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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 04/11/20020 Council Liaison: Marty Tharp Chairperson: Mary Robertson Staff Liaison: Brenda Cams (Phone 221-6670) (Phone: 407-7066) q A regular meeting of the Library Board was held on April 11, 2002 in the Ben Delatour Room of the Main Library at 201 Peterson Street. The following Library Board members were present: Carolyn Haase, Rudy Maes, Ralph Olson, Mary Robertson, Charles Robles, and Joan Scheuerman. Library Board Member Absent: Kay Masselink City Staff Members Present: Brenda Cams, Marty Heffernan, and Marjorie Teklits Friends of the Library Liaison: Joanna Lambert Visitor: Mike Wermuth The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by the Chairperson, Mary Robertson. Carolyn Haase made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 14, 2002 meeting, Charles Robles seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Correspondence Brenda shared copies of an email regarding a proposed one million dollar cut from Colorado Library grants and explained that the impact could mean a significant loss of funds to the Fort Collins Public Library. 1 Reports/Presentations a. Director — Brenda Cams Brenda thanked Carolyn and Ralph for attending the recent Boards and Commissions training session. Carolyn said the program was exceptional, provided substantial information and interaction, and that the presenters were very receptive to questions. She highly recommended other Board members attend next year. Ralph concurred and added that it was also an excellent opportunity to meet members of other City Boards. Brenda thanked Mary, Joan and Carolyn for attending the Volunteer Brunch on April 6; staff and volunteers appreciated their participation, too. Brenda also announced that Carolyn will represent the Library Board at the Harmony Library Advisory Committee Meeting tomorrow. She said that Harmony's former branch manager has resigned and that Francine Purdom is acting as interim manager. Tova Aragon is acting Lead Librarian for adult services and Kim Crowley has taken on the additional task of media selection until a new branch manager is on board. Circulation staff report a difference in total circulation functions of only 4% between the Main and Harmony Libraries. This includes check -in, check-out, new cards issued, holds and renewals. Following the retirement of Pat Doughty, a new Children's Librarian, Marian Sawyer, has been hired. Her expertise includes children's literature and collection development. The March 19' grand opening of the Gates Computer Lab at the Main Library was a success. Guests at the well -attended event included Mayor Martinez and Council Members Bertschy, Tharp and Kastein as well as many other city staff. Special thanks go to Joanna Lambert for attending and also Carolyn Haase for recording the event in photographs. b. Friends of the Library - Joanna Lambert The Friends are pleased with the increased attendance at the Fort Collins Symphony Preview programs which they co-sponsor. The next one is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 and the last one is scheduled for May 14. The Friends also co-sponsor the very popular Great Decisions programs. Although the last session was on Tuesday, the group enjoyed it so much that they decided to continue to meet the first Tuesday of each month. Joanna found that many participants at the Volunteer Brunch didn't know about the Friends organization or what they do. Carol Smith has agreed to be Vice President of the Friends; she will also produce the Friends' newsletter. Friends' general membership meetings have been reduced from six meetings a year to 9 four. C. Committee Reports: County/State/National - Charles Robles Charles said that since there is a large percent of library users residing in the County, the issue of County library funding needs to be revisited. Mary asked that it be included on next month's agenda. Charles thanked Brenda for sharing the email concerning a proposed million dollar cut in the Colorado Library grant line item by the legislature. City Council Relations - Rudy Maes There was nothing new to report at this time. Discussion about Soapbox articles is covered in the public relations committee report. Children's/Young Adult Services - Carolyn brought to the Board's attention that David Winski, a member of Harmony's hourly Circulation staff and senior at Poudre High School, received a Boettcher Scholarship award after achieving a perfect SAT score. Public Relations - Ralph Olson, Joan Scheuerman Ralph shared copies of his draft Soapbox article concerning Colorado library cards; Rudy motioned its approval; Joan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Joan's draft Soapbox article on library services and survey was shared as well; Ralph motioned its approval; Carolyn seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Regarding the bookmark project, Ralph mentioned that student art was recently on display at Lincoln Center and that even more will be put on display at the Mail. He showed samples of paper stock that will be used for the bookmarks which will have student art on one side and an informational blurb about the library on the other. Hewlett- Packard has offered the use of a digital camera to help with the bookmarks and may be interested in donating the paper stock. Mary said it is great that all these plans are moving forward and that it will be wonderful to get the bookmarks to the public. They could be made available in book stores and school libraries. Joan shared a sample of a survey that went to two neighborhood newsletters. Brenda suggested that the first question be revised to remove the question about the location of the Main Library; the Board agreed. Mary said that Tawnya is working with City staff to update and edit the video which was made by the library a few years ago. A question and answer segment, perhaps done by Brenda or Marty Heffernan, could be added at the end. Information, such as why it is not practical or desired to have public library branches in schools, could be included as well as other technical information not generally known by the public. OLD BUSINESS a. Library Options - Marty Heffernan Marty reported that discussions continue with a local charitable trust regarding an opportunity for a small southeast branch library. Progress has been made and, although details need to be resolved, it seems to be moving forward favorably. Financing such a venture remains a consideration as the City has many other needs at present, including transportation issues and concern over declining sales tax revenues in recent months. Staff are exploring funding options which would allow renovation and operation of a small branch of approximately 10,000 s.f. with existing resources, such as impact fees and other sources. The proposed library would fundamentally be a branch but, in cooperation with the Museum, would have space for some of their displays. Discussions have also taken place with architects to develop conceptual plans on how the space could be utilized. In addition, there is a non-profit organization that works with school districts which might interested in placing an Apollo space simulator for educational purposes in some of the square footage available in the facility, however, a lot more information from the Poudre School District is needed. Carolyn Haase asked if there was an example of a space simulator anywhere; Marty said this was a recent development and there hasnI been time to look into it yet. Carolyn asked if the proposed 10,000 s.f. branch facility was sufficient, if it was really the best use of energy and money, or if concentration should be directed toward a new downtown main library. Marty said that the possibility of this branch creates a library in a climate where it might not otherwise exist, and the goal of expanding library services to the community would be achieved. Brenda added that, although a branch would provide limited space, there would still be an opportunity to go for the downtown library in the future. Ralph added that growth will continue, and so will the need for more library facilities. Joanna said the Mini Library was a temporary solution for the need for additional library facilities and it was very successful; she would still like to see a new main library in the downtown, and Carolyn concurred. Rudy asked if the present Main Library would remain in the event a branch is opened in the southeast. Brenda said that it would and there would be a total of three facilities at that point. Ralph asked if a space simulator would preclude Technical Services from moving to the new space, and Brenda said it appears they would have to remain in the rented space on Remington if the additional space was used for a simulator. Carolyn asked if businesses in the surrounding area of the proposed branch feel that their parking situation would be impacted; Marty said they view a library branch as a favorable addition; parking is plentiful and lots of people would be drawn to the area. El Carolyn recommended that meeting room space be included if a southeast branch is developed; Marty said that he believes the charitable trust shares that feeling as well. Carolyn also asked if any negative reaction to the concept of a southeast branch is anticipated. Marty said some people have expressed interest in having a new Main Library further south than the downtown area; if a branch is available in the southeast, they may feel the City has filled the need for library services in the south. Marty suggested scheduling discussion of library issues for a Council Study Session should be revisited, perhaps later this summer, after a decision is made about a southeast branch. Library Board members thanked Marty for providing updated information on library options. NEW BUSINESS a. County Funding - It was suggested to review the County funding issue at the next meeting with an intent of providing Council Liaison to the Board Marty Tharp with background information on this issue. OTHER: a. Safety Issues - Charles Robles Charles mentioned that Police District 1 is now headed by Mike Steele; he offered to introduce him to Brenda at some future time. b. Senate Bill 119 - Ralph asked if the Bill has passed. Brenda said it still has to go through the House. The Bill would provide another funding option for libraries. Ralph said it would be a good topic to include with discussions with Council. Brenda said the Bill also covers depository libraries and opens the door for more electronic storage. C. HomeschoolinQ - Rudy Maes Rudy asked visitor Mike Wermuth if he had any comments about library services and homeschooling. Mike said that the library has provided very good service to his family for their homeschooling needs, and InterLibrary Loan staff in particular have been outstanding. Mary thanked Mike for attending tonight's meeting. d. Road Construction Brenda was asked if the recent Oak Street drainage improvement project affected library use statistics. She said she didn't think it has; crews are in the final phase of the project and Oak Street is scheduled to be repaved in the next day or two. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marjorie Teklits Administrative Secretary