Brin Wall

This document outlines the schedule and proceedings for a virtual event titled 'Poetry & Cookies Virtual Gathering.' The event commenced with an elder's blessing focusing on themes of goodness, healing for Mother Earth, blessings for various living things, support for the homeless, and remembrance for missing and murdered indigenous women, alongside concerns about the ongoing virus situation. The program included a flute presentation by Rick Wilson, a historical overview of the Altadena Poets Laureate program and the 'Poetry & Cookies' tradition by Library Director Nikki Winslow, and comments from Claire Newman of the Friends of the Altadena Library regarding their support for the literary review and events. The main segment featured poetry readings by several contributors, including Jessica Abu Gatos, Gloria Real Honest, Beth Bard, Judy Barrett, Bronstein, Peggy Castro, Rich Clarkey Nia, Coco, Lizbeth Coinmen, and Pat Cross, covering themes such as second-hand items, cultural heritage, nature, grief, family history, and the purpose of writing.

The meeting included the observance of a land acknowledgment recognizing the traditional ancestral and unseated land of the Gabalino Tongva peoples. The agenda was interrupted for a special presentation where the Our Village Preschool Parent Association presented a check for $1,466 designated for children's programming and literacy, following their Valentine's Day fundraiser related to fire recovery efforts. Administrative updates covered preparing for the main library closure, including the creation of historical and rendering videos, and planning for the district's 100th anniversary celebration scheduled around the main library groundbreaking on February 28th. The Board also received updates on continued work with the Poets Laureate program, including the application process for two new laureates with a February 15th deadline and the implementation of a Professional Services Agreement. Discussions also involved advocacy efforts in Sacramento, where the $5 million state funding ask was pitched to legislative offices. Furthermore, updates were provided on the Altadena Town Council land use committee's unanimous approval of a project, efforts to staff the community center for passport services, and the launch of a new evaluation system. Financial reports for December 2025 highlighted higher-than-budgeted revenues from property taxes and parcel benefits, leading to anticipated midyear adjustments. Expense reviews indicated salaried/hourly costs were under budget due to vacancies, while professional services, specifically consulting for HR, were slightly over budget but anticipated. Technology expenses showed credits offsetting some current year costs.

The document appears to be a transcript or metadata for an event titled '2026-01-24 Altadena Poets Laureate,' hosted by the Altadena Library District. The event included a land acknowledgement recognizing the Gabrielino Tongva peoples. Key announcements covered the upcoming closure of the main library for a 14 to 18-month renovation project aimed at achieving universal accessibility, with a target reopening in mid-to-late 2027. Other library services, including other sites and mobile vans, were highlighted. The event itself commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Altadena fires with poetry and reflection on resilience. Updates were provided regarding the application deadline for the next round of Poets Laureate. The poets presented works covering themes of personal loss and recovery following the fires, as well as historical injustices, including the erasure of Japan towns during World War II and experiences in Japanese American confinement sites like Manzanar.

The meeting agenda outlined discussions and actions across multiple areas. Key actions included review and approval of vendor recommendations for Main Library shelving, storage, and moving services, as well as approval for the Professional Auditing Services RFP. Approvals were also sought for a change order for Monet Construction, acceptance of the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library's renovation completion, and approval of the ALD Operational Plan 2025 Final Report. Governance topics covered the election of officers and planning for a Board Retreat. Department updates provided financial reports for December 2025, updates on IT infrastructure preparation for the Main Library closure, including an email security audit post-phishing simulation results, and various program and service updates from Youth and Family Services, Bob Lucas Branch, and Administration. Administrative updates covered advancements in the 100th-anniversary planning, continued work with the Eaton Fire Collaborative, staff advocacy meetings in Sacramento, and updates on the new Express Evaluations platform and Project READY curriculum continuations. Facility reports detailed repairs and improvements at the Bob Lucas Library and coordination for Main Library needs.

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgment recognizing the traditional ancestral and unseated land of the Gabalino Tongwa peoples. The board convened to a closed session to discuss and/or take action on the district director's performance evaluation process, reconvening later with no reportable actions. Key discussion points in the open session included a presentation on the Summer 2025 Reading Program, detailing activities, goals, and results, which focused on impact over raw numbers, and noting that 100% of survey respondents plan to participate again next year. Departmental updates covered summer hiring, the start of a new part-time IT specialist, and the departure of a part-time library clerk. There were no support group reports; the Friends group has yet to meet post-summer break.