HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Library Advisory Board - Meeting Date: 4/10/2013 City of Glendale
Library Advisory Board Meeting
Foothills Branch Library Hummingbird Room
19055 N. 57th Avenue
Glendale,Arizona 85308
Wednesday,April 10,2013
6:00pm
Members Present: Others Present:
Ms. Char Sharp, Chairperson Ms. Cheryl Kennedy, Chief Librarian
Ms. Holly Fallucca
Ms. Susan Shelly
Ms. Karen Aborne, Vice Chairperson
Ms. Susan Sommer
Ms. Bernadette Bolognini
Ms. Paula Wilson
Members Absent:
Mr. John Fernandez and Mr. Chase MacKay
Guest/Presenters:
Kristin Flecther-Spear
Merideth Jenson-Benjamin
Councilmember Gary Sherwood
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Char Sharp called the meeting to order at approximately 6:07 pm.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES—March 13,2013
Chairperson Sharp called for a motion regarding the Minutes of March 13, 2013.
Board member Aborne commented she liked the way these minutes addressed the members as
Commissioners when making their comments and hopes it continues. Board member Sommer
made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Board member Aborne seconded the motion,
which passed unanimously.
INTRODUCTION
Ms. Cheryl Kennedy, Chief Librarian, introduced New Board Member Paula Wilson. Special
Guest in attendance was Councilmember Gary Sherwood.
BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
Chairperson Sharp called for Business from the Floor. There was none.
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CHILDREN AND TEEN PROGRAMMING
Kristin Flecther-Spear and Merideth Jenson-Benjamin provided a presentation regarding
Children and Teen programming at the three libraries. They presented the importance of
developing programs that engage children from birth through the teen years. Ms. Spear provided
information regarding the small age children programming and how it helps them in early
development. Ms. Benjamin provided information on teen programming and the benefits it has
shown with some of the kids they have seen grow-up going to the library. Additionally, each
discussed the variety of programs offered and what it means to each individual child. Staff
emphasized that programming at the libraries helps develop the love of reading and is what
keeps patrons returning to the libraries.
Each library has its own calendar that patrons can take home which explains and details what is
being offered that month for each age group. All programs are free, however, some require
registration. The three libraries are also involved in outreach programs for youth that include
schools, malls and other similar organizations.
Commissioner Wilson inquired about the program "Road Map of Success". Ms. Spear stated
this was a brain storming exercise for parents to help them understand where they want their kids
to be in three to five years and what qualities are important to instill and teach them.
Commissioner Aborne suggested they used the white board that mentions programs as a
community bulletin board for parents to share their ideas. Staff agreed to look into it.
Councilmember Sherwood commented these were all very good programs and was pleased with
the presentations and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
Commissioner Sommer thanked staff for their great presentation and also for their continued
outreach programs with schools since most were getting rid of their librarians because of budget
cuts.
The Board all thanked staff for an educational and very informative presentation.
LIBRARY SURVEY RESULTS
Ms. Cheryl Kennedy, Chief Librarian, presented the results of the library survey recently
completed at all three libraries. She provided the Board with graphs that showed the percentages
for each question on the survey that was asked. Most users ranked the facilities satisfied to very
satisfied. Ms. Kennedy stated she was very pleased to see the high percentages and some of the
great comments made. However,they will be discussing some of the comments made in regards
to improvements. She provided an overview of the comments made by library users in response
to accolades and areas of improvements. The Board agreed to study the findings and discuss
them further at the next Board meeting.
Commissioner Shelly asked if these results will be put up on-line. Ms.Kennedy replied yes.
Commissioner Sommer asked how many surveys were returned in. Ms. Kennedy said a little
over 300 surveys were returned. She was pleased with the turnout.
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Commissioner Wilson asked what staff plans to do with the comments and results of the survey.
Ms. Kennedy stated the results will be shared with supervisors for all department at all three
libraries. She suggested the Board also study the results and make suggestions at the next Board
meeting. She will put it on the agenda for next month. Everyone agreed.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR UPDATE
Ms. Cheryl Kennedy provided updates to the Board. Ms. Kennedy announced that the Employee
of the Quarter was Ms. Peggy Campbell. She summarized her many accomplishments and her
excellent work as an e-book expert. She passed out a letter of appreciation for the Board
members to sign.
Ms. Kennedy reported on National Library Week. National Library Week is a national
observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each
April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to
promote library use and support. She thanked all who attended the City Council meeting
announcing the Proclamation for National Library Week. She discussed the week long activities
the libraries will be putting on this week.
Ms. Kennedy explained the library will be starting a Self-Published Collection. She said these
were local authors who have not published in the big arena. She noted they were receiving a lot
of donations so they have decided to start a collection.
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Chairperson Sharp asked for any comments and suggestions.
Commissioner Aborne said she was always trying to find ways to promote the Library Board
Meetings. She suggested they put them on an event calendar on-line so more people can attend.
She noted the presentation today was wonderful;however, she would have liked more
community involvement.
Commissioner Aborne asked if there were any updates regarding"Friends of the Library"
program. Ms. Kennedy stated she was still working to see if they can get something started with
the program. She will try and make it a goal to find out something out for next month.
Commissioner Aborne asked if it was possible to tour the Gallery Glendale at Westgate space
before it opens. Ms. Kennedy stated that was a great idea and would look into it.
Commissioner Aborne welcomed New Board Member Wilson. Commissioner Wilson is a
Mayoral Appointee from the Cholla District. Commissioner Wilson stated she was very happy
to be part of the Board and will do her best to help in any way she can.
Commissioner Fallucca asked which Board members will be volunteering at the Westgate
Gallery space. Commissioners Aborne and Sommer will both be volunteering twice a month for
storytimes.
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Ms. Kennedy provided some follow-up term paperwork for some of the Board members to sign.
ADJOURNMENT
Board member Aborne made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Board member Shelly seconded
the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm.
The next meeting will be held at the Main Library Boardroom on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at
6:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted
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