HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 7, 2002
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
May 7, 2002
The meeting was called to order by Chair, Barbara Miller at 7:05 p.m. Those present were Catherine Vesley, Julienne
Wyckoff, Patricia Sowada, Nancy Hoium, Barbara Miller, and Becky Loader.
It was moved, seconded, and passed to approve the minutes of the April 2, 2002, Board meeting as mailed.
Bill list dated 5/13/02 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that they be paid.
The accounting was reviewed.
Old Business:
1. The article from the Anoka County Library Director’s Report of March/April 2002 addressing the failure of
the automated circulation system was discussed.
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2. The draft of possible 75 Anniversary celebration ideas was reviewed. Possible slogans were discussed, and
the Board finally decided on: “From Red Wagons to PC’s: 75 Years of Service”. Ideas for patron
recognition by month were decided upon. Library cards used during the anniversary year will be marked
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with a 75 anniversary sticker. Other ideas were discussed.
a. Becky interviewed Jeanette Sherohman, the daughter of Harriet Blythe who is credited with
going out with a red wagon to collect book donations to start the library. Ms. Sherohman was
very gracious and shared stories with Becky and allowed her to take digital pictures of some
photographs of Jeanette as a young girl posing with her mother.
3. Several maintenance items were completed during the month. The carpet was cleaned by Stanley Steemer,
floor mats were cleaned, the water fountain on the main floor was repaired, front door locks were checked,
and the fire extinguishers were serviced.
4. Cristy Tombarge started on April 8 as the Library Aide and is working the designated hours.
5. The building was re-appraised for insurance purposes on 4/11.
6. Heights Theatre fundraiser of 4/21 was discussed. The turn out for the event was a little low, which was
probably due to a combination of factors including the weather. No information on the amount raised is
available at this time.
7. The Library was one of the stops for the group for “Bring Your Child to Work Day” on 4/25. This year
there was a large group of about 12 children who have parents working in other departments throughout the
City.
8. Interviews were conducted for the CHASE-funded Summer Program Aide. There were 38 applicants and 7
interviews were conducted. Staff is waiting for a reply from one of the candidates before an offer is made.
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9. The City-Wide open house will be held on May 22, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The theme will be “Read &
Bloom @ Your Library”. The library table will include a display and people who attend the open house can
participate in a trivia contest to win prizes. Board members Catherine Vesley and Patricia Sowada will
check their calendars to see if they are available to participate.
10. Parade plans were discussed. The Board and those staff willing to participate will comprise a walking unit.
Participants are asked to wear their “library” t-shirt, shorts or slacks, and comfortable footwear. Catherine
Vesley has volunteered the use of her car as the “support” vehicle and bookmarks will be distributed. The
Parade route is altered this year due to construction on Central Avenue. The Board viewed the proposed
route. Participants will still meet here at the library and proceed to the staging area on Washington St.
Barbara Miller will provide the cooler, and Pat Sowada will purchase the ice and bottled water for those
walking in the parade.
11. It was moved, seconded, and passed to table the discussion of the revised Internet Policy Documents until
the June meeting.
12. A report on a follow up meeting with Dave Assmus was discussed.
13. The potential redevelopment of the Mady’s site was discussed.
New Business:
1. Statistics for Summer Reading Club registrations by grade level for the last 4 years were reviewed and
discussed. A meeting with the ISD #13 Media Specialists took place on 4/9. The decline in participation in
summer reading club is considered a serious problem by both the school district and the library staff. This
year Marsha and Kelly will be going to the schools in person to promote Summer Reading. One of the
reasons there may have been a drop in numbers last year was due to scheduling problems in the classroom.
A list of staffing cuts in the school district was reviewed. Budgeting problems they are experiencing will
have an impact on library services also.
2. Thank you letter to Bob Proft for his generous donation of two copies of the Congressional Medal of Honor
Winners was reviewed.
3. The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2002. The cost of tickets is $20.00.
The Board was extended an invitation to attend if possible.
4. Letter from Hennepin County Commissioner Stenglein was reviewed.
5. A report from the Public Service Meeting was provided. No changes were made to the loan periods or cost
of rental videos on the County level.
6. The library participated in both Tornado drills on 4/18.
7. The NEI building is currently on the market for sale. The condition of the building was discussed.
8. The library has been the recipient of 3 cash donations this month. Two anonymous donations were received
for $800.00 and for $50.00. The Immaculate Conception Charitable Gambling Committee donated
$2,500.00. All donations were designated for the Children’s Department.
9. The Board was asked to attend the City Council meeting of May 28 to formally accept the donation from
Immaculate Conception. The only Board member available for that presentation is Catherine Vesley.
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10. The library has received the items donated by the Friends of the Library, and a thank you letter was
reviewed.
11. Several online resources are being cut. The resource called National Newspapers 5 will be cut in June. This
resource provided access to 5 major newspapers including the NY Times and the Minneapolis Star/Tribune.
12. Employees in the Finance department are in the process of cleaning out a storage area at City Hall and have
uncovered some accounting ledgers from the beginning of the City. These ledgers are hand written, and
although some are too damaged to salvage, at least one so far can possibly be saved to add to the “historical”
information being housed at the Library.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanine M. Schmidt Secretary to the Library Board of Trustees.
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or
treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to
allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights= services, programs, and activities.
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