Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Library Advisory Board - Meeting Date: 3/13/2013 City of Glendale Library Advisory Board Meeting Main Library Boardroom 5959 West Brown Street Glendale,Arizona 85301 Wednesday, March 13,2013 6:00pm Members Present: Others Present: Ms. Char Sharp, Chairperson Mr. Erik Strunk, Executive Director Ms. Holly Fallucca Ms. Cheryl Kennedy, Library Director Ms. Karen Aborne, Vice Chairperson Ms. Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary Ms. Susan Sommer Mr. John Fernandes (arrived at 6:07) Ms. Susan Shelly(arrived at 6:08pm) Ms. Bernadette Bolognini (arrived at 6:11pm) Members Absent: Mr. Chase MacKay CALL TO ORDER Ms. Char Sharp, Library Advisory Board Chairman, called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00pm. The meeting was called to order with only four commissioners present. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR Chairperson Sharp called for Business From The Floor. There was none. BOOK SALE REVENUE Ms. Kennedy stated staff is consistently looking for ways to increase the book sales revenue used by the library to fund programming needs. Ms. Michelle Shrade presented this item to the Commission. She provided information regarding Book Forward, a book reseller company that will take donated books that people donated to the library and sell them for the library in order to increase book sale revenue. Ms. Shrade said there were other companies they researched but each had a variety of rules. Staff felt Book Forward was the most flexible company. Ms. Shrade demonstrated the program used to track the books available for sale. She said the library has made over $350.00 in a short period of time on the sale of books. Ms. Shrade added there are a large variety of types of books donated. Commissioner Bolognini asked what is done with books which are unsold. Ms. Shrade said they receive a grant each year, Books for Arizona Libraries. This $3,000 grant allows books to be Library Advisory Board March 13, 2013 Page 2 sent to rural school, tribal schools, and prison libraries. The grant money is then put into the book sale revenue in exchange for sending unsold books to the libraries. Ms. Kennedy said keeping on top of the book sale is labor intensive, but helps to provide programming. Ms. Shrade said this program works thanks to all the great volunteers of the library. The Commission thanked Ms. Shrade for her valuable presentation. LSTA GRANTS Ms. Kennedy explained the library has submitted two grants to the Arizona State Library. This is money from the Library Services and Technology Act from the Federal Government and distributed to all the state libraries. She said the first grant is for programming and materials at all three libraries to increase interest and awareness in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The funds will be used to purchase library materials and to create innovative programming for lifelong learning and enjoyment in science and technology for community members of all ages. The second grant is for a library-dispensing machine to be possibly located at the Westgate Gallery space, the X-Court building, or the Police Department facility at 83rd and Maryland Avenues. The machine provides patrons the ability to check out books and return books at this location. Also, books may be placed on hold through this machine. The grant for this item is $207,000. Mr. Strunk explained if this grant isn't approved, the city has other means to purchase this machine through the use of DIF funds. The city is obligated to provide library services to folks in the west area of Glendale. Providing a library-dispensing machine to patrons in West Glendale would help to meet needs until a more permanent solution become available. UPDATE ON WESTGATE GALLERY PROJECT Mr. Strunk updated the Board on the Gallery Glendale at Westgate, which is the space offered to the Parks, Recreations, Library and Arts Department free of charge for one year. He said this is a one-year lease of 3,050 square feet of space with free utilities. Mr. Strunk said they are requiring the area be staffed each Saturday night from 6pm to 9pm. In addition, area near the fountain is also being included in this offer. He said the area offered outside could be used to dance classes. He said this is an opportunity for being creative and offering recreation and library related classes or functions. Commissioner Fernandes asked if it would be manned by volunteers or paid staff. Mr. Strunk said both. He said $18,000 has been allocated to cover some staff expenses. Mr. Strunk said they welcome volunteers. Mr. Strunk said another requirement is to cross promote this site. Promotion will also be advertised on the electronic billboard at the Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue. Library Advisory Board March 13, 2013 Page 3 Mr. Strunk displayed for the Commission the location of where the Gallery would be at Westgate and its surroundings. Commissioner Shelly asked if the surrounding demographics support families. Mr. Strunk said yes. Commissioner Shelly asked if art pieces are available for check out. Ms. Kennedy said not the art pieces at the Gallery, but the libraries have art posters that circulate. Ms. Kennedy added staff is in the process of requesting authors to visit the Westgate facility. Commissioner Fernandes suggested an opportunity to allow interested patrons to read their own poetry in a group setting. Also, he asked if there would be a charge for activities in this facility and if there is an entrance fee. Mr. Strunk said there might be a small fee for summer activities but there is no charge to enter the facility to see the art or to just visit. Commissioner Fallucca asked if this is successful, would the city be interested in continuing at this location. Mr. Strunk said yes, if the site does well it could potentially be an opportunity for the city to provide services to the patrons of the west valley. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SUPPORT SEARCH Ms. Kennedy said computers have been provided for the Commission to search other Friends of the Library programs. They were encouraged to do some online research and share the websites with the other commissioners. Commissioner Shelly announced October is Friends of the Library month. She shared some of the information available that she located. Commissioner Aborne shared information she found related to developing a Friends of the Library group. Ms. Kennedy stated she would gather these websites and email the information to all the Commissioners. Ms. Kennedy also brought notebooks so that the Commission may compile and track any research items or items of interest. The idea of gathering information and placing into notebooks was discussed at a previous meeting. These notebooks would be a valuable source of information for future commissioners. LIBRARY DIRECTOR UPDATE Ms. Kennedy stated staff is working on the summer reading programming which free of charge through the Maricopa County Library District and some of the programs are being graciously donated by the performers. Library Advisory Board March 13, 2013 Page 4 Ms. Kennedy said the Explore Arizona Series began with one this evening and more to follow. This evening's topic was Route 66, a Photographic Trip along the Mother Road. The next session is scheduled for April 10 titled Healers, Hucksters, and Heroes: Early Medicine in Territorial Arizona. Ms. Kennedy reviewed "Freegal" which allows free music downloads and "Rocket Languages", which provides instruction on approximately nine different languages. LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Members offered suggestions for the Board's consideration. Commissioner Aborne encouraged commissioners to recruit for new members. She stated she liked the binders and said these binders would allow the commissioners to better organize the information they have accumulated. Commissioner Shelly said she was impressed and inspired by the library staff especially with the recent budget cuts. Commissioner Fallucca agreed with Commissioner Shelly. Commissioner Bolognini expressed her concerns regarding safety at the Velma Teague Library. She said there are a number of homeless people in the area. Ms. Kennedy said with the budget cuts, security will not be provided as it had in the past. Ms. Kennedy said they have offered an office or an area for a Police Officer to come into the library in an effort to show presence of security. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES—February 13,2013 Chairperson Sharp called for a motion regarding the Minutes of February 13, 2013. Board member Bolognini made a motion to approve minutes as written from the meeting of February 13, 2013. Board member Shelly seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT With no further business,the meeting adjourned at 7:54pm. The next meeting will be held at the Main Library on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 6:00pm.