Record of Proceedings
Adams County Public Library
West Union Meeting Room
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
August 12, 2026 – 5:30 p.m.
The Adams County Public Library Board of Trustees met on August 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. for a regular meeting at West Union Public Library.
Phil Rhonemus called the meeting to order. Members present were Linda Worley, Elaine Lafferty, Holly Johnson, Sarah Shelton, Kayla Bowman, and Linda Stepp. Others present were Executive Director Nicholas Slone, Fiscal Officer Steven Harris, and Outreach Specialist David Jewett.
There was no public participation.
David Jewett discussed his role providing homebound deliveries. He has about 48 people he visits. He also fills the “Little Libraries” throughout the county, as well as baskets at various businesses, using donated materials.
Minutes of the previous Board of Trustees meeting were reviewed and discussed. Motion #1 made by Elaine Lafferty, seconded by Linda Stepp to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held June 10, 2026. Motion carried. All yeas.
Report of Fiscal Officer
The financial reports for June and July 2026 submitted by the Fiscal Officer were reviewed and discussed. The “inflating” and “deflating” adjustments on the bank reconciliation were discussed.
Motion #2 made by Holly Johnson, seconded by Kayla Bowman to accept the financial reports of the Fiscal Officer and approve the payment of bills. Motion carried. All yeas.
Report of Executive Director
Nick reported on his monthly activities and location visits.
SEO is offering rounding services due to the elimination of pennies.
There was some vandalism at West Union regarding the flowers donated to the library. The teen involved has apologized to Tara and is helping take care of the flowers.
There have been a couple of incidents where individuals have been filming in the library and appear to be trying to get attention by posting the videos on YouTube. Staff have been reminded that while they are allowed to film, they must follow our behavior and
conduct policy, or they will be asked to leave.
All the lots have been sealed and are being striped.
Polaris has been selected as the new library management software. It is web based and very intuitive for training and public use. This will go live in Autumn 2027.
The monthly library statistics reports for June and July submitted by the Executive Director were reviewed and discussed. We are planning to update the signage at the libraries to improve the patron experience.
The starting and ending dates for the summer reading program were discussed. The program started and ended earlier than usual this year. It was discussed that we could move the end date to the end of July.
We are going to replace our own security cameras as they go bad. Josh believes that should be possible.
Motion #3 made by Sarah Shelton, seconded by Elaine Lafferty to accept donations, acknowledge volunteer services and approve library support group activities. Motion carried. All yeas.
Old Business
Motion #4 made by Kayla Bowman, seconded by Linda Stepp to table the Resolution to Accept the donation of the North Adams Shelter House by the North Adams Friends and the adoption of the usage policy pending final completion of the
remaining items on the shelter house. Motion carried. All yea with Holly Johnson abstaining.
The picnic tables and trash can have been ordered.
Motion #5 made by Linda Stepp, seconded by Holly Johnson, to revise the numbering of Policy Section 4.510 – Cybersecurity to section 3.180 – Cybersecurity. Motion passed. All yea.
The West Union landscaping and sod was discussed. They are waiting on cooler weather to put lay the sod.
Holly has a donor willing to provide a bench/statue for the West Union Library. Holly has located a foundry in Cincinnati that can cast the bench/statue. The use of Astro Turf has been discussed to replace using sod.
The use of the new shelter house and the policy for its use needs to be discussed in detail before finalizing the policy due to it being available to the public after hours.
New Business
Holly thinks she can get money for funding the Imagination Library for a year. She also has funding to continue the snacks for the upcoming year.
There has been discussion about putting one or two frisbee golf baskets in the rear of the library property.
Holly would like us to consider forming an Adams County Library Foundation to obtain grants and additional funding. The pros and cons of doing so was discussed.
6:42 p.m. Motion #6 made by Linda Stepp, seconded by Holly Johnson, to enter into Executive Session to discuss the employment and compensation of employees (ORC 121.22 (G)(1). Roll call, Phil Rhonemus - yea, Sarah Shelton - yea, Holly
Johnson - yea, Kayla Bowman - yea, Linda Worley - yea, Elaine Lafferty - yea, and Linda Stepp - yea.
6:50 p.m. Reconvened in regular session.
We had another LED lighting analysis performed by a group recommended by the Chamber of Commerce. We are still waiting on the estimate. Energy Optimizers is coming on Monday to do the same thing so we can have three estimates.
We are planning to have the Records Commission to meet regarding planning upcoming records disposals.
Adjournment
Motion #7 made by Linda Worley, seconded by Sarah Shelton, to adjourn the meeting. The board will meet in regular session at the Manchester Public Library on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.