City Hall Council Chambers

I. Roll Call

Soules called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Maxine Brink, Sarah Galt, Kathleen Kinnish, Norm Neher, Marilyn Soules, Judy Stein

ALSO PRESENT: Virginia McKane, Assistant Director, substituted for Melissa Barnard, Director; John Palen, Midland Issues

II. Acceptance of May 21, 2008 Meeting Minutes

Brink moved to approve, Stein seconded. Minutes approved as submitted.

III. Additions or Changes to the Agenda

None

IV. Public Comments

None

V. Director’s Report

From the Director’s report, McKane highlighted Cram Night, the Michigan Reads children’s author program in September featuring Nancy Shaw, completion of the lower level restrooms, and Wendy Shields’ promotion to Technical Secretary.

The Friends of the Library have funded the following programs for 2008-2009: Battle of the Books, Summer Reading Program, First Grade Tours plus transportation, Happenings ’09, Community Read, and Teen Read Week author.

McKane reminded the audience that the library will be closed on July 4^th.

Galt noted the new foreign language database that replaces Rosetta Stone.

VI. Patron Compliments and Concerns

SIGNED COMMENTS:

1. Extend computer time to 2 hours.

With the limited number of computers, it is still necessary to enforce the one hour time to allow for fair use for all.

2. Your computer policy should allow patrons to get back on line after their one hour is up. You should allow them to put their name on a waiting list after their hour ends and go back online when their name comes up on the list.

The library does not have an effective nor efficient way to reserve time and ensure fair use of the computers for all.

3. I would love to see more 5 minute parking spaces. Maybe the area by the overhead that parallels with Eastman Rd could be used. It would have to be taken down but could make handicapped spaces and the prior area could be turned into 5 minute spaces. I pick up hold books or drop off books & movies and there is never a place to park without using fire lane or parking a ways away.

Since the 5 minute parking spaces are not used as intended and they are not easy to monitor, adding more 5 minute spaces would take away from longer term parking. Patrons should not leave vehicles in the fire lane while using the library.

4. I love to use the express check lanes at the grocery stores. I would like to see an express lane – either a self check or a 3 items or less lane. Many times I have to wait for a hold or even to check a book or two out much longer that needed because of patrons with dozens of books at one time.

Funding is not available to install self check out. If staffing allowed, an express line would not necessarily speed up check out since issues with cards and fines occur with any amount of books to be checked out. A third line is opened when necessary.

UNSIGNED COMMENTS:

1. The library is wonderful. One pleasant addition would be seat covers in the restroom stalls.

This additional expense is not feasible at this time.

2. Summer Read Programs – don’t see anything special for k-3 graders except for family programs or movies.

More information is needed on patron’s expectations.

OTHERS

Two positive comments about the library.

VII. Old Business

a. Board/Community Communications

Soules will provide the article for the November/December issue of the Library Connection newsletter.

b. Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative Board Meeting Report

Soules was officially sworn in at the June meeting. At the meeting, the draft of the 2008-2009 budget was reviewed. There was discussion about having the Genesee District Library pick up the funding for the regional Library Blind and Physically Handicapped Library since the majority of users are from Genesee County. Cooperative Director Mendel has approached Genesee District Library. Other libraries in the Cooperative are served by the Library of Michigan Blind and Physically Handicapped Library.

Soules reported that the request from the Chippewa River District Library, the Pere Marquette District Library and the Coleman Library to join the Cooperative is still under discussion.

Cooperative Director Mendel who is also serving as interim Director of Northland Library Cooperative is planning on retiring at the end of September 2009.

c. Library Board Annual Report Committee

Kinnish reported that a draft report will be included in the Board packet for discussion at the August meeting.

d. Nominations Committee Report and Election of Officers for 2008/09

Stein presented the slate of officer’s for 2008-2009: Soules for Chair and Kinnish for Vice-Chair. Brink moved for approval, Neher seconded. Motion passes.

VIII. New Business

a. Library Board Appointments

The City Council appointed Tami Johnson to a three year term and William Snover to a one year term to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Stu Bush. Their terms begin in July.

XI. Board Announcements

Stein inquired about the Midland County Township Association meeting that Brink attended. Brinks reported that there were no concerns related to the library and that the attendees appreciated the Summer Reading Program flyer that Brink distributed.

Soules enjoyed the Seth and Daisy May Concert that kicked off the Adult Summer Reading Program on June 11^th. She is planning on attending Touch-a-Truck on Thursday, June 26^th.

Kinnish asked about the number of library referrals to the Library of Michigan Blind and Physically Handicapped Library. McKane indicated that the library has the information available but does not get many requests.

Neher expressed his appreciation to Stein for her positive attitude during the time that she has served on the Library Board. Other members thanked her for her service. Soules recognized Stein as a true ambassador for the Library and for her work on the Excellence Award. Stein commented that she has enjoyed serving on the Board and working with the members.

X. Adjournment

Brink moved to adjourn. Kinnish seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at

7:37 p.m.