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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 05/11/2000LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES Regular Meeting — May 11, 2000 6:00 p.m. Council Liaison: Michael Byrne 1 11 Staff Liaison: Brenda Cams (Phone 221-6670) Chairperson: Ed Jakubauskas (Phone: 223-7428) A regular meeting of the Library Board was held on May 11, 2000 in the Ben Delatour Room of the Main Library. The following Library Board members were present: Carolyn Haase, Lisa Helme, Ed Jakubauskas, Rudy Maes, Mary Robertson, and M. Madeleine Wawro. Library Board Member Absent: City Staff Members Present: Friends of the Library Liaison: Charles Robles Brenda Cams, Marjorie Teklits Larry Webber The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. by the Chairperson, Ed Jakubauskas. Rudy Maes motioned that the minutes of the March 9, 2000 be approved as written; Madeline Wawro seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. New Library Board member Lisa Helme was welcomed and introductions exchanged. Lisa was offered and accepted membership on the Board's Public Relations Committee. Her public relations expertise will be an asset to the committee's work. Correspondence Copies of Kris Folsom's letter of resignation from the Board and Lisa Helme's letter of appointment and application were shared with members. Information from the City Clerk's office regarding an Ordinance extending Board members' terms to expire on December 31 rather than June 30 was distributed. Letters will be sent after the Ordinance passes to inform Board members of the approval of this action. Copies of recent newspaper articles concerning the library were distributed. Copies of selected statistics from 18 Colorado public libraries with operating budgets greater than $675,000 were distributed. Reports/Presentations Director — Brenda Cams The Library's Summer Reading Program video was shown, and brochures outlining the program's activities were distributed. Both were well received by the Board who commented that staff did an excellent job of developing and promoting the program. It was recommended to take the video to companies, such as Hewlett-Packard and Advanced Energy, to show during a brown -bag lunch to help convince parents to get their children in the habit of reading and going to the Library. Lisa mentioned that some video stores will allow educational/informative video tapes such as this to be put on their shelves for free check-out and that this would be another way of promoting the Summer Reading Program. Brenda mentioned that the remaining LINC (Library Information Networking a Community) money is being used to allow some school media centers to remain open again during the summer. As funds will only last through this year, she asked Board members to let her know if they have any ideas about pursuing funds for the future. Approximately $30,000/year is needed. Bilingual Library Aides will be hired some time this summer to: act as reading buddies, interact with young adults, give tours, and offer bilingual assistance to customers. The City has allocated $18,500 for this purpose. Brenda encouraged Board Members to mark their calendars for the "Annie Walk & Pet Fest" on August 26"'. After a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Lion's Club, the Mayor will lead the 1.5 mile Walk at starting at 9 a.m., and the City Manager will welcome participants back. Annie's story will be told followed by fun activities for people and their pets in Library Park. Brenda will give a presentation, "Support Your Local Library!," at Barnes & Noble on May 18". They are excited about the opportunity to partner with the Library in this program. Carolyn provided copies of the store's May event schedule. The Library's Administration office will be made smaller to accommodate a storytime room. The present storytime room will be converted into a computer lab if Gates grant money is acquired to fund the purchase of technology equipment. In addition, a clerical office position was relocated to the lobby of the Main Library to provide an information desk for customers. An Electronic Literacy Librarian position will be hired in January. Friends of the Libra — Larry Webber The Friends have given the Library a check For $21,410 to fund the Children's and Young Adult Summer Reading Programs, adult programming, supplies for "Mother Goose Time," signage/fumiture/posters for the Young Adult area at Harmony, a digital camera, a tent to provide protection for outdoor programs, the Larimer County Digitization Project for Local History, and a podium for Harmony's Community Room. Larry said the Friends were very happy to be able to fund these items from the Library's "wish list," and Brenda said the entire staff is very appreciative of all the Friends have done for the Library. 2 Jean Dietemann and Vicki Siska have volunteered to act as the new managers at the Friends Gift Shop. Shop volunteers continue to look at ways to make it more meaningful. The next book sale is scheduled for July 14-16 at Harmony Library, and the annual sale will be held October 6-8 at Foothills Mall. The Friends are forming a nominating committee for next year's officers. Friends' membership is approximately 200 at present, and dues reminders are being mailed. The recent International Night program had excellent attendance. Lisa asked Larry what role the Friends play in Library advocacy; he said that Jean Dietemann is their advocacy person and that each member has a telephone list of other Friends to call as needs arise. Committee Reports: County/State/National—Carolyn Haase The Governor will sign Senate Bill 85, State Grants for Libraries. It will result in approximately $38,000 for the Fort Collins Public Library. A special ceremony is being planned at a library near Colorado Springs. The Poudre School District Facilities Task Force recommended that the District seek $185 million in bond initiative and mill -levy overrides from voters in November for new schools, repairs, remodeling, maintenance and technology demands. An article in the May 9" Coloradoan contains detailed information. Additional demands for taxpayer financial support include permission from voters to allow the County to use the $12 million in sales tax funds approved in November 1997 for building rather than remodeling a new administration building. Immediate needs for school facilities may take priority over the new County administration building. Voter temperament for government facilities would be viewed as unfavorable if a majority of the voters do not approve the County's request. Carolyn also reported that the Colorado Library Association Spring Conference will be hosted by the Boulder Public Library on May 19". Carolyn encouraged Brenda to become aware of any security provisions that may be put in place for bioterrorism military -type exercises which could affect this area. City Council Relations — Rudy Maes There was nothing new to report at tonight's meeting. l] Community/Public Relations —Mary Robertson Mary commented that Library programs have received excellent coverage by The Coloradoan. She commended staff on their partnering activities, and the Dr. Seuss program in particular. So far, letters sent to local book clubs, neighborhood organizations and school groups last month offering to speak to them about library issues and trends have resulted in a request to have a library program visit at one of the schools. The Library's Marketing Assistant will be developing a newsletter for cardholders which will contain facts about such things as Library events, information on the new computerized system, and a new main library. The Library Trust is also exploring public relations efforts. They plan to meet a second time this month for a brainstorming session. It will be important for the Library Board, Trust, and citizens for a new main library to coordinate efforts. OLD BUSINESS a. New Main Library Meeting Recap and Discussion — Mary Robertson At some future point (approximately January). the Library Board will need to discuss whether or not they think it would be productive to recommend the Library work with the Performing Arts group to package a Performing Arts Center/New Main Library to voters. The Arts group has been working for quite some time to accrue donations, however, a site has not yet been chosen. Brenda mentioned something for the Museum could be included, such as the present Main Library facility, which would provide some of the money towards a new main library. Ed suggested communication continue with the Arts group in the event a combined effort would be advantageous. Mary Robertson made a motion to schedule a Work Session to educate Council Members on Library issues at an unspecified date in the future; Carolyn Haase seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Ed suggested the Board use a portion of the August meeting to visit and evaluate potential sites for a new main library. b. Soapbox Articles — Ed Jakubauskas As suggested at the last meeting, it was decided that Board Members will write a series of articles for the newspaper editorial page emphasizing the Library's importance to the community, especially in terms of young people, quality of life, the business community, etc. Carolyn suggested InterLibrary Loan service could be the focus of one of the articles. 0 9 Lisa said it would be interesting to evaluate what people feel is important and perhaps from there a trend could be detected, focus groups could be formed and a strategic message built. Ed recommended a review of the surveys which have been conducted about library services in the past. He said the Library adds to the quality of life; the challenge is there and we have to work for it. He asked Mary and Lisa to recommend ideas they may have to communicate the importance of the library to the public. In addition to soapbox articles, Lisa suggested weekly book reviews written by children, followed up by informational items. Brenda will discuss these possibilities with The Coloradoan. C. Mission Statement/Planning Document — Brenda Cams Copies of the five objectives outlined by the Public Planning Process Committee and goals defined by staff were distributed for review as well as a copy of the proposed Mission Statement. Board approval of the documents will be sought at the August meeting. NEW BUSINESS Brenda will appoint a staff member to replace her at the June 8" meeting as she will be attending a Library Director's conference at that time. Mary Robertson will be Acting Chairperson for the meeting as Ed Jakubauskas will not be able to attend. As a few members will be out of town in July, it was decided to cancel the July I Y' meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marjorie Teklits Administrative Secretary