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LAB Minutes 10/21/2015 Naples, Florida, October 21, 2015 LET IT BE KNOWN that the LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD met on this date in regular session at 10:00 a.m. in the Headquarters Regional Library with the following members present: CHAIR: Doris J. Lewis—District 4 VICE-CHAIR: Loretta Murray—District 1 Carla Grieve—District 2 Connie Bettinger-Hennink—District 3 Marjorie H. Gagnon—District 5 ALSO PRESENT: Val Kocin, Library Director Tanya Williams, Assistant Library Director Karen Tibbetts,Administrative Assistant Jon Zoler, President, Friends of the Library Jon Zoler showed everyone the framed Proclamation certificate that was presented to the Friends of the Library by the Board of County Commissioners at their October 13, 2015 meeting. The County proclaimed October 18-24 to be Friends of the Library Week. Mr. Zoler explained that Bobbi Skaggs initiated the proclamation application along with Linda Leatherbury. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mrs. Lewis asked for additions or corrections to the minutes of September 16, 2015. Minor corrections were noted. Mrs. Grieve moved to approve the minutes with the corrections. Ms. Bettinger-Hennink seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. REPORT OF OFFICERS • Mrs. Lewis asked if there would be any forthcoming Literacy Program reports. Ms. Williams replied that this position will not be filled at this time. She explained that originally, this position was funded by a private donor, and when the original funding was expended, the Library assumed the responsibility of the salary. • Mrs. Kocin added that once the Community Assessment is completed, the Library will have a better idea of what services to provide to the public. The Library does not want to replicate other programs already in the community, and would like to partner with other agencies to provide literacy services. COMMUNICATIONS a—Written • Mrs. Grieve handed out copies of an article she wrote pertaining to the LEAP program that was published in the Collier Citizen Newspaper. She would like to get a column in the Naples Daily News to reach a larger audience. b—Personal—None PUBLIC COMMENTS—None UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1) Employee of the Month—October • Mrs. Murray nominated Billie Jo Zissler from the East Naples Branch Library for the October employee of the month. Ms. Bettinger-Hennink seconded the nomination and the motion passed unanimously. 2) Donation Policy 1 • Ms. Williams distributed handouts of donation policy information. The one dated November 2002 was approved by the LAB. • Extracts from a 2012 draft of Library policies pertaining to gifts, bequests and memorials was distributed. • Discussion ensued regarding acceptable materials for donation. • Mrs. Kocin stated that 60% of donated materials are unacceptable. • The public needs to become better educated regarding Library donation guidelines. • The Library makes arrangements with Goodwill to collect any materials not sold at the book sale. • Ms. Williams asked for everyone to review this information to discuss at the next LAB meeting. 3) Building Use Policy Update • The "Use of Library Facilities" policy handout was drafted on 4/18/2003. • Extracts from a 2012 draft of policies pertaining to use of Library facilities was distributed. • Discussion ensued regarding restrictions for room and building use. • Ms. Williams will provide room rental statistics at the next LAB meeting. NEW BUSINESS 1) Community Assessment Relative to Technology &Services • Mrs. Kocin reported that each Library location will provide profile information specific to their branch, which will be provided to the consultant that will be hired to conduct the community assessment. • Mr. Zoler added that he observed that Greenwich and Princeton have conducted surveys that may be useful as a foundation for the Library's survey. 2) Year Round LEAP Students • Mrs. Kocin stated that she will be discussing year-round LEAP students with the Friends of the Library. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS • Mrs. Lewis commented that someone walked across the Library parking lot to give her a Jehovah Witness brochure. • Ms. Williams stated that the Library was unaware that anyone from this group was doing so. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 1) Current Statistics • Ms. Williams shared statistical information for door counts and circulation. • Circulation at the Library peaked in 2009. • Ms. Williams commented that libraries across the nation have experienced a decline in circulation. • The door count statistics compare each location as well as peak days. • Tuesdays show to be the busiest day of the week, which may be due to the fact that many holidays are recognized on Mondays. • Most Library door counts are collected manually as a part of the closing procedure. • Many patrons come to the Library without checking out any materials. They may come just to use the computers, copiers, or attend a program. • Ms. Williams will provide prior year door counts at the next LAB meeting. • Some of the statistics that the County collects from the Library do not accurately present the activity at the Library. Mrs. Kocin and Ms. Williams will discuss this matter with the County. • Ms. Gagnon commented that there is no signage for the Immokalee Library, except on the Library property. 2 • She added that there was more of a community feel when voting was held at the Library. However, due to budget issues and limited space, voting was moved to the Immokalee Community Center. • Mrs. Kocin added that 48% of Immokalee residents have a library card. Ave Maria residents account for a population of 5,500. • Ms. Bettinger-Hennink stated that the last Collier County census showed a population of 320K. Approximately 150K Library cards were active at that time. • Discussion ensued regarding library cards. They can be given to a child after they're born, Mail-a-Book patrons can renew their cards without having to come to the Library, Library cards are valid for three years. Many children get Library cards when they tour the Library or when staff visit the schools. • Ms. Williams will provide library card count information at the next LAB meeting. 2) FY16 Budget • The Library's FY16 budget was approved by the BCC. • $650K has been budgeted for materials • The 1.5% increase in operating expenses does not cover much. • Mr. Zoler suggested for the FOL to contact the County to increase the budget, especially for computers. • The new Purchasing Technician at the Library is Yahaira Magee. 3) Marco Island Library Saturday Hours— December 5 • The Marco Island Branch Library will be open on Saturdays beginning December 5th. • Press releases and email blasts will be forthcoming for the kickoff. 4) Golden Gate closes 12:00 pm on December 5(Winter Fest) • Golden Gate Branch Library will be closing early on December 5th due to the Winter Fest being held at the nearby Community Center. REPORT OF THE FRIENDS • Mr. Zoler reported that it has been a busy month for the Friends of the Library. • He provided handouts for the Proposed Library Program Action Plan, Library Remodeling Grant Summary and Recommendations, and Library Branch Enhancements. • Mr. Zoler explained that the FOL and County mutually decided to withdraw the remodeling grant application. • The Executive Committee of the FOL decided to focus their support on individual library branches. Board members will visit each location to determine what help the FOL can provide. • Mrs. Grieve added that FOL donations can be restricted to a particular Library branch. • The Marco Island FOL group has a separate budget. Mrs. Kocin handed out invitations to Pat DeGroot's retirement party to be held on October 30th ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Library Advisory Board, Mrs. Grieve moved to adjourn, Ms. Bettinger-Hennink seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. The next Library Advisory Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 9 at the Headquarters Library. Approved by: Doris J. Lewis, Chair, Library Advisory Board 3