Library Board of Trustees Meeting

Agenda Item No. 1 Date: November 12, 2015 Escondido Public Library Board of Trustees BOARD MEETING MINUTES Thursday, September 10, 2015, 2:00 p.m. Library Board Room CALL TO ORDER: Board President Gorny called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Members Present: Elmer Cameron, Gary Knight, Mirek Gorny, Ron Guiles Members Absent: Mayra Salazar Staff Present: Loretta McKinney, Director of Library & Community Services, Janet Rulien, Minutes Clerk WRITTEN/ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Trustee Cameron asked for clarification of a few items. MSC Cameron/Guiles to approve the minutes as written. Vote 4/0 in favor. CURRENT BUSINESS: Recent Library Materials Reconsideration Requests: Director McKinney gave a synopsis of the details of a reconsideration statement of concern while sharing the letter that was sent to the patron in response to the request for reconsideration of Library materials. She also explained the Library's policy and procedures regarding reconsideration issues, noting the importance of the work of the Reconsideration Committee and acknowledging Trustee Gorny's assistance on this Committee. Trustee Cameron commented about the procedure, which he was impressed with. Director McKinney also communicated a new concern regarding a local weekly newspaper called "The Reader." She explained that according to Library policy, staff does not act "In Loco Parentis;" meaning that staff do not perform 'in place of the parent.' It is the parent's responsibility to review their child's reading material and select what is best based on their personal values. Other experiences with reconsideration issues were described and discussed. Trustee Guiles commented that he has been involved in this process at the school district, and as long as there is a written procedure, citizens can understand the process and have the ability to be heard. This is great. The Board also discussed Banned Book Weekand Library Card Sign-Up Month, which are significant annual celebrations for libraries throughout the nation that occur every September. Library Expansion Project Update: The presentation made to City Council at the meeting on August 19, 2015, was very successful. Director McKinney acknowledged Trustee Cameron and Escondido Library Foundation (ELF) President Jack Anderson's eloquent and impressive presentations to Council. Director McKinney provided details of the specific financial options in the Staff Report that was submitted in connection with this project. City Council unanimously decided to proceed with hiring a consultant to conduct a community poll, as well as to hire a consultant to direct the strategic planning process. Staff will take this direction and results will be reported to City Council in January 2016, at which time City Council will be asked to provide further direction. If the results of the poll are positively within a certain percentage range of voter approval, City Council may approve proceeding with a Library bond measure, to be placed on the November 2016 ballot. The Library will have to budget for the ballot entry in both 4  Agenda Item No. 1 Date: November 12, 2015 English and Spanish. In addition, a resolution and ordinance will be prepared by the City Attorney's office; each having two public hearings; and then City Council provides approval in June 2016 for all November 2016 ballot issues. The monies to pay for the consultants to conduct the poll and the strategic plan will come from the Library's Capital Improvement Fund for the Expansion Project. Director McKinney spoke of Richard Hall, formerly the California State Library's building consultant, who published, Financing Public Library Buildings, which has a chapter on mounting a referendum campaign. She passed this information around to the Board for their edification on the process of these campaigns. The bottom line of the document is that commitment from volunteers is essential to the success of the measure. Trustee Cameron asked for clarification on the roles of the Escondido Library Foundation, The Friends, the Library Support Group Steering Committee and the Library Board of Trustees regarding the ballot measure issue. The Support Group Steering Committee is made up of the presidents of the various boards. Jack Anderson is the Chair of the Steering Committee. If pursuing a Library bond measure becomes a reality, the Steering Committee will organize the volunteer groups to work on the campaign as was determined at the first Library Support Group workshop. Volunteers are critical for accomplishing such tasks as walking neighborhoods going door-to-door, participating on speaker's bureaus, and writing press releases. This advocacy is work City staff is legally unable to do on City time. Support group advocacy will be important to the measure's success in November 2016. OTHER REPORTS: Director of Library and Community Services: Director McKinney provided an update on the variety of current programs offered to the community. The diversity of topics is wide and the seminars are very timely, e.g., drought solutions, identity theft, starting your own business. The goal is to provide awareness and resources regarding current events that are happening world-wide, nationally, and locally to the community. On other matters, Principal Librarian Emiko Kauz, has tendered her resignation and will retire at the end of October. Recruitment to fill her position opened on September 7, and closes on Monday, September 28, 2015. The projected date to fill her position should be by the beginning of December. Two new Librarians will be starting in October, one for Youth Services and one for Adult Services. Cynthia Lewis, the Library's new Digital Librarian, started in Technical Services, and Jose Rodriguez started as a new security guard. Trustee Gorny reviewed the calendar of Special Programs and Library Events with the Board. ADJOURNED: 3:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted Mirek Gorny, Board Presid Jane L. Rulien, Minutes Clerk 5