Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

   

Minutes of the Meeting of January 10, 2007

 

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, Julie Dickson, and Bonnie Long were present, as were Friends of the Library president Dolores Torrigino, and Library Director Larry Hlavsa. 

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  The minutes of the meeting of December 13th were approved as submitted.

 

Library Director’s Report

 

Browsing Collection.  These current books and DVDs, to be known as the “STARS” and marked with red labels and appropriate signage, will be available to local patrons later this month near the reference desk.   They will not be subject to renewal and patrons will be encouraged to check out only one such DVD and/or book item each visit.  Not much space is needed as they are anticipated to move quickly; titles which do not will be moved to the general collection. 

 

Interior Design project.  All in attendance (except Gwen) had participated in the meeting with Kathy Page and Bev Moris earlier in the day; it was agreed that it was very productive and that the redesign process is well on its way.  There had been insightful exchanges among staff, Friends representatives, trustees and the consultants.  Trustees reviewed the drawings and other materials from the meeting and further discussed areas to explore.  Larry proposes that next the staff will refine its assessment of the two plans and that trustees will have an opportunity to review the plan once staff  consensus has been achieved. Page + Moris will then be asked to prepare a revised set of drawings.

 

Tweed Trust Chiles Valley property.  The trustees are still waiting for an explanation of expenses, particulars of the appraisal currently being prepared and documents concerning the marketing of the property, in a manner which maintains appropriate confidentiality.  The possibility of a visit by trustees to the property was discussed, as well as preparation of a display with photos detailing Mrs. Tweed’s gift.        

 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  Trustees urged Larry to identify a consultant to assist them in a long-range planning session and taking the initial steps to establish a foundation.

 

CALTAC.  Lynda and Bonnie volunteered to represent the trustees in the California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners.

 

2007 Summer Reading Program.  Leslie proposes to again utilize the national summer reading program, which was very successful last year.

 

Library Maintenance.  Trustees expressed concern that interior and exterior maintenance was being neglected.  Items such as the replacement of tiles in the staff area have remained undone for many months.  Recognizing that the interior redesign is imminent, it was noted that the exterior is in need of paint.  Larry was asked to re-institute the monthly “Maintenance Report.”

 

Budget.  Larry will submit a preliminary budget at the February meeting.

 

Friends of the Library.  Dolores reported that a plaque will honor the late Clara Wilson, who served as the Friends president for ten years as well as serving the community in countless other ways.  As Kleo Mini is relocating, the Friends are seeking new board members/officers.  The new newsletter, under the editorship of Robin Orsini, has been well received.   The Friends acknowledge the donation of the CPA firm of Brotemarkle, Davis & Co. of the preparation of its financial statements.  Letters have been lost from the library sign, and the Friends will undertake to restore it.

 

Wine Library Association.  Julie reported that the 2004 vintage of “Barney’s Backyard” Petite Syrah has been received by the association (18 magnums) and that the wine has received an excellent rating from Robert Parker.  Trustees reviewed a proposed statement identifying the library’s vineyard to appear on a plaque at “the window” and made suggestions.

 

Historical Society.  Gwen advised that the group’s next event will be an antique appraisal clinic on February 18th, with a silent auction including historic items. 

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

 

Julie Dickson, recording secretary