Grace
A. Dow Memorial Library
Library Board
Minutes
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 7
p.m.
I.
Roll Call
Soules called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Melissa Barnard, Maxine Brink, Sarah Galt, Tami Johnson,
Kathleen Kinnish, Norm Neher, William Snover, Marilyn Soules
ALSO PRESENT: Wendy Shields, Technical Secretary; Virginia McKane,
Assistant Director; John Palen, Midland
Issues
II.
Acceptance of February 18, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Minutes approved as
submitted.
III.
Additions or Changes to the Agenda
None
IV.
Public Comments
None
V.
Director’s Report
Barnard mentioned the
Internet Safety Program that is planned for Wednesday, May 6th, 7:00
p.m. in the Library Lounge. Panelists
include: Todd DuBois, Charter Communications; Norm Neher, Midland Public
Schools; Stephanie Williams, Supervisor of Youth Services and a representative
from the Michigan State Police. The
program will be taped and shown on MGTV.
Barnard reminded people that
the Books and Bites Book discussion group takes place on the third Thursday
evening and fourth Wednesday afternoon of the month. This month they are discussing Gore Vidal’s Lincoln. The Library will continue to collect
“Lincolns for the Library” through the end of April.
Barnard announced that the
Adult Literacy Council is sponsoring a program at the Juvenile Care
Center. McKane explained that volunteers
will read stories over a PA system at bedtime to the residents. Library Youth Services Librarians are
selecting the books that will be read.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Adult Literacy
Council. Neher commented that he had
previous volunteered and thought it was a good program.
Soules commented on the
Canoeing in Michigan program coming up in June.
She noted that it was a good collaboration with the Chippewa Nature
Center.
Galt and her children
attended the Lincoln impersonator program and really enjoyed it.
Soules attended the Library
Tea and enjoyed the presentation by Civil War re-enactors who portrayed a
General and his wife.
Barnard congratulated Soules
on her letter to the President that appeared in the Midland Daily News.
VI.
Patron Compliments and Concerns
SIGNED COMMENTS:
1. Nice library, only thing is you need to rent out video games, PS2, Wii, Xbox 360.
A decision has been made not to
develop a collection of video games due to circulating issues and ongoing costs
to maintain.
2. I fully understand the economic pressures impacting the library. I have, for the last couple of years very much enjoyed American Photo. I hope when the situation allows, that the subscription can be re-activated.
Some magazine subscriptions have
been discontinued due to reductions in the materials budget.
3. A suggestion to have an island for good books read by your patrons. Time of the Assassins, by Hugh Holton, I found in the stacks – not a famous author – it was a very good book to read.
Library staff will explore ways to
encourage patrons to share good reads with others.
4.
The PC cords at the tables in the large print
book area are a safety hazard, the City would be
liable for any injuries.
Using outlet plugs proved
ineffective so plates have been installed over outlets not to be used and areas
have been designated that have appropriately located outlets.
5.
Consider a day rate for laptop checkout.
The hourly rate is established in the city
ordinance. There are no plans to change the rate at this time.
UNSIGNED COMMENTS:
1. I really like how you have remodeled the restrooms in the Youth Services area. It is nice to see children’s needs addressed. The shorter toilets and sinks are very helpful for young children.
ENHANCED LEVEL CERTIFICATION COMMENTS
1. Congratulations! We are advocates for your efforts and celebrants of your accomplishments.
2. Congratulations on earning the Enhanced Level certificate. As patrons of the library we are continually highly grateful for the quality and kinds of service provided. What a great gift within the community.
3. I just read in the Midland Daily News that the library has earned the Enhanced Level of the Library of Michigan’s Quality Services Audi Check List and is 12th out of the 300-plus public libraries in the state to earn the certification. Bravo! Since moving to Midland in 1983 I have been so impressed with the facilities, collection, service and staff. I feel very fortunate to live in a community to be so blessed with Grace A. Dow Library. Kudos to the staff!
The following comment was read at the Board meeting:
Congratulations on getting GADML an
Enhanced Level of Certification from the Library of Michigan -- a well-deserved
recognition for your efforts. My
granddaughters (5 & 8) stayed with us last week, and enjoyed visiting the
library to check out books, use the computers, and play with the wooden
train. They were impressed with the
large selection of books. Librarians in the children's area are always helpful
and have often assisted me in locating specific books. For some reason, I can usually find specific
books on the main floor more easily than in the children's section!
VII.
Old Business
a. Board/Community
Communications
Snover will be responsible for the May/June board
section in the Library Connection.
Johnson will do July/August.
Soules inquired about continuing the board section in the Library
Connection. Galt commented that it is
hard to determine the effectiveness of the articles. Barnard stated that not many comments are
received about the Library Connection in general. Johnson noted that people seem to like the
newsletter because there were comments when it was no longer being mailed. It was decided to re-visit this topic in the
future.
b. Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative Board
Report
Soules reported that the current director is
retiring in the fall and the search for a replacement has been narrowed to four
candidates. Soules inquired about the
status of the state’s funding of libraries and the Library of Michigan. Barnard responded that it is still
undecided. Soules reported that the
Cooperative will offer a list of presenters for the Summer Reading “Be Creative
@ the Library” programs.
c. Library Board Goals
Committee Reports
Soules called
upon board members to report on the activities of their committees.
Goal 1: Advise
library staff and evaluate processes and procedures related to technology use
and instruction at the library.
Board members
assigned: Neher, Galt, Johnson
Report presented
January 2009.
Goal 2: Participate
in the review of the Library’s Mission Statement and development of a strategic
plan.
Board members
assigned: Galt, Soules, Kinnish
Barnard reported
that the Strategic Planning Committee had an initial meeting that lasted 3.5
hours. The committee felt they had some
good discussion and accomplished a lot in their first session.
Barnard shared
the current mission statement which is over ten years old. Barnard shared a draft of a new mission
statement that the committee developed.
She welcomed any input or comments.
Snover felt the statement was welcoming and thought that “citizens” was
a good word choice. Neher felt that the
word “entertainment” showed the change in how libraries are used; that there is
a more recreational use of libraries.
Johnson felt it was short enough to memorize and easy to recall.
The Library does
not currently have a vision statement.
Barnard shared the two vision statement options that were developed by
the committee. Again, she welcomed
comments. Neher was concerned about
using the word “The” at the beginning.
He felt it was exclusive of other places in the community. Kinnish asked about the use of the words “gateway”
and “gathering place”. Neher suggested
“destination” rather than “gathering place”.
The committee’s
next meeting is Tuesday, April 21, 2009.
Goal 3: Participate
in the City of Midland Community Roundtable discussions regarding city
services, including the services of the library, to provide input in
identifying city budget priorities for fiscal year 2009-2010.
This goal was
completed in October 2008.
Goal 4: Suggest
innovative marketing strategies to communicate library services and programs to
the community.
Board members
assigned: Kinnish, Soules, Snover
Mary Beth
Rousseau from Northwood University has offered to have students in one of her
Marketing Management courses develop marketing strategies for the Library. Teams of students will present their plans
for consideration at the end of the term.
Barnard and McKane have visited the class twice and report that the
students are very committed and enthusiastic.
Committee members are invited to attend the final presentations. Snover wondered if MCTV could record the
presentations. Barnard said that she
would look into that possibility.
d. Budget Updates
Barnard
announced that the proposed budget cuts for the Library have not changed at
this point in the budget process. The
Library is proposing eliminating four vacant positions, reducing hours and a
reduction in the programming budget. The
City Manager will present the proposed budget to City Council on Monday, April
20.
If approved, the
reduced hours will go into effect July 1, 2009.
Barnard reviewed the timeline for the budget process.
Galt inquired
about the possibility of beginning the reduction of hours before July 1. Soules questioned whether the hours change
had to be approved by City Council.
Barnard responded that the hours can’t be changed without approval.
e. Reappointment of Library
Board Member
Barnard
announced that City Council has reappointed Sarah Galt for another three year
term on the Library Board.
VIII.
New Business
a. New Board Member Appointment
Process
Barnard announced that there is a three year term
position open on the Library Board. This
position would expire 6/30/2012.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 1, 2009. Applications are available online at the
City’s website, at the City Manager’s Office or at the Library. Applicants will be contacted to schedule an
interview.
b. Library Board Annual Report
Committee
Soules asked if the Board was ready to form a
committee to complete the Annual Report.
The following Board members agreed to serve on the committee: Sarah Galt, Tami Johnson and Marilyn
Soules. Soules asked when the deadline
was for the report. Barnard responded
August, 2009.
IX.
Board Announcements
Soules remarked on the “Lincoln” theme for
Happenings 2009. She felt it made for
great programs. Barnard noted that it
has been one of the more successful themes for programming. Barnard commended McKane on her work in
selecting this theme.
Soules recounted that she was on a tour of
Dow-Howell-Gilmore and they showed a slide of the Library’s Teen Room as one of
their accomplishments.
Johnson congratulated all of the Battle participants
for a great year. Neher thanked the
parents who help with the program.
X.
Adjournment
Brink moved to adjourn. Galt seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned.