05/04/2017 LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 4, 2017
Present: Chair Paul F. Brown, Vice Chair Barbara Blakely, Board Member Judith McSwine,
Board Member Barbara Ann Murphey, Board Member Rosemarie Kibitlewski, Board Member
David Loyd
Absent: Board Member Elizabeth W. Folk
Also Present: Jennifer L. Obermaier— Library Director, Linda E. Rothstein —Assistant 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
2.1. Approve the minutes of the February 2, 2017 Library Board meeting as submitted in
written summation.
Member Blakely moved to approve the minutes of the February 2, 2017 Library Board meeting
as submitted in written summation. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 —Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda: None.
4— Library Director's Reports
4.1. East Branch/SPC Joint-Use
Assistant Library Director Linda Rothstein reviewed progress on the East Branch/SPC Joint-Use
library. The front pond will feature a small-scale public art piece. St. Petersburg College will
move into its section in the fall; East Branch will relocate there in March.
In response to a question, Library Director Jennifer Obermaier said staff was considering
opportunities to enhance the Main Library lobby's attractiveness.
4.2. Staffing Update
Ms. Obermaier reported Karen Maldonado, formerly with Parks & Recreation Department, was
the new volunteer coordinator.
4.3. Community Engagement Project
Ms. Obermaier said after Harwood Institute for Public Innovation training, staff was engaged in
gathering input through the Community Engagement Project to develop a new strategic plan.
Board member responses to questions re Clearwater Libraries included:
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Positives:
Helpful staff; multiple locations served many neighborhoods; countywide access to library
materials; beautiful Main Library, imaginative and innovative directions will be rewarding and
difficult.
Programs:
Introduce more people to Main Library's roof events; increase social media presence; expand
library information in MyClearwater Magazine; meet community needs; foster partnership with
Florida Orchestra and host instrument "petting zoos" and musical programs; maintain relevancy;
continue providing printed books; preserve historical records; engage children in reading, music,
and maker spaces; connect with Jazz Holiday; focus on future; stay balanced.
One word description:
Informative; relevant; engaging; accessible; innovative; community.
Future:
Physical building necessary for children story hour, printed book displays for children, research
materials, maker space, community center, meeting space, beautiful views enhanced creativity,
peaceful space for contemplation, extend hours, increase programming and visibility, improve
accessibility, participate in City events and activities, collaborate with Parks & Recreation
Department.
Ms. Obermaier discussed Main Library's SPARK program. Ms. Rothstein said the library had
joined committees, such as Jazz Holiday, to promote community interaction. The library wanted
to engage families looking for things to do; maker spaces had children activities. The library was
a viable asset central to Imagine Clearwater. Partnerships helped the library take advantage of
other organizations' strengths, share resources, and develop advocacy groups. Staff hoped to
increase staff and restore prerecession hours. It was suggested the library could generate
creative revenue and attract resources.
Image:
Innovation, large number of homeless could be intimidating; library never gets 2nd chance to
make 1St impression.
Mr. Rothstein said the Library sat on the City's homeless committee which tried to help the
homeless. Homeless individuals found the library safe and helpful; staff knew most homeless
patrons by name.
Outreach by East Library Spanish liaison was complimented. Ms. Obermaier said the part-time
position had done an extraordinary job engaging the Hispanic community. After the branch
relocates, the position will be full-time. East Gateway community engagement was planned. Ms.
Rothstein said several times weekly, the East Library offered well-attended workshops in
Spanish to help small business entrepreneurs.
Ms. Obermaier said the library also sat on a committee focused on the Lake Belleview
community. Large white boards will be available for resident input at the next outreach event.
Discussion ensued re library branch usage with comments that efficiencies needed to be
considered and return on investment justified. It was suggested the library's limited resources
be refocused by eliminating the beach branch as it served a limited number of people and the
Main Library was nearby and accessible. Ms. Obermaier said many groups loved the beach
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library. The new manager was increasing outreach and considering more children programs.
Circulation was not the whole story. The North Greenwood branch had a high door count for
computer use and program participation. Circulation was slowly decreasing countywide; the
library wanted to increase electronic resources.
Mr. Rothstein said more than 2,000 participants attended the free family-friendly Comic-Con
event. As attendance had reached Main Library capacity, north county libraries may be
approached to co-host future Comic-Con events.
Ms. Rothstein said staff worked with a young professionals group to make them aware of tools
available at the library. In partnership with the Dolphin Trail, City libraries will hide miniature
dolphins throughout their facilities. Finders will be provided painting sets to decorate them.
4.4. Imagine Clearwater
Ms. Obermaier said the November ballot will include a referendum item to modify restrictions on
Main Library uses and bluff development to implement the Imagine Clearwater plan. The City
received 4 responses to the RFQ (Request for Qualifications) re feasibility study on how the
cafe area and rooftop terrace could tie into Coachman Park activities.
4.5. Maker Studios Update
Ms. Obermaier said completion of the Main Library's Maker Space Studios took longer than
anticipated.
Consensus was to schedule a tour of the studios following the August meeting.
Ms. Obermaier said staff was working on increasing items lent by the library to include yard
tools, musical, instruments, board games, telescopes, microscopes, etc.
4.6. North Greenwood Library Discovery Zone
Ms. Obermaier said furniture had arrived for the North Greenwood Library Discovery Zone.
Next, computers will be relocated with some designated for children's use.
4.7. Summer Reading Program
Ms. Obermaier said the library was gearing for the summer reading program which will be
based on building a better world, encouraging participants to give back to their community and
improving world awareness. Through their reading efforts, students will earn points toward
sponsoring a goat or chickens for poor families overseas.
It was recommended the library host great decisions discussions through the Foreign Policy
Institute, which provided a guide on global issues.
Ms. Obermaier said in tandem with summer weekday activities, the library will provide a
nutritious lunch funded by JWB (Juvenile Welfare Board) to all children under 18. Volunteer and
student intern support of summer programs enhanced staff efforts.
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Ms. Obermaier said staff was reviewing logistics associated with a pilot program to provide
library services to homebound residents. It was suggested the program could partner with Meals
on Wheels and also serve residents with short term disabilities.
5 — Unfinished Business: None.
6 — New Business: None
7 — Reports
7.1. Library Foundation
The Library Foundation was praised for funding the library's volunteer coordinator position.
7.2. Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library President Rosalie Murray was complimented for organization efforts
supporting the library and hosting its annual volunteers appreciation event.
8 — Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Attest/ z/
Chair — Library Board
1 L i
Board Reporter
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