Rochester Library Board Meeting - September 16, 2026

The Rochester Library Board met on September 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in the Second Floor Meeting Room of the library. The board approved the order of agenda, received updates from committees and partner organizations, approved four policy updates, discussed the status of county funding for digital services, and received an annual update on the Rochester Reading Champions tutoring program. The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m.

Updates & Reports

• Rochester Public Library Foundation Report: Executive Director Brenda Kardock reported that the Foundation raised $538,000 from 150 donors (214 gifts), with 100% board participation. The Foundation is developing gift acceptance SOPs, auction events, and a Youth Imagination Station unveiling on October 29. The Foundation plans to migrate off the city server in late first quarter/early second quarter 2027.
• Friends of the Rochester Public Library Update: Board President Val Kaliszewski reported that the fall membership drive began September 1, with 80 renewals in the first two weeks generating $4,000. Benefits include a 20% discount at the Friends bookstore and early admission to book sales. The autumn book sale will be the second weekend in October.
• Advocacy Committee Update: The committee met last Thursday and finalized a document on Olmsted County funding, which was sent via newsletter and Facebook post. Work begins on a stakeholder map and elevator speeches.
• Policy Committee Update: Deferred to the policy review discussion (see below).
• Teen Library Council Update: Primary representative Lucy Kreuter was absent; Hassan Yaqoob will serve as backup. The TLC held its first meeting. New board member Michelle Rogers Kull (nurse practitioner) was welcomed.
• Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO) Update: Received and filed.

Consent Calendar

The board unanimously approved (9-0) the consent calendar, which included:

• Minutes of the July 15, 2026 meeting
• Accounts Payable for September 10, 2026 totaling $120,555.37
• August 2026 monthly reports
• Contracts signed by the Library Director

Policy Review

The board approved updates to four library policies: Community Posting and Brochure, Emergency Planning, Library Space Policy, and Privacy and Confidentiality Policy. During discussion on the Privacy and Confidentiality Policy, members clarified that the library follows state public information law and consults with the city attorney for any duly authorized requests (e.g., law enforcement warrants). The updates were unanimously approved.

County Funding and Services Update

Library staff reported that the Olmsted County Board approved funding for the bookmobile portion ($61,104) of the payment-for-services request, maintaining services to Byron, Dover, Iota, and Nelco. However, the county did not approve funding for digital access services. As a result, starting January 2027, non-Rochester residents (approximately 7,400 people) will lose full home-user access to OverDrive/Libby and Kanopy, becoming visitor users with reduced access. The library’s digital collection includes over 75,000 unique titles (156,000 copies), compared to SELCO’s 63,000 copies, and the loss will particularly affect world-language materials (cost-per-circ). Comics Plus will be preserved for three years due to a negotiated contract. Staff will provide handouts for bookmobile staff directing affected residents to contact their county commissioners. The board emphasized the need to educate the county board about the true cost and value of digital resources. A formal action item may appear in the November board packet.

Rochester Reading Champions Update

Tammy Fritz, Literacy Services Coordinator, presented the annual update on the Rochester Reading Champions (RRC) program, which provides free one-to-one tutoring in structured literacy (Orton-Gillingham) for ages 6 through adult. Key statistics:

• Since 2014: 73 volunteer tutors trained (including 3 staff), nearly 15,000 lessons provided, and 105 graduates. If paid commercially, these lessons would have cost nearly $800,000.
• Currently: 35 active tutors (6 on hold), 2 in training, 2 more passed background checks. 35 individuals on the waitlist. Expecting 40 active tutors by year end and serving over 60 students.
• Youth participants average almost 3 grade levels of growth in single-word reading after about 90 lessons.
• Added three public tutoring locations (RCTC, Northwritt Building, United Way) to expand capacity; 10 students served there.
• Funding comes from grants, a portion of Friends book sales, and donations funneled through the Foundation. The coordinator’s maximum support capacity is 40 tutors. Discussion included potential expansion through a train-the-trainer model and contracting exit screening.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (9-0): Order of agenda, consent calendar items, and updated policies (Community Posting and Brochure, Emergency Planning, Library Space Policy, Privacy and Confidentiality Policy).
• Received and filed: All updates and reports from committees, the Foundation, Friends, SELCO, TLC, and the Rochester Reading Champions presentation.
• Noted: County funding for digital services was denied; library will implement reduced access for non-Rochester residents starting January 2027. Staff will provide informational handouts and the board may take formal action in November.
• Adjourned: 5:22 p.m.