Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

 

Minutes of the Meeting of August 8, 2007

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m.  Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter, Lynda Burton, and Julie Dickson were present, as were Interim Library Director Leslie Stanton and Friends President Miriam Hess.  City Manager Bert Johansson was present for the first agenda item. 

 

Recruitment process.  Bert requested a library trustee to serve on the selection committee for library director:  Bonnie Long was designated.  Bert indicated that the committee would probably be made up of five persons, including the mayor, himself, Bobbie Vierra, and Bonnie.  A paper screen will reduce the number of applicants (currently 11) to six, and interviews are tentatively set for August 23.

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  The minutes of the meeting of July 11 were approved as submitted.

 

Library Director’s Report

 

Maintenance issues.  Leslie reviewed her Library Maintenance Report for August and its reception.  James has been very helpful and supports the work order process.  Leslie explained that a resolution has been reached regarding irrigation of Barney’s Backyard.  She reviewed with trustees the report dated July 30 of the meeting with the City Building Inspector, which has yielded precise and achievable tasks.  She said the meeting was positive and informative, including how to meet ADA requirements.  

 

Summer Reading Program.  The program has been well attended and received.  Two events remain (final party August 14.)

 

Website.  Kaitlyn Toronto continues to update the website; Miriam suggested that trustee term dates be corrected.

 

Dr. Wood Display.  Leslie and Susanne Salvestrin are working on the permanent display honoring Dr. Wood.

 

Visit to Fairfield/Cordelia Library.  This morning, Leslie and three other staff members toured the newest (December ’06) Solana County Library branch off Highway 80 near Costco.  Of particular interest was the ease with which patrons used the self-check system.  The group collected good ideas and photos were taken.

News from Larry.  Larry began his new job in New Ulm, Minnesota August 1.  He reports good fishing!

 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  Lynda reported that Robyn is finishing her updates on the second draft of bylaws, with issues flagged for review by attorney Frank Toller.  Frank will be asked to attend the next meeting of the trustees, September 12, to discuss finalizing the bylaws.  The trustees agreed to begin consulting with people involved with other similar foundations to elicit suggestions for individuals to serve as the initial board of directors of the foundation. 

 

Friends of the Library.   Miriam reported that the annual meeting was well attended and interesting, and thanked Dr. Darter and Lynda for their remarks at the meeting.  The Friends are purchasing two new bilingual Awe-stations for the Children’s Room to assist with Spanish literacy.  Miriam has been elected president of the Friends.

 

Wine Library Association.  Julie reported that the 17^th Annual Varietal Seminar Saturday, August 11 is filled to capacity, and reminded trustees to attend and enjoy the 45^th annual Tasting for Members Sunday, August 12. 

 

Historical Society.  There was no report in Gwen’s absence. 

 

The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

 

                                                            Julie Dickson, recording secretary