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LAB Minutes 02/21/204Naples, Florida, February 21 , 2024 LET lT 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 Susan h/aunz, Manager, Headquarters Library Denise McMahon, Manager, South Regional Library Julie Blatt, Manager, Naples Regional Library Amanda DeCastro, Librarian ll, Naples Regional Library Mackenzie Morgan, Librarian ll, Headquarters Library Bryan Watt, Librarian ll, South Regional Library Janet Pereira, Library Program Coordinator Johanna Casares, Library Specialist ll, East Naples Branch Library Trevor Blanco, Library Specialist l, Naples Regional Library Elizabeth Flores, Library Specialist l, Golden Gate Branch Library Tammy Jones, Library Specialist l, East Naples Branch Library Patricia Weikel, Library Specialist l, Headquarters Library Arnie Rubin, FOL Vice President CALL TO ORDER I ) Grant LAB Member remote attendance (Motion & Approval)o 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 annual and regular meeting minutes of January 17, 2024. Dr. Hochschild moved to approve the annual minutes as written. Ms. \A/hite seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. Ms. Bettinger asked for clarification on one item. Mrs. Grieve moved to approve the regular minutes with one correction. Ms. \rVhite and Dr. Hochschild simultaneously seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. Awards and Recognitions I ) Library Division Gheerc for Peers Recipients for January. Copies of the January Cheers for Peers recipients were provided to LAB members 2) County Service Awards and VIP Certificates. Mrs. Cowser stated that Samantha Biegel (full-time Library Specialist I at HQ) is celebrating her 5 years of service with the County.. She added that VIP certificates were received for December and January.. The following Library staff members received December VlPs: 1 o Amanda DeCastro (NR); Bryan Watt (SR); Elizabeth Flores (GG) x 2; Jessica Minix (NR); Mona Vega (GG); and Trevor Blanco (NR) The following Library stafi members received January VlPs:o Amanda DeCastro (NR); Barbie Schulze (VB) x 2; Bryan Watt (NR); Carol Lepman (EN); Chloe Snider (VB) x 2; Janet Pereira (AD); Jared Del Re (AD); Jayasree Gopalan (HQ); Johanna Casares (EN); Karen Hayman (EN); Karen Tibbetts (AD); Kristen Lieberth (HQ): Mackenzie Morgan (HQ) x 2; Michelle Galicia (GG); Patricia Weikel (HQ); Susan Maunz (HQ) x 2; Tammy Jones (EN); Trevor Blanco (NR) Most of the nominators were submitted by Library staff; however, several VlPs were submitted on behalf of Library patrons who were so grateful forthe Library services they received, that they wanted some employees to be recognized and in addition, they also donated money to the Library in appreciation of its services. One award was presented by the Risk Management Division. Unfortunately, not all recipients were able to attend today's meeting; however, their VIP awards will be sent to their home library location and will be presented to them by their supervisor. 2 BOARD REPORTS 1) Report of Officers. Ivls. Bettinger reported that she attended the Library's recent book sale and also attended the Veteran's event. She was happy to see the events well attended. 2) Report of Committeeso Ms. Bettinger requested forming two committees: 1) To discuss the questions submitted by resident Melanie Wcker for the LAB's review. 2) To discuss the future and succession of the LAB'S officers.. Discussion ensued, and the members decided to meet after the March 20 LAB meeting to discuss these topics. PRESENTATIONS 1) Report ofthe Friends ofthe Library (FOL)o lrilr. Rubin presented the Report of the Friends of the Library on behalf of Cindy Ruddy, FOL President, who was unable to attend today's meeting.o He stated that the Friends ofthe Library also recently spoke of their succession plans for their Board.o He was happy to hear during the VIP presentation that the Cricut devices provided to the Golden Gate Branch Library have been used in recent programming. These machines were funded by the FOL.. Mr. Rubin added that the FOL has doubled their donation money for library enhancements.. The second non-fiction lecture series showcasing Buzz Bissinger, authorof'Friday Night Lights", was held on February 5. Mr. Bissinger spoke about his book "The Mosquito Bowl".o [t/lr. Rubin announced that more men were present at this lecture, which was one of the original goals of the committee. 219 people attended, with a maximum capacity of 300. The presentation was wonderful - high energy, a compelling narrative, and good humor. An unbeatable combination. Lots of kudos were received from the audience as they were leaving. The complete sell-out of books by Books-a-Million is some indication of people's reaction. The South Regional Library hosted the February 16 Signature Series Event featuring "Nicola Tesla - The Master of Lightening' with performer Duffy Hudson. Approximately 250 people attended this event. The FOL Board meeting was held immediately after the lecture in the conference room at the South Regional Library. Mr. Rubin stated that FOL Board member Connie Kindsvater, will be attending the March 1'l Nick Linn Lecture Series and plans to speak about the FOL and LAB Boards. The Nick Linn Lecture Series is currently depending upon co-chair Patty Reed, a relatively new board member, to run with negotiating contracts and contacting authors and their agents. She is more than capable. The Allison Pataki lecture on Monday went very smoothly. Mr. Rubin stated that some current members are aging out and experiencing health issues. Friends Advisor Patti Decroot is also currently unable to assist with some events. The Friends of the Library is actively seeking new members, volunteers, and Board members. Three prospective new members are anticipated to attend the FOL's March meeting. Prior to COVID, FOL membership was around 2,000 members; however current membership is at 1 ,780. 2) Report of the Library Directora. General Operationsi. Facilities & Capital Projectso Mrs. Cowser reported that the South Regional Library was recently pressure washed and quotes are currently being requested for painting. The exterior paint on the south side of the building is particularly in poor condition.. The Marco lsland Branch Library was also recently pressure washed and painted inside and out.. Patrons have complimented the new grey and blue color choices.. lvlrs. Cowser indicated that the Marco lsland Friends of the Library may work on improvements to the interior of the Marco lsland Branch.. Sidewalk repairs at the lmmokalee Branch Library are expected to be completed next week.o Mrs. Cowser stated that an email was sent to Collier resident Mr. Martin in response to his inquiry about the parking lot at the lmmokalee Branch.. Commissioner McDaniel informed him that a federally funded partnership was established seven years ago to work on various projects in that area, including a transfer station for the CAT buses, drainage, ADA, and the parking area.. This project is currently in the portal of the Facilities Department; however, no timeline for this project is available.. Reparrs to the East Naples Branch Library parking lot are also in the portal of the Facilities Department. The exterior and sidewalks at this location were recently pressure washed, and the interior was painted. 3 . The roofers completed repairs to the flat areas of the roof at the Estates Branch Library on February 15. Replacement of stained and damaged ceiling tiles on the inside of the building is scheduled.o The chiller at the Headquarters Library is scheduled to be replaced on Match22.o The Everglades City Branch Library has been closed since last week, as Roberta is out on approved leave.. The hardening of the Golden Gate Senior Center was awarded to Harvard Jolly Architecture.. The project management team discussed the scope of work, budget, and schedule at the February I kickoff meeting.. Two grants were awarded to this project, with the hardening of the building as its priority. The expansion project will follow.. Mrs. Cowser stated that Community Health Services uses the big room at this facility to provide meals to the community's seniors.ii. Programming. Mrs. Cowser reported that the Headquarters Library recently held a lecture event to celebrate Black History Month.. Mrs. Cowser shared a copy of a letter to the editor that was published in the Naples Daily News praising the Library for hosting Raymond Arsenault's lecture discussion on Congressman John Lewis.. 64 people attended this event and a display was featured in the foyer.. Mrs. Cowser stated that the Library's Annual Report is posted on the Library's website. This report shows statistics for library cards, visits, etc.. She added that the Library wants transparency with the public.. Mrs. Cowser reported that the recent book sale generated $7,543.. She pointed out the staff spotlight picture in the Library's newsletter that was distributed to LAB members.. Mrs. Cowser will add LAB members to the list to receive the monthly newsletter electronically.o The next big event will be Start Your Engines to be held on Saturday, February 24 from 10am-1pm. iii. Staffing. Mrs. Cowser reported that the Library has been unable to post any vacancies since July/August 2023.. Mrs. Cowser stated that since September she has reached out to Tanya Wlliams, Public Services Department Head, the Deputy County Manager, and County Manager to inform them that many Library services have been reduced as a result of staffing levels.. She indicated that hours of operation may need to be reduced as well.. lilany story times and outreach events have already been reduced, and participation in future outreach events is being eliminated.. The Library currently has 20 vacancies.. Mrs. Cowser reported that Rose LaBarge resigned from her Assistant Library Director position earlier this month.. Recently, one full-time employee resigned from the Estates Branch; one full-time and one part-time employee will be leaving the Marco lsland Branch Library on Friday; and one part{ime employee from the Headquarters Library children's department will be leaving on Monday. 4 . Recently, the primary Program Coordinator for teen programs at the Naples Regional Library has been out on approved leave.. Discussion ensued among LAB members asking why the vacancies are not being posted.o Mrs. Cowser encouraged members to watch the Board of Coung Commissioner meetings, which are televised and recorded.. At the last budget workshop, Commissioner McDaniels indicated that they are looking into privatizing the Parks and Recreation Department's aquatic programs.. The County is looking to implement Resource X, which is a software used to help governments align resources with community priorities to determine its budget.. The Library will be reducing the federal funds grant received for the homework help centers at the Golden Gate and lmmokalee Branch Libraries.. The Library does not expect to utilize the $849k initially awarded for this program by December 31 ,2024, and therefore, will request to reduce the amount to $500k.. The final sessions for this program will be held in the spring and fall. b. Library Statistics. Mrs. Cowser distributed a handout to LAB members for their review: "Varying levels of cost exist among the branches and when considered per library visitoi'. PUBLIC PETITIONS TO THE BOARD FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION - None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATED TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS. Ms. Bettinger asked if the Board wanted to change the meeting time for its meetings, as parking has become an issue.. The Headquarters Library has its story times at 10:00 am, and generally, there are close to '100 attending, and therefore, the parking lot gets full.. After discussion, Mrs. Cowser suggested that Board members could park in the loading dock area, as long as one space is left open for any delivery trucks. NEW BUSINESS - None 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 1 1 :45 a.m. q Mrs. Cowser will update LAB members as to the format of the Library Advisory Board meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 al lhe Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109. 239.252.7311. o preog fuosr^pv fue.rqrl JrEr.lc'Ja6urll38 aruuoc :Aq pa^orddV