The Orem Library Advisory Commission met on September 15, 2026, to discuss progress on a large-scale media collection reorganization project. According to meeting minutes published September 28, the commission also reviewed a new community media challenge and discussed policy changes regarding Vineyard City non-resident reimbursements.
Anita Krohn, a Cataloging Librarian, provided an update on a project to reclassify 31,000 DVD titles to improve browsability. The project, directed by Supervisor Shannon Montes de Oca, aims to replace the current ascension number system with a more user-friendly method. The team is working to complete 600 titles per week to finish the project within one year. Currently, the staff has completed nine of the sixteen planned genres. The project involves various staff members, including Josie Layton, Sabrina Petty, and James Scarbrough, who is working on weeding the collection to streamline the process.
Media Librarian James Scarbrough announced a new Media Challenge designed to encourage patrons to explore the collection. The challenge runs from September 18 through November 15 and features Bingo cards with categories such as Sundance film winners or Best Director. This free program, supported by the programming team including McKenna Nielsen, includes screenings on Mondays and Fridays. To encourage attendance, patrons can earn Movie Bucks and may win prizes, such as a Blu-ray player.
The commission also discussed a policy change from the Vineyard City Council, which has decided to stop providing $75.00 reimbursements for non-resident card purchases. Bryce Merrill noted that Vineyard residents can still purchase non-resident cards, but the city will no longer provide the reimbursement as they move toward investing in their own library. Currently, Vineyard residents account for five to ten percent of the total non-resident card holders.
During the meeting, the commission discussed the status of the Library Director position. Bryce Merrill noted the position is currently closed and that there are no bylaws requiring a Director, with the library remaining in compliance for certification. The commission also addressed the audiobook collection, which contains over 5,000 items, though Merrill noted that 2,000 items have not circulated in the last two years.
The commission decided that a retreat will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, in place of the regular meeting. The two-hour session will focus on discussing the commission's priorities. The next regular Library Advisory Commission Meeting is scheduled for November 17, 2026.
