05/06/2010
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 6, 2010
Present: Jan Regulski Chair
Judith Blanton Vice-Chair
Elizabeth M. O’Brien Board Member
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Bernard Ward Board Member
Mary Van Weezel Board Member
Absent: Judith McSwine Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 – Approval of Minutes
– February 4, 2010
Member Ward moved to approve the minutes of the February 4, 2010, Library Board
meeting, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Library Director’s Reports
Library Director Barbara Pickell reported the legislature had reinstated $21.2 million in its
budget for libraries, which was the minimum necessary for Florida to qualify for $8.5 million in
federal funds. The PPLC (Pinellas Public Library Cooperative) uses Pinellas County’s share for
the Talking Book Library, the library automation system, delivery system, and deaf literacy
program. Without State and federal funds, County libraries would have to share the cost of
these services; Clearwater’s portion would be approximately $50,000. Ms. Pickell estimated the
library would receive about $700,000 in County funding this year, down from a high of
$1,115,000. County funding is based on a formula that includes the number of unincorporated
residents served.
Discussion ensued regarding the large force of separate organizations that collaborated
to bring this funding need to legislators’ attention. It was stated that legislators had received
more than 50,000 contacts in support of libraries.
3.1. Proposed Budget
Ms. Pickell said all City departments submitted budgets to the City Manager with a 5%
reduction, or $285,000 for the Library; the City Manager will present his budget to the City
Council in June. Since 2005, the Library budget has been cut by almost 20%, resulting in
reduced staff and fewer hours. The Library has invested in technology to improve efficiency.
Ms. Pickell said her proposed budget would close the Beach and North Greenwood libraries;
ongoing maintenance for the buildings is budgeted. Even when the Beach branch is busy, the
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two libraries represent only 7% of City usage; 10% of library usage is handled online. While
both branches are busy and serve their communities well, she said closing branches is the only
way to minimize impacts on overall services. Eight half-time positions would be eliminated.
She said staff at other branches could absorb this 7% usage but not the 27% usage at the East
Library should that branch close. The estimated $675,000 savings would not be realized if East
is closed due to the resulting effect on other branches. Usage also would move to libraries in
nearby towns, which are not responsible for serving City residents.
Concern was expressed that many residents who live near the East Library are unable
to visit other branches. It was recommended that the East Library remain open. The board also
discussed the Pinellas County Sheriff’s proposal to replace the City’s Police Department and its
effect on the City budget.
Ms. Pickell said a joint library with St. Petersburg College has been discussed. Even if
the Countryside branch is expanded by a maximum 7,000 square-feet, it still would be too
crowded. Combining East and Countryside at Woodgate has little support. Use of Long Center
property for a branch is on hold until the football concession can be relocated to Joe DiMaggio
Fields.
3.2. Self Check
Ms. Pickell reported that the City Council had approved the contract to purchase nine
self-check machines for installation by the end of summer. While a staff member always will be
present at the desk, patrons will be encouraged to use the touch screen machines to check out
materials, unlock DVD and CD cases, and pay fines. The machines will not replace staff; some
will be relocated to other areas in need of attention.
The new volunteer coordinator has attracted three times the volunteers than the library
previously had. Additional volunteers are being sought for a drop-in computer lab that will rotate
among library locations and help people use computers to complete resumes, Medicaid
applications, etc. It was suggested that Council members be invited to tour the library for a
perspective of its operation.
3.3. Floating Collection
Ms. Pickell said materials now remain where they are returned rather than being
transferred to the home library. The change reduces the number of materials moving around
the system, returns materials to shelves more quickly, and varies the browsing collections.
Safeguards will shift materials when necessary. The system moved 1.2 million items last year.
3.4. Café Update
The interlocal agreement with the Pinellas County School Board for a partnership
between the Main Library the Extended Transitions Program has been signed. The program will
begin soon and will operate Monday through Friday, including summer and holidays. No other
similar program exists in Florida.
4 – Unfinished Business:
None.
5 – New Business
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5. 1. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Member O'Brien moved to reappoint Jan Regulski as Chair and Judy Blanton as Vice-
Chair. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6 - Reports
6.1. Library Foundation
Ms. Pickell said she had spoken with the Library Foundation regarding support for a
part-time position for a Hispanic liaison to connect with the Hispanic community, develop
relevant programming, and help the library to better serve this population, which includes a
large number of young children. The East Library has a large Hispanic population nearby.
In response to a question, Ms. Pickell said the foundation did not raise sufficient funds
for its 4th of July activities and now limits fundraising events to a Jazz foray in November.
6.2. Friends of the Library
Representative Member Murray reported the Friends of the Library had earned more
than $3,300 at last week's book sale; the next sale is planned for the fall. A vendor pays the
group a per box price for leftover books. Member Murray said the organization tries to
supplement library efforts and donates an average $50,000 each year. Most donations support
summer internship scholarships and programming. Friends of the Library members were
complimented for their wonderful help.
Member Comments
It was commented that using a smaller first floor meeting room may be preferable for
future board meetings. Gratitude was expressed for community efforts and the resulting
restoration of State library funds. It was reported that the Nagano Delegation had attended a
reception at the Main Library and expressed gratitude for the beautiful display of Japanese gifts.
It was hoped the City Council will be receptive to Library needs during budget discussions. The
Chair was complimented and thanked for her service. It was stated it is a pleasure to serve with
others who care deeply for the library.
7 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Next meeting will be on August 5, 2010 at 10:15 a.m. (meeting room to be announced)
air
Library Board
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