Friends of Ridgefield Community Library 

General Meeting Minutes
August 13, 2026

IN ATTENDANCE:
Board members: Jeanne Androvich, president; Sophie Chi, vice president; Toni Rimer, secretary; Kathy Streissguth, treasurer; August Hynning, student director-at-large; Sean McGill, RCL branch manager 

Members: Gayle Hansen, Linda DeForrest, Debby Mohler, Lilly Jarusevicius, Davina Cosenza, Barb Kusik 

Guest: Jenny Wilkerson, FVRL Foundation executive director

CALL TO ORDER/ESTABLISH QUORUM

The meeting was called to order by President Jeanne Androvich at 6:00 p.m., and a quorum was established.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Jeanne asked if there were any changes or corrections to the agenda. Hearing none, Gayle Hansen moved to accept the agenda as presented, seconded by Sean McGill. The motion was approved unanimously.

CORRESPONDENCE

There was no correspondence.

APPROVAL OF GENERAL MEETING MINUTES – July 16, 2026Jeanne asked if there were any corrections or additions to the general meeting minutes of July 16, 2026. Hearing none, Sophie Chi moved to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by August Hynning. The motion was approved unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT – July 2026 ReportKathy Streissguth asked if there were any questions regarding the July 2026 treasurer’s report. Hearing none, the report will be Viled for audit. Sophie noted that $45.00 from the proceeds of the most recent used book pop-up sale was actually a one-time donation.

FVRL FOUNDATON REPORT

Jenny Wilkerson, FVRL Foundation executive director, provided a report of the current issues the Foundation was addressing including the following:

• Website support in the form of domain management that will include a template for plug & pay. The Foundation will bear the cost of the domain.

• An online giving page that will make it easier to manage donations, as well as membership dues.

• A QR code for bookstore sales.

• Design support

• Emails to simplify information crossover when Friends groups change ofVicers.

• Standardization of by-laws via a template. 

• A handbook will be developed that will replace policies and procedures.

• The Swipe Simple credit card reader will replace the credit card machine currently in use. It is designed to be used by a personal cell phone; however, a tablet can also be utilized depending on WiFi capabilities.

• All Friends groups will be required to have financial accounts at Columbia Bank, and those not already with that bank will need to make the necessary changes, which should be reflected in future meeting minutes.

• Jenny noted that Sara Lee had been hired as the new FOL Coordinator, and she will start on October 1, 2026. 

• Jenny also reported that 600 tickets had been sold for the Foundation’s A&I Dinner/Silent Auction. The maximum number that can be accommodated is 775.

BRANCH MANAGER’S REPORT

The following is the report from Sean McGill, branch manager.

• 12,404 items circulated during July 2026 compared to 12,788 during July 2025, a decrease of 3.00%. For 2026 at the end of July 75,928 items circulated compared to 74,441 items in 2025 up to the end of July, an increase of 2.00%

• Staff presented storytime at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge July 23 and August 6. At the July 23 event 73 people attended. On August 6 an astounding 106 people came for storytime. Refuge staff have asked us to keep presenting storytime, and also asked us to not promote it anymore.
  I attended the North County LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) meeting July 30.

• On August 5 Picnic in the Park took place inside the library because of the poor air quality. Staff continue to bring a simple activity when the Picnic is at Davis park.
  Staff employed by the Cowlitz Tribe brought craft supplies for a “pizza” for storytime on August 10. Staff will be going to the Ridgefield School District’s Employee Fair on August 19.

• August 20 will be the last day that the YMCA offers Gentle Strength and Stretch at the Ridgefield Community Library as they shift their resources around.

• Summer Reading programs have been a huge draw for the most part. Two hundred four people attended the Reptile Man program and 221 attended Henrick Bothe’s Library Circus program July 25. 

• With the possibility of rain Angel Ocasio’s show was in the community room on August 1 with 38 people attending. And another 67 for Alex Zerbe’s Science Catastrophe.

• July 30 kids made DIY squishies using foam pieces and paint pens. Staff reported that, as usual, kids were much more creative than staff.

• If you haven’t noticed the reader board on the front of the service desk, you should take a look at it. While the paper fish are the same at all the branches, staff here created the pirate hats all the fish are wearing.

• In the Teen Area, Kami created posters showcasing the best YA titles and a collection of YA titles that seem to me like art that raises the look of that whole area.

• Sean also shared photos of the exhibit the library created for a pop-up history museum.

FRIENDS BUSINESS
FUNDRAISING
Used Book Store
Gayle had no report, but indicated that she would have some ideas to share soon.

Summer Pop-up Used Book Sales

Sophie noted that the previous Saturday’s sale netted $89.00. There will be sales on the Vinal two Saturdays in August.

Book Donations and Sorting

There was no report. It was noted that there is still the issue of the storage unit sinking and tilting. Jeanne stated that she will look into getting professionals to review the situation to provide solutions.

Baskets and/or Items for A&I Silent Auction

Toni noted that two baskets had been confirmed. One additional basket is under consideration.

ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH
Welcome New Members
Jeanne noted the following were new members: Davina Cosenza (new Life member), Karen Hynning, Teresa and Ken Wanderer, and Niki O’Reilly.

Jacquie Lawson Electronic Greeting Card Membership Proposal

This item was tabled.

Friends Logo Stickers Proposal

This item was tabled.

COMMUNICATIONS
Website, Facebook, and Instagram

Davina welcomed the assistance and training that will be forthcoming from the Foundation, as it moves to consolidate all Friends’ groups website domain. Sean had no report regarding Facebook. August noted she had completed her “Daily Find” suggestions on Instagram for books that are available in the library.

OTHER CONTINUING OR NEW BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 701: p.m.

Respectfully submitted, 

Toni Rimer, secretary