11/03/2011
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 3, 2011
Present: Jan Regulski Chair
Judith McSwine Vice-Chair
Judith Blanton Board Member
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Mary van Weezel Board Member
Barbara Ann Murphey Board Member
Absent: Elizabeth M. O’Brien Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Nicole Sprague ORLS Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1 – Approval of Minutes
– August 4, 2011
Member Murphey moved to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2011 Library Board
meeting, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
2 – Library Director’s Reports
2.1. Countryside Update
Library Director Barbara Pickell said a status quo budget was adopted for FY (Fiscal
Year) 2011/12. Beginning October 1, 2011, $300,000 in Penny for Pinellas III funds are
available to plan the renovation and expansion of the Countryside Library; the remainder of the
$5 million appropriation for construction will be available next year. It is important to involve the
community in the process; architecture firm Harvard Jolly will present proposals to at least two
community meetings. The book collection needs to reflect community use.
In response to questions, Ms. Pickell said parking garages are extremely expensive to
construct. The Fire Department next door is anticipating renovations; the Library and Fire
departments are discussing ways to better use the limited space. There is no guarantee the
City will receive the full amount of Penny for Pinellas funds anticipated. Planning for the
renovation and expansion of the East Library is budgeted to begin next year; a joint-project with
St. Petersburg College is still planned.
2.2. North Greenwood Update
Ms. Pickell reported North Greenwood Library hours have been expanded to 40 hours a
week, allowing adults to use the facility when school is in session.
3 – Unfinished Business
:
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Ms. Pickell said volunteers with computer and finance expertise are needed for training
programs.
4 – New Business
: None.
5 – Reports
5.1 Library Foundation
The Library Foundation recommends the library collection be reviewed for books of
historical value. The first annual dinner, held last March at the Main Library, featured Angelo
Dundee. The Foundation donated more than $6,000 to purchase library books. The
Foundation and Friends of the Library will continue funding the Volunteer Coordinator position.
The Foundation also funds a half-time liaison position at the East Library for outreach to the
large Hispanic community nearby. Display cases in Spanish and a new section of shelves
featuring Spanish language books have been added. Participation by Hispanic children in the
summer reading program more than doubled. The Hispanic population also uses the Main and
North Greenwood libraries.
5.2 Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library funded 12 interns to help with summer programs. Interns
become lifelong library supporters. A copy of the newsletter was distributed. Receipts for the
Fall book sale exceeded $2,900 and receipts for the book and wine fest exceeded $770. Ms.
Pickell thanked the group for hosting two fundraising events for the library over one weekend.
Items not on the Agenda
The importance of donations to library programming was noted.
The Chair requested permission to draft a letter for board review to the St. Petersburg
Times and City Council, bragging about library enhancements and community support. It was
stated that Mary Brown had put in a good plug for libraries at the legislative hearings. It was
noted how important the library is to the community during a poor economy.
In response to a question, Ms. Pickell reviewed the hiring process. All positions are
filled.
Ms. Pickell reported the partnership with Pinellas County Schools to run the Refresh
Café in the Main Library has worked well. The café closes during school holidays. The location
is not easily accessible to the public nor vented for cooking. Library patrons love the students
and provide them with positive response. The library budgeted intern positions and hired one of
the café students to perform custodial work and one student for page work.
It was reported that Clearwater Women’s Club Evening with the Author on November 18,
2011, will feature Lisa Unger. The Halloween party at the Main Library was well attended.
Ms. Pickell reported the Main Library has been open for 7 years. Planned improvements
include converting the front entryway into a fenced courtyard. A fence also is planned for the
back terrace to prevent people from leaving with library materials.
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It was requested that the Volunteer Coordinator be invited to the February meeting.
6 —Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
Attest:
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