Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01-19-2009 Library Advisory Board January 19, 2009 Minutes The Library Advisory Board meeting was called to order at 5:35pm in the meeting room of the Morningside Branch Library by Chair Rudy Widman. Members in attendance included: Rudy Widman, Allen Miller, Ethel Rowland, Corky Behncke, Eloise Cumings, Carol Clover-Dawkins and Linda Hudson. Members absent: Margery Harrell, Carnelle Clifton. New Board member Corky Behncke was introduced, Mrs. Behncke was appointed to the ‘at-large’ position replacing Dr. Michael Bausher. Minutes of the October 20, 2008 meeting were approved as mailed. Election of officers – It was moved and seconded that the current officers remain in their positions, motion passed. Chair – Rudy Widman; Vice-Chair – Ethel Rowland and Secretary – Allen Miller Old Business: Susan discussed the upcoming staff departures due to the early retirement program. Alice Jackson of Hurston Branch Library will be leaving this Friday, January rd 23 after almost 20 years of service to the County. In March 2009 the following staff will be leaving: Maureen Melvin, PSL Branch supervisor; Mary Wolf, Morningside Branch/Reference Librarian; Susan Prock, Lakewood Park Branch/Books-by-mail staff member; Deborah Hudson, Fort Pierce Branch/Circulation; and Gail Louzek, Fort Pierce Branch/Circulation. The loss of these staff members will require some adjustments to scheduling with the possibility of additional service hours being reduced and/or programs being eliminated. New Business: Susan discussed the new rental fees for all County facilities which will go into effect on February 1, 2009. Many groups have already said they would not be able to use the meeting rooms with the cost associated and many do not have insurance as a non-profit organization, which is now required for use of the meeting rooms. If a group partners with the library or any other County department then there will be no fee associated with the use of the meeting room. Susan just got news that State Aid funding will once again be reduced, this time by 12.48% - this reduction will have an impact on the funding for the St. Lucie West Library. Susan will have to go over the figures with IRSC to see what cuts we may have to make this year and next. Staff will now be circulating the headphones – which will require users to have a valid library card. Too many of the headphones were just disappearing and with budget cuts we can’t afford to continue to replace them. Implementation will begin as soon as possible. We are also looking at adding Surf Control to all computers – due to staff shortages we are unable to monitor computers are closely as we would like and we are getting complaints from the public about the misuse of the computers (calls have also been made to the Commissioners offices complaining about what children could see when they walk by a computer being used by an adult). Friends of the Library President’s report: In the absence of the Friends President Susan gave a report from their recent meeting. Susan Kilmer and Helen Lightner attended the Friends, Trustees, Foundation Regional workshop sponsored by the Florida Library Association. The workshop was held in Coconut Creek and the speakers discussed grant writing for Friends, Friends websites and the changes going on with the Florida Library Association with them now having paid staff for the first time. Volunteer luncheon – new Board member Veronica Lacoparra is investigating locations to hold the annual luncheon – she is looking at a late March or early April date for the event. Annual dinner – Board member Pat Giordano has begun to search for a top name author for the dinner. Pat arranged for the author, Ad Hudler, to come last year with very limited time, she is hoping with more time to plan that a bigger name author could be secured and increase attendance at the dinner. th Sundaes in the Park – Sunday, January 25 from 1:00-3:00pm at Whispering Pines Park in Port St. Lucie (Minsky Gym) – the Friends will have a used book sale and membership drive. Free children’s books have been donated by Borders and Wal-Mart Distribution Center will donate the ice cream and all the toppings. The children will be able to make sock puppets, book marks and books; Waggin’ Tales will be on hand as will the Fire Department. th Zora Fest activities – the annual Zora Hattitude will be Saturday, February 7 from 11am-2pm at old Fort Pierce City Hall, tickets are $30 and everyone is encouraged to rdthth wear a hat. Zora Fest! will be April 3, 4, & 5 with the day long festival being held on th Saturday, April 4 at Lincoln Park Academy. The author brunch will be held on Sunday, th April 5 at the Pelican Yacht Club. Zora’s niece Lucy Ann Hurston will be here again this year to help with the celebration. Next Board meeting is Monday, March 16, 2009 at Fort Pierce Branch Library. Meeting adjourned at 6:50pm. Susan Kilmer/Acting Secretary