The netting began at 9:01am. Here is the agenda. Nesha Saunders, the district 6th Chief, provided opening statements, referring to renovations made to the south shore branch.

Mary Gen Davies, the First Assistant is providing details on upcoming programming taking place at the south shore branch library over the summer, including a tech event for seniors hosted by teens.

Teri Campbell, deputy commissioner for administration and finance provides a report Campbell says that so far this year, there are 36 full time employees.

Campbell introduces new hires. She also discusses the updates on the Kelly Fund, the main fund providing support for the all staff professional development

Mary Ellen Messner, first deputy commissioner, provides programming and strategy updates. She says a priority is to bring back engagement and this year, that has been successful so far. A gaming event, taking place on June 8, 2024 is targeted for teens.

Messner says that there are 135 interns for one summer Chicago.

Nicole Hannah-Jones, author of the 1619 project is scheduled for programming soon, Messner says.

So far, there are 5 board members present including Commissioner Chris Brown President, Linda Johnson Rice Secretary, Lynn Lockwood Sandra Delgado Dominique Jordan Turner Read more about them here chipublib.org/board-of-direc…

Maggie Clemmons, deputy commissioner for library operations and patron experience, discusses projects across various branches. The Chicago recovery plan is funding these projects with a goal of providing comfort to patrons.

A video is being shown of the updates for the water works branch at 163 E Pearson st., currently with a temporary relocation.

Clemmons is now displaying photos of various branches that are receiving public art projects, one including Brighton Park

There is a vending machine pilot providing items to those in need free of charge and a mental health clinic.

Commissioner Brown is providing a report.

The report includes 2024 focus areas and key priorities

Commissioner Brown, mentions an equity assessment, working with the Department of Procurement

Commissioner Brown mentions the all staff institute day, 800 staff attended, an improve performance, sessions including career advancement and communication strategies.

Commissioner Brown thanks the marketing team for their work

Brenda Langstaat, President and CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation provides the Chicago public library foundation report.

President Langstaat reflects on approaching the 40 year mark in a few years and that there are currently 2300 organizations serving as active donors.

A motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting has passed.

The first public comment is from Cecilia Hunter. She mentions that Washington Park, Woodlawn and South Shore partnered in an event a few weeks ago. She expressed her frustration for the Washington Park neighborhood not having a public library.

Hunter urges the Board to dedicate space for a branch in the Washington Park community.

The next public commenter is Doyle Laundry says “81 libraries is not enough,” due to the violence that takes place

Another public commenter who identifies as a South Shore resident, affirms turners comments having youth be involved, she specifies the quality of life of Black Chicagoans.

The south shore resident mentions that having more than 81 libraries would be helpful and allow black chicagoans gain more of an understanding of how they interact with the world. She says when the quality of life improves, the quality of life for entire community improves.

The south shore resident mentions a bicycle repair co-op. One of the Board members encourages the resident to connect.

The meeting adjourned at 10:14pm. The next meeting is at Northtown branch on September 17, 2024 at 9am.

More about the event with Nicole Hannah Jones here chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6635446…