Minutes - Library Board.

411 West First Street

City of Duluth

Duluth, Minnesota 55802

Minutes - Final

Library Board.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

4:30 PM

Main Library - Gold Room, 520 W Superior St, Duluth, MN

55802

Call To Order

The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM by Bill Arezzo, President.

Welcome and Introductions

Present: Bill Arezzo, Lori Steinbach, Ellen Hatfield, Carlee Bladl, Sarah Kessler,

Michelle Foshay, Kati Annis

Also in attendance: Library Manager Carla Powers, PPL Director Erik Birkeland,

City Council Liaison Jordon Johnson, DPL staff members Carmella Hatch and

Cameron Herrity

Absent: Jose Gonzalez, Sue Henke

Review and Approve Agenda

Motion by Foshay, seconded by Steinbach, to approve agenda. Motion passed

unanimously.

Approve Minutes of May 5 meeting

Motion by Bladl, seconded by Annis, to approve minutes as drafted. Motion

passed unanimously.

Public Comment

None

Reports

LB25

Library Manager’s Report June 2026

The popular Kaleidoscope summer series is getting a refresh thanks to a

sponsorship secured by the Library Foundation. Work is aimed at generating

fresh enthusiasm and growing community engagement now and into the future.

The Summer Reading Program kicked off at the beginning of June.

LB26

Library Usage Report April 2026

Indexes:

Attachments: 2026.04 Usage stats spreadsheet

LB27

LB28

Friends Report June 2026

The Friends held their annual meeting in May.

A new slate of officers was approved and the Board voted to approve a new

member.

Foundation Report June 2026

Highlighted the May 20th visit from Mac Barnett, the National Ambassador for

Young People’s Literature. There were events at an elementary school, a session

for educators, and a public event. Duluth was one of five locations nationwide

selected for him to visit.

LB24

Library Staff Report

•

Carmella Hatch and Cameron Herrity gave the Board a progress update on

the Every Child Ready Duluth early literacy initiative. They shared about the work

they’re doing with community partners at various locations, including at many

elementary schools.

Old Business

LB15

Safety Updates

The number of safety incidents currently is low, which is typical for the summer

season.

LB16

Main Library Facility/Regional Library Services District

Staff engaged with HUD grant manager and is working through next steps of

paperwork.

Will be working on scope of the study. How do we want to serve the community

(Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor, Rice Lake) now and into the future?

Goal is to be open minded throughout the process and be open to what the

results yield. Plan is to consult in early Fall with the Library Board on the scope

of the RFP.

LB21

Advocacy Update

No update this month.

New Business

Adjournment

None