St. Johns County Public Library System Library Advisory Board Meeting

July 2026 Minutes

Staff Present

• Debra Rhodes Gibson, Library Director
• Jae Bass, Assistant Library Director
• Heather Sostrom, Public Services Manager
• Amy Ackerman, Support Services Manager
• Niki Johnson, Admin Coordinator
• Amy Delgado, Tech Associate-Resource Trainer
• Todd Booth, Southeast Branch Manager

Others Present: FOL Member

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 9:03 AM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Greco made a motion to approve the Minutes from the June meeting; seconded by Ms. Shaw-Stillman; approved unanimously.
4. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items Only): n/a
5. Conversation with Southeast Library FOL: Todd Booth, Southeast Library Branch Manager, introduced the new librarian Jason Black to the group. He then spoke on behalf of FOL about their month-long lobby book sale. He said that summer is a quiet time for the FOL and they recently lost a few board members. There was a brief discussion on how difficult it is to have people join the FOL Board.
6. Commissioner Comments: N/A
7. Board reports:
   1. Ms. Shaw-Stillman reported that after Anastasia Island closed for the long 4th of July holiday, the building was mobbed without an open chair in sight. Their Wild Wonders Reptile program and the magic show were at full capacity with one family traveling from Nocatee to attend. They had a rare incident report when a bicycle was stolen from outside. Debbie Braden, Circulation Supervisor, just celebrated her 25th year with the Library and their Summer Reading Program saw an increase in participation from last year. The FOL will hold their Collector’s Book Sale this Saturday with rare or collector’s books going for $4.00 each.
   2. Mr. Andrews said that Bartram Trail branch had a very busy June with over 15,000 visitors throughout the month and some days seeing over 800 patrons walk through the doors. The Teen Advisory Board is going strong with 19 members. Their summer programs were all well attended with the U.S. Navy Jazz band leading the pack with over 140 attendees. They also welcomed 2 new Library Assistants to the staff.
   3. Mr. Cellucci reported that while attendance at the Ponte Vedra branch is down due to the construction, their outside programs are still heavily attended. He also was happy to report that the grand re-opening of the Children’s department will be taking place on Thursday, July 9th. Unfortunately, they also recently had an incident with a patron that required the Sheriff’s Department to intervene.
   4. Ms. Hayes reported that the Bookmobile has had 44 summer reading participants this year. She said that at the next FOL meeting she would bring up supplying them with books as right now they are giving out small plastic toys for reading prizes.
   5. Mr. Greco said that Hastings Library is slow since they have no scheduled programs due to the anticipation of moving into their new building this summer. They participated in the St. Johns County Shadowing program. Staff have been serving in different libraries around the County. Program Coordinator, Jane Weaver, and Library Services Specialist. Angie Dvorjac, presented a patriotic flag program at the Flagler Estates Summer Camp. The FOL will not meet in July. Their next meeting will be in August, and due to a recent resignation, the Secretary’s position is now open.
   6. Mr. Longo reported that long time Main Library staffer, Bruce Abbey has retired. Due to the current hiring freeze, that position will remain open. Program Coordinator, Kathryn Rosenburg, created weekly STEM exhibits in the unused space in front of the circulation desk. General attendance at programs is up so Storytime has had to be capped at 100 attendees. Mr. Greco spoke about how Main Library staff has helped his brother who is deaf and how he has learned to use his card online.
   7. Ms. Meikle reported that Southeast Library has had a very busy summer with the highlight of their programs being the sewing machine exhibit. Over 200 attended the multi-generational exhibit with more than 50 working sewing machines from all decades. To follow up, they will have a sewing instruction program with sign-ups beginning on July 15th. While they will have a few machines on hand, attendees are encouraged to bring their own machines to the event. The FOL will hold their lobby sale the entire month of July.
8. Library System Director Report:
   1. Monthly Statistics and Expenditure Reports: Ms. Gibson presented the statistics for the third quarter and the June expenditure report. Mary Ann Yaw Sosa, Business Manager, briefly joined in to field any questions from the Board. There were brief discussions about the statistical breakdown and the expenditure report. Ms. Gibson mentioned that there are various contracts, including databases, coming up for renewal this year and how mid-year increases can cause deficits in the budget.
9. Unfinished Business –  
   1. New Library Projects Update:
      1. Hastings Library – Ms. Gibson had no update at this time and said they were still waiting on a moving date. Staff is working behind the scenes getting ready. Planning for the grand opening events continues.
      2. Nocatee Library – They received word that the State budget did not fund any construction projects. Consequently, they will be resubmitting the Nocatee grant July 20th. Both Hastings and Nocatee grants must guarantee that the buildings will be used as libraries for 20 years or the county would have to repay the grant.
   2. FY27 Budget Update: Ms. Gibson said the FY 27 budget will be presented at the BOCC meeting on July 21st. She reported on what operating costs could be reduced for that projected budget. She said that the projections were based on opening two new buildings utilizing current resources. There was general discussion about the budget and how we would prioritize services for St. Johns County residents going forward.
   3. Other Business: Ms. Gibson reported that advertising for candidates for the upcoming open board seats for Districts 1 and 3 are posting through August 30th. She would be sending an email to the last candidates to see if they wish to reapply. Mr. Longo could not reapply as he has already served his two terms, but Mr. Andrews is welcome to reapply for his seat. Positions should be appointed by November in time for December’s annual LAB retreat.
10. New Business:
    1. Tech Demo: Kanopy: Amy Delgado, Resource Trainer, presented the Kanopy database to the group.
    2. Other Business: Mr. Greco talked about the hot spots and how wonderful they are. There was a brief discussion about the costs, both financially and in staff time.
11. Final Comments: None
12. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Andrews; seconded by Ms. Hayes and approved unanimously to adjourn at 10:55 am

Next LAB Meeting: August 12, 2026 Anastasia Island Library