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LAB Minutes 08/20/20251 Naples, Florida, August 20, 2025 LET IT 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: Joy White – District 4 SECRETARY: Rebeca Seitz – District 1 Marjorie H. Gagnon – District 5 Jennifer Ashford – District 2 Leyanis Muniz – District 3 (Zoom) ALSO PRESENT: Catherine Cowser, Library Director Karen Tibbetts, Operations Support Specialist I Denise McMahon, Library Manager, South Regional Library Julie Blatt, Library Manager, Naples Regional Library Chloe Snider, Library Manager, Headquarters Library Veronica Salley, Management Analyst I, Library Wes Gunther, Library Program Coordinator Janet Pereira, Library Program Coordinator Bryan Watt, Librarian II Carolann Adams, Library Specialist II, ILL Joan Guthier, Library Specialist I Andrew Meyers, Library Program Coordinator Tanya Williams, Manager, Strategic Initiatives Arnie Rubin, FOL Vice President Nicole Rolando, Collier County Resident CALL TO ORDER 1) Grant LAB Member remote attendance (Motion & Approval) • Quorum was met for this meeting and was directed by Ms. White. 2) Introduction of New District 3 Member Leyanis Muniz • Mrs. Muniz was unable to attend today’s meeting in person. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. White asked for approval of the meeting minutes of June 11, 2025. Mrs. Gagnon moved to approve the minutes with one minor correction. Mrs. Ashford seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. Awards and Recognitions 1) Library Division Cheers for Peers Recipients for June/July • Copies of the June & July Cheers for Peers recipients were provided to LAB members. 2) County Service Awards and VIP Certificates (May-July) i. Carolann Adams (AD) – 30 Years a. Mrs. Cowser stated that Mrs. Adams was recognized and presented with her service award at the BCC’s June meeting. Page 1143 of 1848 2 b. Mrs. Adams stated that she loves the work that she does in the Interlibrary Loan Department and has enjoyed the many coworkers she’s worked with over the years. She added that she was humbled to be recognized in two books by two authors for her assistance in providing research materials for their publications. ii. VIPs for May, June, July a. Mrs. Cowser read the VIP awards for May, June and July. She thanked everyone for the wonderful work they do. b. Bryan Watt (SR) and Joan Guthier (NR) were present to receive their VIP awards. c. Silvia Puente (IM) and the Immokalee Library Team attended the meeting via Zoom during the presentation of VIPs. d. VIPs for John Alexander (MI), Silvia Puente (IM), Immokalee Library Team, and Sarah Benza (NR) will be delivered via interoffice delivery. BOARD REPORTS 1) Report of Officers a) ALA Conference – Rebeca Seitz • Mrs. Seitz stated that in late June 2025 she attended the American Library Association (ALA) Conference that was held in Philadelphia. • She reported that over 1700 people attended and there was an energetic vibe throughout the conference. • She stated that Geena Davis was the general session closing speaker who emphasized how libraries are the bastion of resources for the community. • She added that Brené Brown is the new ALA President. • Mrs. Seitz reported that George Takei, who is known for his role on Star Trek, was the featured speaker at the conference. Mr. Takei is also a New York Times bestselling author and civil rights activist. He shared that his advocacy is personal, as he was unjustly imprisoned in US incarcerations camps as a child. • Mr. Takei spoke about engaging communities through resources at the library. • She stated that one of the most fascinating exhibits was an outdoor Sound Garden that featured colorful instruments such as xylophones and drums. • One of the featured workshops was held by a woman who assists Friends of the Library organizations to create foundations. • She added that vendors specializing in merchandise for libraries were also in attendance. • Mrs. Seitz stated that the biggest takeaway from the conference was seeing what other library systems are doing and the impact that their presence is on their communities. 2) Report of Committees a) August 9 LAB Subcommittee Meeting – Rebeca Seitz • Mrs. Seitz stated that some of those attending the LAB’s subcommittee meeting held on August 9 at the South Regional Library included a television director, local artist, a cinematic head, and library patrons. • She added that Mrs. Cowser and Mrs. McMahon were also present to represent the library. • The meeting was designed to review the list of ideas proposed to determine what would be appropriate and feasible for the library to implement. Page 1144 of 1848 3 • She emphasized that the two key driving factors to consider were: 1. Not creating financial barriers or burdens for Collier County citizens to access the library’s resources, services, spaces or programs. 2. Not creating an additional burden on library staff. • The subcommittee will be working with the FOL regarding the formation of a Library Foundation, which will be designated to bring in seven-figure funds. • Some of the programs discussed included: o Café o Education of Content Creators – Words and Wonders Workshop  Music Concert for the first children’s workshop o Merchandise  Library already handles money with patrons o Gala  Foundation initiative – 7-figure yield o Passport Services  This is the biggest revenue generator in Orange County.  Mrs. Seitz is gathering more information – she is uncertain who staffs these services. • Mrs. Seitz asked about updating the library website to include the intake of donations. The Library Director stated that the County has begun a new agency-wide website project and this ask will be forwarded to website planners. • The initiative to encourage patrons to use Facebook for birthday giving will also need to wait until the new website is completed. • The next LAB Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at 9:30am at the South Regional Library. • Due to the increased number of participants anticipated to attend, the large meeting room has been reserved for this meeting. PRESENTATIONS 1) Report of the Friends of the Library (FOL) • Mr. Rubin distributed three handouts to LAB members: 1) Introduction information; 2) 2025-2026 FOL Schedule of Events; and 3) Pending Author Spotlight Series press release • Mr. Rubin introduced himself and stated that he’s finishing his fourth year as an FOL board member, the last two as vice president, and beginning this fall he will become president for two years. • Mr. Rubin added that he is the chairman for the Stand Up for Justice committee at the Jewish Federation of Naples. This organization grants monetary awards to Collier County teachers. He also is vice president of his HOA, volunteer chairperson for a local suicide prevention and awareness foundation, captain of two pickleball teams and volunteer at his grandchildren’s schools • The FOL Board made a few adjustments to its programs for the coming season. o The Patti DeGroot Signature series will have one presentation for each session instead of two. o 40-50 additional seats were added to the Nick Linn Lecture Series held at Ritz- Carlton to accommodate the increased demand for tickets. • Over 300 people attend the Nonfiction Author Series, and all four of the authors this season have at least one book landing a number one spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Page 1145 of 1848 4 • The draft press release features the Author Spotlight Series’ expansion to include a third author being added this season. The FOL is hoping to get a fourth author for the following season. • The FOL is offering a subscription price to attend all three author spotlight events. • Mr. Rubin was proud to announce that FOL board member, Lew Paper, will be a presenter with his recent book on Jimmy Hoffa. • To date, ticket sales have sold at 75% for this season’s events. • The FOL has rejoined the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and hopes to generate more community members to become aware of their mission. • The FOL is selling merchandise for the first time, and Mr. Rubin shared a sample mug and tote bag which are sold at FOL programs. • The FOL is working on gearing its author presentations and programs towards children, young adults, and/or working families. • FOL membership is close to 2,000 members. • The FOL’s next board meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 17 at 2pm in the Rees Room at the Naples Regional Library. 2) Report of the Library Director i. General Operations b) Facilities & Projects Update • Mrs. Cowser provided updates on the following: o The Immokalee Branch Library’s flooring project with carpeting and vinyl is in process. The Library was able to work on this project without closing this location. o The Immokalee parking lot and landscaping have been completed, and a bid was submitted to update the irrigation. o The Estates Branch Library experienced a leak resulting from a failed drainpipe. Facilities is waiting for a new part to permanently fix the pipe. o The carpet and baseboard have been cleaned but may need to be replaced. Mrs. Cowser added that the existing carpeting is original and is 30+ years old. o Mrs. Cowser will review balance in the general fund for EB flooring needs. If monies are not available there is a funding option through the GAC Land Trust available to apply for. o In the past, the Library has benefited from the GAC Land Trust which provides funding from sales of land in the Estates area. o The plumbing at the Estates Branch Library will be redone. o In addition, the countertops, sinks and flooring in the bathrooms will be replaced. o Since the water will need to be shut off during this project, portable restrooms including sinks will be placed on site. o Palm trees at the Naples Regional Library will need to be removed and replaced. Mrs. Cowser shared pictures of the 40+ year old trees that have become too tall to trim and maintain the berries that are produced. o Brick repair needed to be done because of a recent unreported accident. o Mrs. Cowser wanted to thank the FOL for all their support with teen programming at the Naples Regional Library. o The sidewalks on the southeast corner of the Headquarters Library are scheduled to be repaired beginning mid-September. o The purchase order for the replacement of the gates at HQ has been opened. Page 1146 of 1848 5 o Quotes for new signage with hours of operation at Headquarters will be processed once confirmation of the hours has been approved. o Mrs. Cowser wanted to thank Gus from Facilities for diligently working to fix the lamp lights at all the tables at the Headquarters Library. b) Operations Update • Mrs. Cowser thanked Mrs. Pereira for all her work on this year’s annual book inventory. • Wands are used during the inventory of materials that are on the shelf at the time of inventory. It does not include materials that are checked out. • Mrs. Pereira stated that Sierra, the Library’s software system, will be modernized to update the inventory date of an item when it is returned. • The Library’s current inventory of physical materials in the collection is 531,000, which includes books, DVDs and CDs. • The Library has presented an executive summary to the BCC to recognize donations amounting to $6500 during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the year. • Mrs. Pereira stated that online payment updates are close to completion. They are waiting for the new system to include the title and not just the barcode of the item(s) for patrons to know which items require payments. • Mrs. Pereira reported that a quote has been requested for mobile checkout of materials. • She stated that with the improvements in technology, this would allow patrons to use their phones to check out materials. • Mrs. Cowser stated that the project submitted in May to replace the projector in the Sugden Theater at the Headquarters Library is under review by the Grants Dept. as State Aid Fund money is being requested for the purchase. • Mrs. Cowser reported that the three follow-up requests that were received from patrons regarding the addition of Monday hours of operation to the Immokalee Branch Library have been forwarded to Mr. Nieman for his review. • She read the response that Ms. Williams sent to each of the patrons: Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns on behalf of the Immokalee Library community. We understand how important consistent library hours, welcoming children’s spaces, and resources are for the community – especially in Immokalee. Your concerns have been heard and shared with leadership for consideration. As staff work to close-out our current fiscal year and await Board approval of the FY2026 Budget, we are actively reviewing operational hours across all library locations, including Immokalee, with the goal of ensuring operational access meets community needs throughout the County. While no final decisions have been made, community input like yours plays a valuable role in shaping our priorities. We’re committed to keeping the community informed and will share updates as soon as they are available. Thank you again for your feedback and support. Page 1147 of 1848 6 • Mrs. Cowser stated that each Department/Division provides an Annual Update and Inventory Report (AUIR) to the BCC. • The AUIR summarizes library buildings, level of service standard and unit cost which is determined through building and library materials, and foot traffic. • The Library is under category B, which receives funding from impact fees. • The AUIR is presented in tables and charts and the draft currently under review should be adopted at the January 13 hearing. • Library space is projected to be deficient in 2029. However, as District 5 is rapidly expanding other options of shared space with the Museums and/or Parks and Recreation may be considered. • Ms. Williams added that 3-5 new townships and villages were developed over the past 10-20 years between Orange Tree and Ave Maria. • Mrs. Cowser stated that the County is redesigning agency-wide websites with Granicus. • Mr. Meyer provided handouts to LAB members with the updated information and timeline for this project as it pertains to the Library. • The Library’s website redesign (collierlibrary.org) is currently in the wireframe phase and will be finalized once the custom code required for the new arrivals carousel and library catalog have been integrated. • The room reservation module has been finalized, and initial staff training is scheduled for after September 15. • The site development is scheduled for October-December with a final review and launch date sometime in January. c) Programming • Copies of the press release for the 2025 Summer Reading Program statistics were provided to LAB members. • Mrs. Cowser stated that these statistics have been reported to the state. • 2942 adults, teens and children participated in this year’s program which ran from June 2 – July 31. • 594 adults completed 2,207 books while 2,348 teens and children read for a total of 524,625 minutes. • During the eight-week period, the Library hosted 381 events and programs, attracting 35,460 attendees. o 5,707 children participated in 118 programs; 3231 school-aged children participated in 81 programs; 290 young adults participated in 14 programs. o Each year the Library partners with Parks & Recreation to bring the Summer Reading Program to their Summer Camps. 732 students participated reading 1742 books and 27,270 minutes. • Mrs. Cowser thanked the FOL for their support and promotion of this program through their website and social media. • The FOL provides funding for promotional materials, prizes, decorations, kickoff events and programming. • Mrs. Cowser stated that the Summer Reading Program signage purchased does not include the program dates so that they can be reused each year. • The FOL provided passes to the Naples Zoo and Naples Botanical Garden for adult prizes. Page 1148 of 1848 7 • Audubon of Western Everglades also provided extra passes to Naples Botanical Garden and Rookery Bay for runner-up prizes. • Audubon of Western Everglades also provided ten additional bird-watching backpack kits for a total of 19. Initially, the kits were only available at Headquarters, Immokalee and Estates Libraries; however, they are now available at all library locations. • Mrs. McMahon added that this year’s Summer Reading Program theme was “Color Our World” and the Library offered many art-related STEM hands-on programs. • She also thanked the FOL for funding supplies for these programs. • Mrs. McMahon stated that at the end of the program, Library staff send letters to the schools listing the students that participated. Many schools announce the students in recognition of their participation. • Mrs. Cowser stated that Library Card Sign-Up Month will begin in October. • The theme will be “Wildly Fun – Totally Free”. • Animal themed programs and story times are being created and partnerships include: Audubon Western Everglades, Rookery Bay, Shy Wolf Sanctuary, Collier County Museums, University of Florida Extension Office, Naples Zoo, and Golden Paws. • Additional year-round partnerships with the C’mon Children’s Museum of Naples and the Baker Museum/Artis-Naples provide free admission passes which are available for Library cardholders to check out from the Library’s catalog. • Each Library location has three passes of each available. Restrictions apply. The Children’s Museum provides admission for four; the Baker Museum provides admission for 2 adults (kids are free). • Patrons will have seven days from check-out date to use their passes. • Since June, 83 Baker Museum and 140 Children’s Museum passes were checked out. • The Marketing Team is exploring partnering with the Naples Botanical Garden for year-round passes as well. • Domestic Animal Services is working on a Cat Café at the North Collier Regional Park. The Library currently partners with Golden Paws for children to read to their dogs. • Mrs. Seitz asked if the Library reaches out to local Country Clubs to promote library services and library cards. • Mrs. Cowser replied that the Public Services Librarians and supporting staff participate in several outreach programs such as Boo at the Naples Zoo, Summer at Naples Botanical Garden, Mercato, and various County events such as the Annual Yard & Garden Show, Marco Museum Pirate Day, and the Immokalee Cattle Drive and Jamboree. • Library staff promote Library resources and services, genealogy, volunteer opportunities, and FOL membership. • Youth Services staff also visit local schools to promote the Library and create library cards. • Dana Abernethy who heads the Mail-a-Book Program, visits local senior centers and living facilities. • Mr. Meyer added that there are “little libraries” at the two County Health Department locations on campus and in Immokalee. d) Staffing Update Page 1149 of 1848 8 • Mrs. Cowser stated that the new hires for June through August include a Courier, part-time and full-time Library Specialists at Headquarters, a promotion for Sajel Dodia at Naples Regional to Supervisor-Operations. • A part-time Library Specialist is pending to start at the East Naples Branch Library. • Five vacancies have been posted, and interviews are pending. • Mrs. Cowser stated that there were four resignations from the Library. 3) Reconsideration Request Received – Wesley Gunther • Mr. Gunther provided a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials packet to LAB members for their review. The packet included responses to the concerns of the patron, awards, honors, and reviews of the book, and copies of the pages mentioned in the reconsideration request. • The request was received on June 25 regarding the book titled “Clementine Fox and the Great Island Adventure” by Leigh Luna for readers aged 7-12 years old. • Mr. Gunther stated that the patron was concerned about page 160 which referenced a “giant eating people” and page 167 which referenced “sacrificing my niece”. The patron feels that this could result in readers having thoughts about human sacrifices. • Library staff’s review of these pages determined that at no point, nor throughout the book, is an individual depicted being eaten or consumed, nor is human sacrifice mentioned or displayed or brought up in the plots and themes. The only human- appearing character presented is the Giant. The Library’s review was unable to determine how a connection to human sacrifices exists in any way except perhaps a misunderstanding of the context regarding a joke made between characters. In summary, In summary, the review determined that the content of these pages was likely taken out of context. • The patron did not provide any comment on the theme of this book, or awareness of any judgments of this work by literary or other established critics. She indicated that her son did not like the book and would like the library to remove this book. • Mr. Gunther’s research showed that this book is a Sunshine State Award Book for 2025-2026 and as of August 19, 2025, it had 61 checkouts across 20 copies since its acquisition by the Library on May 21. • The synopsis of the book is about a group of young animals who set out on an adventure and learn the true value of friendship, family, and what it means to stick together and work things out. • Juvenile adventure-fantasy themes are through the material. Working together, fantastical creatures experience odd happenings, getting lost, beating unbeatable problems via teamwork, making mistakes and overcoming problems via lessons learned, etc. • After review of the title “Clementine Fox and Great Island Adventure” by Leigh Luna., the tropes and topics of the plotline are age appropriate with no undue violence, language, images, or graphics for the age range. The title provides an engaging story with positive themes dealing with friendship, responsibility, problem- solving, and adventure. • The title is well regarded in reviews, which were provided in the packet, and removal of the material would deprive the Collier County Public Library of a Sunshine State Award book which is strongly circulating and desired by the community served. • Lastly, the public library does not censor the content of titles that parents may object to and does not remove titles based on personal preferences, ideologies, or the Page 1150 of 1848 whims of children. The Library is not responsible for what reading materials an individual chooses to consume, nor does it police the choices made by children outside of parental supervision regarding reading material.. ln summary, the Collier County Public Library's recommendation is to not remove the title "Clemenline Fox and Great lsland Adventure" by Leigh Luna from its collection.. Ms. \Nhite made a motion for the Collier County Public Library to retain the book titled "Clementine Fox and the Great lsland Adventure" by Leigh Luna in its collection. Mrs. Ashford seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.. Mrs. Seitz asked for clarification on the process of a request for reconsideration of library materials.. Mrs. Cowser stated that when a patron brings their concern to a Library staff member, they generally have a conversation to explain why the material is a part of the collection. lf the patron is not satisfied, they are offered the opportunity to submit a request to be reviewed/processed by the Library's acquisition team. After review, a presentation is made to the Library Advisory Board for their review and decision. The results ofthe review and decision are then provided to the patron. o Mrs. Cowser proudly reported that Mr. Gunther is four months away from earning his MLIS from the University of Southern Mississippi specializing in archives and special collections.. Everyone applauded and wished him continued success. o Mrs. Seitz commented that she thought that the County Attorney was to present information to LAB members on Sunshine Laws at today's meeting.. Mrs. Cowser replied that the County Attorney's presentation is scheduled for the September LAB meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATED TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATED TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION - None AOJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Library Advisory Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:05pm. Ms. Williams will update LAB members as to the format of the Library Advisory Board meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, September 17,2025, at the Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109. Approved by ite, Vice-Chair/lnterim Chair o NEW BUSINESS f ) Schedule Selection of Ghair, Vice-Chair and Secretary o Ms. White stated that since Mrs. Muniz was unable to attend today's meeting in person, this item will be discussed at the September LAB meeting. Library Advisory Board Page 1151 of 1848