Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting - July 29, 2025
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Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting - July 29, 2025
The Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on July 29, 2025, at the Southport branch, presided over by President Ray Bieterman. The meeting featured reports on the summer reading program, digital inclusion initiatives, a public hearing on bond financing, and several resolutions. Public comment focused on concerns about charter school recruitment in library branches. The board approved multiple resolutions, including a $15 million bond issuance for capital maintenance.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Corbin Havener (teacher, IPS School 51) expressed concern about charter schools recruiting students at library branches, arguing that the proliferation of charter schools harms traditional public schools like IPS. He requested the board review its policy on whether non-traditional public schools should be allowed to recruit on library premises.
- Jackie Harrell (Southport patron) praised the branch's senior programs, particularly chair aerobics, and urged continued funding for the program through the Library Foundation.
- Carla Schmidt (special education teacher, Washington Township) objected to a charter school recruiting at the Michigan Road branch, stating that the school was not a truly public entity. She suggested the library develop a clearer policy, including signage that the library does not endorse such organizations, and consider requiring community references.
- Marianne Schlegel Ruger (Northside resident) echoed concerns about charter school recruitment, emphasizing that K-12 schools operate on a zero-sum basis (each child can attend only one school), unlike other community organizations. She asked the board to review the tabling policy.
Discussion Items
- Southport Branch Report: Manager Fiona Duke presented branch demographics (45,682 population, 15.1% Asian, 6.9% Black, 7.5% Hispanic, 65% non-Hispanic White; 17.8% of residents born outside U.S.; 6.3% without internet/computer). Statistics included 162,294 public computer sessions since May 2024, 984 summer meals served, and 176 programs with 5,663 participants. Staff and volunteer recognition, and a tribute to deceased colleague Alex Clefenberg.
- Digital Inclusion Report: Karen Moore reported on the tech learning team, which offered classes in computer basics, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, digital creativity (e.g., Cricut). Over 1,600 attendees in 2024-2025, 500 unique North Star users with 1,200 learning hours. Hotspot program: 174 devices, 1,600 checkouts, available at 16 branches. 90% of class participants reported ability to use knowledge gained. An AI course is planned for Q1 2026.
- Finance Committee: Treasurer's report for June 2025 showed 52% of property taxes received, 2% over budget, with expenditures under budget. The report was approved for filing.
- Public Hearing on 2025-2026 Multi-Facility Capital Maintenance Bonds: A public hearing was held for up to $15 million in bonds for the West Indianapolis branch renovation and other capital projects. Presentations by bond counsel and municipal advisor indicated a proposed 3-year repayment term with no increase to the debt service tax rate. No public comments were received. The board subsequently closed the hearing and approved resolutions 25-2025 (preliminary determination) and 26-2025 (appropriation).
- Resolution 27-2025 (Marion County Internet Library Grant): Approved renewal of the grant ($533,445) for 12 databases, serving schools and universities. Grant funding has been reduced by about $50,000 annually by the library fund.
- Resolution 28-2025 (Insurance Renewal): Approved liability insurance policies with a total premium increase of 10.59% ($46,956) due to workers' compensation, property, and umbrella coverage adjustments.
- 2026 Proposed Budget Briefing: Draft budget shows an 8.25% increase over 2025 ($85.2 million vs. $83.5 million), driven by personnel costs (8.71% increase for salary and wage initiatives), supplies (9.46%), other services (7%), and materials (3.41%). Final budget pending revenue data expected by August 1.
- Resolution 29-2025 (Irvington Study Room Naming): Approved naming the Michael and Deborah Williams study room at the soon-to-be-renovated Irvington branch, recognizing a prior donation.
- Resolution 30-2025 (New Bookmobiles): Approved a contract with FARBR Specialty Vehicles for two new bookmobiles at $605,303.20 (slightly over budget, difference covered by prior project savings). Delivery expected within 10-14 months, before the 2026-2027 school year.
- Resolution 31-2025 (AMH Maintenance): Approved a two-year contract with LinkSo Systems for automated material handler maintenance at $211,475, using sole-source procurement due to proprietary parts.
- Library Foundation Update: Presented strategic plan aligned with library goals, aiming to raise $7.2 million and invest $7.4 million over three years. Fundraising training for board scheduled for September 8. New development officer Kelly Kears introduced, sharing a story about a patron helped by a bus pass funded by the Indigo Foundation.
- CEO Report: Gregory Hill reported summer reading program exceeded 20 million minutes, typical daily circulation of 15,270 items, and 7,460 visitors. Staff recognition and a video on universal changing stations in partnership with Tangram, to be installed at Central, Nora, Pike, and Fort Bend branches.
- Statistical Report: Maryann McKenzie presented Q2 highlights: total circulation stable due to e-resource growth, physical circulation slightly declining (1-2% per quarter). Active cardholders increasing, visits up. Expected drop in total cardholders due to school year end.
Key Outcomes
- Approved minutes of the June 23, 2025 regular meeting.
- Approved treasurer's report for June 2025 for filing.
- Closed public hearing on the 2025-2026 bond issue.
- Approved resolutions 25-2025, 26-2025, 27-2025, 28-2025, 29-2025, 30-2025, and 31-2025.
- Accepted CEO report and statistical report for filing.
- Future agenda item: discuss senior services at the August 25, 2025 meeting at the College Avenue Branch.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Good evening. Like to uh call to order uh the regular meeting of the uh Indianapolis Marion County Public Library. Can we start with a roll call? Yes, Mr. Badaman. Present. Dr. Ratata. Present. Dr. Plassio. Present. Dr. Riolo, present. And Dr. White. We do have a quorum. Thank you very much. Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the July 2025 meeting of the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees. My name is Ray Bieterman, and I have the pleasure of serving as president of our Board of Trustees. It's always exciting to gather with our library community at the Southport branch, our host for tonight, but it's especially exciting with just a few days remaining in our summer reading program. We'll be hearing directly from the Southport branch manager shortly, but before that, I want to take a moment and celebrate something worth noting at the top of this meeting. Our entire library staff has helped lead one of the most successful summer reading programs on record. I'm happy to share that our patrons blew past the community goal of 20 million minutes rent. That's great. That's great. Thanks in big part to the dedication of our entire library team helping and inspiring readers of all ages. You've all continued NDPL's positive tradition of making reading fun, exciting, and accessible for thousands of people. With new school year just around the corner, our desire is that the impact of summer reading stays with students, not just in stronger academic skills and new inspiration, but also in a lasting love for books that continues for many years to come. And speaking of that love of books in our public libraries, I'm happy to share that our We Love Our Library campaign is connecting with the community. Our patrons are showing their love for the Indianapolis Public Library in wonderful and creative ways, from proudly displaying our colorful colorful yard signs in neighborhoods to sharing personal stories about what the Indianapolis Public Library means to them. I I know I have one of those yard signs in my yard. People have stopped and asked me where I got them. So you've you've got two. Alright, I need three for the next meeting. All right, very good. All right, very good. Um we've also received some patron stories. And here's uh a recent story submitted on our website. This patron was on a mission to find resources for her mother, who is newly experiencing vision loss. After hitting several barriers with other organizations in town and feeling overwhelmed by online information, she called our Ask a Librarian phone number and was connected with a librarian at the reference desk. This patron described our librarian as smart, eager to help, and effective, and said that in just a few moments he provided the local connection she needed and turned her experience from frustrating to hopeful. Her words say it best. The Indianapolis Public Library isn't just a building of things. The library is a living team of certified specialists here to help fill the gaps and show us the way when others can't. Isn't that nice to hear? It's beautiful. So this is a perfect reminder that our library staff is changing lives every day. Now I'll ask Miss Fiona Duke, branch manager of Southport Branch, to step forward and share the Southport branch board report.
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