTQ+ movement in Maryland. The Middletown library hosted its first community movie night, which was successful in large part due to the contributions of the town government, Westview Cinemas, teen volunteers, and even two food trucks in attendance that donated 10% of their sales to the Friends of the Library group.
Pivoting to statistics, the Director shared the highlights from the June dashboard and fiscal year-end report, as well as the growth over the last seven years to remove barriers, improve customer services, and reach more people in the county than ever before.
BUDGET/CIP UPDATE:
J. Kelly shared that the planning phase for FY27 has begun, and the results of FY25 audit will be presented later this fall. Directors Staff will be meeting with the County’s CIP committee in the next week as they begin planning the draft CIP budget for the County Executive’s consideration.
Important dates to note include the next Board meeting on October 1st and FCPL’s Staff Day on Oct 13th.
B. Hissong shared an update on Frederick Reads, which will host R. L. Stine on October 28th at the Weinberg Center.
S. Sheppard asked if the ASD storytime programs are ongoing.
M. Richmond recognized FCPL’s social media team for the year-end wrap-up.
NEW BUSINESS
LATI Recognition:
J. Kelly provided background information about the LATI program and recognized graduates Anna Bennett, Emmalee Miller, Gwen McQueeny, and Lucas Moody (absent).
M. O’Leary shared gratitude for the LATI program and recognized graduates for their contribution.
Financial Report:
B. McDermott shared FY25 budget numbers tentative as of July 31, 2025.
Holiday Schedule
T. Lancaster made a motion to approve the Holiday Schedule for FY26; seconded by M. O’Leary. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
Policies Revisions and Reaffirmations
M. Richmond made a motion to approve the Policy Manual; seconded by T. Lancaster. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
Library Development Update:
J. El-Zeftawy shared an update about the development work being done to allow the library to go above and beyond our regular budget to fund innovative programs, services, and spaces. She highlighted three donors who were instrumental to the success of the Summer Reading Challenge to provide a look beyond the “why” of giving and focus on the “who.”
J. El-Zeftawy also shared about two important upcoming dates: Giving Tuesday on December 2 and the Well Read and Dead donor event on February 13, 2026.
C. Burr Artz Library Update:
S. Yates provided updates from the previous year about the C. Burr Artz library. They are building bridges through programs like prenatal yoga, in partnership with Frederick Health and Family Connect. C. Burr Artz library staff are expanding access by partnering with Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership and Centro Hispano Exito programs, and they are sparking excitement with programs like the How To Fest. To anticipate, listen, and respond, the C. Burr Artz library has plans to expand the use of the book bike in downtown Frederick and at “pop up” events with local businesses. CBA staff are already looking for ways to grow sustainably through fostering ways to resource share and partner with other branches, as well as foster belonging by being visible in the community and creating welcoming, safe spaces.
Board questions and comments:
M. Richmond noted that Frederick County schools appreciate the new ASLdeafined resource.
M. O’Leary mentioned the discussion of collective bargaining that happened at the retreat and the possibility of an ad hoc committee representing FCPL/the Board, if it becomes necessary.
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 October 1, 2025.
T. Lancaster made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by J. D’Agostino. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm
Signed by
S. Sheppard
Chair, Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees