Library Board discusses murals, group meetings and survey results

The Gibson Memorial Library Board of Trustees met to discuss the possible addition of art in the children’s area, groups gathering for meetings in the wake of COVID-19, and the results of their patron satisfaction survey 5:15 p.m. Monday.

Library Director Aric Bishop proposed the idea of enhancing the children’s area with a mural on the east wall.

“I got to thinking, well, we’re doing all these murals around town, we could use a mural here at the library,” Bishop said.

Board President Ann Coulter emphasized that the mural, if painted, could not be permanent, since the area is purposed to be made into a meeting room upon the library’s possible expansion in the future.

Bishop noted that he would like to see the proposed mural be easily accessible so that children can interact with it.

No action was taken.

The board discussed hosting gatherings at the library. However, due to COVID-19, there are still some safety concerns, Bishop said.

“With our Phase 1 reopening, we have limited it to 10 people inside the building at one time,” Bishop said.

Bishop said that if they are going to change that number, the board will have to revisit the issue.

“We want people here, in a normal time,” Bishop said. “But it’s been a challenge.”

Bishop said he will propose a plan on how they might move forward. The board will meet to discuss and vote on this issue Oct. 5.

Survey

Bishop reported that the library’s survey was available both online and in print, bringing a total of 107 responses from the public, of which 82 were online and 25 were on paper.

Bishop said one of the needs presented was an increase in library programming. The results in their totality will be discussed at their next staff meeting. In the meantime, staff will be coming up with programming ideas and were encouraged to bring those ideas to their October meeting.

Programs

Current programming includes “What’s on your nightstand,” a book discussion group that meets at 5 p.m. Thursdays. The adult book club will discuss “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens 5 p.m. Sept. 29. Both events meet via Zoom. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page, creston.lib.ia.us, or call 641-782-2277.