The Trustees of the Scioto County Public Library met on this date at 12:00 p.m. On roll call, the following members were present: Mr. Ryan Salmons – President, Ms. Joan Roberts – Vice President, Ms. Ruthann Brush – Secretary, and Mrs. Kara Tieman – Board Member. Representing the library were Paige Williams – Director, Linda Berry – Deputy Director, Travis McNeilan – Fiscal Officer, Keely Woloschek – HR Manager, and Katie Williams – Marketing Manager. There following visitors were present: Carolyn Cottrell – Local History Supervisor and Joseph Horsley (entered at 12:02).

Ms. Brush motioned, seconded by Ms. Roberts, to approve the minutes of the Audit, Budget and Expenditure Committee Meeting and Regular Meeting – February 17, 2026 and ordered them to be filed. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Mrs. Tieman – yes, Mr. Salmons – yes, Ms. Brush – yes, and Ms. Roberts – yes.

Mrs. Tieman motioned, seconded by Ms. Roberts, to approve the February 2026 financial reports, subject to audit. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Mrs. Tieman – yes, Mr. Salmons – yes, Ms. Brush – yes, and Ms. Roberts – yes.

Ms. Brush motioned, seconded by Mrs. Tieman, to approve the February 2026 bills in the amount of $402,025.51 (including payroll). On roll call, the members voted as follows: Mrs. Tieman – yes, Mr. Salmons – yes, Ms. Brush – yes, and Ms. Roberts – yes.

Audit, Budget, & Expenditures

Mrs. Tieman motioned, seconded by Ms. Roberts, to approve the budget amendment to increase account 101-00-5-2910 Program Supplies by $10,000.00 for America 250 and Carnegie Building 120th Anniversary. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Mrs. Tieman – yes, Mr. Salmons – yes, Ms. Brush – yes, and Ms. Roberts – yes.

Program Supplies Budget 2025 (Informational)

The Fiscal Officer shared that the library spent $20,000 less on program supplies in 2025 compared to 2023 and 2024. He stated this was due to the Deputy Director’s in depth reviews of all proposed purchases as she is in charge of coordinating and placing almost all program supplies orders. The quality of the programs was not compromised as well so he thanked Linda and thanked all staff in the system for this achievement.

Faxing Solution (Informational)

One of the Fiscal Officer’s goals this year was to look into a new faxing solution as the Library still runs on “old school” analog fax lines that are overdue for replacement. The Library needs a faxing solution to be able to cut those expensive old school lines out entirely since only the fax machines use them now. The hope was a cheaper solution that functioned better. Meta Solutions, (our reliable VoIP and Internet provider) had our solution through the popular eGoldFax product that we learned several libraries use. We signed the final paperwork on 3/11/2026. This switch will save the library at minimum $4,000 a year, but likely closer to $5,000 a year once it is settled and functioning. In addition faxing should also be far more reliable this way.

Fiscal Officer Continuing Education (Informational)

On 3/4/2026, the Fiscal Officer attended a free workshop titled “Boom and Bust: Libraries Navigating Economic Change in Their Communities” at the Chillicothe Public Library. It was presented by the Ohio Net consortium that the Library recently joined. The Fiscal Officer wanted to report that this was an exceptional event. That membership has paid for itself in spades from these events and discounts on things the Library was already purchasing.

Library Notary Services (Informational)

The Fiscal Officer provided an update on another one of his goals this year which was to expand and improve the Library’s notary services and to create a notary committee. This was a huge success as there were 8 employees that volunteered for this after his in-service presentation which demystified notary services. He was able to coordinate all 8 of them becoming official notaries within the month. There are now 13 total notaries in the system with at least 1 notary at each location. Before there were only notaries at 3 locations. Portsmouth now has 3 notary staff that regularly work evening shifts which will also help patrons that may not be able to make it during the day. The notary committee will meet at least once a year for training and to help standardize, improve, and streamline notary services moving forward. The committee has already fixed some minor inconsistencies that were occurring.

Property & Extension

It is noted that the Property & Extension Committee has nothing to report at this time.

Personnel

Ms. Roberts motioned, seconded by Mrs. Tieman, to approve the updated Nepotism, Library Vehicle Usage, and Educational Assistance Policies as presented. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Mrs. Tieman – yes, Mr. Salmons – yes, Ms. Brush – yes, and Ms. Roberts – yes.

Carolyn Cottrell Retirement (Informational)

Carolyn Cottrell, the Local History Department Supervisor, will retire on March 31, 2026. Carolyn’s employment began with the library in 1996 spanning a thirty-year career in the Local History Department. There will be a public retirement reception at the Portsmouth Library on Saturday, March 28, from 1-3pm in honor of Carolyn.

Human Resources Manager (Informational)

This meeting is the last meeting for Keely Woloschek, Human Resources Manager, has she has resigned and her last day of employment will be March 28.

Materials & Equipment

It is noted that the Materials & Equipment Committee has nothing to report at this time.

Policy

Photography of Marble Staircase and Balcony Procedures (Informational)

Due to the growing popularity of the Carnegie library’s marble staircase and balcony for photo sessions for prom, homecoming and graduations, the Library is realizing a need to take reservations for these popular times and sessions. The Director included draft copies of the procedures and reservation form for the Board’s review in the information packet.

Report of the Director

Library Legislative Day (Informational)

On Wednesday, March 18, the Ohio Library Council (OLC) will be sponsoring Library Legislative Day in Columbus. After a meeting with OLC in the morning, library directors and deputy directors will meet with their local State Senator and State Representative to discuss library matters. Linda Berry, Deputy Director, and Paige planned on attending the event and will hopefully be meet with the local senator and representative.

Books Build Bridges (Informational)

On March 12th, the Library hosted an author visit with Jasmine Warga whose book entitled A Rover’s Story was selected as the 2026 Books Build Bridges title. This program is sponsored by several community groups which included the following sponsors:

• AAUW Portsmouth OH
• Portsmouth Area Ladies
• Rotary Club of Portsmouth
• Scioto County Public Library
• Shawnee State University
• SOCCo
• South Central Ohio ESC

Every other year, a specific grade is selected and all Scioto County students in that grade will receive a copy of the selected book as well as visiting the Vern Riffe Center to see the author or illustrator speak. This year all sixth-graders in Scioto County participated in this program. In addition to speaking to students, the author also spoke to education students at Shawnee State University and concluded the day with an author visit at the Portsmouth Library. The author event was attended by approximately 118 patrons!

Quilt Show (Informational)

The annual Quilt Show sponsored by the Down by the River Quilt Guild began February 28 and will continue through April 25. The theme “From Sea to Shining Sea” celebrates America 250 and showcases several Quilts of Valor which will be presented to local veterans. This event brings many non-library patrons into the library which is an excellent way to introduce our services and materials.

Unfinished Business

There is no unfinished business to report.

New Business

Ms. Roberts motioned, seconded by Ms. Brush and unanimously carried, to approve to excuse Dr. Charles Kemp, Mrs. Tamela Morton, and Mrs. Jennifer Schackart from the March 17th, 2026, Board meeting.

Public Comment

The Board did not receive any public comment.

There being no further business, on motion duly made and seconded, adjournment was taken at 12:30 p.m.

Approved this 21st day of April, 2026.