Grace A. Dow Memorial Library

Library Board

Minutes

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 7 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers

 

      I.                        Roll Call

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

 

PRESENT: Melissa Barnard, Michael Burhans, Lucille Cronin, Sarah Galt, Steven Markey, Laura Peterson

 

ALSO PRESENT: Ron Beacom, Manager of MCTV and Library Communications, Wendy Shields, Technical Secretary

 

ABSENT:  Maxine Brink, Suzanne Phillips

 

   II.                        Acceptance of September 19, 2012 Meeting Minutes

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

                       

 III.                        Additions or Changes to the Agenda

None

 

IV.                        Public Comments

None

 

   V.                        Director’s Report

The Library is partnering with the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Cultural Awareness Committee to provide several activities during October including hosting an exhibit from now until October 28th showcasing cultures from all over the world.  On October 18th, a panel discussion on diversity will be held in the Library Auditorium followed by a reception on the Mezzanine.

 

Barnard reminded everyone to check the Library’s website for up-to-date information on upcoming holiday hours.

 

The Battle of the Books kick-off will be November 10th with two presentations by author John Ritter in the Library Auditorium.

 

Adult Services is currently offering computer classes and will hold a program on how to choose an eReader on November 7th at 7p.m. in the Library Lounge.  Markey suggested offering a computer class on Google.drive, a free word processing program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VI.                        Patron Comments and Suggestions

SIGNED COMMENTS:

1.      Stopped in because we are in town for husband’s class reunion.  What a wonderful experience.  Loved the coffee shop.

2.      Thank you.  Having access to a computer is so very helpful for us low income people.  Your staff is very helpful.  I enjoy every time I visit.  And you all did a great job on the parking lot.

3.      Thank you so much for the free foreign movie month.  What a nice idea for your patrons.  We watched “Monsieur Lazhar” as a result, and it was not only an excellent film but very thought provoking.

 

UNSIGNED COMMENTS:

None

 

VII.                        2011-2012 Strategic Plan

The Plan was reviewed, noting items that actions have been taken since the last review. 

 

Explore fundraising ideas with input from the Friends of the Library

Board: Brainstorm fundraising ideas at the October Board meeting

 

Fundraising ideas suggested by the Library Board during their brainstorming session on 10/17/12:

·                       Sell “geek” and library t-shirts

·                       Sell notepaper and mugs featuring library name

·                       Sell library clothing

·                       Battle of the Bands in the Auditorium

·                       Engage public with re-modeling – use your change to vote

·                       Promote eBooks – request donations to increase collection

·                       Be able to give electronically from the website

·                       As a thank you to the foundation, challenge the community to penny          drops, contests

·                       Define specific goals

·                       Pay to vote on library services, authors – make it a competition

·                       Thank you wall or giant card for Foundation grant – not a fundraiser

·                       Wine night

 

Expend the $3 million grant in designated areas

Staff: Work with architect and others to plan and implement

Barnard presented the report she gave to City Council to accept the grant on 11/15/2012.  Board members discussed the grant.

 

 

 

Develop new activities of interest to teens

Staff:  TAB on hiatus, build on success with Zumba and craft programs

Seven students attended the most recent Fab Friday.  Staff encouraged attendees to invite others, hoping to build on that number for next time.

 

Welcome program attendees

Board:  Serve as greeters and, when applicable distribute surveys

Board members were invited to serve as greeters at the Michigan Women in the Civil War Program on November 8th. 

 

Utilize new formats to provide online access to materials

Staff:  Pilot the use of an iPad to offer the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today

The iPad will be put into service beginning October 18th. 

 

Staff:  Explore additional and alternative downloading services.

Staff investigated “Freegal” for downloading music.  It was determined to be too costly at this time and the model would not be a good fit. 

 

Initiate an awareness campaign

Staff:  Utilize the campaign available through OCLC & Gates Foundation

Ron Beacom updated the Board on the new marketing program, “geekthelibrary.”

 

VIII.                        Announcements

Cronin commented on the statistics provided in the packet.  She appreciated having the programming and room rental information included in the statistics.

 

IX.                        Adjournment

Cronin moved to adjourn.  Peterson seconded.  Motion approved.  Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.