City Hall Council Chambers

I. Roll Call

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

PRESENT: Melissa Barnard, Michael Burhans, Sarah Galt, Tami Johnson, Laura Peterson, Suzanne Phillips

ABSENT: Maxine Brink, Marilyn Soules

ALSO PRESENT: Wendy Shields, Technical Secretary; Virginia McKane, Assistant Director

II. Acceptance of September 15, 2010 Meeting Minutes

Motion to accept minutes made by Johnson, seconded by Peterson. Motion approved.

III. Additions or Changes to the Agenda

None

IV. Public Comments

None

V. Director’s Report

Barnard described two new ideas to supplement the library’s materials budget. She announced that the library will be participating in the “I Love My Library” sweepstakes sponsored by Taped Editions. The library that receives the most entries will receive a $500 collection of audio books. There is a link on the library’s website to enter the contest. Phillips suggested putting flyers by the computers and Burhans suggested putting a link on the library’s Facebook page to encourage patrons to participate.

A Children’s Birthday Club has been developed to generate revenue for the Youth Services materials budget. Family members can make a $15 donation to the Library in honor of a child’s birthday. An age appropriate book will be purchased and a special bookplate will be included. The child will receive a postcard in the mail notifying them of the gift. The child can be the first one to see and to check out the book. Information is available at the checkout desk, in Youth Services or on the website. This program will begin November 1st.

Phillips inquired about the two recent power outages. Barnard responded that the first one was caused by vegetation on lines and the library was able to open by noon. The second outage was caused by wind and the library opened at 9:45 a.m.

VI. Patron Compliments and Concerns

SIGNED COMMENTS:

1. I know there are e-books available through the library website, but those are not contemporary titles, such as the books available in Book Express. Does the library have any plans to make contemporary titles available to e-book owners?

Currently, there is no affordable, library based service offered to provide new fiction and nonfiction titles for e-readers. Options will be considered as they become available.

UNSIGNED COMMENTS:

None

VII. Old Business

a. Board/Community Communications

Galt noted that when she asks people about the library, they respond, “I love it.” Burhans complimented staff on the excellent story times enjoyed by his daughter.

b. Mid-Michigan Library Cooperative Report

No report.

c. Library Board Goals Committee Reports

Goal #1 – Review emerging trends and demographics in Midland community and evaluate impact on current and future library programs. Burhans, Phillips

Phillips reported that the committee is waiting for data from the 2010 census to begin working on this goal.

Goal #2 – Promote the library to the community by increasing awareness of the library with the goal to achieve sustained usage of the library and attendance at library events. All

Barnard announced that there will be library staff presentations at the Board meetings in January, February and April of 2011.

Goal #3 – To work with library staff in nominating the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library as Library of the Year, by the April 2011 deadline. Johnson, Soules

The committee will begin work on this goal in January 2011.

VIII. New Business

a. Library Strategic Plan Review

Barnard gave an update on action items in the Strategic Plan.

Phillips asked if any feedback had been received about the new DVD check out process. Patrons have adjusted to the new process. This has addressed the theft problem. Burhans related that he drops his DVDs off at the Reference Desk first then selects other materials. The DVDs are at the checkout desk ready for him.

IX. Board Announcements

Peterson announced that Midland Public Schools is holding a used book sale at Parkdale Elementary School.

X. Adjournment

Burhans moved to adjourn. Johnson seconded. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at

7:30 p.m.