12/17/2004
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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 17, 2004
Present:
Jan Regulski
Frederick Dunn
Glenn Garte
Katherine Merriam
Absent:
Manoj Shewa
Vacant Seat
Vacant Seat
Also Present:
John Szabo
Holly Ausanio
Paula Chaplinsky
Chairperson
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Library Director
Administrative Analyst
Sr. Staff Assistant
Chair Jan Regulski called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. at the Main
Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
ITEM #1 - Welcome
ITEM #2 - Minutes
Member Merriam moved to approve the minutes of November 19, 2004 as
submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Library Director's Report
a) Main Library
1. Downtown Development Board - Design Award
Library Director John Szabo stated the Main Library will receive a Design Award
by the Downtown Development Board, which makes recommendations to City Council
regarding redevelopment of the downtown area. This is the 5th award the building has
received.
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2. Special Events at Main Library
Mr. Szabo reported that during one weekend there was a corporate holiday
party in the cafe atrium and west terrace, Leadership Pinellas holiday reception, Library
Foundation book-signing fund raiser on the rooftop, a holiday tree lighting ceremony,
Chocolate Nutcracker Dancers, Reading Dogs, a children's choir, and a gallery
reception with a harpist. We recently hosted a 2-day workshop with children's
librarians from across Florida. It was sponsored by the State Library of Florida, with
catering provided by Joffrey's Cafe.
The Library is receiving significant attention as a community center and venue
for events for both private businesses and non-profit organizations. In response to a
question, Mr. Szabo stated rental space revenue goes to the City's general fund and
does not directly benefit the Library, but could affect future budgets. Donations,
however, directly benefit the libraries and are used for enhancements that are beyond
what the regular library budget provides. Donations are received from individuals, non-
profit groups who use the meeting rooms, customers who are grateful for service
provided, patrons who may pay $1 for a $ .25 fine, etc.
Discussion ensued regarding the impact on staff time with scheduling and
setup of rental spaces. It was suggested a separate cost center be set up to show
recovery of expenses in the long term, and would help prove a need for additional
staff. Mr. Szabo stated costs are being monitored.
3. Children's Library - Glass Wall Installation
Library Director John Szabo reported glass wall panels have been installed
running east to west along the northern end of the children's area, significantly
reducing the noise level from the cafe.
4. Leadership Pinellas - Leadership Library
Mr. Szabo stated Leadership Pinellas has partnered with the Library for a special
collection on the 4th floor, which will be funded by the organization.
5. Visit from West Orange, NJ Public Library
Mr. Szabo stated a tour was given to the director of the West Orange, New
Jersey Public Library, which is considering Robert A.M. Stern Architects for their
library project.
b) East Library - Carpet and Tile Installation
Library Director John Szabo reported new carpet is being installed in the public
areas with new tile in the entryway and staff work area. Installation will occur from
December 27th through January 6th at which time the library will be closed.
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In response to a question regarding expansion of the library, Mr. Szabo stated
there are no current plans. He noted that additional shelving is being installed during
the carpet/tile project.
c) New Library Cards
Mr. Szabo stated the new countywide cards are blue, imbedded with the
barcode, and also have a keychain card. Cards are issued upon renewal or
replacement of lost cards. In response to a question regarding liability for lost
keychain cards, Mr. Szabo stated the patron is responsible in the same manner as with
the regular card. Other libraries have used the same type of cards for years and have
positive patron response.
ITEM #4 - Unfinished Business
a) Plaque featuring names of library directors
Discussion ensued regarding different sources for information on past library
directors. It was stated the Clearwater Sun has articles back to the early 1900s and
photos back to the 1960s. Library Director John Szabo requested a copy of the list
provided by Rita Garvey and suggested Mike Sanders, Dave Perkins, Fred Dunn and he
meet and review the list for accuracy. Discussion also ensued regarding the design
and size of the plaque. Additional information will be provided at the January meeting.
ITEM #5 - New Business - none
ITEM #6 - Reports
a) Foundation
Chair Regulski reported the Sunset Book Signing with Hal Stowers was
wonderful. She provided a sample of the "Top Ten List of Holiday Gifts" packet sent
out by the Foundation.
b) Friends
Library Director John Szabo reported the Friends made a donation of $20,000
to the Foundation for the Main Library Capital Campaign and $17,000 to the Library
for enhancements at each location. Examples of proposed purchases include the
publication Book Page, display cabinets for DVDs and CDs, a loveseat for a staff
lounge, and new materials for the collection.
Mr. Szabo stated a new reference desk is being designed for the Countryside
Library, which will be paid for from other donations given specifically for that branch.
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ITEM #7 - Board Comments
Vice-Chair asked whether the book spine wall could be relocated, Library
Director John Szabo stated it was custom designed for the space on the 3rd floor.
There are brochures about the wall in racks on every floor.
Vice-Chair Dunn suggested relocating the floor directory from inside to outside
the elevators. Mr. Szabo stated a floor plan/directory of all floors has been posted
near the call button outside the elevators on each floor.
ITEM #8 - Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :20 a.m.
ITEM #9 - Tour of Collection Development/Acquisitions & Technical Services
Tour was not conducted.
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Attest:
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