Minutes of the Meeting of June 8, 2005

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Dr. Darter at 5 p.m.  Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter, Gwen Becker, Bob Brownscombe, Lynda Burton, and Julie Dickson were present.  Friends of the Library President Tom Burke was present, as was Library Director Larry Hlavsa.

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  Minutes of the meeting of May 11th were approved as mailed.

 

Library Director’s Report

 

Architect’s report re: internal improvements to efficiency.  Larry reported that the architect he spoke with agrees that a short-term solution of combining the reference and circulation desks makes sense.  Her report suggested that many libraries are moving toward self-check arrangements in the long term, but the board was not interested in pursuing that avenue at this time.

 

Development of Adams Street Property. The City Council meeting of Tuesday, June 28th will be devoted to review of the nine proposals received.  These documents will be made available to the public June 24th.     

 

City Budget Update.  The FY2005-2006 library budget presented during the budget session with the City Council on May 27th includes a draw of $16K from TBR funds. This was also done last year. The FY2005-2006 budget should be officially adopted in June. Many of our current library professionals may be retiring in three to eight years which may present a challenge in recruiting.  Furthermore, if the city puts a freeze on replacement hiring (which has been discussed) we may face that challenge as well.

 

Summer Reading Program.  The theme this year is “Outside the Box: 100 Alternatives to Watching TV.”  Photography and writing contests are also on the schedule. The Web site is at: http://www.shpl.org/children/2005srp/srp.htm

 

History Display at Library Entrance.  Larry has installed a display about the history of the St. Helena Public Library across from the bronze sculpture.  The possibility of a historical mural behind the sculpture was discussed and well received by the board.

 

Board Composition.  Gwen and Julie have applied for new terms; Robert Brownscombe announced his retirement and was heartily thanked by his colleagues for his twelve (12) years of cheerful and diligent service.

 

Friends of the Library.  Tom reported that the May book sale yielded $799.  The Friends received a grant of $1,000 from the Cantus Fund for the Summer Reading Program.  The annual meeting and election of officers will take place on July 24th; a speaker is being sought.  Tom has begun shipping books via APO to troops in Afghanistan.

 

Wine Library Association.  Julie thanked Dr. Darter for his participation in the Wine Librarians Association’s  bi-annual meeting on May 20th.  The association is saddened by the grave illness of long-time board member and past president Reg Oliver.

 

St. Helena Historical Society.  Gwen reported that events for the coming year have been planned including "Museum For a Day" in February and the "Appraisal Clinic" in September. A donation will underwrite the two-day strategic planning session in July. The Library has provided some additional space upstairs for Society and researchers use.

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.