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LAB Minutes 06/19/2024Naples, Florida, June 19, 2024 LET lT BE KNOWN that the LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD met on this date at 1O:30 a.m. in the Estates Branch 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, Labrary Director Karen Tibbetts, Operations Support Specialist I Matthew Etzel, Assistant Library Director Denise McMahon, Manager, South Regional Library Julie Blatt, Manager, Naples Regional Library Silvia Puente, Branch Manager, lmmokalee Branch Library Kim Spina, Manager Acquisitions, Library Administration Susan Petr, Librarian lll Youth Services, Estates Branch Library Kristen Lieberth, Supervisor - Operations l, Headquarters Library Andrew Meyer, Program Coordinator Marie Overman, President, Genealogical Society of Collier County Cindy Ruddy, FOL President (via phone) CALL TO ORDERl) 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. APPROVAL OF iJIINUTES Ms. Bettinger asked for approval of the meeting minutes of May 15,2024. Ms. White moved to approve the minutes as written. Mrs. Grieve seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. Awards and Recognitionsl) Library Division Cheers for Peers Recipients for May. Copies of the May Cheers for Peers recipients were provided to LAB members 2) County Service Awards and VIP Certificateso Mrs. Cowser presented County Service Awards to the following library staff:o Denise McMahon - 30 years (South Regional Library)o Susan Petr - 25 years (Estates Branch Library)o Kristen Lieberth - 15 years (Headquarters Library). Mrs. Cowser stated that there were no VlPs for Library staff for May BOARD REPORTS 1) Report of Officers - None 2) Report of Committees - None 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESENTATIONS 1) Report of the Friends of the Library (FOL) . Mrs. Ruddy reported via phone that the FOL does not have any meetings scheduled until the Annual Meeting on October 18,2024, which will be held in the Rees Room at the Naples Regional Library at 2:00 pm.o The new board member, Bridget Paterno is interested in starting a newsletter to be shared with FOL members and supporters. She will be the new branch liaison for the Everglades branch library, replacing long{ime board member Dan Kozlowski.o The schedule for the Nick Linn Series is:o 1113125 Kate Quinn/historical fiction/Ihe Diamond Eye/The Briar Clubo 2117125 Presidents Day William Kent Krueger/mystery/Ihe River We Re m e m b e r/S p i rit Crossrhgo 3110125 Jamie Ford/historical fiction/Hotel on the Corner of Bifter and Sweet/The Many Daughters of Afong Moyo 3124125 Lisa Gardner/mystery/St/,7 See You Everywhere/The Other Daughtero Authors for the Non-Ficlion Series have not been finalized or released. FOL members will receive an invitation for this event via email on Friday.o 1120125 Michael Finkel The Aft Thiefo 213125 Elizabeth B. Vvhite The Counterfeit Countesso 2124125 Erik Larson The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heaftbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil Waro 3117125 Adam Lazarus The Wingmeno Although prices were raised at both venues, the FOL are holding ticket prices to the same level as last year.. The Author Spotlight Series events will be held at the Norris Center at 2.00 pm:o 1117124 Chanel Cleeton Next Year in Havanao 4l2l24fBD. Local Author Book Fairo Patti Decroot has resigned. Three or four board members are willing to help with this event; however, the only one who offered to chair the committee will not be returning to Naples until after November.o Mrs. Cowser stated that she and Mrs. McMahon will coordinate with the FOL for another date for this event and possible change of location for this event. 2) Report of the Library Directora. General Operationsi. Facilities & Capital Projects. Mrs. Cowser reported that Capital Project in the amount of $500,000 for a new roof at the Headquarters Library has been proposed for FY25.o East windows have failed and leaked in the solarium and will need to be reglazed.. The County has also approved proposed Capital Project for a new roof at the Marco lsland Branch Library for FY25.. The Library Division is planning on entering agreement with HUD and CDBG-Community Development Block Grant-COVlD19 for Library \Mndow replacement and roof replacement. Funds will be used for purchase, install and any other costs associated with replacement. Library Director will keep the Board informed of signing the MOU between 2 Community and Human Services Division and Collier County Library Division.ii. Programming Summer Readingo Mrs. Cowser provided handouts of a Summer Reading Program (SRP) report created by Susan Petr.. The report shows that in 2023 during week one, 313 children (birth-sth grade) participated in the Summer Reading Program. . During the first week in 2024, 351 children participated. . During the second week in 2023, 614 children participated; and during the second week in 2024,691 participated. o Mrs. Cowser stated that the Library is having a competition among locations to see which can beat their 2023 statistics for the SRP.. Ms. Puente reported that at the lmmokalee Branch Library, more adults are participating this year. o lmmokalee recently held a mini golf event which was well attended.. She reported that the kick-off events at all library locations were also well attended.o Mrs. McMahon reported that the South Regional Library had the mini zoo at their kick-off event and over 400 participated.. She added that there were also fun activities for all, and that everyone is excited about this year's theme "Adventure Begins at Your Library".. Mrs. Cowser added that the fun displays and postings on social media have encouraged people to participate.. She added that staff are encouraged to wear "adventure" gear on Fridays and Saturdays to promote the Summer Readrng Program.o Ms. White asked if the schools are notified about the SRP at the Library.o Mrs. Cowser replied that the Library staff partner with the media specialists at the public schools and information is posted on the Library's website.. Ms. \Mite stated that she has been sharing this information at St. Ann's Catholic School, which her daughters attend.. Mrs. McMahon added that Lely Elementary School visits the South Regional Library, and students actively participate in the SRP.. Mr. Meyer reported that due to the recent inclement weather, the Naples Botanical Garden has eltended its free access week to library cardholders through June 23.. Ms. \Nhite reported that while she was visiting the Headquarters Library recently on Saturday, she saw Mrs. Cowser, Mr. Etzel and Mr. Meyer working. As she once was employed at the Library as a Librarian, she wanted to reiterate to everyone that it is not unusual for Library staff to go above and beyond business hours to get things done.. Mrs. Cowser stated that a gentleman named Dmitri Shoutov has reached out to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) regarding programs he would like to present at the Library.o Mrs. McMahon added that he has not yet submitted the presenter form to the Library which provides information on the programs, such as: title, description, other locations where the program was presented; and references. 3 . She added that all program requests are fully vetted by Library staff to ensure that the program will provide attendees with a quality positive experience with enjoyable learning opportunities.. Unfortunately, she has been unable to vet Mr. Shoutov's programs as there is no website or references available. o Mrs. Cowser replied that Mr. Shoutov continues to address Dan Rodrrguez, Deputy County Manager and the BCC regarding establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for space-sharing and use of the Naples Regional Library as his business mailing address.. Mrs. Cowser has not signed the MOU and stated that it is under review by Mr. Rodriguez. The Library Advisory Board would need to review any MOU that is considered. iii. Staffing and Service Hours of Library Locations Update. Mrs. Cowser stated that there are 15 vacant positions in the County's recruiting software system being prepared to post.. She added that she will be presenting an updated presentation to the BCC at the June 25 meeting regarding reducing hours of operation at the Library.. She read the title of the Executive Summary that was provided at the June 11 BCC meeting: Presentation to the Board for update on current service and staffing levels at the ten Collier County Public Libraries. The presentation discusses realigning hours of operation to optimize service with our current staffing levels that will best continue to serve patron demand and meet expectations.. The paragraph added to the Executive Summary states: At the June 11th meeting Commissioners stated that it was difficult to decide on changing hours of operations with the limited of data presented by the Library Director. Commissioner McDaniel asked to be presented with people counts instead of percentages so that he can see the direct impact to patrons and the community. Commissioner Hall asked that in addition to those numbers the Library also present costs associated with each location and transactions to assist in decision making. Both of these requests have been addressed and supporting data and analytics are included in the attached presentation for the Board scheduled for June 25th,2024. . The agenda for the June 25 BCC meeting is available to the public by the Friday preceding the meeting, June 21. o Mrs. Cowser reviewed information on the slides of the presentation showing the statistics for each library location, including: visits to date, circulation to date, cardholders, personnel budget and operating budget.. Breakdowns also include average daily visits by hour by location.. ln addition to the proposed hours for each location, the presentation also includes marginal costs for each location for personnel, operating and capital.. Mrs. Cowser explained that costs for computers, utilities, lT (public and staff) are generally paid under the Library Administration cost center for the entire Library system. Marginal costs were calculated for each location to determine costs per location. 4 a a The marginal costs per visitor for each location are also included, with an average cost of $8.63 per person per library visit. Weekly hours and costs are compared for each location with current hours and proposed hours. The change in hours and full{ime employees (FTES) are included, as well as the cost savings in personnel costs. Mrs. Cowser stated that the County's budget for library FTEs continues to decline ln FY2019, the Library had 91.5 FTEs. The proposed FY2025 budget indicates 74.5 FTEs. The minimum staffing levels with the reduced hours are provided in the presentation. The Library plans to inform the public of any changes to library services, programming or hours via: Library website, social media, division newsletter, physical & digital flyers in locations, posters, and County press release. Mrs. Cowser shared flyers that each library location is displaying regarding the upcoming BCC meeting presentation and proposed adjusted hours. Mr. Etzel emphasized that the proposed changes in library hours are due to the current staffing situation. Mrs. Cowser encouraged library staff to provide her direct phone extension to any patrons with inquiries. Mrs. Cowser stated that she will be attending the County Budget meetings on Thursday and Friday. Discussion ensued regarding the budget information that was provided to LAB members via email and the budget for library materials. Mrs. Cowser indicated that the Library's budget for books is $650k and $350k for ebooks. She added that prior to three years ago, the library had zero dollars budgeted for ebooks. The $350k was moved from capital funding to be allocated to purchase ebooks. Ms. Bettinger questioned why the County is funding the hardening of the old Golden Gate Library building since it was originally supposed to be demolished when the new building was constructed. Mrs. Gagnon stated that the lmmokalee Culinary Accelerator Center is closing, despite the public's request to keep it open, and the equipment is to be sold. She wonders what the money will be allocated to. Mrs. McMahon reminded the LAB and Library staff that the human connection element is not replaceable. When the Library implemented the self-checkout equipment, it provided staff with more time to dedicate to assisting library patrons. Ms. Bettinger stated that it is a County-wide issue that facilities are in need of repair. Although the Library is not an income-producing entity, it is .iust as valuable of an asset as are the beaches. She emphasized that the opportunities for the public to expand their learnang and horizons is available to all. Mrs. Cowser added that library program attendance has increased 24%; however, the Office of Management and Budget is proposing to reduced positions at Parks by 10 positions and the Library by 6.5 positions, which does not include the 4 positions that were taken this year. The FY2025 budget shows the Library having 74.5 FTEs. . Mrs. Cowser stated that she has cut $96k in databases, as the Library needed to hire a security guard, particularly to assist with the 80-90 students visiting the Naples Regional Library every day after school. . Mrs. Cowser shared information she gathered from a 2009 American Libraries article pertaining to budget cuts.o Across the board, libraries typically initially make cuts to databases. o Secondary cuts are made to reduce staff or salarieso Other cuts are made to reduce hours or to close facilities. Dr. Hochschild stated that when she worked in the school system, whenever there were budget cuts that affected the students, the parents generally became involved in the process. She was wondering how the public becomes aware of the library's situation for them to become involved and have their voices heard by the BCC.o The consensus ofthe LAB was that given the current state of affairs, they were in agreement that the Library should consider reducing hours of operation to reflect the current staffing levels.o Ms. Puente stated that despite over 100 people speaking on behalf ofthe recent Conservation Collier issue. the BCC still moved fonilrard with their agenda.. Mrs. McMahon added that unfortunately, Division Directors are not permitted to go direclly to the BCC; however, the Library Advisory Board members are able to be spokespersons on behalf of the Library.o Mrs. Grieve recalled the Pelican Bay community rarsing funds to keep the Vanderbilt Beach Branch Library open when it was proposed to be closed years ago. She is hoping the community can take action to help provide support to the library with the proposed reductlon of hours or staffing issues.o Mrs. Cowser wanted to add to the Capital Project report that she is working on pricing for carpeting at the Estates and lmmokalee Branch libraries.o The carpeting in the children's department at the Headquarters Library has been replaced and the FOL are funding new cushions.o The Genealogy Room at the Naples Regional Library had new carpeting installed and the FOL are providing funding to reupholster eight chairs with non-absorbent fabric. Mrs. Cowser shared samples of the carpet and fabric.o Mrs. Overman reported that Genealogy is the second most popular hobby, with gardening being the most popular hobby.. She is thanKul that the Genealogy Room was set up as a secured reference room, as in the past three years no materials have been reported as missing.. She added that in previous years, '10-1 5 books went missing each year.r Ms. Bettinger asked if the original flooring at the East Naples Branch Library is scheduled to be replaced. Mrs. Cowser indicated that the carpeting at the Estates Branch Library is its original as well.o She thanked the Friends of the Library for providing fundrng for items not in the budget. PUBLIC PETITIONS TO THE BOARD FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION - None f) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATEO TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS I ) Library Response to public questions presented to LAB November Meeting 2023 . Mrs. Cowser shared the Library's response to Melanie Wicker's questions that were sent to the LAB.o She added that Mrs. \Mcker would need to reach out to the County's Communications Director, John Mullins for an answer to questions she submitted for a news article.. Mrs. Grieve made a motion for the Library Advisory Board to provide Melanie \Mcker with the Library's response to her questions and inquiry about the advisory board membership application process and contact information for the County's Communications Director, John Mullins and County Advisory Board information. Ms. \y'Vhite seconded and the motion passed unanimously.o Ms. Tibbetts will provide Ms. Bettinger with the electronic file of the response as well as contact information for Mr. Mullins and information regarding County Advisory Boards.. Mrs. Cowser added that Harriett Heithaus, Senior Editor of the Naples Press, recently contacted her regarding the reduction of library hours.o Mrs. Cowser provided information to Mr. Mullins to review in order for him to provide Mrs. Heithaus with a public statement for her article. 2) Establish LAB Committee to discuss draft of LAB member manual. Ms. Bettinger suggested meeting on the third Wednesday of July, as the LAB does not meet in July, to review and discuss the LAB member manual draft created by Ms. Tibbetts.. Mrs. Cowser added that members could attend this meeting via Zoom.. Mrs. McMahon has reserved space for members to meet on July 17 at 10:00 am at the South Regional Library.. Ms. Tibbetts will contact the County Communications Department regarding any necessary public announcements for this committee meeting.. Ms. Bettinger commented that in the future, LAB meetings should not be scheduled on a Federal Holiday, as today is Juneteenth. 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 12:00 pm. The Library Advisory Board does not meet in July. Mrs. Cowser will update LAB members as to the format of the Library Advisory Board meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, August 21,2024, at the Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, FL 34109. 239.252.7311. 7 Approved by Connie Bettinger, Chair Library Advisory Board 8 lrutn+t