New Berlin Library Board Meeting Minutes
January 28, 2026
Present:
George Anderson, President
Jill Robinson, Trustee
Donna Wells, Treasurer
Also Present:
Michelle Priola, Director
Absent:
Darla Smith, Vice President
Abigail Magrath, Secretary
George Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
George Anderson made a motion to approve the January bills. Jill Robinson seconded. Motion carries 3-0.
George Anderson made a motion to approve the December 2025 minutes. Jill Robinson seconded it. Motion carries 3-0.
Treasurer’s Report:
Donna Wells handed out the Profit and Loss Budget vs Actual January 1 – December 31, 2025 for review and questions.
Donna Wells explained that the library and the new accountant are “working out how everything works with the new dynamic. There are ongoing discussions between the accountant and Donna regarding payroll liability payments being made at the end of the current month versus the middle of the next month.
Donna Wells is canceling the library’s QuickBooks subscription on January 29, 2026.
Jill Robinson made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. George Anderson seconded it. Motion carries 3-0.
Director’s Report:
Discard play-aways. They were purchased with a grant 15 years ago. There have been no circulation numbers in years. They are books preloaded on MP3 players. The technology is obsolete. George Anderson made a motion declare the play-aways discard. Jill Robinson seconded. Motion carries 3-0.
Director stated that they are no longer purchasing Book CDs as it is a dying format.
Michelle discussed dates for upcoming library events.
February 2 – Adult Snowman plaques
Outreach at Headstart 2/11. Goodie bags and story time.
February 25 – Family Paintbrush Gnomes
March – Chase Nursing Home – Bunny Paintings
Egg Hunt – Easter is April 5. We are looking at having the hunt on 3/28 or 4/4.
There has been an update on the Annual Report platform. A new platform found. The new completion date will be 4/1/26
The final report for Chase Nursing Home Outreach grant has been completed and turned in.
The director gave an update on the 2026 Perkins Series. The village sent an email that Hyde Park may not be available for Perkins this summer due to construction. As we have to move ahead with planning, Perkins will be moved to the Community Room this year. Room rearrangements were discussed.
August 5 – Science Heroes: Digging It! $400
August 12 – Dirt Road Express Band $500
August 19 – Ron Cain: DinoMagic Mystery Show $410
August 26 – Dan the Snake Man; Animal Experience $500
The director asked for a motion to purchase a new circulation desk computer through 4cls. The estimate is $875.00. Donna Wells made a motion to approve the purchase of a new circulation desk computer through Four County. Jill Robinson seconded it. Motion carries 3-0.
Michelle reported to the board that the locked outlet cover on the library front porch was broken and the electrician replaced it with a metal cover and combination lock.
George Anderson made a motion to close the meeting at 6:26. Jill Robinson seconded. Motion carries 3-0.