Minutes of the Meeting of October 12, 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, Lynda Burton and Bonnie Long were present. Friends of the Library President Dolores Torrigino was present, as was Library Director Larry Hlavsa.

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed. Minutes of the meeting of September 14th were approved as mailed.

Library Director’s Report

Library Statistics. Larry provided the Board with a copy of the 2004-2005 statistics he recently compiled for the California State Library. The Library “use” statistics, which had increased strongly in the past few years, leveled out in FY2003-2004. Most of our statistics remained relatively constant while the “door count” increased slightly from last year, i.e., from 160,463 to 161,220.
 

2005 Hennen Public Library Rankings. Larry reported that, for the first time, the St. Helena Public Library made it into the top 10 in a nationwide ranking of public libraries. Our library was rated 10th of 1445 libraries with populations of 5,000-10,000 in a survey published in the October, 2005 issue of American Libraries. In the article entitled “Great American Public Libraries,” St. Helena Public Library was one of only two California libraries included in the national rankings which included one hundred libraries. In overall rankings by state, California finished a dismal 41st among the fifty states. The data clearly suggest that library support is amazingly strong in St. Helena!

Development of Adams Street Property. Lynda reported on the September 22nd public meeting held with three of the six participating developers. A second meeting was held on October 6th. We reviewed our prior comments which we determined continue to represent our views and concerns on behalf of the Library. We will continue to participate in the process as it moves forward.

Tweed Trust Update. A motion was seconded and passed to form a subcommittee to explore the issues raised regarding the Tweed Trust as well as the possible formation of a St. Helena Library (non-profit) Foundation to enhance the Library’s financial stability. The subcommittee will consist of Larry, Bonnie, Lynda and Dolores. The result of Larry’s informal survey demonstrates that a significant number of public libraries have formed such foundations to support their financial health. Dr. Darter pointed out that the Friends of the Library already have 501 (c)(3) status and undertook the tremendous effort which resulted in the construction of our present Library.

Annual Holiday Party. The Holiday Party will be held December 13th at 6:30p.m. at the Library. Invitations will be forthcoming.

Thin Clients Workstation update. Randy Fischer, library technology consultant, has completed installation of the five new “thin client” catalog workstations which are smaller, less expensive and easier to repair and replace than the old PC workstations. Initial patron response has been positive especially regarding the thin client stations’ simplicity of use. The thin clients use a Web interface which is easily updated by Larry.

Wood Trust Enhancement Distribution. Larry distributed the accounting for the 2005 Wood Trust Enhancement Distribution.

 

TBR. Larry also reported that while the Library continues to benefit financially from TBR reimbursements by virtue of our being such a “heavy net lender," future TBR funds are not secure given the California state budgetary situation.

Security Gate update. Larry reported that, according to the City’s Building Inspector, we will not be able to construct a security gate on the second floor between the upstairs work area and storage rooms. To do so would violate applicable codes.

Behavior Policy. The Behavior Policy, adopted by the Board at last month’s meeting (Resolution No. 2005-4), will be posted near the adult computer work stations.

Friends of the Library (Dolores Torrigino). Dolores reported that the Friends recently had a very successful book sale raising over $1,200. The next book sale will be on December 7th at the Library. Dolores also reported that the new vice-president for the Friends is Kleo Mini.

St. Helena Historical Society (Gwen Becker). Gwen reported that the Society will hold its annual tour of the St. Helena Cemetery on Saturday, November 5th at 1 p.m. Entitled “Old Soldiers Go West”, the event will feature the stories of Civil War veterans at the Cemetery.

The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
 

Lynda Burton for Julie Dickson, Recording Secretary.