Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting - August 26, 2026

The regular monthly meeting of the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 19:00 on August 26, 2026, at the Lawrence Branch. President Ray Bieterman presided, with all board members present. The meeting featured reports on branch operations, the 2026 Summer Reading Program, financial updates, and a mid-point review of the library's strategic plan. Several resolutions were approved, and discussions highlighted teen programming and community engagement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the regular meeting held July 27, 2026, and the special meeting held August 11, 2026 (voice votes with no opposition).
• Approved Resolution 31-2026 authorizing the 2027 budget and tax levies, including a 4% growth rate in the tax levy as set by the state and an overall 7.2% increase in the general fund.
• Approved Resolution 32-2026 regarding financial, travel, and personnel matters for the period between board meetings.

Lawrence Branch Report

Lawrence Branch Manager Monica Tabuta presented an overview of the branch. The branch first opened in 1967, moved to its current location in 1983, and underwent renovations in 2020. It serves over 44,000 people in its base population, with 8 elementary schools, 3 high schools, and 7 private schools in the service area. The branch has 5 full-time staff, 11 part-time staff, and 7 pages. In 2025, the branch served 96,862 visitors and helped over 12,000 patrons. Programs include story times twice a week, teen zone twice a week, Dungeons & Dragons, painting classes, and the summer Heart of the Neighborhood event on June 17, 2026. Board members praised the teen programming and suggested collaboration with local art organizations.

2026 Summer Reading Program Report

Deborah North (School Age and Family Program Specialist) and Alex Hamton (Adult Program Specialist) reported on the 2026 Summer Reading Program. Key outcomes:

• Over 20 million minutes read, a 2.5% increase over 2025 (which had 26 million minutes).
• Nearly 29,000 total participants (down from over 30,000 in 2025, attributed to a decline in group program participation due to reduced daycare vouchers).
• 6% increase in branch participation, with adult program participation growing six percent.
• Success in targeted low-participation zip codes: 14% increase in teen participation, 20% increase in adult male participation, 27% increase in senior participation.
• Over 7,700 in-branch activations (pilot tracked throughout summer).
• 94% of caregivers agreed the program encouraged their child to read; 78% said it improved reading confidence; overwhelming majority of adults said the program met expectations and encouraged them to read.
• 1,900+ books donated to Listen to Our Future.
• Partnerships included CanCan Cinema (film series), Indianapolis Zoo (preschool program), and others.
• Patron feedback highlighted the program's role in learning (Haitian Creole resources), belonging (community hub), and well-being (reducing screen time).

Finance Committee Report

Mary presented the July 2026 financials: revenue from property taxes at 54% of expected; e-rate receipts of nearly $32,000; total interest revenue of $14,116. Year-to-date expenditures at 48% of budget, with personal services and benefits at 67% of total expenditures. The committee recommended approval of Resolution 31-2026 for the 2027 budget and tax rates, which includes a four percent increase in the tax levy and an estimated debt payment for the 2026 bonds. The City-County Council budget presentation scheduled for September 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

Other Committee Reports

• Diversity Policy and Human Resources Committee (Dr. Palacio): No resolutions; continuing discussions on policies and professional development.
• Facilities Committee (Dr. Riolo): Noted that the meeting venue was changed from Fort Ben Branch because it closed for two weeks starting today to install acoustic panels.
• Library Foundation Update (Dr. Riolo): The fifth annual Circulate fundraiser on August 15, 2026 raised more than $130,000 with 220 guests. The foundation received more than $130,000 in donations this month for initiatives including bilingual storytime, conversation circles, and fall festival.

CEO Report and Strategic Plan Update

CEO Ryan reported:

• Impact story: long-haul truck driver discovered audiobooks and completed online courses; submitted by Lawrence Branch.
• Star Awards for July: 7 employees recognized for patron services, peer support, community involvement, etc.
• Engagement data: Youth programs (481 programs, 12,499 attendees), adult programs (265, 3,678); all-ages programs (63, 4,372). Total program attendance up 16% versus July 2025 (20,549 vs. 17,632).
• Circulation and visitors down about 1.5-2.8% from July 2025, with top branches Glendale, Fort Ben, College Avenue.
• Upcoming events: Chair aerobics, business series, Heart of Every Neighborhood, Library Card Days September 26-28.

Mary Ann McKenzie presented the mid-point strategic plan update:

• Belonging KPIs: Visitors and web traffic showing positive long-term growth; active cardholders up 6.5% from end of 2024.
• Learning KPIs: Circulation per active cardholder showed a slight decline (orange arrow); e-resource use steady.
• Well-being KPIs: Social work team interactions soared; mental and physical well-being programs up; financial literacy programs had fewer offerings but steady attendance.
• Partnership survey: 21% response rate from 285 organizations; 98% agreed partnership provided positive community benefit; 91% said mutually beneficial.
• Obective B 5.4 (Innovator in Residence) was discontinued in favor of the successful Better Together civics engagement event and selection for Urban Library Council's Civics Maker Lab for adults (ages 18-24).

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes for July 27 and August 11, 2026 meetings.
• Approved Resolution 31-2026 (2027 budget and tax rates) and Resolution 32-2026 (financial/travel/personnel matters).
• A board member requested disaggregated data on teen programming across branches, including demographic and outcome metrics, to be presented at a future meeting.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Glendale Branch Library.