St. Johns County Public Library System Library Advisory Board Meeting

April 2026 Minutes

Staff Present

• Debra Rhodes Gibson, Library Director
• Jae Bass, Assistant Library Director
• Heather Sostrom, Public Services Manager
• Brad Powell, Hastings Branch Manager

Others Preset:

Krista Joseph, BCC Liaison

Linda Freeman, Friends of the Library President

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 9:01 AM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Meikle made a motion to approve the Minutes as amended. The amendments corrected the attendance record to reflect that Heather Sostrom was not present and revised the reported attendance at the Southeast Annual Meeting from 50 to 15. The motion was seconded by Ms. Shaw-Stillman and approved unanimously.
4. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items Only): None
5. Conversation with Hastings FOL: Linda Freeman, President of the Hastings Friends of the Library, provided an update. The group plans to participate in the upcoming Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival. She also noted that a recent fundraiser at the Olive Land Farm was attended by 77 people. The organization is currently collecting donations to purchase picnic tables and trash receptacles for the new Hastings library. Additionally, sponsorship invitations were sent to several local businesses, resulting in more than $5,000 in contributions.
6. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Joseph said that she had no formal updates. She shared that she posted about the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch renovations on Facebook and plans to visit the site this afternoon.
7. Board reports:
   1. Mr. Greco provided an update on the Hastings Branch. He reported that a new staff member, Jane Weaver, has joined from the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch. He and Emily will be meeting soon to plan upcoming events and add them to the calendar. He also shared that a Ben Franklin impersonator will participate in the grand opening. Mr. Greco noted the recent passing of the FOL treasurer Linda Huff, describing her as one of the most detail-oriented treasurers he has worked with. Mr. Greco and Ms. Gibson shared stories in her memory.
   2. Mr. Andrews reported that the Bartram Trail Branch reopened on March 15. He noted that the new lighting and paint look excellent and that the branch is as busy as ever. He also shared that the branch is waiting on their new Youth Services librarian and inquired about the new door counters. Ms. Bass responded by outlying the benefits of the new door counter system and reported that a new Youth Services librarian has been hired, with a start date of April 27.
   3. Ms. Shaw-Stillman talked about the Anastasia Island Branch. The spring basket silent auction concluded with a record $1,600 raised. New furniture has been installed in the youth section, with updates to the adult section planned next. She noted that Harold has been a valuable addition to the staff. Recent adult programming included Women’s History events, the trilogy of St. Augustine, and Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants. Upcoming events will feature programs on Minorcans, WIC, and birding.
   4. Mr. Cellucci reported on updates at the Ponte Vedra Beach branch. He shared that renovations to the children’s area are underway and progressing well, with completion anticipated by mid-July in time for voting. The FOL book sale continues to perform well using an honor system. He also noted recent incidents outside the library involving trespassing. Mr. Cellucci reported that a new door counter has been installed, providing more accurate data. He highlighted a recent adult program featuring waffle making, which was attended by 21 participants and included pizza waffles. Branch Manager, Kim Odom, is scheduled to speak at the Veteran’s Coalition. In response to a question from Mr. Greco regarding the cost of the Veteran’s History kiosk, Ms. Gibson answered that it was provided by the Veterans History Project in Jacksonville. Mr. Cellucci added that it will eventually be available for family interviews.
   5. Ms. Meikle reported that the Southeast FOL had a meeting March 19 and that the board is currently at full capacity with nine members. The board voted to move meetings from Thursdays to Tuesdays. At the meeting, a local published author series was approved, with the first event scheduled for April 19 with Eleanor Tremayne. The organization is also in the process of revising its bylaws, last updated in 2017. Ms. Meikle shared that the February lobby book sale, operating on the honor system, raised $944 that month. She noted that the summer calendar is complete. She said there is an interactive station set up with the question, “Would you rather: star in a rom-com with your enemy or a horror movie with your best friend?” She will report back next month with the results. She also announced that a new reference librarian will begin on April 14.
   6. Ms. Hayes reported on the Bookmobile operations and related updates. She stated that, on average, the Bookmobile is processing more holds than the Anastasia Island, Hastings, and Southeast branches, despite only having 3.5 staff members. She also noted a 14% increase in 2026 compared to 2025. The Bookmobile recently attended the PV Rawlings Carnival, serving 231 visitors in a five-hour period. Ms. Hayes shared that the FOB will meet tomorrow, with electing a new president as a top priority and are also considering new merchandise. She added that efforts will focus more on the World Golf Village area, including recruiting additional board members from that region as the Nocatee branch continues to progress. Plans are also being considered to form a separate Nocatee FOL group as early as October.
   7. Mr. Longo stated that 2,100 children visited the Main Branch this month. He noted that UF Health will be reducing visits to twice per month. In response to a question from Mr. Greco regarding the new garden, Mr. Longo stated that homeless individuals have relocated away from that specific area.
8. Friends of the Library Liaison Report: Ms. Shaw-Stillman reported on a recent FOL discussion attended by representatives from Ponte Vedra Beach, Anastasia Island, Main, and Hastings. Topics included book sales, with consideration given to expanding into online sales platforms such as eBay and Amazon, as well as media sales and special auctions. Concerns were raised about high interest in programs, such as Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants, which often has participants who register but don’t attend. Suggestions were requested to address these issues. Ms. Gibson noted that FOL groups are permitted to charge fees, which led to discussion on implementing charges for certain programs, perhaps $5. It was clarified that the library itself cannot charge fees if the supplies were purchased by the FOL. Ms. Hayes shared that the Nocatee community has implemented a similar reservation fee system for certain events. Ms. Meikle inquired about LAB members attending FOL meetings and their familiarity with local FOL board members.
9. Library System Director Report:
   1. Monthly Statistics and Expenditure Reports: Ms. Gibson presented information on the new reporting packet and county ERP system. She explained that materials previously provided as PDFs have been converted as part of the transition and clarified that the full packet is not available on the website, only the agenda and Minutes. Mr. Greco inquired about the possibility of FOL groups converting membership forms from PDFs to Google Form links, prompting discussion regarding compliance and the desire for uniformity. Ms. Meikle asked for clarification on the expense report and Ms. Bass explained that resources, such as OverDrive, are categorized under books. A discussion followed regarding Hoopla usage, with Ms. Bass explaining that it is used by a relatively small number of patrons (approximately 4% of eBook users), resulting in significant cost savings. Amy Ackerman has a data-filled response that she sends to patrons asking about Hoopla and that email will be forwarded to LAB members.
   2. Other Business: n/a
10. Unfinished Business –
    1. Update on new library projects: Ms. Gibson provided updates on the new buildings. She reported that the groundbreaking for Northeast is scheduled for May 1. “Northeast” is likely going to be the official name since a Nocatee Community Park already exists. A recent tour of Shearwater showed significant progress. Public Works is anticipating a move into the facility by the end of 2026 and recruitment for new positions will begin this summer. Regarding the Hastings branch, Ms. Gibson shared that a walkthrough identified only minor interior touch-ups, with no major issues. However, additional sitework and drainage improvements are still needed. A CO is required prior to opening and the current Harris Center location is expected to end by June. Ms. Gibson also reported that Facilities is renovating a space on King Street in West Augustine to house the Bookmobile, which will be coordinated with the Hastings move. In response to a question from Ms. Hayes about the future FOL groups, Ms. Gibson said she had suggested the possibility of a joint Bartram Trail/Greenbriar FOL as an initial approach, with time to determine whether a joint or separate structure is most appropriate. A brief discussion followed regarding the Hastings staff, with acknowledgment that they are performing well in the current facility.
    2. Other Business: n/a
11. New Business:
    1. Review Drafted FY2027 Library Budget: Ms. Gibson presented the FY 2027 budget recommendation packet. She reported that the tiered model will take effect October 1 and that the administrative budget hearing is scheduled for May 12. In a response to a question from Mr. Greco regarding whether the budget is previewed by administration in advance, Ms. Gibson indicated that it is not. She explained that the goal of the hearing is to outline priorities and defend the proposed department budget.
       1. Ms. Sostrom presented the new SJCPLS tier model – “Aligning Services, Staffing, and Expectations Systemwide.” She explained that the model classifies branches based on community demand and performance metrics. Ms. Hayes inquired why the Bookmobile is not included in the tier system. Ms. Sostrom clarified that this is due to differing expectations compared to physical branches. Ms. Gibson noted that branch operating hours are aligned with local usage, which led to discussion regarding Sunday hours at the Southeast branch. New branches will establish operating hours based on their assigned tier. Commissioner Joseph asked about programming at the new branches and Ms. Gibson explained that the first year will focus on assessing community usage to better shape future programming.
       2. Ms. Gibson presented the FY2027 Operating Requests budget. She noted that certain costs, such as insurance, are outside of the library’s control and will be finalized at a later time. Operating increases are anticipated for the Bookmobile Center, Shearwater, and Hastings, with the new Greenbrier branch budgeted for four months of operation. The Northeast branch is not expected to have a fiscal impact during this period. Ms. Gibson also reviewed personnel requests. Mr. Andrews inquired about lower figures in some budget areas. Overall, the operating budget reflects an approximate 20% increase over FY2026; however, personnel costs are not yet included, and totals will be adjusted accordingly.
       3. Ms. Gibson presented the Personnel Requests for FY2027. She reported a total of 21.1 FTE, including a combination of full-time and part-time. Of these, 5.1 address existing operational needs, while 16 are allocated to staffing new library facilities.
       4. Ms. Gibson presented the three CIP Requests. She outlined a proposed renovation and expansion of the Bartram Trail branch over a two-year cycle, including the addition of a new wing dedicated to youth services, as well as reconfiguration to increase parking capacity. She also described plans for the Main Branch, which include renovations and the addition of a second floor for operational space. Design anticipated in FY2027 and construction in FY2028. Ms. Gibson said funding has been rolled over from FY2025 to FY2026 for a countywide library security camera expansion project, with additional funding requested in FY27 to expand and install more interior cameras. A discussion followed regarding security measures, including the role of security guards and overall safety considerations.
       5. Ms. Gibson presented the current Library Fee Schedule. She noted that branch managers may propose revisions for considerations and the LAB can see those changes at the May meeting. It was confirmed that revenues from library fees are directed to the general fund rather than retained by the library.
    2. Other Business:Ms. Hayes asked if there was an update about the grant for the Northeast Branch and Ms. Gibson said there was not.
12. Final Comments: None
13. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Andrews; seconded by Mr. Greco and approved unanimously to adjourn at 12:17 pm.

Next LAB Meeting: May 13, 2026 at Bartram Trail Library