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LAB Minutes 03/20/2024Naples, Florida, March 20,2024 LET tT BE KNOWN that the LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD met on this date at 10:30 a.m. in the Headquarters Library with the following members present: CHAIR: VICE-CHAIR: SECRETARY Connie Bettinger - District 3 Joy White - District 4 Joan Hochschild - District 1 Marjorie H. Gagnon - District 5 Carla Grieve - District 2 ALSO PRESENT Catherine Cowser, Library Director Karen Tibbetts, Operations Support Specialist I Denise McMahon, Manager, South Regional Library Julie Blatt, Manager, Naples Regional Library David Chalick, Golden Gate Library Branch Manager Silvia Puente, lmmokalee Library Branch Manager Chloe Snider, Vanderbilt Beach Library Branch Manager Matthew Etzel, Library Program Coordinator Janet Pereira, Library Program Coordinator Linda Pederson, Collier County Resident Lisa Harris, Collier County Resident Mr. Gagnon, Collier County Resident CALL TO ORDERt) Grant LAB Member remote attendance (Motion & Approval)r Quorum was met for this meeting and was directed by Ms. Bettinger. No motion or approval for remote attendance was necessary. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Bettinger asked for approval of the meeting minutes of February 21,2024. Dr. Hochschild moved to approve the minutes as written. Ms. White seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. Awards and Recognitions I ) Library Division Cheers for Peers Recipients for February. Copies of the February Cheers for Peers recrpients were provided to LAB members 2) County Service Awards and VIP Certificates. Mrs. Cowser presented VIP certificates to the following library staff: Denise McMahon (SR); Silvia Puente (lM); Criselda Marrero (lM). . Unfortunately, Criselda was unable to attend today's meeting; however, her VIP award will be sent to her and will be presented to her by her supervisor. BOARD REPORTS 1) Repo( of Officers. Ms. Bettinger reported that she attended the Golden Gate Civic Association's monthly meeting and provided them with a Library update. 1 30.A.3 Packet Pg. 1073 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - March 20, 2024 (28648 : Library Advisory Board - April 17, 2024) . She reminded those present that although the Library does not generate revenue, it serves a valuable service to Collier County residents.. She added that Crystal Kinzel, Clerk of Court, Collier County was also in attendance, and reported that there are funding issues countywide. 2) Report of Committeeso Ms. Bettinger reminded everyone that the LAB Member Committee will meet after today's meeting. PRESENTATIONS 1) Report ofthe Friends ofthe Library (FOL)o Mrs. Cowser reported on behalf of the Friends of the Library, as no representative was present at today's meeting.. She stated that she and Mrs. Grieve attended the March 19 Nonfiction Author Series event featuring Amanda Fairbanks, author of "Ihe Lost Boys of Montauk: The True Story of theWnd Blown, the Four Men Who Vanished at Sea, and the Survivors They Left Behrnd'. This sold-out event was the last of the 2024 season.. Mrs. Cowser stated that the Friends of the Library will continue to hold this breakfast lecture event at the Hilton Naples.o The last Nick Linn Lecture Series event for 2024 will be held on March 25 and feature Geraldine Brooks, author of "Horse".o The next Author Spotlight Event will be held on April 4 featuring Shana Abe, author of "An American Beauty". This event is open to FOL members and non-members and is held at The Norris Center.o Mrs. Cowser reported that she and Mrs. McMahon attended the recent FOL Board meeting.. She stated that the FOL's investments are doing well, and they would like the Library to provide them with their three-year planned spending plan.o The FOL continues to provide funding for library branch special projects, the summer reading program, MAB, genealogy resources, and the children's creative learning centers.. Mrs. Cowser reported that current FOL membership is at'1900 members.. Mrs. McMahon added that the FOL is looking for suggestions to increase its membership. 2) Report of the Library Directora. General Operationsi. Facilities & Capital Projectso Mrs. Cowser reported that David Chalick has been handling the Library's facility projects.. Recently the Estates Branch experienced irrigation issues and needed its well repaired.. The roof and ceiling tiles at HQ have been repaired and held up with the latest rain.o Upcoming projects include carpet replacement at NR's study room and installation of vinyl flooring at NR's circulation area.. The new carpet in the children's room at HQ is scheduled for after Easter Workers plan to schedule the work during non-business hours.. Ms. Bettinger asked if there were any updates to the parking lot in lmmokalee. 2 30.A.3 Packet Pg. 1074 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - March 20, 2024 (28648 : Library Advisory Board - April 17, 2024) . Mrs. Cowser reported that Deputy County Manager Dan Rodriguez and Public Services Department Head Tanya Williams indicated that the project should begin after the CAT bus transfer station project is completed.. Ms. Puente added that there are some recurring potholes that need to be repatched, however, the soil test results indicate that the parking lot cannot be repaved. lt will need to be removed and replaced.. Other projects include the expansion of the Golden Gate Senior Center, the hardening of the lmmokalee Branch Library, and carpeting at other locations.ii. Programmingo Mrs. Cowser reported that the Library is working on plans for this year's summer reading program.. The program will mimic last years and follow the Collaborative Summer Library Program's 2024 theme 'Adventure Begins at Your Library".. Mrs. McMahon reported that adult programming is winding down and added that this year's programming at South Regional Library was more successful than last years.. Mrs. Cowser added that the programming information submitted for State Aid reported over 500 programs with over 16,000 participants.o The "Start Your Engines" event reported 1600 attendees in comparison to last year's 1200 attendees.. The parking lot was full as more vendors participated this year.. Mrs. Cowser added that the Library hired a security service to help control the traffic flow near the Library's entrance on Orange Blossom Drive.o The Golden Gate Branch and South Regional Libraries had Ukrainian Egg Decorating programs, which were well attended.. StoMimes continue to have big turnouts and there has been increased use of the creative play and learning centers.. Between October and February, booked appointments for Genealogy assistance increased by 800/0.o Ms. \y'Vhite asked about teen/tween programming.. Mrs. Cowser reported that one of the key youth programming staff has been out on leave, and there has been some fluctuation on programs dependent on staffing.. Mrs. Cowser showed LAB members a "Beginning Birders at the Library" birdwatching kit.o This initiative is in partnership with the Audubon of the Western Everglades, who provided eleven birdwatching kits that include a backpack, binoculars, folding pocket bird brochure, and instruction guide.o Birdwatching kits can only be picked up and returned at the following library locations: Headquarters (6), Estates (3) and lmmokalee (2).. Birdwatching kits can only be checked out with an adult library card. They can be checked out for three weeks and renewed one time.. Ms. Bettinger added that Eagle Scouts are always looking for community projects. iii. Staffing. Mrs. Cowser reported that Susan Maunz resigned from the Headquarters Library Manager position. 30.A.3 Packet Pg. 1075 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - March 20, 2024 (28648 : Library Advisory Board - April 17, 2024) . Several internal promotional opportunities were posted recently. Assistant Library Director, Headquarters Library Manager, Youth Servrces Librarian l, and two Supervisor-Operations (NR & SR). Also, three extemal positions were posted. One full{ime Library Specialist I (Ml) and two part{ime Library Specialist I (Ml & lM).o Once the internal positions have been filled, the Library hopes that we will be able to post additional positions. b. Library Statistics. Mrs. Cowser reported that she and Mr. Etzel are working on the budget using the new priority-based budgeting guidelines implemented by the County.. The Library has been reviewing any changes that can be made to offset the increase in utility costs, such as adjusting sprinkler usage.. The budget should be completed by mid-April.o Mrs. Cowser expects to present more statistical information at next month's meeting, since this is a board priority. PUBLIC PETITIONS TO THE BOARD FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION - None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATED TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION - None UNFINISHED BUSINESSo Ms. Bettinger stated that one member of the public presented concerns in the form of a list of questions. Ms Melanie Wcker hoped these could be answered by LAB in January regarding the Board of County Commissioner's decision to terminate the Library's ALA membership. The board reviewed the list of questions and would like to collaborate with Library staff for a response.o Mrs. Cowser suggested LAB members follow Tanya Williams' instructions given at the LAB October 18,2023 meeting, where she suggested LAB should consolidate general comments/replies about subjects of concern by the public.. Ms. White added that sance the patron's concerns stem from the politrcal climate of Collier County, some responses may be dependent on upcoming election results.. Discussion ensued regarding other varying factors that need to be considered, as this sltuation is continually changing.. Ms. Bettinger will table this item until the LAB is able to get more information after the Library's budget is completed. NEW BUSINESS - None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATED TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION - NONE Mrs. Cowser will update LAB members as to the format of the Library Advisory Board meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109. 239.252.7311. 4 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Library Advisory Board, the meeting was adjourned at 1 1:10 a.m. 30.A.3 Packet Pg. 1076 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - March 20, 2024 (28648 : Library Advisory Board - April 17, 2024) Connie Bettinger, Chair Library Advisory Board Ti;ffiwl 30.A.3 Packet Pg. 1077 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - March 20, 2024 (28648 : Library Advisory Board - April 17, 2024)