HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 7, 2010
Approved
5/5/2010
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
April 7, 2010
The meeting was called to order by Chair Patricia Sowada, at 6:32 p.m. Members present were: Nancy Hoium,
Patricia Sowada, Barbara Tantanella, and Lynette Thomson. Also present: Becky Loader, Stacey Hendren and
City Council Representative Bruce Kelzenberg. Not present: Catherine Vesley.
The minutes of the March 3, 2010, Board meeting were approved as mailed.
The bill list dated 3/22/10 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded and passed that the bills be paid.
The bill list dated 4/12/10 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded and passed that the bills be paid.
The 2010 accounting dated 4/7/10 was reviewed.
Old Business:
1. Renee Dougherty will start Monday, April 12, 2010 as the Adult Services Librarian. Dougherty will
attend the May Library Board meeting to introduce herself to the Board.
2. Preparations are being made to install the Gates computers including: ordering and moving furniture, and
updating signage. Jesse Hauf, IS Department, is working on loading software on the computers and
updating Cybraryn throughout the system.
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3. Columbia Heights hosted its first Legacy Fund program on March 27. Fractured Fairytale Theater
workshop was provided by Lyric Arts of Anoka and was well received.
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On June 5, every library in Anoka County will have programs. Patrons are encouraged to join the
“Library Crawl.” Columbia Heights will be hosting a music program in the activity room and a wood
carver doing demonstrations in the Adult Reading room.
Board members were notified of the seven Betsy-Tacy books purchased with Legacy funds and on the
shelf for circulation.
4. The BTOP (Broadband Technology Opportunities Program) grant was submitted on time and preliminary
results will be received by the beginning of June.
5. Through the adjustment period, staff and patrons are delighted with the increased hours at the Library.
The extra hours on Saturday are especially beneficial due to the high volume of patrons use.
New Business:
1. The crossover statistics for February were reviewed.
2. The Board reviewed both the City and State versions of the annual report, which have been submitted.
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Noted items were that 2009 was the Library’s 81 year of service, volunteer hours were down due to
staffing constraints and total borrowers and reference were up, though circulation was down. It was
highlighted on the staff list the loyalty of the CHPL staff and noted that several Pages are close to
breaking records due to length of employment.
3. The Board was disappointed in the Report on Public Libraries by the Office of the Legislative Auditor.
The Board discussed the recommendations as well as the overall negative tone. Several statements made
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do not accurately represent the Columbia Heights Public Library, and disregard the small population,
local interest and services provided to a city with its own library. The Commissioner of Education has
responded and will be working with the recommendations and reviewing discrepancies.
Loader presented the “What is your Library Worth” brochure being handed out as a part of National Library
Week. The brochure allows patrons to calculate a monetary value of their monthly library use and compare it to
the per capita cost of the library in the City of Columbia Heights.
4. Loader has received the preliminary documents for the 2011 budget. This will be due in June and based
on the 4-year plan to wean the city off of Local Government Aid. All union contracts will be open for
review in 2011.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey R. Hendren
Secretary, 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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