Minutes of the Meeting of August 9, 2006

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 representative Jean Forde, and Library Director Larry Hlavsa.

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed. Minutes of the meeting of July 12th were approved as mailed.

Library Director’s Report

Tweed Trust. The board discussed the City Council’s timely approval on July 25th of its resolution applying the administrative provisions of the Wood Trust to the Tweed Trust. It was agreed that taking steps to establish a foundation should be addressed at the next board meeting, which will convene a half hour earlier, at 4:30 p.m., on Wednesday, September 13th, to accommodate that discussion.

Wireless Internet Access. The board considered and unanimously approved Resolution No. 2006-06 establishing a Policy on Use of Wireless Service, which needed to be enacted before an official public announcement of the availability of this new and popular service, already in informal use.

DiscoverStations installation complete. Larry reported complete satisfaction with this extensive innovative installation, and commended the competence of the providers. Funds will be saved as this system eliminates the need for several pre-existing software applications. The new early literacy stations for ages two to eight are also very popular.

Activities. Professional photographer Jim Cross will be featured at the digital photography event this evening, and the Summer Reading Program Parking Lot Party will be tomorrow.

“Books for Bagram” display. Trustees were encouraged to view Major Patrick Burke’s display illustrating the success of our program to send books to troops in Afghanistan. Lynda is working with the Friends to develop a stamp to provide our library information to recipients of these books.

SNAP issue. Larry will attend a meeting later this month to address the intention of Solano County Library to establish “browsing collections” for the use of their local county constituents only. Larry considers this a violation of the "SNAP Guidelines" of service agreed upon in 1994.

Alternatives to books on tape or CD. Gwen encouraged Larry to research the “Library to Go” technology for users of I-Pods, as well as the self-contained but expensive audio books. Larry is also considering ways to make the “NetLibrary” option more accessible via the DiscoverStations.

Interior Design project. The board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2006-07 approving $17,705 from Friends of the St. Helena Library Reserve Fund for interior re-design project consultant fees. Thus, the first phase of the assessment by specialist professional library designers may begin.

Wine Library Association. Julie encouraged board members to attend and enjoy the annual tasting for members at Silverado this Sunday, August 13th.

St. Helena Historical Society. Gwen reported that at its recent retreat the group authorized a bid from a professional museum designer to help with program identification for its history center. The second community planning meeting will take place September 10th at the Vine & Fig Ranch. The group is also talking with a professional fundraiser and is seeking input from his other local clients.

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary