Clovis Library Board Meeting - April 27, 2026

The Clovis Library Board met on April 27, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a librarian's report on recent activities and future projects, and reports from board members on community services. Key highlights include completion of the 2022 GoBond spending, a major inventory project, and planning for summer reading programs.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the February 9, 2026 meeting were approved without corrections, with a recorded yes vote from each committee member.

Discussion Items

• Library Policy Manual Update: Margaret reported that changes to the policy manual (title page, definitions of the library board, and meeting room policy) were approved by the City Commission in February.
• Librarian's Report (Margaret):
  • Staffing: A reference librarian left in early March; a new reference librarian has been hired and starts on April 28, and will also become a notary.
  • Summer Reading Program: Titled "Unearth a Story," focusing on archaeology, geology, and dinosaurs. Events will include visits from Eastern New Mexico University, the Tucumcari museum, and a digging kit from the state library. A 3D printer has been purchased for public use, and small dinosaur prints were made as examples. Registration begins May 15.
  • Statistics: Monthly gate count is up compared to last year, with 15,000-16,000 visitors in the last three months. Meeting rooms are used regularly; the Ruth Warrior room (free meeting room) is used 2-3 times per week.
  • Genealogy Donation: A fledgling genealogy group donated approximately 200 monographs of genealogy material (Alabama records, Mayflower records, etc.). The collection is being reorganized to accommodate them.
  • Inventory Project: A complete inventory of the 140,000-item collection is underway. Children's and young adult sections are finished; the Southwest collection is currently being inventoried. The goal is completion by mid-June 2026. 123 out-of-date cookbooks were weeded and 141 new cookbooks ordered.
  • Finances: The 2022 GoBond and state grants-in-aid have been fully expended. The 2024 GoBond (approximately $129,000) will be released in November and is earmarked for replacing upholstered furniture with pleather, and purchasing vertical bookends (5,000 bookends for $15,000). State grant funds must be spent by end of June 2026.
  • Grants Applied For: One to relocate the memorial on the south lawn to Veterans Park; another for library materials/services to either renovate the children's area or recarpet the building (carpet from 1992).
  • Staff Training: CPR/first aid and active shooter training completed.
  • Programs: Astronomy night on April 24 (cloudy but 45 children attended); Lego club had 45 kids; story time continues.
• Student Board Member Introduction: Emily, a junior at Clovis High School and new board member, introduced herself. She expressed interest in volunteer opportunities for NHS students.
• Board Member Reports:
  • Kathy Olam reported on tax assistance: three sites (including this library) handled 1,883 current-year returns, about 150 prior-year returns, 100 in Tucumcari, and 40 in Fort Summer. The service was successful and appreciated.
  • Invitation extended to all board members to attend the City of Clovis celebration of 20 years at the Civic Center on May 15 from 4-6 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved.
• New policy manual acknowledged as ratified by City Commission.
• Inventory project continues with completion targeted by mid-June.
• Next meeting scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2026 at 5:30 PM.