June 10, 2025
Library Advisory Board Minutes: June 10, 2025
For Multnomah County Library Advisory Board
The Multnomah County Library Advisory Board (LAB) met at Midland Library on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The meeting began at 5:15 pm.
Board members present were: David Jarvis, Domiè Newton, Ingrid Jacobson, Jade Chan, Joe Marquez, Kate Fleming, Kelsey Fong, Kristi Ketchum, London Sorcinelli, Madison Riethman, Megan Parrott, Taryn Sauer, and Tia-Theo Thompson.
Clare Wilkinson, Naomi Margolis, and Nikia Kae Solbjor were unavailable.
Staff members present were: Annie Lewis, library director; Johnette Easter, HR director; Katie Shifley, finance & facilities director; Kim Sutton, MarCom director; Kirby McCurtis, location services director; Maddelyn High, management analyst; and Eva Davis, social media strategy coordinator.
Jackie Starr from Friends of the Library was also in attendance.
WELCOME & CHECK-IN
LAB liaison Maddelyn High welcomed attendees and the group participated in introductions and an icebreaker. Social Media Strategy Coordinator Eva Davis joined to take some group photos.
UPDATES FROM LIBRARY LEADERSHIP
Annie Lewis shared recent systemwide updates and highlights from the Director’s Report:
- Summer Reading is in full swing, engaging loads of students and library volunteers. The game is also open to adults.
- The library’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget is adopted. Changes from the library’s ongoing operational and staffing changes (Future Staffing Initiative) are incorporated into this budget.
- Albina Library will open this summer, and an announcement and invitations to opening celebrations will go out soon.
- A recent NIOSH report, initiated by the library and county health department in response to an increase in illicit drug use at libraries, was released to some media attention. The report reviews drug exposure protocols, facilities-related and other general best practices, and staff training guidance. Lewis clarifies that only a few library locations were included in the study, and the findings show that the library is mostly aligned in its protocols.
- Lewis mentioned that the library is receiving some concern from Sellwood Library patrons about its short-term temporary closure during construction this summer.
BOARD BUSINESS
Membership Committee Chair Megan Parrott reviewed this year’s recruitment process, which resulted in a high number of applications (37) for two vacant positions. The committee interviewed eight prospective new members. After considering any gaps in demographics, skills, and lived experiences of LAB’s current member roster, the Membership Committee is recommending two candidates for appointment.
Joe Marquez and Kristi Ketchum shared information about Jose Ramirez Reyes and ALife Massie, including their backgrounds and interests in the library, and what they would bring to LAB.
Noting that one candidate may have a conflict with LAB’s current meeting time, Parrott shared information about a third alternate candidate, Michelle Cristiani.
Parrott made a motion to recommend Jose Ramirez Reyes and ALife Massie for appointment by the Library District Board, with Michelle Cristiani as an alternate if Reyes is unable to be appointed due to a potential scheduling conflict. Kate Fleming seconded the motion. By a show of hands, new LAB members were unanimously approved. Names will be submitted to the Library District Board for final approval and formal appointment to LAB.
Membership Committee folks closed by sharing that they would like their committee to meet year-round.
CLOSING
High shared dates for upcoming LAB meetings and special tours, and asked if folks would like to cancel the August meeting (as has been LAB’s practice). Folks agreed that in lieu of an August meeting, an in person potluck social will be held. High will confirm a date and location shortly.
Meeting minutes for the May 13, 2025 meeting were approved with no changes.
The meeting adjourned at 6:01 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Maddelyn High, director’s assistant
Multnomah County Library, Oregon