New leadership at PLDL
Alyssa Cleland addresses board
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HOUGHTON -- A new library director was welcomed at Portage Lake District Library this week. Wednesday's regular meeting of the library’s Board of Trustees heard Alyssa Cleland's first report, along with other business regarding staff wages, updates on the search for a new board member and committee happenings.
"Some of my family encouraged me to apply for the job," Cleland said. "I used to, as a child, spend time at Rabbit Bay. I have a family cabin out there."
Cleland came from Nicolet Technical College in Rhinelander, Wisc., where she worked in its library. After learning about the position, Cleland said she loved the community here in the Keweenaw and could not stay away. "I think we already have such a strong community here. So, I think I'm just going to embrace it, try to be a part of it," she said. "I'm excited to continue to build the work that we're already doing here at the library."
Board committee and department head reports were presented Wednesday. Business Manager Fawn Lucero said PLDL had good news from the state, receiving $3,320 more in state penal fines than expected. It also received more than expected in state aid.
Hancock Area District Library Manager Boni Ashburn she gave updates regarding the Hancock Library and its board actions. Ashburn, who was named Librarian of the Year at the Upper Peninsula Region Library of Cooperation Annual Conference earlier this week in Marquette, said the library made $1,552 during its used book sale last month. Ashburn .
Ashburn added the Hancock Library board went to two township meetings within the past month. She accompanied Board Vice President Ruth Gill to a Hancock Township meeting to garner support for its upcoming millage request, where they received support from those in attendance. According to Ashburn, the Franklin Township meeting was less productive and people were less receptive to the idea of a millage.
There were no updates from board committees, but the board moved to have the personnel committee and budget committee meet before next month's board meeting so a litany of different wage issues could be sorted out. Earlier this year, then Board Vice President Jen Donovan said to staff in attendance the board would address any inequities.
Board President Sylvia Matthews said the board looks ahead to keep Donovan's promise. Board Treasurer Will Cantrell said he urges the committees to meet in order to sort the issue out. "We did nothing. We're effectively extending this for the moment," he said.
In other business, the board authorized the closure of the library for a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday stretch within the next month. The board cited replacing the library's carpet as the reason. A closure date has not yet been determined.
The next PLDL Board meeting will take place Oct. 28.