Library Board Minutes_3.17.2026

Meeting Minutes
Library Board Regular Meeting
March 17, 2026| 6:30 p.m.
Chandler Hamilton Library
3700 S. Arizona Ave. Chandler, AZ 85248
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Board Chair Alexis Merritt at 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Library Board Attendance
Library Board Members Absent
Board Chair Alexis Merritt
Board Member Parker McCarthy
Board Member Arman Sidhu
Board Vice-Chair Jennifer Pawlik
Board Member Michael McElhany
Board Member Faith Risolo
Library Board Attendance
Rachelle Kuzyk, Library Manager
Courtney Allen, Management Analyst
Others Present
None
Consent Agenda
1. January 20, 2026 Library Board Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Board Member Sidhu. Board Member McElhany
seconded. Motion passed 4-0.
Briefing
2. Library Manager’s Report – Rachelle Kuzyk
The Library Manager’s Report was provided to the Library Board in advance of the meeting for Board
Member’s review.
Rachelle informed the Board of recent staffing changes. Jo-el Miller has transitioned into the Assistant
Library Manager role following Sue’s retirement. Chris McGinley has been appointed Downtown Library
Senior Branch Administrator. Recruitment efforts are ongoing for the Basha Library Branch Manager
position, with interviews currently scheduled for Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24.
The Discovery Library Bookmobile continues to operate actively throughout the community, receiving
positive feedback and serving as both a resource and a visibility tool for library services.
Board Chair Merritt inquired whether there are any new or upcoming programs not included in the
Manager’s Report. Rachelle highlighted the America 250 series of activities, noting the library’s
participation in a state-sponsored reading challenge in partnership with the initiative. Rachelle also

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mentioned the Spring Reading Challenge for children 4-12 years. When a child reads five books, they
will earn a certificate for a free hamburger from In-n-Out. Planning for the Summer Reading Program
is also underway.
Board Chair Merritt also asked whether Chris McGinley plans to bring any Basha Library programs to
the Downtown Library in his new role. Rachelle responded that each library branch benefits from
offering unique, niche programs that attract patrons who may not otherwise visit that location.
Board Member McElhany asked whether program surveys are conducted. Rachelle explained that
the library typically administers an annual program survey; however, this year it has been replaced by
a comprehensive Master Plan survey encompassing both library and recreation services. Board
Member McElhany suggested the use of a Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey, which consists of two
questions and an optional narrative response. Rachelle noted that the library may defer additional
program surveys until 2028 to avoid over-surveying patrons during the Library and Recreation Master
Plan process but agreed that incorporating ongoing feedback tools in the future would be beneficial.
Members Comments / Announcements
Board Member Sidhu informed the Board Members about the current legislative bill (HB2008)
affecting libraries and encouraged participation in advocacy efforts through the Arizona Library
Association (AzLA). Information was shared regarding tools available for public input on legislation,
as well as recent developments involving book restrictions and proposed policy changes impacting
library systems.
The Board was informed about the “Request to Speak” system at the State Capitol, which allows
individuals to register support or opposition to specific legislation online without needing to attend
hearings in person.
Unscheduled Public Appearances
None
Calendar
3.
The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Downtown
Chandler Library Copper South Meeting Room, 22 S. Delaware St. Chandler, AZ 85225. This meeting
will be held directly before the Library and Recreation Master Plan meeting at 6:30 p.m.
4.
The next Friends of the Library Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 1:00
p.m., at the Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St. Chandler, AZ 85225.
Adjourn
Motion to adjourn made by Board Member McElhany, Board Member Sidhu seconded. Motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:48p.m.
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Courtney Allen, Board Liaison                                       
Alexis Merritt, Board Chair