Minutes for January 13, 2026

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 Bonneville County Library District

Minutes of the Bonneville County Library District Board of Trustees Meeting January 13, 2026

Called to order at 1:02 pm by Board Chair Rebecca Blackson

Present: Debra Haacke, Karen Harris, Rebecca Blackson, Library Director Michelle Tolman, and District Clerk Myra Judkins. Jenni Cragun and Jennifer Crofts joined by phone. There were no members of the public in attendance.

On a motion duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolution passed:

RESOLVED, that the consent agenda was approved. The consent agenda included: the minutes from the previous meeting December 9th, the financial documents for December, and the clerk hours reports for December. (Debra motioned, Karen seconded.)

Long-term Library Planning options were explored and findings were discussed at the meeting. No decisions were ready to be made at this time.

The Formal Resolution Document was discussed, but no action was taken as the board is waiting to see if the document will be needed.

The Community Announcement and Bulletin Board Policy, Library Usage and Meeting Room Policy, and Policy Development Policy were each reviewed by the board and no changes were deemed necessary at this time.

Michelle reported that December was quite eventful with two well-attended Storytimes featuring Santa at the Ammon and Ucon branches, and 135 attendees at a Storytime with the Grinch. "An Evening at Pemberley," a Jane Austen inspired ball for teens was held on December 12th in the Iona City Building. The occasion was to celebrate the 250th birthday of Jane Austen, December 16, 1775. The space was beautifully decorated under the direction of Aubrey Dokos from FOIL with trees, flowers, a twinkle light ceiling, Jane Austen books, silhouettes, and quotes. Participants were encouraged to dress in period costumes, and many took great care to look the part. The ladies were given dance cards for their wrists and each participant was able to choose a period title and name by which they were announced as they came into the dance hall. Several period dances were taught by volunteer instructor Stephanie Carstens, and DJ Jose Loera provided music throughout the event. Refreshments of herbal tea, cookies, mints, cream puffs, lemonade, and water were provided. Along with dancing, activities included a challenging game of Jane Austen trivia with prizes for the winners, photo backdrops, and various games to play. The hope is to make this an annual event, though it will likely occur during a different month next time. The year-long Book Dragon challenge wrapped up on December 15th with increased participation again this year. The Fall-i-day Challenge was also completed. These fun and engaging reading challenges have been appreciated by patrons.

There was no Friends of the Library report, though it was noted that FOIL’s annual Princess Palooza will be held on February 5th.

There was no Public Comment.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Ammon branch, 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406. 

The meeting was adjourned at 2:13 pm

Agenda for January 13, 2026

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 Bonneville County Library District

Agenda for the Bonneville County Library District Trustee Meeting at the Ammon Branch on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1:00 pm 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406

Call to Order

Consent Agenda (Action Item)

a. Review minutes from previous meeting: December 9th

b. Review financial documents

c. Review clerk hours reports

Recommended Action: approve minutes, financial documents, and clerk hours

Long-Term Library Planning (Action Item)

Recommended Action: take action as deemed necessary

Discuss Formal Resolution Document (Action Item)

Recommended Action: take action as deemed necessary

Review and Revise Policies (Action Item)

a. Community Announcement and Bulletin Board Policy

b. Library Usage and Meeting Room Policy

c. Policy Development Policy

Recommended Action: review and revise policies as deemed necessary

Director’s Report

Friends of the Library Report

Public Comment

Confirm time/date for next meeting

Adjournment of Meeting

If you need communication aids or services, or any other physical accommodations to participate or access this meeting, you may contact Bonneville County Library District Clerk, Myra Judkins (907) 687-3863, as soon as possible and she will make every effort to adequately meet your needs.

Minutes for February 10, 2026

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 Bonneville County Library District

Minutes of the Bonneville County Library District Board of Trustees Meeting February 10, 2026

Called to order at 1:01 pm by Board Chair Rebecca Blackson

Present: Debra Haacke, Rebecca Blackson, Library Director Michelle Tolman, and District Clerk Myra Judkins. Karen Harris and Jenni Cragun joined by phone with Jennifer Crofts joining by phone after the meeting was called to order. There were no members of the public in attendance.

On a motion duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolution passed:

RESOLVED, that the consent agenda was approved. The consent agenda included: the minutes from the previous meeting January 13th, the financial documents for January, and the clerk hours reports for January. (Debra motioned, Karen seconded.)

It was decided to move down the agenda to reschedule the March meeting.

On a motion duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolution passed:

RESOLVED, that the meeting of the board that was scheduled for March 10th be cancelled, and therefore the next meeting will be April 14th. (Rebecca motioned, Karen seconded.)

The board returned to the long-term library planning portion of the agenda and discussed the options that were explored since the December meeting. No decisions were ready to be made at this time.

Karen left at 1:21 pm during the planning discussion.

On a motion duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolution passed:

RESOLVED, that the Donations and Gifts Policy be revised with the suggested clarification. (Jenni motioned, Debra seconded.)

The Volunteer Policy was reviewed by the board and no changes were deemed necessary at this time. The Library Director Evaluation Policy was discussed and will be revised in the April meeting.

Jen called in at 1:44 pm during the discussions on policies.

Michelle reported that January began with kicking off the Book Dragon year-long reading challenge. Attendees were able to sign up for 2026, view the new prizes (embroidered beanies for reaching Bookworm level with 25 books, a wooden dragon puzzle for reaching Book Nerd level with 50 books, and a green hoodie for reaching Book Dragon level with 75 Books) and share reading wins & favorite books from the 2025 challenge. Other January programs included a Toddlin' Arts music and rhythm class and a fun drawing class taught by Nancy Peterson, a local author and illustrator of Swan Valley inspired books. The second Snakes, Tails and Tales Class provided education on reptiles and amphibians, including some snakes that attendees could touch if they wished that were visiting with volunteers from Slithers and Scales Rescue and Beast Pets Market of the Rocky Mountains. At the end of the month, many patrons attended the Book Addict book club to discuss Project Hail Mary and had a robust conversation.

There was no Friends of the Library report, though it was noted that FOIL’s annual Princess Palooza was well attended and enjoyed.

There was no Public Comment.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Ammon branch, 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406. The April meeting will include the Library Director Evaluation Policy. It was also noted that Clay Ritter from the ICfL will be visiting the library on March 10th at 2:00 pm and that the trustees are invited to attend his visit.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:09 pm by unanimous vote. (Jenni motioned, Debra seconded.)

Agenda for February 10, 2026

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Bonneville County Library District

Agenda for the Bonneville County Library District Trustee Meeting at the Ammon Branch on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1:00 pm 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406

Call to Order

Consent Agenda (Action Item)

a. Review minutes from previous meeting: January 13th

b. Review financial documents

c. Review clerk hours reports

Recommended Action: approve minutes, financial documents, and clerk hours

Long-Term Library Planning (Action Item)

Recommended Action: take action as deemed necessary

Review and Revise Policies (Action Item)

a. Donations and Gifts Policy

b. Volunteer Policy

c. Library Director Evaluation Policy

Recommended Action: review and revise policies as deemed necessary

Reschedule March Meeting (Action Item)

Recommended Action: take action as deemed necessary

Director’s Report

Friends of the Library Report

Public Comment

Confirm time/date for next meeting

Adjournment of Meeting

If you need communication aids or services, or any other physical accommodations to participate or access this meeting, you may contact Bonneville County Library District Clerk, Myra Judkins (907) 687-3863, as soon as possible and she will make every effort to adequately meet your needs. 

Minutes for March 10, 2026

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 Bonneville County Library District

Minutes of the Bonneville County Library District Board of Trustees Special Meeting March 10,

2026 

Called to order at 1:31 pm by Board Chair Rebecca Blackson

Present: Rebecca Blackson, Jenni Cragun, Library Director Michelle Tolman, and District Clerk Myra Judkins. Debra Haacke, Karen Harris, and Jennifer Crofts joined by phone. Members of the public in attendance included Clay Ritter and Allison Maier.

On a motion duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolution passed unanimously:

RESOLVED, that the advisory ballot language was approved as submitted and that it be sent to Bonneville County for the May ballot. (Rebecca motioned, Jenni seconded.)

The approved language for the advisory ballot is as follows:

Advisory Ballot Measure for Bonneville County Library District

Advisory Vote: Support for a Library Bond or Levy to Acquire Permanent Buildings Through Purchase or Rent-to-Own and Reduce Long-Term Costs

Advisory Ballot Question:

Shall the voters of the Bonneville County Library District advise the Library Board of Trustees to pursue opportunities to acquire permanent buildings for library services in Ammon, Westside (Idaho Falls), and/or Ucon? This could include outright purchase, rent-to-own (lease-purchase) agreements, or other ownership paths to replace expensive ongoing rental payments with ownership or equity-building arrangements, allowing for expanded space to better serve the community at a similar or reduced overall cost to taxpayers over time. This advisory measure is non-binding—it simply shows community support to guide the Library Board in future decisions about facility strategies. This advisory vote does NOT increase taxes or collect funds.

• Yes (I support the Library District pursuing an opportunity to acquire permanent buildings through purchase, rent-to-own, or similar means to save money long-term by means of a future bond or levy)

• No (I do NOT support the Library District pursuing opportunities for property ownership through a bond or levy at this time)

Explanatory Statement (for voter information pamphlet, website, or ballot insert):

The Bonneville County Library District currently rents space for its branches in Ammon, Westside (Idaho Falls), and Ucon. Rent payments continue to rise with no equity or ownership benefits for taxpayers, and leases can limit long-term control, usage, and expansion.

By pursuing a voter-approved bond or levy, the district could acquire dedicated buildings through outright purchase, rent-to-own (lease-purchase) agreements, or other allowable ownership strategies for one or more of these branches (Ammon, Westside, and/or Ucon). This would provide more space for books, programs, community events, technology, and services— while stabilizing or reducing annual costs compared to perpetual rent increases.

Ultimately, the bond process allows the community to decide if securing a permanent facility at the lowest possible financing cost is the preferred direction for the district’s long-term financial health. Ownership or equity-building options (such as rent-to-own leading to eventual purchase) would build taxpayer equity over time, eliminate or reduce landlord dependencies, and potentially save money in the long run—for example, by redirecting rent-equivalent funds toward principal, interest, or lease-purchase payments, with no ongoing escalations after ownership is achieved.

Public library districts in Idaho generally have two primary pathways for acquiring or improving facilities:

1. Voter-Approved Bonds (Traditional Ownership)

Under the Idaho Constitution, districts cannot incur long-term fixed debt without a two-thirds voter-approved bond. This remains the traditional method for ownership. Because bonds are secured by a commitment from the community, they typically command the lowest available interest rates. Once the bond is paid off, the district owns the asset outright, eliminating lease payments and providing long-term budget stability.

2. Lease-Purchase Agreements (Alternative Financing)

Libraries may enter into multi-year agreements without a public vote by including "non- appropriation clauses." These clauses ensure that a current board does not legally obligate a future board; the contract must be renewed annually and can be terminated if funds are not allocated. While this provides flexibility, it often carries a "financing premium"—higher interest rates or fees—to compensate lenders for the risk that a future board might exercise the non- appropriation clause and cancel the contract.

Fiscal Comparison

While both pathways allow a district to move toward ownership and build equity, the voter- approved bond is generally the more cost-effective option. It avoids the higher interest rates of lease-purchase models and ensures that funds are directed toward the principal and interest of a permanent public asset rather than ongoing rental escalations or landlord dependencies. 

This advisory measure is non-binding—it simply shows community support to guide the Library Board in future decisions about facility strategies. This advisory vote does NOT increase taxes or collect funds.

For more information, including current branch details (Ammon at 3015 South 25th East, Westside at 250 South Skyline Drive STE 6, Ucon at 10918 N Yellowstone Highway), facility needs, and how ownership or rent-to-own could benefit the district, visit www.bcld.org, contact the Library Director, or attend a Library Board meeting. Your input helps ensure our libraries grow to meet Bonneville County’s needs!

The meeting was adjourned at 2:13 pm by unanimous vote. (Jenni motioned, Karen seconded.)

Agenda for March 10, 2026

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 Bonneville County Library District

Agenda for the Bonneville County Library District Trustee Special Meeting at the Ammon Branch on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 1:30 pm 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406

Call to Order

Advisory Ballot (Action Item)

Recommended Action: approve advisory ballot

Adjournment of Meeting

Public Notice: Clay Ritter from the ICfL will be visiting at 2:00 pm and a quorum of trustees may remain after the special meeting for his visit.

Minutes for April 14, 2026

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 Bonneville County Library District

Minutes of the Bonneville County Library District Board of Trustees Meeting April 14, 2026

Called to order at 1:01 pm by Board Chair Rebecca Blackson

Present: Debra Haacke, Rebecca Blackson, Jennifer Crofts, Library Director Michelle Tolman, and District Clerk Myra Judkins. Karen Harris joined by phone before arriving. Jenni Cragun arrived after the meeting was called to order. Members of the public in attendance included Kirsti Cook and auditor Dana Izatt.

Jenni arrived at 1:05 pm.

On a motion duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolution passed:

RESOLVED, that the consent agenda was approved. The consent agenda included: the minutes from the previous meetings February 10th and March 10th, the financial documents for February and March, and the clerk hours reports for February and March. (Jen motioned, Debra seconded.)

The auditor presented the completed audit of the library district’s finances for fiscal year 2025 and answered questions from the board.

Karen arrived in person at 1:50 pm during discussions on the Library Director Evaluation Policy.

On a motion duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolution passed:

RESOLVED, that the existing Library Director Evaluation Policy not continue to be used and that the policy be replaced at the May meeting. (Karen motioned, Jen seconded.)

The Personnel Policy was moved to the May meeting.

Jenni left at 2:27 pm and then called in at 2:33 pm during discussions on the cabinetry contract.

The cabinetry contract was discussed and the board would like to allow another month to see progress before deciding if further action is needed.

Michelle reported that February included several events in addition to regular programming. Stuffie Sleepovers were held at the Ammon, Iona, and Swan Valley branches where children enjoyed reading with their stuffed animals, then left the stuffies to spend the night at the library and retrieved them the next day with a keepsake collage of their adventures. Fourteen local authors participated in a Local Author Event on February 6th. Attendees received a "passport" to meet each author, and earned entries for drawings which included books donated by the local authors. The event has been requested to be repeated. The Writer's Fellowship, a writing club for teens and adults of all skill levels, launched in February with meetings on Wednesday evenings. Marla Melior, a local author and president of the East Idaho Writers League, facilitates the meetings which include instruction, networking, writing sprints, and a book club.

March programming included the first full month of writing classes. Also in March, a Read-A- Thon was held to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday where participants were encouraged to read some of his books and contribute to a big reading thermometer. The final Let's Talk About It event in honor of the America 250 celebration was a discussion of the book 1776 by David McCullough. The BCLD Learn With Me program held a Pirate Night to support early literacy for children. Cressa Morris shared her expertise on decluttering and organizing any space and will be coming again on June 30th. The Snakes, Tails, and Tales educational class brought in many participants who love learning about and touching the provided snakes and lizards. The March class included a 14-foot python weighing 49 pounds. Other science events included POP! the Physics Outreach Project at the Ammon branch and a STEM presentation provided by Alturas at the Ucon branch. The Snowy to Sunny Reading Challenge was wrapped up and had 557 participants.

Jen left at 2:40 pm.

There was no Friends of the Library report, though it was noted that FOIL is working on getting some taller shelves for the Iona branch, FABL is regrouping, and a new friends group has been started called the Friends of the Bonneville County Libraries. They will be sponsoring a Spring Regency Gala and Adult Egg Scramble on May 2nd at 7:00 pm.

There was no Public Comment.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Ammon branch, 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406. The April meeting will include new options for the Library Director Evaluation Policy, the director evaluation, and the Personnel Policy.

The Director Evaluation was discussed during the Library Director Evaluation Policy portion of the meeting. The Survey Response Review and Executive Session were moved to the May meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:53 pm by unanimous vote. (Karen motioned, Debra seconded.)

Agenda for April 14, 2026

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 Bonneville County Library District

Agenda for the Bonneville County Library District Trustee Meeting at the Ammon Branch on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 1:00 pm 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406

Call to Order

Consent Agenda (Action Item)

a. Review minutes from previous meetings: February 10th and March 10th

b. Review financial documents

c. Review clerk hours reports

Recommended Action: approve minutes, financial documents, and clerk hours

Auditor’s Presentation

Review and Revise Policies (Action Item)

a. Library Director Evaluation Policy

b. Personnel Policy

Recommended Action: review and revise policies as deemed necessary

Cabinetry Contract (Action Item)

Recommended Action: take action as deemed appropriate

Director’s Report

Friends of the Library Report

Public Comment

Confirm time/date for next meeting

Director Evaluation Discussion and Survey Response Review (Action Item)

Recommended Action: take action as deemed appropriate

Executive Session: §74-206(1)(b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student;

Adjournment of Meeting

If you need communication aids or services, or any other physical accommodations to participate or access this meeting, you may contact Bonneville County Library District Clerk, Myra Judkins (907) 687-3863, as soon as possible and she will make every effort to adequately meet your needs.

Minutes for May 12, 2026

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Bonneville County Library District

Minutes of the Bonneville County Library District Board of Trustees Meeting May 12, 2026

Called to order at 1:09 pm by Board Chair Rebecca Blackson

Present: Debra Haacke, Karen Harris, Rebecca Blackson, Jenni Cragun, Jennifer Crofts, Library Director Michelle Tolman, and District Clerk Myra Judkins. Kirsti Cook was the only member of the public in attendance.

On a motion duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolution passed:

RESOLVED, that the consent agenda was approved. The consent agenda included: the minutes from the previous meeting April 14th, the financial documents for April, and the clerk hours reports for April. (Debra motioned, Karen seconded.)

Several options for a new Library Director Evaluation Policy were discussed, but no decision was made. The policy will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

On motions duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolutions passed:

RESOLVED, that the Library Roles and Responsibilities Policy be adopted as presented with one change to the Library Communication and Chain of Command portion. (Jen motioned, Debra seconded.)

RESOLVED, that the Personnel Policy be revised to accurately reflect current district structure and include links to more information. (Karen motioned, Jenni seconded.)

A roll call vote was taken to enter executive session with board members Debra Haacke, Karen Harris, Rebecca Blackson, Jenni Cragun, and Jennifer Crofts. The results were unanimous and the board entered executive session at 2:29 pm in accordance with §74-206(1)(b).

Jen left at 2:45 pm.

Executive session ended at 2:49 pm.

No changes were made to the Library Director Contract, but changes to goals will be made at the meeting in June.

The cabinetry contract was discussed and the board would like Michelle to work with them as progress is continuing to be made.

Michelle reported that April programs brought joyful learning experiences to patrons. STEM and Storytime programs maintain strong participation. The Novel Creation class created beautiful floral arrangements in containers they brought. A large class from Hillcrest High School visited to learn about the library resources available to them. The POP! Physics Outreach Project brought physics to life. A new parenting class, new organizational skills workshops, and several writing classes were well received and added valuable learning opportunities for patrons. The district is excited to introduce Mahjong classes, Summer Reading STEM activities, and the Summer Reading theme "Unearth a Story" which emphasizes the joy of discovery and encourages readers of all ages to dig into books to uncover hidden histories and stories (with dinosaurs featuring in decorations). Thank you to the district Friends Groups and the community sponsors who have supported Summer Reading. A Fun Run event will kick off Summer Reading.

There was no Friends of the Library report, though it was noted that FABL will be electing new officers soon.

There was no Public Comment.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Ammon branch, 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406. This will be the annual meeting of the board and the household fee will be set for fiscal year 2027.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:07 pm by unanimous vote. (Jenni motioned, Karen seconded.)

Agenda for May 12, 2026

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 Bonneville County Library District

Agenda for the Bonneville County Library District Trustee Meeting at the Ammon Branch on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, 1:00 pm 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406

Call to Order

Consent Agenda (Action Item)

a. Review minutes from previous meeting: April 14th

b. Review financial documents

c. Review clerk hours reports

Recommended Action: approve minutes, financial documents, and clerk hours

Adopt, Review, and Revise Policies (Action Item)

a. Library Director Evaluation Policy

b. Personnel Policy

c. Library Roles and Responsibilities

Recommended Action: adopt, review, and revise policies as deemed necessary

Executive Session: §74-206(1)(b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student;

Library Director Contract (Action Item)

Recommended Action: approve library director contract

 

Cabinetry Contract (Action Item)

Recommended Action: take action as deemed appropriate

 

Director’s Report

Friends of the Library Report

Public Comment

Confirm time/date for next meeting

Adjournment of Meeting

If you need communication aids or services, or any other physical accommodations to participate or access this meeting, you may contact Bonneville County Library District Clerk, Myra Judkins (907) 687-3863, as soon as possible and she will make every effort to adequately meet your needs.

Agenda for June 9, 2026

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 Bonneville County Library District

Agenda for the Bonneville County Library District Trustee Annual Meeting at the Ammon Branch on  Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, 1:00 pm 3015 S 25th East, Ammon, ID 83406

Call to Order

Consent Agenda (Action Item)

    a. Review minutes from previous meeting: May 12th

    b. Review financial documents

    c. Review clerk hours reports

    Recommended Action: approve minutes, financial documents, and clerk hours

Annual Meeting (Action Item)

    In accordance with Idaho Code 33-2719 Trustees will:

    Elect the officers of the board for the next year

    Establish a regular meeting date for the next year

    Review bylaws

Adopt, Review, and Revise Policies (Action Item)

    a. Library Director Evaluation Policy

    b. Patron Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

    c. Library Roles and Responsibilities Policy

    Recommended Action: adopt, review, and revise policies as deemed necessary

Public Comment on the Household Fee

Setting of the Household Fee (Action Item)

    Recommended Action: determine household fee for FY2027

Library Director Contract (Action Item)

    Recommended Action: approve library director contract

Director’s Report

Friends of the Library Report

Public Comment

Confirm time/date for next meeting

Adjournment of Meeting

If you need communication aids or services, or any other physical accommodations to participate or access this meeting, you may contact Bonneville County Library District Clerk, Myra Judkins (907) 687-3863, as soon as possible and she will make every effort to adequately meet your needs.

Agendas and Minutes

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2026

Agenda for Sep 8, 2026 (HTML, PDF)

Agenda for Aug 18, 2026 (HTML, PDF)
Minutes for Aug 18, 2026 (HTML, PDF)

Agenda for Jul 14, 2026 (HTML, PDF)
Minutes for Jul 14, 2026 (HTML, PDF)

Agenda for Jun 9, 2026 (HTML, PDF)
Minutes for Jun 9, 2026 (HTML, PDF)

Agenda for May 12, 2026 (HTML, PDF)
Minutes for May 12, 2026 (HTML, PDF)

Agenda for Apr 14, 2026 (HTML, PDF)
Minutes for Apr 14, 2026 (HTML, PDF)

Agenda for Mar 10, 2026 (HTML, PDF)
Minutes for Mar 10, 2026 (HTML, PDF)

Agenda for Feb 10, 2026 (HTML, PDF)
Minutes for Feb 10, 2026 (HTML, PDF)

Agenda for Jan 13, 2026 (HTML, PDF)
Minutes for Jan 13, 2026 (HTML, PDF)

Prior Years Agendas and Minutes