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LAB Minutes 10/18/202330.A.3 Naples, Florida, October 18, 2023 LET IT BE KNOWN that the LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD met on this date at 10:00 a.m. in the Golden Gate Branch Library with the following members present M N CHAIR: Connie Bettinger— District 3 N VICE -CHAIR Joan Hochschild — District 1 Li SECRETARY Joy White — District 4 Marjorie H Gagnon — District 5 Carla Grieve — District 2 m 0 ALSO PRESENT: Rosemary LaBarge. Library Assistant Director Z Tanya Williams. Public Services Department Head E. Karen Tibbetts, Library Operations Support Specialist I M 0 David Chalick, Branch Manager, Golden Gate Library m Julie Blatt, Manager, Naples Regional Library L 0 Denise McMahon, Manager, South Regional Library Kim Spina, Manager. Library Technical Services a Chloe Snider. Branch Manager, Vanderbilt Beach Branch Library >, Janet Pereira, Library Program Coordinator L Matthew Etzei, Library Program Coordinator Andrew Meyer, Library Program Coordinator J Alaina Jackson, Library Program Coordinator N Amanda DeCastro. Librarian II N John Alexander, Library Specialist I Linda Pederson, Library Specialist 1 c Denise Gamache, Library Specialist I N Lisa Harris, Library Specialist I 00 Tammy Jones, Library Specialist I Carol Lepman, Library Specialist 1 0 Bob Lepman. Collier County Resident 0 Connie Kindsvater. FOL Past -President, Membership Chair , Patti DeGroot, FOL Advisor Marie Overman, President, Genealogical Society of Collier County Rosemary LaBarge, Assistant Library Director reported at today's meeting on behalf of Catherine Cowser. Library Director. CALL TO ORDER 1) Grant LAB Member remote attendance (Motion & Approval) • 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 September 20, 2023. Dr. Hochschild noted one minor error. Mrs. Grieve moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. White seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. Packet Pg. 1035 30.A.3 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS 1) Library Division Cheers for Peers Recipients for September • Copies of the September Cheers for Peers recipients were provided to LAB members, and Mrs. LaBarge read the list of recipients. 2) County Service Awards and VIP Certificates for September • Ms. Blatt stated that October is Family History Month and read information from the Library's October newsletter. • She reported that the Genealogy Room located in the Naples Regional Library provides resources that allow patrons to trace their ancestry. • She added that these databases and resources are supported by the Friends of the Library. • Several library staff are being recognized with Values in Practice (VIP) awards for their assistance to patrons and volunteers of the Genealogical Society of Collier County. • VIP awards submitted on behalf of Marie Overman included: Tammy Jones (EN). Lisa Harris (VB), Linda Pederson (VB), Carol Lepman (EN), and Denise Gamache (NR). • Mrs. LaBarge stated that genealogy has become the country's second most popular hobby. Since the reopening of the Genealogy Room in 2022, there have been 500 patron visits. • Mrs. Overman. President of the Genealogical Society of Collier County was recognized for the countless hours she has spent to ensure that the organization and collection in the Genealogy Room is top-notch. She was presented with a thank you card and bouquet of flowers in appreciation. • Mrs. Overman thanked everyone for all their invaluable assistance and support. She added that she is also appreciative of the renovation of the Genealogy Room.. including the new carpeting and fresh paint. • Ms. Blatt invited everyone to visit the Naples Regional Library on Wednesday.. October 25 from Noon-3pm for an introduction to the Genealogy Room and its fascinating resources. Ms. Bettinger announced that today's schedule of agenda items will be rearranged in order to accommodate Ms. Williams' schedule to allow for discussion pertaining to the October 10, 2023, Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting and agenda item 11 D regarding the termination of the Collier County Public Library's 21-plus year membership with the American Library Association (ALA). Ms. Williams stated the decisions made by the five Commissioners at the October 10 BCC meeting are not a reflection of the Library, its staff, or the services provided to the community She added that Collier County as a whole leans toward conservatism. The public is always encouraged to educate themselves on candidates running for elected positions. She added that based on the directives she was given by the BCC, she was instructed to draft a letter to immediately end the Library's ALA membership upon completion of the October 10 meeting. 2 M N O N L a� E a� 0 z M N 0 N 0 0 L01 Packet Pg. 1036 30.A.3 She stated that when she met with the BCC prior to this meeting, she requested assurance that the topic of discussion at this meeting would be focused only on the ALA membership and not divert to other topics that were broached by the public at the BCC workshop held on October 5. She added that the termination of the ALA membership will have no impact on the Library's memberships with the Florida Library Association (FLA) or the Southwest Florida Library Network (SWFLN) our local library consortium. Ms. Williams encouraged everyone to replay the video recording of both meetings. She also encouraged everyone to review Ordinance 2023-39 establishing Collier County as a Bill of Rights Sanctuary County that was approved by the BCC at their August 22, 2023, meeting. Ms. White added that she spoke at the October 10 meeting and was speechless after hearing the untruths spoken by the other two speakers. She was appalled that the BCC did not value her comments as a professional Librarian with nearly 20 years of experience working in libraries. She added that she has a personal membership with the ALA, which has been extremely beneficial in her efforts to re-establish the library at a local Catholic School. Ms White encouraged reading of the book "On Censorship: A Public Librarian Examines Cancel Culture in the US (Speaker's Corner) by James LaRue. Ms. Williams indicated that she would not rebut an issue unless directed to do so by the Commissioners Ms Bettinger asked why this concern was not brought before the Library Advisory Board prior to being discussed at the BCC meeting. Ms. White stated that groups are going directly to the top governing officials all over the country to present their case against the ALA and its current president. Ms. Williams stated that it is at the BCC's discretion to put any item on its meeting agenda. She reported that she and the other Department Heads meet every Monday before a BCC meeting to discuss related topics on the agenda. Mrs. Overman asked what pushed the Commissioners to not take more time to review this matter. Ms. Williams replied that the group behind this initiative were well organized and passionate against the current sitting ALA President and her misguided social media postings, and their presentation of their perceived philosophy of the ALA was persuasive to the BCC. She added that the Commissioners are more responsive to constituents who present their case in a clear and concise manner. She encouraged those wishing to contact the Commissioners to become educated by spot checking the BCC meetings and to be very concise and articulate when advocating their position on the matter. Ms. Williams reminded everyone that per the Sunshine Law. LAB members can only speak with each other about library matters in a public forum. Should a member wish to communicate information to the other members, they can do so by sending a one-way communication directly A Packet Pg. 1037 30.A.3 to Catherine or Rose, who could then forward their information as a one-way communication to the other members. County employees can advocate their views; however. Ms. Williams cautioned that they should be aware of, and ensure, their individual actions are not in violation of the County CMAs and Code of Ethics Members of the public and groups can send communications to others to advocate their position. Discussion ensued and many were upset that there was no time between the two meetings for members of the LAB or FOL to have the opportunity to have a spokesperson to present concrete information in rebuttal. Ms. Williams assured Library staff that they would not be reprimanded if they personally have an ALA membership, or if they attend any ALA conferences. She will submit a request for legal consideration to see if staff can access information on the ALA website using a county computer. District 2 Commissioner Chris Hall will be having a Coffee with Commissioner Hall meeting at 10:00 am on Friday. October 20 at the Headquarters Library. In January 2024, Mr. Hall will become the BCC Chairman. Ms. LaBarge distributed contact information for the Board of County Commissioners. BOARD REPORTS 1) Report of Officers Ms. Bettinger reported that the Friends of the Library Board will be meeting on Friday. October 20 at 2pm at the Naples Regional Library. New officers will be installed at this meeting. She asked if a representative from the LAB could attend. Mrs. Grieve indicated that she plans to attend. 2) Report of Committees Ms. Bettinger informed everyone that in anticipation of today's meeting, the annual review of the LAB By -Laws has been scheduled for November. Everyone indicated that they would be able to meet after the November LAB meeting for this review. PRESENTATIONS 1) Report of the Friends of the Library (FOL) • Mrs. DeGroot spoke about the upcoming Local Author Book Fair to be held on Saturday: November 18 at the South Regional Library from 11am-3pm. • This event is free to the public and will feature 46 Collier County authors. 12 write children's books. 9 write fiction. and 15 write non-fiction. One fiction, and one non- fiction author have also written children's books. • In order to participate in this event, an author must reside in Collier County for at least 3 months during the year. • Mrs. DeGroot provided some history on this event. Seven years ago, two local authors contacted Nick Linn, founder of the FOLs Nick Linn Lecture Series, to meet with them to see if the Friends of the Library could help to promote local authors. 4 M N 0 N L m E m 0 VA M N O N C L d 0 Packet Pg. 1038 30.A.3 • Ironically. three years prior, Mrs. DeGroot and Mrs. McMahon held a local author book fair at the South Regional Library. • Mrs. DeGroot is excited about this year's Local Author Book Fair and the relationship with the FOL and the Library. • She brainstormed with the Librarians, who provided information and promotion through the Library about this year's event. • In addition to being posted on the FOL website, the Local Author Book Fair has been promoted in the Library's October newsletter, as well as on its website and bright boards at each location. • Small posters were made for each library location and flyers will be distributed as well to promote this event. • Sound bites were created and recorded by the Librarians with some of the authors. and they've been posted on the Library's social media sites. • The Librarians wiil also post fun facts about the authors on its social media sites. • Two of the chiidren's authors will present story times; one at 11:30 and the other at 12:30 Two adult authors will speak at 1 pm. • The FOL will have a table with information to encourage new memberships. The Library will have a table to encourage new card holders. • Mrs. LaBarge expressed appreciation to the FOL on their work and support of the Library. • Mrs. DeGroot reported that the Signature Series events are exclusive to FOL members. On Tuesday; October 24, the series will feature King George III and will be held at the Naples Regional Library at 10am and 1 pm. • The next Author Spotlight Event will be held on Thursday, October 26 and will feature Shelley Read's "Go as a River'. This event will be held at 2pm at the Norris Center. Tickets are still available, $48 for FOL members: $58 for non-members. 2) Report of the Library Director a. Statistics i. Library ranking among comparable Florida county systems • This item was carried over from the September LAB meeting, per request of LAB members. Ms. Bettinger reported that she researched the information provided at the September meeting and found another statistic that hopefully could be included on future reports. She learned that Volusia County reported 4414 hours of volunteer hours. Collier County reported 774 hours. • She asked if the Library would be resuming the Volunteer Appreciation Events. Mrs. LaBarge replied that due to budget restrictions, it is difficult to fund the events; however, perhaps the FOL could provide the funding. o Mrs. LaBarge distributed new statistic information to LAB members. • Ms. Bettinger would like to have time to review the new information distributed and requested updates on statistics to be included on the LAB's November meeting agenda. Library door counts • Mrs. LaBarge provided handouts of the Library's door counts and circulation statistics. iii. Uncollectible accounts receivables • Mr Etzel reported that each year the Library requests the County to write off any outstanding fines/fees that have not been able to be collected after five years of diligent efforts. 5 M N O N L L E 0 z M N O N O 0 U Lel Packet Pg. 1039 30.A.3 • He reported that for fiscal year 2018-2019 the Library collected $448k in fines/fees: however, $178k was uncollectible. • Since these fines/fees are an accumulation of small amounts of 7300 patrons, it would cost more to pursue collection through an agency. • He added that most of the accounts associated with these fine/fees are no c longer current, as library cards expire after three years. N • Patrons can renew their library card if there is an outstanding fine/fee on r the account; however. accounts are locked when an individual's fines/fees aD reach $10 E b. General Operations i. Facilities 0 Z • Mrs. LaBarge reported that the Library has requested professional services for designing the hardening and expanding the Collier Senior Center building to be awarded to Harvard Jolly, Inc. in the amount of m $597,888. • The former Golden Gate Branch Library building is 40 years old and needs o to be expanded to continue to provide valuable resources and services to > the growing senior population in the community. a • The Senior Center currently provides hot lunches, crafts, emergency information (FEMA, Red Cross, etc.), financial assistance, etc. • Grants have been awarded to help combine funding for hardening the building.00 M • Mr. Chalick added that when the new Golden Gate Branch Library building was being designed, an additional 7,000 square feet was to be included however, it was removed from the design prior to construction N • The expansion of the Senior Center building will create a multi -use N meeting space that can accommodate 100 people and can be shared with o0 the Library, • Mrs. LaBarge reported that the Immokalee parking lot is out again for bid. o ii. Programming • Mrs LaBarge stated that the Library is highlighting Genealogy O programming this month. • Mrs. McMahon reported that the Children's Play and Learn Centers provide materials that can be circulated among the library locations. • She thanked the FOL for their continued support in helping to fund these v materials • In August 958 children enjoyed the play and learn stations throughout the library system. In September 1406 children participated. • Mrs. McMahon thanked Mrs. Pereira for cataloging the materials in the system to efficiently share them among the different library locations. • Mrs. LaBarge added that the teen programming at the Naples Regional Library has grown as there is a dedicated staff member assigned to these programs • There have been 1365 young adult programs with an attendance of 114k. iii. State Aid Application • Mrs. LaBarge reported that the first part of the application for State Aid was submitted on time, and the next parts one through ten with 149 performance indicators and statistics are due on December first. • The Library anticipates receiving $140k, in State Aid funding. iv. 10.10.23 BCC Agenda Item 11.D —Termination of Membership to ALA Packet Pg. 1040 30.A.3 • This item was discussed earlier in the meeting. PUBLIC PETITIONS TO THE BOARD FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATED TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None NEW BUSINESS — None Tour Golden Gate Branch Library and Collier Senior Center David Chalick provided a tour of the Go#den Gate Branch Library, which recently was painted inside and out. Esther Lully, Director of the Collier Senior Center provided a tour of the facility. She provided details on the programs and services they provide to the community. She shared information on the proposed much needed expansion of the facility. There was a full house of seniors enjoying lunch at the center during the tour. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATED TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION — None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Library Advisory Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. to tour the Golden Gate Branch Library and Collier Senior Center. Mrs. Cowser will update LAB members as to the format of the Library Advisory Board meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, FL 34109. 239252-7311. Connie Bettinger, Chair Library Advisory Board M N O N LC> r L E a� 0 Packet Pg. 1041