HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 10/11/2001A regular meeting of the Library Board was held on October 11, 2001 in the Ben Delatour Room
of the Main Library. The following Library Board members were present: Carolyn Haase, Lisa
Helme, Rudy Maes, Ralph Olson, Mary Robertson, and Joan Scheuerman.
Library Board Member Absent: Charles Robles
City Staff Members Present: Brenda Cams, Mike Powers, and Marjorie Teklits
Friends of the Library Liaison: Joanna Lambert
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by the Chairperson, Mary Robertson.
Carolyn Haase requested that the September 13, 2001 minutes be amended to add that Mary
Robertson, Rudy Maes, Carolyn Haase and Joanna Lambert attended the August 21 City Council
regular meeting and that several members of the Friends organization were also present to offer
support for the November ballot issue. A motion was made by Rudy Maes to approve the
minutes of the September 13, 2001 meeting as amended; Ralph Olson seconded the motion, and
it was unanimously approved.
Correspondence
Copies of a memo dated September 20, 2001 from the Boards and Commissions Coordinator
concerning Revisions to Boards and Commissions Manual Regarding Executive Sessions were
distributed.
Copies of newspaper articles concerning recent library events and the upcoming election were
also included in Board packets.
Reports/Presentations
a. Director — Brenda Cams
Brenda reported that the library's entry in the September 22"d CSU Homecoming Parade
won first prize in the Novelty category and that both staff and parade attendees enjoyed
the event tremendously.
The library's Summer Reading Program won first place in the Large Library Division of
Public Libraries in Colorado, a competition sponsored by Econoclad Books and the
Colorado Library Association. Thanks to the Friends of the Library who provide the
funding for this program every year.
Carolyn Haase, Ralph Olson, and Rudy Maes, represented the Library Board, and Joanna
Lambert and Heman Adams, represented the Friends in support of funding for a
Children's Youth Services Librarian in the 2002/03 budget at the October 2 City Council
meeting.
Wayne Givens, President of the Library Trust, will be attending the November 8d' Library
Board meeting to provide an update on the Trust's activities.
Brenda mentioned that the December 13d' Library Board meeting location will be
changed due to a recarpeting project on the first floor of the Main Library. This will be
discussed further at the November meeting.
b. Friends of the Library - Joanna Lambert
The Friends took in approximately $33,000 at the October 5-7 booksale at Foothills
Fashion Mall. Combined with other book sales, the amount raised from the sale of
donated books this year is over $50,000.
The Friends sponsored a Fort Collins Symphony Preview at noon on September 18th at
the Main Library.
On behalf of the Library Board, Mary Robertson thanks the Friends for their hard work in
conducting the book sales, support of the library, and contributions to the library's future.
C. Committee Reports:
County/State/National - Charles Robles
As Charles was unable to attend tonight's meeting, a report will be given next month.
City Council Relations - Rudy Maes
Board support of the library budget request for a Youth Services Librarian was mentioned
previously.
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Regarding information from various focus groups regarding library services, Rudy
reported that the Hispanic community was primarily interested in more space and more
books. Lisa said she would like to join Rudy in speaking to groups in the Hispanic
community.
Community Public Relations - Lisa Helme
Lisa said that her committee plans to resume meetings with various focus groups to
discuss library services after the holidays; she has spoken to the Downtown Rotary group
about scheduling a meeting with them.
Childrens/Young Adult Services - Carolyn Haase
Carolyn said that Lu Benke's detailed written report on Children's services activities was
very thorough and reflects the excellent quality of that department. She suggested Board
members be notified when the Children's Librarian retires at the end of the year so that
the Board can thank her for her accomplishments.
Carolyn recommended a Young Adult College Financial Aid information program with
focus on sources available in the library's collection and perhaps speakers from CSU to
share information such as available scholarships. Brenda said she will pass her
suggestion and ideas on to the Young Adult Librarian.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Public Input Process - Mike Powers
Mary asked what the process would involve after the November election, assuming the
issue and bonding for a new main library is approved. Mike said that bonds would be
issued and that project bids would requested for the design architects when cash becomes
available. The public input process would be extensive and include many outreach
meetings. The Library Board's role to help facilitate public input will play a big role in
the process.
b. Security Issues: Carolyn distributed copies of an October 111h article appearing in the
Denver Post, 'Denver eyes security overhaul; Terror attacks prompt audit of procedures."
She asked if there has been any training in Fort Collins on security precautions and if any
library staff have military backgrounds; concerns are not only with terrorism but with
mentally ill persons as well. Brenda said, though there are no identified staff with
military training, staff are quick to respond to unusual or potentially dangerous situations.
Police Services and Fire Authority personnel have also responded quickly to our needs.
Mike Powers said that the City has looked into the issue of CPR training and
defibrillators, and it is likely that defibrillators will be placed in various high -use City
buildings. All of the buildings have fire alarm systems. Since the events of September
11, focus is being directed on reservoirs and the water supply system and discussions with
local FBI representatives regarding possible targets of terrorism.
Lisa said that there was a group providing information about self-defense lessons at the
September City Health Fair and that knowledge of self-defense might be helpful before
Police could arrive. Brenda said this idea could be explored but the cost of training is
not known.
C. Harmony Library Advisory Committee Meeting: Lisa Helme volunteered to represent the
Library Board at the Harmony Library Advisory Committee meeting next Monday,
October 15.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie Teklits
Administrative Secretary