Library Board Meeting Date: July 9, 2025
To: Library Board Members
From: Natalie Draper, Library Director
Title
Subcommittee report.
Body
Action Requested:
The Library Board receives an update regarding the meeting of the June subcommittee.
Summary Report:
In June, a board subcommittee met to discuss the Jerry Kline Community Impact Award nomination process. Chair Carlson, Board member Mooney, Director Draper, and Clerical Liaison, Murrillo were present. Director Draper introduced the award and shared background on the library’s previous nomination. All in attendance brainstormed ideas for a new nomination this year.
The library initially planned to self-nominate for the IMLS medal for library service but, given the uncertain status of that agency, we are skeptical that nominations for that award will open this year. We decided to prioritize the Jerry Kline prize nomination instead. The prize, if awarded, comes with $250k in unfettered grant monies.
We will be seeking letters of support from community leaders and partners. In particular, the award committee looks for letters from elected officials. The deadline is September 15th, 2025.
About the award:
The Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, developed in partnership between the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation and Library Journal, was created in 2019 to recognize the public library as a vital community asset. When libraries, civic entities, organizations, and the people they serve become close partners, their communities thrive. (Click here <https://www.libraryjournal.com/?page=jerry-kline-community-impact-prize-submission-guidelines> to review full guidelines.)
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timelines:
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