Brown County Library Board Meeting Recap December 2025 at Central Library

December 18, 2025 - Central Library

The Brown County Library Board met on December 18 at the Central Library and approved the agenda and routine opening items. There were no public comments.

The Board received an update on the Central Library, ADRC, and Wisconsin Job Center project. Staff continue to meet with county and city partners to clarify operational details, including parking and access. The director expressed optimism about the project’s direction and noted that discussions will continue in January.

The Board approved an updated Unscheduled Closure Policy, addressing closures caused by weather or disruptions to utilities such as power or water. Library leadership emphasized remaining open whenever it is safe to do so, particularly during periods when community reliance on library space increases. Updates to the Privacy and Confidentiality Policy were also approved.

Several agreements were approved, including the 2026 Resource Library Agreement with the Nicolet Federated Library System and the 2026–27 Youth Services and Inclusive Services Liaison Agreement. Funding increases in 2026 are expected to be modest, with larger enhancements anticipated in 2027.

A staffing change was approved to add a limited-term Circulation Associate at the Central Library. The 28-hour-per-week position will run from January through May to support operations and safety needs.

Financial updates indicated that the library is on track to end the year in the black, with staff continuing to resolve year-end timing issues. Facilities updates showed progress across major projects, including final testing of the Central Library HVAC system, continued construction at Ashwaubenon with a May 19 completion target, and steady progress at the Denmark branch.

Personnel updates included two retirements effective December 31: Bobbie Kuehn after nearly 22 years of service, and Mark Green, who began working for the library in 1978.

Community engagement highlights included the Give-a-Kid-a-Book distribution serving more than 2,000 families, the upcoming circulation of radon test kits through a Health Department partnership, and early fundraising success for the Pamperin Park branch (Ashwaubenon). Safety updates included plans for a first-floor office pod and the start of part-time Health and Human Services office hours at Central beginning January 11.

The director closed by emphasizing the role of libraries as essential community spaces and expressed optimism for 2026.