GCPL Approves Final Sale of the Administrative Center
to the Geauga County Board of Commissioners
Geauga County Public Library (GCPL) Regular Board Meeting - April 21, 2026
Meeting: The GCPL Board met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the Bainbridge Branch. This Board Meeting was in-person with a virtual attendance option. To access the virtual option see information here. The meeting was not recorded. Minutes of this meeting will be posted on the GCPL website after they are approved at the May 19, 2026 meeting.
Observer Note: Each member of the GCPL Board and Staff receives a copy of the meeting packet, as does this Observer. It is available upon request in accordance with Ohio public records law (ORC 149.43). The board discusses and votes on the information in the packet. This Observer Report is made up of decisions made at the board meeting and information taken from the board packet. Due to technical difficulties, an Observer was not able to be present virtually for the meeting. The information in this report is either from that Board packet or verified by Geauga County Library personnel who attended the meeting.
Public Comment: Permitted and included in the regular order of business per GCPL bylaws. Further clarified in Policy 215 - Public Participation at Board Meetings.
Board Attendance: President Crist Miller, Vice President Joshua Hutchinson, Secretary Kristen Brickman and Board Trustees Karen Delano, Kate Pitrone, and Paul Newman were present. Trustee Jake Yanchar was absent.
Library Staff Attendance:
Danielle Hollar, Bainbridge
Erika Noark, Geauga West
Rachael Hartman, Middlefield/Mobile Services
Mary Balog, Thompson - absent
Nicole Burnside, HR
Denise Javins, Marketing - absent
John Johnston, Facilities
Marlene Pelyhes, Technical Services
Michael Pope, IT
Debbie Schrock, Development Coordinator
Others: Larry Corbus (Library Consultant) and Kristina Lininger, Head of Adult Services
President Crist Miller called the Board Organizational Meeting to order at 4:00 pm and roll call was taken.
Minutes: Minutes of the March 17 Regular Board Meeting were approved as presented. Board minutes are available online. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to access minutes. The minutes are posted as soon as they are approved at the following month’s Board meeting. Prior to March 2023, videos of meetings were available to the public here. GCPL is no longer posting videos of their meetings.
Communications, as reviewed by Director Carroll:
Agenda: The agenda presented in the Board packet was approved with one change - to remove Policy 722 (Sick Leave) from the Agenda.
Recognizing Staff on National Library Workers Day (Week of April 20, 2026)
In Recognition of National Library Workers Day (April 21, 2026), the Board expressed its appreciation to GCPL staff for their dedication, professionalism, and the exceptional library services they provide to the community each day. In honor of this recognition, the Board approved the purchase of staff room supplies in an amount not to exceed $950.
Fiscal Officer’s Report - Ms. Havlin
The 2024/2025 audit is being compiled. The auditor has reviewed all the requested financial
documents. They are waiting on the board’s completed Fraud Risk Assessment Questionnaires
and cybersecurity information from Civica CMI, the financial software provider. The final audit
and audited financial statements should be completed and posted by the end of June.
Ms. Havlin met with Patrick Hickey, a representative of the Ohio Plan which provides the library’s property and liability insurance. According to the board packet, “The purpose of the interview was to assess any potential risk and to provide recommendations to mitigate that risk. Following the meeting, we received a letter explaining the Ohio Plan has no recommendations for changes for the library.. During the same meeting Patrick discussed fraud prevention measures to protect the library. He mentioned one recent case where an entity paid a fraudster for a large initial payment by providing wiring instructions. I confirmed our procedure of calling vendors to confirm all payment instructions would prevent this type of fraud.”
Director’s Report:
The following information is taken directly from the Board packet:
We completed systemwide Roundtable meetings on April 14. The Roundtable meetings covered a
range of topics, including property taxes, staffing changes, employee benefits, and planning for Staff
Day. During the Chardon and Admin meetings, the staff reviewed the proposed floor plan for the
Chardon Branch. Staff provided thoughtful feedback related to workspace functionality, furniture, and
public services. Several suggestions focused on improving staff efficiency and enhancing the overall
patron experience, and many of these items can be incorporated into the plans as we move forward.
In addition, many branches participated in active shooter training following their Roundtable
meetings. Holding this training on a regular basis is essential to ensuring staff are as prepared as
possible to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Plans for the Chardon Branch were approved by the Chardon Planning Commission on April 2.
In preparation for the sale of the Administrative Center, we have held multiple meetings with the
County and legal counsel. These discussions have included coordination on the sale process as well
as preparation of a lease agreement covering the period during which we will continue operating
from the Administrative Center.
OAC (Owner Architect Contractor) meetings are ongoing and continue to focus on reviewing and finalizing selections for interior finishes.
Facilities and maintenance efforts this month focused on seasonal preparation, capital upkeep, and
several improvements across the system. Spring cleanup has begun at library buildings. At the new
Chardon property, all posts and rails have been removed.
A new water fountain was installed upstairs at the Chardon Branch, repairs to the dumpster gate at
the Bainbridge Branch were completed, and a replacement shelf was received and installed on the
Bookmobile. Additionally, a new cabinet was installed on the Fun Bus to improve storage and
functionality.
Pavement maintenance was addressed in multiple parking lots. The Chardon Branch utilized more
than 800 pounds of asphalt to repair potholes and surface cracks, while the Middlefield Branch
completed similar repairs using over 500 pounds of asphalt.
Technical Services began the transition of Inspirational materials selection to a centralized model.
On March 25, staff met with Middlefield Branch Adult Services Assistant Lori Pinkney and Middlefield
Branch & Mobile Services Manager Rachael Hartman to discuss responsibilities, timelines, and local
collection needs. Effective May 1, Collection Development Librarians Sara Douglas and Samantha
Kretschmer will assume responsibility for selecting Adult, Juvenile, and Young Adult Inspirational
materials for all branches.
Finally, preparations for the 2026 Autoholds program update, scheduled for May 1, were completed.
Sarah Christenson collaborated with Sara Douglas to compile the final list of participating authors,
while Marlene prepared patron communications outlining program changes. Sam Rosace
developed a mail merge process using the Autoholds Access database and Excel, enabling staff to
efficiently notify more than 500 patrons.
Significant work was completed for Summer Reading, the Mini Golf fundraiser, and a wide range of
branch requests, resulting in a large volume of print and promotional materials being produced.
Website updates continued throughout the month to keep content current, including the launch of the
Homeschool Hub, homepage refreshes, and updated program and news messaging. Lines & Links (the library’s newsletter) advanced through first proof and is now in the design phase as part of the transition to a new production schedule.
Digital marketing efforts showed strong engagement. The Library content generated over 4,400
social media interactions in March, reflecting substantial increases in impressions and engagements
compared to February. Facebook remained the primary driver of engagement, while LinkedIn also
demonstrated a high engagement rate. Video content continued to receive steady interest across
platforms, including YouTube. Overall audience growth remained stable, signaling consistent
community reach. Email and website activity further demonstrated continued patron reliance on
library communications.
The IT Department closed 72 helpdesk tickets. Mobile Services staff shared positive feedback on
recently installed network equipment on the Bookmobile and Fun Bus and expressed appreciation
for the addition of backup hotspots on both vehicles.
We posted the Technology Trainer position, with the goal of hiring and training the new staff member
in advance of the 2026 holiday season. Work on the cybersecurity policy is ongoing.
Several system improvements and collaborative projects were completed. IT staff supported auditors
by coordinating with Civica to provide information related to the hosted fiscal server and IT staffing.
Work continued with Denise, Lauren, and Mike to address new ADA accessibility requirements for
the GCPL website and public documents. A phishing exercise conducted in March showed strong
staff awareness, with minimal clicks; those who did click will receive additional training.
Sam collaborated with Marlene to improve the Autoholds notification process, enabling staff to
efficiently notify more than 500 patrons through a mail merge rather than manual notices. Lauren led
multiple DLL (Dynamic link library) programs and training sessions, installed HandBrake software on DLL computers with updated tutorials to simplify DVD burning. She also updated scanning instructions for Genealogy & Local History volunteers and provided one‐on‐one assistance to patrons at the Middlefield branch, including helping a veteran begin digitizing a large collection of slides from his service.
The Claridon Community Helps food drive began April 1 and has seen participation from staff and
the community, with donations received at library branches. The drive will continue through April 30,
with donated items delivered to Claridon Community Helps in early May.
The annual Drive Thru Book Donation Day at the Fairgrounds will take place on Saturday, May 9,
from 9:00 am to noon. Donations have increased each year, and we expect a similarly strong
turnout.
Assistant Director’s Report
As listed in the Board packet:
We started Roundtables in March, meeting with staff at Mobile Services, Bainbridge, and
Geauga West. Before the Roundtables, I compiled the Staff Satisfaction and Roundtable Survey
so that we could gauge employee morale and provide an opportunity for staff to ask questions
of the Administration during the Roundtables. I also had the idea for branch staff to have Active
Shooter training at each of the branches following their Roundtable this year, since all staff
attend the meetings. Kris reached out to local law enforcement, and the managers scheduled
this training at all the branches.
This month, I started working on Staff Day. The event will be held at the Bainbridge Branch on
Friday, October 16. The date change was to accommodate the ability of community partners to
present to the staff about resources and training. (Previously, Staff Day was on a federal
holiday, so partner availability was limited.)
After meeting virtually in February, I met with Brianna from the Opportunities for Ohioans with
Disabilities (OOD) to tour our libraries. Brianna works for the State of Ohio, and her department
provides free resources for public employers in the state. We toured the current Chardon
Branch, Bainbridge, and Geauga West on March 31. At each location, we discussed signage,
accessibility, inclusivity aids, and other features of the library. The goal is to determine what we
can do to improve accessibility for patrons and staff. We will receive a report summarizing those
visits with feasible actions we can take at our branches to create more welcoming environments. Brianna has also offered to review plans for the new Chardon building to ensure that we are considering accessibility for all patrons before we build the branch.
In addition to this report and recommendations, the OOD is going to provide training for Staff Day regarding disability etiquette and communication. They also have recommendations for grant funds, resources, and ideas for our Memory Care and Sensory Kits.
After assessing the collection at the Chardon Branch, we decided in late 2025 to remove our
library from the Federal Depository Library Program. We have not received physical items from
the FDLP since 2017, and federal data is readily available to the public through federal
websites. We worked with the FDLP exchange to deaccession our limited collection and
received notice in April 2026 that we are no longer listed as a FDLP library.
Youth Services employees across the system attended the Early Literacy 101 workshop at the Bainbridge Branch on March 20. The training covers the Six Early Literacy Skills and the Five Early Literacy Practices of Every Child Ready to Read. This training helps our YS staff incorporate literacy standards into their storytimes, helping children (and their families) prepare for kindergarten.
All supervisors were invited to attend a Time Management training session presented by Kim DeNero-Ackroyd, Deputy Director of Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library, which took place on April 7. This training focused on concrete steps supervisors can utilize to help with planning, scheduling, and organizing their time.
Observer Note: The board packet also contains a report of activities from all branches and departments. This is under the heading of the Assistant Director’s Report. The report includes Patron feedback reported at the branches. The host/local branch manager gives an oral report at the board meeting. This month that report was given by Dani Hollar, Bainbridge Branch Manager.
The following is taken from the Board packet:
BAINBRIDGE
The Makerspace continues to see an increase in equipment uses, with 169 in March (compared
to 124 in March 2025). We are lucky to have Rae Lumley, the new Makerspace Assistant, on
the team to help patrons with their projects! Dani Hollar worked this month with Alex Hauptman, a Kenston student volunteer, who is developing a series of posters on influential Ohioans for us to display during summer reading this year.
CHARDON
Students from the Hershey Montessori Upper School visited the Chardon Branch on a field trip. Joya and Alli led the group in an exploration of the branch. The students were introduced to the teen sections of materials. They learned about reader’s advisory by utilizing library resources, including Novelist, and used the websites of Goodreads and the New York Public Library. Most students checked out books, and four students signed up for new JVR cards.
On a snowy St. Patrick’s Day, Mary did impromptu Irish Dance demonstrations in the middle of
the floor in the Chardon Branch. She danced five different times, drawing the admiration and
interest of patrons and other staff.
GEAUGA WEST
This month, the West Geauga Chamber of Commerce started meeting at the library again, and the new president, Steve DiFranco, is hoping to make meetings at the library a regular occurrence. Erika presented to the group about all the benefits and perks that come with a library card at GCPL. They were excited to hear about the Digital Legacy Lab, business-related databases, and Makerspace machines.
America 250 programming kicked off with Mary Horvath presenting the first of her 3-part series about Women of the American Revolution. 14 patrons joined her as they learned how women survived while their husbands were serving with General George Washington. Next month, she will talk about the life of Martha Washington.
MIDDLEFIELD
The 2nd Annual Peeps Diorama Contest was another hit! Coordinated by Paula (and assisted by numerous staff members as model makers and judges), 35 dioramas, with themes ranging from books to TV and video games to current events, were entered into the contest, with ribbons awarded to first and second places in each age group. The display gathers a lot of attention, and participants are so enthusiastic about it.
Lori Pinkney has been working to pass along her years of institutional knowledge before retiring at the end of May. The Collection Development Librarians will take over ordering Inspirational titles systemwide, and Lori has met with them to help explain the current process. Lori has also passed Middlefield collection tasks to Christina Godfrey, such as mending and removing items from the new shelves. Before her last day, Lori plans to have the Inspirational collections weeded and replacements ordered, which is a huge help to the library.
Heather B. presented the Amphibians & Watercolor pencil program for teens. They discussed different amphibians, what makes them unique, and which amphibians we have in the area. Teens were given a choice of which amphibians they would like to draw and then used watercolor pencils to do so.
MOBILE SERVICES
Rae created a fun activity for the kids on the bus. As she decorated the buses for spring/Easter, she hid egg stickers around the bus. When patrons find them, we give them stickers. This is a very cute Easter egg hunt while the patrons check books out on the bus. 392 patrons found eggs on the BK and on the FB.
Patrons are getting enthusiastic about the Read Across America challenge, and our maps on the buses are filled with their stickers. Edina mentioned that many children come to the bookmobile with a list at their hands where they wrote down all the states that they “visited” with their books.
THOMPSON
The Thompson Branch hosted a program showcasing the exciting new improvements made to Thompson Ledges Park and the Learning and Nature Center. The event welcomed many residents into the library—some who shared that they were visiting for the first time. Library staff member and park board member Britt Townsend led the presentation, which also created a valuable opportunity for community members to connect.
STATISTICS
March 2026 Statistics:
-
41,196 patrons served at the branches
-
17,615 computer and wi-fi uses
-
242 programs presented for 4,806 patrons (average of 20 patrons per program!)
-
11,042 reference interactions
-
Total circulation of items: 259,589
Human Resources Report - Ms. Burnside received approval for personnel actions as follows:
2 New Hires
2 Terminations
10 Outstanding Service Awards
Local Manager’s Report - Dani Hollar, Bainbridge Branch Manager Observer Note: This content is not available, but will be available with the minutes, which will be approved at the May 19, 2026 meeting.
Committee Reports - None
Unfinished Business - None
New Business - The following Resolutions were all approved:
A. Approval of Updates to Operating Policy 150 Library Volunteers
B. Approval of Updates to Operating Policy 731 Loan Periods
C. Approval of Updates to the Technology Trainer Job Description
D. Approval of Updates to IT Organizational Chart
E. Approval of Updates to Middlefield Branch Organizational Chart
F. Approval of Updates to Personnel Policy 276 Family Medical Leave Act
G. Approval of Updates to Personnel Policy 545 Staff Privileges
H. Approval of Updates to Personnel Policy 722 Sick Leave
I. Approval of Updates to Personnel Policy 723 Personal Time
J. Approval of Updates to Personnel Policy 810 Retirement
K. Approval of Updates to Personnel Policy 820 Resignation
L. Herb Society Report – Ruby Hicks
M. Approval of Chagrin Valley Herb Society Memorandum of Understanding
N. Approval of March Discard List
Board Development - None
FOUNDATION
The library’s Mini Golf event received national recognition in the March issue of United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. The feature highlighted the event as an innovative and engaging fundraising initiative, showcasing the library’s creativity in bringing the community together uniquely and memorably. This acknowledgment not only celebrates the program's success but also elevates the library’s profile as a leader in dynamic community programming.
Participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library continues to grow steadily across Geauga County, with more families enrolling their children each month. This increase is due in part to a new initiative that allows parents to sign up their newborns for the program while completing the application for a birth certificate, making enrollment more accessible from the very start. By providing free, high-quality books directly to children from birth to age five, the program is helping to foster a love of reading early and support kindergarten readiness throughout our community.
FRIENDS COMMITTEE
Bill, Rita and I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Joyce Formanek for a position on the Friends Committee. Joyce has been a dedicated volunteer with the Friends for the past couple of years and has consistently demonstrated her commitment to supporting the library. During the interview, she shared thoughtful insights along with fresh ideas that could help enhance the committee’s efforts. Her enthusiasm and positive energy would be a wonderful addition, and we are excited about the perspective she could bring to the group.
The Friends Committee continues to make steady progress organizing the Fairgrounds Book Sale Barn. Despite a complete purge of materials this past fall, donations have remained strong, and the barn is already nearing capacity once again. This ongoing support reflects the community’s generosity and continued enthusiasm for the program.
Comments from the Public - It is not known if there were any comments.
Executive Session - For discussion of the purchase or sale of property - Session began at 4:20 pm.
Following Executive Session the Board voted unanimously to approve the sale of the Administrative Center to the Geauga County Board of Commissioners and to approve the Lease that accompanied the sale.
Meeting adjourned at 4:50 pm.
Next Meeting: The next Regular Board meeting is May 19, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the West Geauga Branch. See website for information on meeting dates and locations.
Observer: Gail Roussey and Cris Takacs
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: April 29, 2026
The League of Women Voters of Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.