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, November 17, 2025 at 10 am in the Hickory County Library Local History Room, at the Hickory County Library, 18376 New Hermitage Drive, Hermitage, Missouri, 65668.
Vice President, Ernest Jenkins called the meeting to order at 10 a.m.
Attendance was taken via the expense voucher with the following present: Vice-President, Ernest Jenkins; Secretary. Eleanora Smith; Library Administrator, Stacy Coulsell; Treasurer, Brenda Charles President, Shelly Aubuchon and Trustee Kevin Bolling were absent.
The agenda was read. Brenda Charles made a motion to accept the agenda as is and Eleanora Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Ernest Jenkins made a motion to accept the October minutes with Brenda Charles seconding. The motion carried unanimously.
Library Administrator Stacy Coulsell presented her monthly Administrator’s Report. The preschool story hour continues. A generous donation was made to the Hickory County Library of $150 by Kelly Morgan. Stacy hopes to add more Hotspots to the collection and to replace four of the computers next year. One of the two available “Lil Libraries” has been placed at the Pittsburg Community Center. The Trick or Treat program was a success. An art exhibit by local artist, Catherine Reeves, continues to be on display at the library. Medicare/Health Insurance enrollment programs were offered at the library. The library continues its web site evaluation for a possible refreshing makeover. A part time position is opening up at the library.
New library cards were reported at 14 new cards with a total of 163 year to date. It is recorded that there were 944 reference visits to the library with a total circulation for the month of October at 2,661. There was a noted increase in Children’s Fiction at 374.
The balance as of November 2025 was $49,768.21. Eleanora Smith moved to accept the Financial Reports as presented, Ernest Jenkins seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.
No President’s Report was submitted at this time.
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 Friends of the Library are also having a KC Chiefs themed basket and a Dr Seuss themed basket up for raffle. Tickets for a chance each basket are $1 each or 6 chances for $5.
The library will be closing at noon on Wednesday the 26th and all-day Thursday the 27th in observance of Thanksgiving. It will reopen on Friday the 28th with its regular hours.
Under Old Business – The 2026 Preliminary budget is being tweaked. State Aid and Equalization payments have been received. A Girl Scout registration was held at the library this past month.
The library is still searching for one new home somewhere at a location in Hickory County, for a “Lil Library.” The “Lil Library” and the books are provided by the Hickory County Library. This is a book swap type of library. You take a book; you bring a book to swap.
Under New Business – An exhibit for a WWII model collection is in the planning stages. There will be a new Security Bond Carrier. Jody Wheeler will be presenting a Christmas themed crochet class. A very generous children’s book collection has been received at the library and is being offered free to the public. Another puzzle swap is in the planning for the near future. For any updates on upcoming programs please check with and follow the Hickory County Library Facebook page.
The next meeting is to be on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 10:00am
Having no further business and hearing no public comment, Brenda Charles moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 am, Ernest Jenkins seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Eleanora L Smith, Secretary