Fitchburg Library Board Meeting - February 18, 2026

The Fitchburg Library Board met on February 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the library meeting room. Board members and staff gathered to approve minutes and the financial register, review and approve the annual bylaws, discuss the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) initiation for 2027, and receive a presentation on the new strategic plan. Key topics included the children's library project, survey data from the community, and goals for the next planning cycle. All items presented were approved or received.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the January 2026 meeting were approved by voice vote with no opposition.
• The November financial register and overview were approved by voice vote with no opposition. Wendy Rosson, Library Director, noted a charge to the Wisconsin State Journal for a budget amendment related to utility costs, and the purchase of five new Kindles using surplus computer replacement funds.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made. The only attendees beyond board members were library staff.

Discussion Items

• Annual Bylaws Review: The board reviewed the library bylaws as required annually. Board member Mariah Richards asked about the history of term limits for board members (two consecutive terms with a one-year lapse before reappointment). Wendy confirmed the term limit was recommended by a consultant from South Central. The board decided no changes were needed and approved the bylaws as written.
• 2027 CIP Initiation Discussion: Wendy Rosson presented a preliminary look at capital improvements. Projects mentioned include replacing self-check machines (deferred two years, currently nine years old), replacing the library van (2028, with potential support from the Friends of the Library), and the first floor redesign (2027, focusing on fiction and AV area, estimated $75,000). A basement redesign is planned for 2028/2029 when the building and grounds supervisor moves to city hall. Wendy expressed a desire to reduce fund balance spending.
• Strategic Plan Presentation: Directors Kristen Garvey and Tagan Carrow presented survey results and an environmental scan. The survey ran June 16–July 14, 2025, and received 437 responses. 91.8% of respondents were Fitchburg residents, 83% use the library at least monthly, and the top reasons for visits were borrowing materials and attending programs. The environmental scan compared Fitchburg to five similar libraries (Oregon, Verona, Sun Prairie, Oak Creek, Beloit), noting Fitchburg's higher population growth, greater diversity, and a decline in registered borrowers (9.7% decrease from 2019-2023, lower than average). Five new strategic plan goals were introduced: Spaces, Collection Usage, Marketing, Programming, and Staffing. Staffing is a new focus area for the library. The plan will use the same flexible work-group framework as the previous plan. Board members praised the staff's work and discussed opportunities for better marketing, including use of social media and collaboration with local influencers.

Key Outcomes

• The board approved the January 2026 meeting minutes.
• The board approved the November 2025 financial register and overview.
• The board approved the library bylaws as written, with no changes.
• The board received and discussed the CIP initiation for 2027 and the strategic plan presentation. No formal votes were taken on these items; they will be revisited in future meetings.
• The next meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the same room.