Trustees of the Newton Public Library District met March 16, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. Present were Travis Farley, Emily Carroll, Jennifer Hinterscher, Ilene Woods, Amanda Lessley, Pete Pasero and Director Jacque Cowger. Also in attendance was Anthea Zumbahlen.
President Farley called the meeting to order.
Minutes of the February meeting were reviewed and will stand as presented.
The February finacial report was reviewed. Bills were presented. Trustee Lessley made a motion to pay the bills, seconded by President Farley, motion passed.
Director’s Report
Circulation for February was 2,718. Money collected from fines, faxes, copiers, book sales, cards, and miscellaneous items was $491.29. Eleven new cards were issued. The patron door count for the month of February was 1,283.
Directory Cowger discussed after school behavior at the library and will start enforcing library policies.
Old Business
Trustee Hinterscher and Anthea Zumbahlen gave an update on the museum.
An eleven-month CD was purchased at Peoples State Bank in the amount of $244,615.87 at 3.65 APY with funds from the Special Reserve account.
New Business
The Trustees discussed the future of the current landline used by the library. The Trustees have given Director Cowger permission to research Voice over IP telephone services.
The Trustees discussed a quote from Haskett Pro-Wash to provide exterior cleaning services for the library. President Farley mad a motion to accept the quote from Haskett Pro-Wash seconded by Trustee Woods, motion passed.
The Trustees created a strategic planning committee for the library and agreed to meet on April 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Director Cowger informed the Trustees that the carpet in the library will be cleaned in the library in the month of April.
There will be a used book sale at the library in the week of April 20 thru 25, 2026.
The next board meeting is April 20, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Meeting Adjourned.
Emily Carroll
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Newton Public Library District
