05/02/2013 LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 2, 2013
Present: Judith McSwine Chair
Mary van Weezel Vice-Chair
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Barbara Ann Murphey Board Member
Paul F. Brown Board Member
Elizabeth W. Folk Board Member
Absent: Barbara Blakely Board Member
Also Present: Bonnie Potters Librarian III
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.
1 —Approval of Minutes — February 7, 2013
Member Murphey moved to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2013, 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 Expansion
Librarian III Bonnie Potters reported the City Council voted to construct a new
Countryside Library facility on the Countryside Recreation Center grounds.
2.2. East Branch/SPC Joint-Use
Ms. Potters said City staff toured St. Petersburg College facilities and met with college
staff. The college has chosen architects and will determine a site convenient for library patrons
and students. Much work is needed to identify objectives, services, and ways to unite the
separate entities. The City has not signed an agreement.
Discussion ensued with comments that it is important to determine who will control the
library's operation, and cooperation between the City and college will be essential as libraries
undergo significant technological changes and digital formats gain popularity. It was noted the
trend for libraries is to serve as community centers and focus on children services. Support was
expressed for a library that integrates college students with the community and provides
opportunities for education majors.
2.3. Main Library Courtyard
Ms. Potters said construction of the courtyard fence will start soon. Discussion ensued
regarding homeless issues and related effects on local libraries.
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2.4. Reference Renovation
Ms. Potters reviewed changes to the Main Library's reference area. The lab is
designated as a quiet study laptop room; laptops will be added. A wall may be built for the
computer lab to manage noise.
3 — Unfinished Business
3.1. Strategic Plan
Ms. Potters said staff participated in creating the Library's strategic plan, an ambitious
document. Plan objectives and goals identify responsibility for each item. Library Director
Barbara Pickell is determining which items can be achieved, prioritizing them, and creating a
time line. Staff comments will be reviewed before the document is finalized.
4 — New Business
4.1. Nomination /Election of Chair and Vice -Chair 2013/2014
Member Murray moved to reappoint Judith McSwine as Chair. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Murphey moved to reappoint Mary van Weezel as Vice Chair. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
5 — Reports
5.1. Library Foundation: None.
5.2. Friends of the Library
Member Murray reported the Friends' March book sale earned $3,244. Another sale is
planned for May; volunteer help was requested for Wednesday, May 15, 2013.
Scholarship program preparations are underway; Friends intends to award as many
$500 scholarships as possible. Applicants are bright and articulate.
Beginning June 1, 2013, Member Murray will serve as President of the Friends; she will
continue handling bookstore finances.
6 — Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 10:41 a.m.
Next meeting will be on August 1, 2013 at 10:15 a.m.
JAI IN/2(u-NAtY
Chair
Library Board
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