Pioneer Memorial Library Board Reviews Finances, Fountain Repair, and Holiday Operations

The Pioneer Memorial Library Board of Trustees covered a wide range of operational and facility updates during its regular monthly meeting on November 18, taking action on a series of maintenance projects, reviewing the holiday schedule. The meeting was attended both in person and through Zoom, with votes conducted by roll call to accommodate remote members.

Board treasurer briefed trustees on recent adjustments to the library’s financial reports, explaining that earlier concerns were tied to a date mismatch when reviewing month-end versus year-to-date numbers. “Everything that I was looking at was balanced out by expected,” he said, noting that year-end totals aligned as they should. Trustees unanimously approved the consent agenda by roll-call vote.

The board also received a thank-you card from the Weishaar family for flowers sent recently, one of the few items listed under correspondence.

Much of the discussion centered on ongoing and upcoming repairs, including work in the women’s restroom, leveling around the property, and needed improvements to the historic fountain located outside the main entrance, as well as landscape. Library Director Melany Wilks reported she would be meeting with contractor Taylor Landscaping later in the week to review details.

Trustees noted the current quote of $3,425 for the next phase of restoration and authorized the expenditure. “It will be work,” one member said while discussing the aging structure and the labor needed to stabilize and resurface the fountain.

The board considered whether copper repairs or replacement materials would offer better long-term durability. Trustees acknowledged the fountain’s importance to longtime local families and to the community’s visual identity. Several members recalled how the fountain once filled with foam during past celebrations and noted that a dedicated CD fund still exists for its upkeep.

Discussion then turned to the upcoming holiday schedule. With school out and evening traffic typically dropping, the library plans to maintain its adjusted winter hours, including closures on December 24–25 and January 1. Carpets throughout the building, including staff offices and the basement, are scheduled for professional cleaning the day before Thanksgiving.

The board also approved this year’s staff holiday bonuses. After discussion, trustees agreed to increase bonuses for employees who worked through last year’s construction period. “We have a phenomenal staff,” one member said as the motion passed 6–0 with one abstention.

Wilks updated the board on youth programming, noting heavy activity in the Youth Activity Center and ongoing challenges tied to supervision needs. She reported discussions with Colby Community College staff to bring in college students or athletic teams beginning in January to help support after-school crowd levels.

The meeting concluded with comments on the recent Kansas Library Association conference, where staff attended sessions on youth programming, artificial intelligence, and library innovation. Trustees adjourned after brief discussion of office reorganization and remaining construction cleanup.