FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING
MAY 13, 2026
The Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. on May 13, 2026, at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: S. Sheppard, M. Richmond, T. Lancaster, D. Grisgraber, G. Mayfield, J. D’Agostino, J. Donald
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: M. O’Leary
STAFF PRESENT: J. Kelly, Director; C. Hall, Deputy Director; S. McDuff, Deputy Director; B. McDermott, Finance Manager; P. Wienecke, Fiscal Assistant; A. Archibald, Personnel Supervisor; J. Marshall – Systems Manager; B. Heltebridle – Branch Services Manager B. Watts, Staff Development Coordinator; J. El-Zeftawy, Development Officer; 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 Library; J. Diaz, Branch Administrator – Brunswick Library; R. Reeves, Branch Administrator – Urbana Regional Library and Point of Rocks Library; C. Lingrel, Communications Specialist; M. Spilis, Children’s Services Supervisor – Brunswick Library; B. Elkins, Library Associate; D. Crum, Library Associate; C. Leigh, Library Associate; L. Grackin, Assistant Branch Manager – Brunswick Library; J. Speigel, Special Project Manager – Frederick County Government; and C. Smith, Executive Assistant and Recording Secretary.
CITIZEN REMARKS: Public comment was made by Graeme Williams.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: J. D’Agostino motioned to approve the Minutes of the April 8, 2026, Board Meeting; seconded by M. Richmond. No further discussion.
VOTE: Unanimous.
CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair expressed her gratitude for G. Mayfield’s service on the Board of Trustees. S. Sheppard reflected on her tenure as Chair, considering how libraries and her experiences as a young reader shaped the path she has followed.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
J. Kelly shared a teaser for FCPL’s upcoming Summer Challenge program, as well as information about gameplay and prizes.
FCPL is anticipating, listening, and responding. The Emmitsburg Library noticed that its customers were relying on spaces in the branch for studying and teleworking. In response, staff transformed the book sale area into a new study room. An Iranian poet recently visited the Urbana branch where staff helped him to locate work he had published on various online platforms. Meanwhile, Middletown staff attended a retreat for teens dealing with grief, which provided an opportunity to engage with teens from across the county in a meaningful way.
FCPL is growing sustainably through the launch of a 4-part civic engagement series hosted at the Emmitsburg Library led by the mayor. The series created space for conversation in a welcoming and neutral setting, allowing FCPL to strengthen its role as a community hub for civic engagement and as a public forum. Brunswick Branch Manager Jenny Diaz, participated in a workshop to support Main Street & the City Council’s “Revitalization of Historic Downtown Brunswick” project, representing the library as a vital resource and essential partner for other community agencies, non-profits, and city initiatives.
FCPL is fostering belonging by continuing to prioritize learning and sharing American Sign Language. Myersville staff hosted a 3-part series for elementary-aged students, helping them to learn and use ASL. J. Kelly shared an update on the World Language Expansion Project, which is almost ready to launch. Materials will be received soon and on shelves by July 1, with promotion to follow. The next phase of the project will focus on expansion of materials in other top world languages spoken throughout the County. Urbana hosted a partner listening session with the Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF) which helped increase access, raise awareness, and create a sense of belonging for our community.
Pivoting to statistics, March numbers show that we are performing at or above the prior year’s average in every measure. The dashboard callout references the new study room at Emmitsburg and noteworthy year-to-date trends. The strategic plan quarterly report shows that passport numbers are down, digital circulation is up overall, new cardholders have increased, and social media engagement has exploded recently.
BUDGET/CIP UPDATE:
J. Kelly shared the budget updates: the County Executive released her proposed Operating budget in mid-April, which included all three of our proposed budget appeals (a full-time HR Administrator, a full-time Digital Materials Manager, and a $1 increase to the Materials Funding Formula). When County Council met to consider amendments to the budget, one called for a reduction to the proposed Collections funding. Though ultimately defeated, during discussion of the amendment, Council Member Donald shared comments advocating for the value of libraries and the return on investment for the community.
Important dates to note include the next Board of Trustees meeting on June 3, 2026.
NEW BUSINESS
Financial Report:
B. McDermott shared FY26 budget numbers tentative as of March 31, 2026.
Brunswick Library Update:
J. Diaz shared the demographics of the Brunswick area and updates from the previous year at the Brunswick Branch Library. The team there has been anticipating, listening, and responding by holding listening sessions with different agencies and customers, which communicated to staff the desire for connection. A group that regularly used the library meeting rooms, the Brunswick Arts Council, was invited by the Brunswick team to do monthly art sessions. The partnership later resulted in a “Fix-It” Fair, inviting community members to have household items repaired and demonstrating the library’s role as a trusted and unifying community resource.
Growing sustainably, Brunswick Library staff created a program, Caregiver’s Toolbox, which has been expanding community impact through partnerships, resources, and information. The 13-part series was developed in collaboration with 10 county agencies and local businesses to share their exercise to address real-life parenting and caregiving challenges. The prevention-focused approach offers education and assistance to help caregivers build stronger connections with their families, other participants, and strategic partners.
Fostering belonging, Brunswick staff focused on teens, who need trusted adults and safe spaces to support this vulnerable group. J. Diaz shared the success of Minerva’s Mechanics, as special guests at an Elementary Explorers program and at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship.
Touching on all three strategic priorities, Memory Care Backpack Kits respond directly to a growing community need around aging, dementia, and caregiver support. This resource is piloted in partnership with Frederick County’s Department of Aging and Independence, local senior centers, and the Alzheimer’s Association. The backpack kits intentionally serve older adults and caregivers who are often an underserved population, reinforcing FCPL’s commitment to lifelong learning at every stage of life.
M. Richmond commented on the success of the Fix-It Fair.
S. Sheppard commented on the Caregiver’s Toolbox and shared her appreciation for the resource.
Board Member Reappointment:
M. Richmond made a motion to reappoint D. Grisgraber; seconded by J. D’Agostino. No further discussion.
Vote: Yes – S. Sheppard, M. Richmond, T. Lancaster, G. Mayfield, and J. D’Agostino
Abstain: D. Grisgraber
Board Member Reappointment:
M. Richmond made a motion to appoint Ashley Bowen to a five-year term on the FCPL Board of Trustees; seconded by G. Mayfield. No further discussion. Vote: Unanimous.
Board questions and comments: M. Richmond shared her plans to attend each branch during the summer, as well as the connection between quilting and reading. J. D’Agostino shared her appreciation of staff supporting the community in other capacities.
Other Citizen remarks: Public comment was made by Graeme Williams.
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 3, 2026.
M. Richmond made a motion to adjourn, seconded by J. D’Agostino.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Minutes signed by,
M. Richmond
Vice Chair, Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees