HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 4, 2013
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
APPROVED
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
10/2/13
MINUTES
September 4, 2013
The meeting was called to order by Chair Patricia Sowada, at 6:31 p.m. Members present were:
Nancy Hoium, Steve Smith, Patricia Sowada, Barbara Tantanella, and Catherine Vesley. Also
present: Library Director Renee Dougherty, and Recording Secretary Stacey Hendren. Not present:
City Council Representative Tami Diehm.
The minutes of the August 7, 2013 Board meeting were approved as mailed.
The bill list dated 8/7/13 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
The bill list dated 8/14/13 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
The bill list dated 8/21/13 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
Dougherty highlighted the purchase of shelving for the children’s department. The library was able
to purchase additional shelving due to a discount received through our State Library Services
contract.
The 2013 accounting dated 9/4/13 was reviewed.
Old Business:
1.Dougherty and Linda Magee, Human Resources, interviewed 5 candidates for the children’s
librarian position, 2 individuals were invited back for a second interview, and a conditional
offer has been extended.
2.Members of the Task Force will be in attendance at the Library Foundation spaghetti dinner
to answer questions. The City Council is continuing to discuss options for a new library.
3.Dougherty and Barb Kondrick, Adult Services Librarian, prepared a resolution for the Mayor
to honor national library card sign-up month. The proclamation will be read at the
th
September 9 City Council meeting.
Dougherty provided a hand-out to the Board to demonstrate the value of library services by
comparing the annual per capita cost to a visit to the state fair or a night of entertainment.
Another possible demonstration would detail the cost of services currently available at the
library if they were purchased on the open market. The Board requested a hand-out be
prepared to give away at the spaghetti dinner.
Dougherty provided two comparison reports to the Library Board. The first compares the
local revenue per capita for libraries in the seven county metro area. The second report
shows program attendance, children’s material circulation, service hours per week, revenue
per capita, and other revenue for the four independent libraries in the metro area. Dougherty
noted that Columbia Heights is on par with Ramsey and Carver Counties, and lower than
Hennepin County in regards to per capita local revenue. Reports were generated from the
Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey Data Source and use 2011
annual report data.
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New Business:
1.The Board reviewed the July crossover statistics. Smith noted the high statistic for staff
handled checkout at Columbia Heights. It was noted that Columbia Heights does not have a
self-check machine. Circulation and computer usage were up, while the gate count was
down. Dougherty clarified that the library utilizes volunteers to deliver materials to
“outreach” patrons.
2.The Board reviewed the Unique Management report for July.
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3.Members of the Board were asked to attend the Latino Arts Festival on September 21 or the
rd
ACCapp Headstart parent meeting on October 3 to promote library services and answer
questions. Members will notify Dougherty if they are available.
Items from the Floor:
1.Dougherty shared with the Board the recent controversy at the Anoka Hennepin School
District and Anoka County Libraries regarding the book “Eleanor & Park.” The book had
been recommended for the district’s summer reading program for teens. Based on parent
objections to language and content as well as concern about using Legacy funding for author
events, the planned appearances of author Rainbow Rowell at the Blaine High School and
Northtow Library have been cancelled. The book will remain in the Anoka and Columbia
Heights Public Library collections.
2.Smith reported on his recent opportunity to deliver “Meals on Wheels” with U.S.
Representative Keith Ellison.
3.The Library Board received copies of the fall events calendar.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey R. Hendren
Recording 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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