Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

 

Minutes of the Meeting of September 12, 2007

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m.  Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter, Lynda Burton, Bonnie Long and Julie Dickson were present, as were Interim Library Director Leslie Stanton, Friends representative Miriam Hess, and attorney Frank Toller (for the first agenda item.)

 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.   Trustees reviewed the current draft of bylaws prepared by Lynda and Bonnie and Robyn, seeking clarification and advice from Frank on pertinent sections.  A redraft will be prepared and submitted at an upcoming meeting.    

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  The minutes of the meeting of August 8 were corrected (adjournment time should be 5:45 p.m.) and approved.

 

Library Director’s Report

 

Launch of monthly Movie Nights.  Leslie announced that Thursday evening, October 4 (during Banned Books Week) the film “The Hollywood Librarian” will be shown at the library.  The producers ask that an $8 charge be assessed, with two-thirds of the proceeds sent to them.   Thereafter, each first Thursday independent and foreign films will be screened free, via arrangements with Film Movement.  Flyers, the website, and possibly the newspaper will advertise these evenings.  A motion was made, seconded and passed by the trustees to approve this concept and plan. 

 

Meetings of library groups/associations.  Leslie reported that she attended the September 6 meeting of North Bay Counties, which addressed cataloguing and concerns with Super Search.  She plans to attend the CSL/State Library Orientation for New Public Library Directors in Sacramento September 20-21 (registration, lodging and meals are free.)  Lynda asked Leslie to ascertain which staff members might be interested and available to attend meetings of the CLA, ALA, and PLA at various times of the year.  Funding for these enhancement opportunities could be sought from the Friends. 

 

Dr. Wood Display.  The permanent display honoring Dr. Wood is now on view, and members of the Wood family have indicated that they will donate one of Dr. Wood’s medical bags.

 

Maintenance report.   Attention to the work orders has been timely, and Leslie was very positive about the current situation.  She asserts that renewed commitment to recycling may result in a reduction in the size of trash receptacles required and a subsequent cost savings.

 

Process to hire new Library Director.  Bonnie reported that two final candidates have been identified.  Bert is completing background checks and a recommendation will go to the City Council at its second meeting in September.  Upon their ratification, the hire will be announced.  The trustees were unanimous in their appreciation of Leslie’s performance as Interim Director, particularly her development of new and appreciated special projects.  Leslie pointed out that existing staff could not be expected to carry out such new projects, and the trustees urged her to apply to the Friends/trustees for funding of staff for enhancement activities. 

 

Friends of the Library.   Miriam reported upon the board meeting of September 11.  New library cards and plastic book bags were purchased by the Friends, the Covelo trip was a success, the 8-page newsletter went out last week, Friends will contribute to a new column in the St. Helena Star dedicated to community groups, and bookmarks soliciting members will be available at the checkout desk.  The next book sale will be October 10-12.  Responding to Lynda’s recommendation, the Friends have joined the Friends division of the ALA.

 

Wine Library Association.  Julie reported that the October 13 Fall Field Seminar featuring Spring Valley is fully subscribed, and that there is a possibility that the celebration of the release of the second edition of the Charles Sullivan “Napa Wine” book may take place later this year.

 

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

 

City of St. Helena General Plan.  Bonnie reported on recent progress and reminded trustees that a public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. September 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the firehouse.

 

The meeting  adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

 

                                                            Julie Dickson, recording secretary