MINUTES ARE UNOFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE HICKORY COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

The Regular Meeting of the Hickory County Library Board was held on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 10:10 a.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 10:10 am

Attendance was taken via the expense voucher with the following present: President Shelly Aubuchon, Vice-President Ernest Jenkins, Treasurer Brenda Charles, Secretary Eleanora Smith, Trustee Kevin Boling and Library Administrator, Stacy Coulsell.

The minutes of the last board meeting and today’s agenda were read. Brenda Charles made a motion to accept the agenda, Ernest Jenkins seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Ernest Jenkins made a motion to accept last month’s minutes, Kevin Boling seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Library Administrator Stacy Coulsell presented her monthly Administrator’s Report as follows: All summer programs have been completed, which included the What If Puppets performing at the Hermitage Summer School, ventriloquist Doug Mickan performing at the library, an excellent portrayal of Harriet Tubman by Glynis Brooks, a professional period costume actress and drama teacher, summer school reading program ended with prizes, crafts, treats and books being passed out to the participants.

We’d like to welcome aboard our newest volunteer, Kay Clausen. There are still free children’s book at the library. The Happy McReaders program will run through September 30, 2026. It is a summer reading initiative where children can earn a free Happy Meal by reading 10 books. By picking up a punch card at the library and getting it marked, kids receive a tasty incentive to stay engaged with reading. The library has weeded the Audio and Adult nonfiction. The library is currently weeding the Juvenile nonfiction and story books. An adult book bingo is in progress.

Ernest Jenkins moved to accept the Administrator’s Report as given. Brenda Charles seconded and the motion was carried unanimously.

Audio, Internet use, E-Books and reference questions were up over other months this year. New library cards for July were reported at 20 new cards with a total of 3,420 library services used.

The balance as of August 17, 2026 was $95,603.75. Eleanora Smith moved to accept the Financial Reports as presented, Ernest Jenkins seconded and the motion was carried unanimously.

President’s Report: Shelly Aubuchon wanted to commend the Friends of the Library for the installation of the Little Library at 254 Café. She said that the Harriet Tubman portrayal was well done and that she was happy to see another adult reading challenge with the Book Bingo that is currently underway. Shelly stated that losing our beloved Joyce Glanville is very difficult on us all. Ernest Jenkins stated that Joyce was a library fixture and the Board agreed that Joyce will be greatly missed.

Under Library Association: Corporate filing is done.

Under Old Business: Special thanks on Library placement to Jo Rose and Marianne Watson of Friends of the Library for placing the last Little Library at Café 254. The Little Library project was created as a memorial to former and passed on Library Administrator Sharon Barrett. Her goal was to put a book in the hand of every person in Hickory County and to extend services beyond the walls of our main library. There are now little libraries in Weaubleau, Hermitage, Cross Timbers, Wheatland, Pittsburg and Galmey.

Under New Business – The 2027 tax rate was discussed. Ernest Jenkins made a motion to request the proposed rate of .1306, Eleanora Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously. A review of board members positions was also discussed. Brenda Charles made a motion to leave the current members in their current positions, Kevin Boling seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The next meeting is to be on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 10:00am

Having no further business and hearing no public comment, Ernest Jenkins moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 am, Brenda Charles seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Eleanora L Smith, Secretary