OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Weatherford Public Library Board Regular Session – July 27, 2026

City Council & BoardsMonday, July 27, 2026
BodyWeatherford, Texas
SessionCity Council & Boards
DateMonday, July 27, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 48:42

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

the meeting to order the meeting to order it is 11 thank you because i yeah that's what i'll watch i forgot i put it out um and the announcement of a quorum and we do have a quorum we do really quite thank you thank you everyone for being here okay next uh basis is the approval of the minutes has everybody had a chance to read them tech admitted too for you fell i will make notion to approve the minutes from the april 2017 second to approve to it uh yeah you're right yeah all in favor all in favor that's the word i couldn't make up anyone okay we're now ready to go down to the regular agenda items and this is the one she's been here the library news and updates okay well i don't know if you remember from last meeting we talked about getting some new picture book shelves they're coming oh we had them come back out and remeasure them because we noticed the numbers were a little funky so they came back out remeasured them were able to get a little bit more shelving than we thought we originally could just to hold uh more books um so they're in manufactured right now hoping to come in before the fiscal year ends but they're on their way this these aren't those shelves but they're they will look very similar um this is the same company they'll be about that height um ours will be on casters so if we need to move them for any reason uh you know we need to lay out the library in a different way they will have the ability to roll so we are very excited for this to happen um you have an estimate on when they might arrive it's four weeks of action yeah it was late it was gonna be late August early September at the earlier so that's that's what I'm showing before and the budget for the city starts October October 1st that's a good that's good time they should they're not here by Chris then but no we've enjoyed five minutes away I know the new bookshelf um out on the floor that white one that is illuminated is kind of it'll look very similar to that we're not doing any of the colored panels on the end like you see here just because I feel like it might look dated no matter what whole color we think we're gonna go with like feel like white is always in fashion so that's that and then we've been talking about and this is from our goals and things from last year when we talked about library signage and just the building itself is hard to identify so we've been working with uh a couple sign companies at first we're looking at an LED sign out to replace the monument sign and we noticed on very staff when they're coming and going that the tree line from both directions blocks any kind of L LED element if we would add to it and also ladies and they're very expensive so like okay if we're gonna spend that money we would like it to be visible yeah you've noticed that before yeah I also tell you from our sign at the college we are constantly having to have the vendor company come out and sort of sit because something's always going to that's a person art told us to so we've got to it's automatic you you know it can scroll different messages but we weren't necessarily needing it to scroll those messages we just wanted a way for people to find us because whenever we have a new performer or somebody moved in for the first time they'll look it up they'll see our location and then we'll watch them just drive right by the building um the end of the building or something well you or they just can't find it they should drive right I mean I remember I did that one first time I came to here through by it because the trees kind of block it from the street um and then when you get past the trees in the field you'll see the building but that's our current building right here so I don't know if y'all can make out that letter um but the public safety building has a nice wedded logo on it and it is illuminated at night and so we are in the process of getting members on this the guy came out measured everything uh so it looks like it'll be a nice easy I think by the public yeah this is it right below and it should be illuminated um in the evening so that you can tell day or night is it the back side or is that it's the slide um when you're coming up um Charles from uh oh yeah

5:00

And so we are in the process of getting members on this.

5:05

The guy came out, measured everything.

5:07

Uh so it looks like it'll be a nice easy.

5:10

I think we'll say like the public.

5:13

Yeah, it says it right below it, and it should be illuminated um in the evening so that you can tell day or night.

5:20

Is it the back side or is that it's the slightly um when you're coming up, um Charles from uh oh no one does not it's painted the same color as the building.

5:38

Well, we're actually but then the front of the building also doesn't really have anything to identify us.

5:45

So we're gonna have we're gonna have public library added to this rendering, so it'll be the same as the side, but this will be on the front just again to kind of help people know the back library instead of the break.

5:58

I like we realize that DPS is built out of the same building material as ours and the church next door and school or forever getting buildings confused over here.

6:10

So more welcoming.

6:13

And he came out on a rainy day, their building doesn't sound like a lot of things.

6:17

Like that's the downspout right here.

6:20

Yeah, that doesn't usually look like that's whole waterfall.

6:23

And then probably keep it going down water.

6:27

You know, yeah.

6:28

I think we getting back to the guys.

6:30

We have one activity.

6:31

And then um, you know, budget permitting.

6:33

We asked him to come up with an idea for the current monument sign.

6:36

So there it is in its current state, lending right into the scenery.

6:41

And the picture is fresh for power wash.

6:44

So and then this is the rendering he gave us, and again, it'll provide high contrast under the tree line so people can see it.

6:52

Um, and then it should illuminate.

6:54

We've asked him to price out illuminating it in colors so that we can theme it with the holiday.

6:59

The library is gonna look a good theme.

7:01

Um at the first Monday grounds, and uh marks are like the library inside all right.

7:08

That's so good, you know, squatter.

7:11

Yeah, but during the day it provides some contrast with that dark black and then the white bright white, so that way it can kind of hopefully grab somebody's eye.

7:22

So good.

7:23

It's sharp, it's it's clean, very nice.

7:27

And I like that it keeps our kind of retro the original little sign that this building came with, and but it just updates it and makes it more usable for now.

7:39

Um we don't have to worry about like wonder what can we do with this huge traffic ball.

7:46

So that's oh, and then wrap up our news and updates.

7:55

You know, we're in the thick of summer reading.

7:57

Um, but kind of it's been a busy quarter since we've last met, so uh we're coming April, May, July.

8:05

So we've been busy partnering with Parks Interact to do story times at Shandor.

8:10

This is also a watercoloring class we've had at Shandor.

8:13

Uh so we're just looking for opportunities to kind of get out in the community and have events in different places.

8:21

Um we had an adult spelling be at Sheps back in May S.

8:26

Um, we had really great turnout for that and a lot of fun.

8:30

And then the rest of the pictures are just from our summer so far, all the fun, the different ages we've had.

8:37

Um our wrap-up party, our teen rabbit parties this afternoon.

8:40

We have a glow party.

8:42

Um, so that's why we're in this room, and that's a big um and then Wednesday we're having splash day outside.

8:49

So funky monkey will be here.

8:50

We'll have water slides and we'll have smaller splash stations for little biddies, but I think we're doing dance parties during story time.

9:01

And then a little bit of a break.

9:06

Well, everyone's getting ready for back to school and going back to school, we'll have a little bit of a break.

9:10

But we're doing something we started last year.

9:14

Um, was having during what would be normal story time hours, having different city departments come and read a book with the kids and then kind of show the kids what they do for a living.

9:23

And that was so popular because we brought it back again this year, so we're gonna have sanitation come out and bring a trash truck.

9:29

Last time they brought an old couch and like crushed it in front of the kids, and all the kids had the they're like the biggest family or sandpage.

9:37

Yes, they all had their like pod patrol, whichever the recycling pub one is, and they're like having the guys sign stickers and things.

9:47

It was so cute, and then I think maybe it had to do with the moms, but the firefighters pulled the biggest attendance.

9:54

Um but they also came prepared and brought like different stations for the kids to play at and trucks and what they like.

10:00

Um but they also came prepared and brought like different stations for the kids to play on and trucks, and what they like they stayed till every kid we had over 300 people they let basically tell every kid got to sit on the fire truck and get their picture, and so it's gonna be a kind of go up come for the firefighters and they're coming over for the work and try to do a lot of stuff outside so that people aren't everybody waiting to do this and everybody waiting to sort you know, okay.

10:22

So Chief Peacock will read a couple of different times.

10:25

So we'll read it this time, this time, this time.

10:27

If you miss this story because you're standing in line, don't worry, we'll read again.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Libraries and Literacy███████████████████████████████████████████43%
Parks and Recreation████████████████████████████████████36%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Procedural██████6%
Arts And Culture██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Weatherford Public Library Board Regular Session – July 27, 2026

The Weatherford Public Library Board met in regular session on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Weatherford Public Library. Chair Debbie Browder called the meeting to order with a quorum present. The board discussed library facilities upgrades, summer programming, key performance indicators, and volunteer programs. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and concluded with an announcement of the next meeting on October 26, 2026.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the regular session on April 27, 2026. (Motion by member Liza Walters, seconded by member Sarah Davis)

Library News and Updates

  • New Picture Book Shelves: Director Erin Spicer reported that new picture book shelves have been re-measured and are now in manufacturing. The shelving is on casters for flexibility, in a white finish to avoid dated colors. Expected delivery is late August to early September, before the city's fiscal year start on October 1.
  • Library Signage: Staff explored an LED sign but found it would be blocked by trees and prohibitively expensive. Instead, the library is pursuing a new illuminated logo on the building (similar to the Public Safety Building) and an updated monument sign with high-contrast colors (dark black and bright white) for visibility under the tree line. They have requested pricing for color illumination to allow seasonal themes.
  • Summer Reading Program: The library is in the middle of its summer reading program. Partnerships include Parks Interact for story times at Shandor, an adult spelling bee at Sheps, and WISD’s free lunch program at the library (Monday through Thursday). Summer activities include a glow party, splash day with Funky Monkey water slides, and a series of Thursday visits from city departments: Animal Services, Police, Sanitation, and Fire (with Kona Ice). The Fire Department’s visit last year drew over 300 people and filled nearby parking lots. The library is also offering a scavenger hunt to encourage children to explore different sections.

Director's Report

  • 4.a. Summer Reading Challenge Update: Director Spicer reported that as of July 23 (with 8 days remaining), participation in the Summer Reading Challenge had surpassed last year’s numbers in all categories. Key increases were noted in adult participation, attributed to expanded adult programming and staff actively reminding parents to log their own reading. Teen participation in summer reading increased, though overall teen program attendance dropped 66.8% due to the discontinuation of Toastmasters for teens (which had brought in 20–25 kids per session). Monthly teen event attendance increased slightly. Non-resident card use is also growing.
  • 4.b. Key Performance Indicators:
    • Items checked out: Steady increase, with 207,000 items checked out year-to-date (including digital). Print circulation remains at 83% of total, with digital (e-books and audiobooks) making up the remainder.
    • New library cards issued: Progress made, including a summer-only card for WISD students who participate in the free lunch program. Discussion included expanding cards to WISD teachers, dorm students at Weatherford College, and possibly offering a low-cost limited card for non-resident children.
    • Visitors: June 2026 saw over 11,000 visitors, a significant increase attributed to the summer reading program and the WISD free lunch program (which returned this year after being suspended during COVID). The library also added picnic benches from Parks to accommodate families eating lunch.
    • Volunteers: Summer volunteer numbers have doubled compared to other seasons, with about 20 teen volunteers and a robust adult volunteer program. The library is instituting formal volunteer orientations to manage the influx. Staff have created a recognition program with branded tags, t-shirts, and star pins for hours volunteered. One adult volunteer has served over 10 years.
    • E-books/Cloud Library: E-book circulation has not grown significantly due to tight hold limits; the library plans to increase e-material funding next year. The consortium is adding more titles to reduce average wait times to under two weeks. Cloud Library (a state-funded program) is available but has a less user-friendly interface. Director Spicer will compile comparative statistics from similar-sized DFW libraries for the October meeting.

Key Outcomes

  • Approvals: Minutes from April 27, 2026 approved unanimously.
  • Directives:
    • Staff to pursue final pricing and quotes for building signage and monument sign improvements.
    • Staff to continue building partnerships for summer programming and consider expanding library card access to WISD staff and college students.
    • Director Spicer will gather circulation and usage statistics from comparable libraries to benchmark performance.
  • Next Steps: The board will next meet on October 26, 2026, where a full year-end review and comparative data will be presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

No citizen comments were made on non-agenda items.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Chair Browder after a motion and second.

Meeting Transcript

the meeting to order the meeting to order it is 11 thank you because i yeah that's what i'll watch i forgot i put it out um and the announcement of a quorum and we do have a quorum we do really quite thank you thank you everyone for being here okay next uh basis is the approval of the minutes has everybody had a chance to read them tech admitted too for you fell i will make notion to approve the minutes from the april 2017 second to approve to it uh yeah you're right yeah all in favor all in favor that's the word i couldn't make up anyone okay we're now ready to go down to the regular agenda items and this is the one she's been here the library news and updates okay well i don't know if you remember from last meeting we talked about getting some new picture book shelves they're coming oh we had them come back out and remeasure them because we noticed the numbers were a little funky so they came back out remeasured them were able to get a little bit more shelving than we thought we originally could just to hold uh more books um so they're in manufactured right now hoping to come in before the fiscal year ends but they're on their way this these aren't those shelves but they're they will look very similar um this is the same company they'll be about that height um ours will be on casters so if we need to move them for any reason uh you know we need to lay out the library in a different way they will have the ability to roll so we are very excited for this to happen um you have an estimate on when they might arrive it's four weeks of action yeah it was late it was gonna be late August early September at the earlier so that's that's what I'm showing before and the budget for the city starts October October 1st that's a good that's good time they should they're not here by Chris then but no we've enjoyed five minutes away I know the new bookshelf um out on the floor that white one that is illuminated is kind of it'll look very similar to that we're not doing any of the colored panels on the end like you see here just because I feel like it might look dated no matter what whole color we think we're gonna go with like feel like white is always in fashion so that's that and then we've been talking about and this is from our goals and things from last year when we talked about library signage and just the building itself is hard to identify so we've been working with uh a couple sign companies at first we're looking at an LED sign out to replace the monument sign and we noticed on very staff when they're coming and going that the tree line from both directions blocks any kind of L LED element if we would add to it and also ladies and they're very expensive so like okay if we're gonna spend that money we would like it to be visible yeah you've noticed that before yeah I also tell you from our sign at the college we are constantly having to have the vendor company come out and sort of sit because something's always going to that's a person art told us to so we've got to it's automatic you you know it can scroll different messages but we weren't necessarily needing it to scroll those messages we just wanted a way for people to find us because whenever we have a new performer or somebody moved in for the first time they'll look it up they'll see our location and then we'll watch them just drive right by the building um the end of the building or something well you or they just can't find it they should drive right I mean I remember I did that one first time I came to here through by it because the trees kind of block it from the street um and then when you get past the trees in the field you'll see the building but that's our current building right here so I don't know if y'all can make out that letter um but the public safety building has a nice wedded logo on it and it is illuminated at night and so we are in the process of getting members on this the guy came out measured everything uh so it looks like it'll be a nice easy I think by the public yeah this is it right below and it should be illuminated um in the evening so that you can tell day or night is it the back side or is that it's the slide um when you're coming up um Charles from uh oh yeah And so we are in the process of getting members on this. The guy came out, measured everything. Uh so it looks like it'll be a nice easy. I think we'll say like the public. Yeah, it says it right below it, and it should be illuminated um in the evening so that you can tell day or night. Is it the back side or is that it's the slightly um when you're coming up, um Charles from uh oh no one does not it's painted the same color as the building. Well, we're actually but then the front of the building also doesn't really have anything to identify us. So we're gonna have we're gonna have public library added to this rendering, so it'll be the same as the side, but this will be on the front just again to kind of help people know the back library instead of the break. I like we realize that DPS is built out of the same building material as ours and the church next door and school or forever getting buildings confused over here. So more welcoming. And he came out on a rainy day, their building doesn't sound like a lot of things. Like that's the downspout right here. Yeah, that doesn't usually look like that's whole waterfall. And then probably keep it going down water. You know, yeah. I think we getting back to the guys. We have one activity. And then um, you know, budget permitting. We asked him to come up with an idea for the current monument sign. So there it is in its current state, lending right into the scenery. And the picture is fresh for power wash. So and then this is the rendering he gave us, and again, it'll provide high contrast under the tree line so people can see it. Um, and then it should illuminate. We've asked him to price out illuminating it in colors so that we can theme it with the holiday. The library is gonna look a good theme. Um at the first Monday grounds, and uh marks are like the library inside all right. That's so good, you know, squatter. Yeah, but during the day it provides some contrast with that dark black and then the white bright white, so that way it can kind of hopefully grab somebody's eye. So good. It's sharp, it's it's clean, very nice. And I like that it keeps our kind of retro the original little sign that this building came with, and but it just updates it and makes it more usable for now. Um we don't have to worry about like wonder what can we do with this huge traffic ball. So that's oh, and then wrap up our news and updates. You know, we're in the thick of summer reading. Um, but kind of it's been a busy quarter since we've last met, so uh we're coming April, May, July. So we've been busy partnering with Parks Interact to do story times at Shandor. This is also a watercoloring class we've had at Shandor. Uh so we're just looking for opportunities to kind of get out in the community and have events in different places. Um we had an adult spelling be at Sheps back in May S. Um, we had really great turnout for that and a lot of fun. And then the rest of the pictures are just from our summer so far, all the fun, the different ages we've had. Um our wrap-up party, our teen rabbit parties this afternoon. We have a glow party. Um, so that's why we're in this room, and that's a big um and then Wednesday we're having splash day outside. So funky monkey will be here. We'll have water slides and we'll have smaller splash stations for little biddies, but I think we're doing dance parties during story time. And then a little bit of a break. Well, everyone's getting ready for back to school and going back to school, we'll have a little bit of a break. But we're doing something we started last year.

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