MINUTES ARE UNOFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE HICKORY COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Wednesday, September 24 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Hickory County Library Board was held on September 24, 2025 at 1p.m. in the Hickory County Library Community Room, at the Hickory County Library, 18376 New Hermitage Drive, Hermitage, Missouri, 65668.
President, Shelly Aubuchon called the meeting to order at 1 p.m.
Attendance was taken via the expense voucher with the following present: President, Shelly Aubuchon ; Vice-President, Ernest Jenkins ; Secretary. Eleanora Smith ; Library Administrator, Stacy Coulsell ; Treasurer, Brenda Charles and Trustee, Kevin Bolling
The agenda was read and it was changed to reflect the correct time of the meeting, Brenda Charles made a motion to accept the Agenda and Eleanora Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Ernest Jenkins made a motion to accept the August minutes concerning the taxes with Kevin Bolling seconding. The motion carried unanimously. Brenda Charles made a motion to accept the regular meeting minutes and Kevin Bolling seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Library Administrator Stacy Coulsell presented her monthly Administrator’s Report. The preschool story is again a success. There were approximately 40 preschool children in attendance and it will continue to be presented. Although the Book Bingo program has come to a close, there are still cards outstanding that should be turned in. Prizes are still be handed out for those that have turned in their Bingo cards. This program was such a success that plans are being made to offer it again at a future date. A beginning crochet class by Jody Wheeler is scheduled for September. 27th at 10 am. The class size is limited so if interested, please sign up for it. The class and supplies for the project are supplied. An art exhibit by local artist, Catherine Hash, is still in the planning stages. The library is still searching for two new homes for “Lil Libraries” to be placed at locations in Hickory County. Medicare enrollment is being offered at the library on November 5th. An order is to be placed for scholastic books to fill little libraries throughout Hickory County. An exhibit for a WWII model collection is in the planning stages. The 2026 budget is being worked on. Another puzzle swap is also being planned. Stacy reported that 204 McDonald punch cards were distributed.
New library cards were reported at 13 new cards with a total of 127 year to date. It is recorded that there were 997 reference visits to the library with a total circulation for the month of August was 3,410.
The balance as of September 2025 was $74,224.79 Eleanora Smith moved to accept the Financial Reports as presented, Ernest Jenkins seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.
In the President’s Report, Shelly commended Stacy Coulsell for “reinventing the wheel” to bring the various programs into the library. She commended the staff for the welcoming atmosphere and for making the library a “happy place” to come and enjoy the many things that our little library has to offer the community.
Under Library Association: The Annual Corporation Filing has been submitted and accepted.
Under Friends of the Library – The Friends of the Library are still offering for sale, “A Blind Date with a Book”. Each book comes with treats and a hint of what you might get to read. These are being offered for $10 each while supplies last and would make great gifts. The library will be closed on Monday, October 13th for Columbus Day but the Friends of the Library book sale is being scheduled for October 14 through the 20th.
Under Old Business – The Book Bingo program will return in the future
Under New Business – Halloween theme and program are in their initial planning stages.
The next meeting is to be on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 10:00am
Having no further business and hearing no public comment, Ernest Jenkins moved to adjourn the meeting at 1:30 pm, Kevin Bolling seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Eleanora L Smith, Secretary