02/02/2012
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 2, 2012
Present: Judith McSwine Vice-Chair
Judith Blanton Board Member
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Mary van Weezel Board Member
Barbara Ann Murphey Board Member
Paul F. Brown Board Member
Absent: Elizabeth M. O’Brien Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Vice-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
– November 3, 2012
Minutes of the November 3, 2012, Library Board meeting were approved by unanimous
consent.
3 – Library Director’s Reports
2.1 Introduce Terri Clennan, Volunteer Coordinator
Library Director Barbara Pickell said this is the second year the Library Foundation and
Friends of the Library have funded the part-time Volunteer Coordinator position and the first
time the organizations have paid for staffing. City libraries could not function without volunteers.
Volunteer Coordinator Terri Clennan said the library’s estimated 91 active volunteers
facilitate library needs, including mending, technical services, circulation, youth, etc. She is
working to organize volunteers who will concentrate on short-term projects. She said bilingual
volunteers benefit East Library programs.
Member McSwine volunteered to create library displays.
2.2. Countryside update
Ms. Pickell said information regarding the FY (Fiscal Year) 2012/13 budget is not
available. The City is concerned the budget may be impacted by State legislation.
A new City Council will be seated on February 16, 2012. Councilmembers were
encouraged to spend a day at the libraries.
Ms. Pickell said $300,000 in Penny for Pinellas funds is budgeted this year for planning
the renovation/expansion of Countryside Library; remainder of the $5-million will be used next
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year for planning and construction. Harvard Jolly is the architect. Groundbreaking should occur
within 2 years. Gathering input and communication with nearby residents are important to the
planning process, considering limits to the budget and available space. Ms. Pickell welcomed
board participation in public meetings and planning sessions.
It was suggested that former Councilmember Carlen Petersen would be a good
facilitator. It was questioned if a fundraising component has been established. Ms. Pickell will
meet with the Foundation.
Penny for Pinellas funding to begin work on the renovation/expansion of East Library is
scheduled for next year. With massive technological changes underway, Ms. Pickell discussed
difficulties in determining future needs. Flexibility is key. While book readership is down, 8,000
th
virtual items were checked out last month; the virtual branch now is the library’s 4 largest
branch. The County will spend more than $100,000 on e-materials this year; usage increases
faster than the collection.
4 – Unfinished Business:
None.
5 – New Business
Rules and Regulations
A draft of Rules and Regulations for the Library Board will be distributed for adoption.
6 – Reports
6.1. Library Foundation
6.2. Friends of the Library
Member Murray said the Friends of the Library’s next book sale is on March 21, 2012;
those who pay a $10 fee can attend the presale. Volunteers are needed to unpack and display
the books, CDs, VHS tapes, and magazines. Donations are sought. In response to a question,
she said collectable books should be given to the Foundation for possible sale online. Concern
was expressed that collectable books may be difficult to identify.
Invitations will be sent for April’s Volunteer Appreciation Day. The Friends of the Library
are proud of its scholarship program for teen volunteers and the seven summer interns it
funded. The interns served more than 5,000 children. Ms. Murray said the book stores do well.
Ms. Pickell thanked the Friends of the Library for their investment in adults, summer
reading, holiday, and year-round programs for children. Ms. Murray said the Friends donate
between $40,000 and $50,000 each year to the library.
It was agreed that libraries are lifelong learning centers which are crucial to the vitality of
the community.
Items not on the Agenda
Member Blanton reported the Clearwater Community Women’s Club Evening with the
Author in November was successful even though attendance was down a bit; two other events
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were scheduled for the same evening.
Former Chair Jan Regulski was thanked for her Letter to the Editor regarding library
enhancements and the community's response. Ms. Regulski's efforts on behalf of the Library
will be recognized at the Volunteer Appreciation Day program.
Ms. Pickell reported Board Member O'Brien has resigned to be with her family.
7—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Next meeting will be on May 3, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.
Chair
Library Board
Attest:
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:o rd Reporter
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