Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

Minutes of the Meeting of October 10, 2007

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m. Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter, Gwen Becker, Lynda Burton, and Julie Dickson were present, as were Interim Library Director Leslie Stanton, Friends representative Miriam Hess, City Manager Bert Johansson, new Library Director Jennifer Baker, and Bob Brownscombe from the Friends.

Jennifer was welcomed and introductions made. A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed. The minutes of the meeting of September 12 were approved.

Library Director’s Report

Launch of monthly Movie Nights/Banned Books Week. Leslie reported that 28 people attended the showing of The Hollywood Librarian on October 4. The Friends approved a donation of $150 to the film’s producers. Three displays explaining Banned Books Week will remain up throughout October. Monthly “First Thursday” film nights will continue.

Meetings of library groups/associations. Leslie continues to travel to Sacramento for professional meetings. She stressed the value of the orientation for New Public Library Directors September 20-21. She and Sue Mitchell attended an October 5 seminar on Customer Service in a Self-Check World. They brought back good ideas for signage and producing a training video for staff. Gwen pointed out that signage (particularly the “donor wall”) was a priority in the upcoming interior redesign. Upcoming workshops which Leslie and/or other staff will attend are Putting Excel to Work in Your Library and Photoshop Elements for Libraries. Leslie will attend the CLA conference in Long Beach; she will stay with her sister and the Friends have provided $350 for Registration other expenses.

Gallery Wall Exhibits – Application and Permit. Staff studied current needs and the procedures of other libraries and submitted proposed procedures and application and permit forms. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to accept these changes in policy concerning the gallery wall.

Maintenance report. Attention to work orders continues to be timely. The floor mold (not dangerous) has been cleaned away, but the floor is still disintegrating. The library is next on the list for rug shampooing. Professional electricians are needed to address the shorts in the lighting systems, and Bert reported that the city has voted funds for this purpose. There is a great – and much viewed and appreciated – ecosystem in the fountain. A secure top is needed for the trash enclosure, to prevent non-library additions before the 2-yard dumpster can be replaced by 2 less-expensive brown trash-toters.

St. Helena Public Library Foundation. Lynda reported that fine-tuning of the proposed bylaws is near conclusion. Following another review by the trustees and attorney Frank Toller, the incorporation papers can be drawn up and state and federal filings made. She had attended the Northern California Public Library Foundation Network meeting in San Jose, and learned during the four-hour session much about the structure and goals of foundations similar to what we propose.

Friends of the Library. Miriam reported upon the board meeting of October 9 (second Tuesday of each month.) It was decided to research banks vis-à-vis interest rates. The Christmas Party will be December 13. The trustees signed a proclamation recognizing National Friends of the Library Week October 22-28 and there will be an article in the St. Helena Star and kiosk in the library. The book sale is taking place (October 10-12.)

Wine Library Association. Julie noted again that the October 13 Fall Field Seminar featuring Spring Valley is fully subscribed, but reported that the release of the second edition of the Charles Sullivan “Napa Wine” book will probably be delayed until the new year.

Historical Society. Gwen reported that she is no longer on the society’s board, having taken over the responsibility for oral histories. The new president is Skip Lane. The cemetery tour November 3 will feature “Crimes and Misdemeanors.” The Christmas party will be December 4. The society is involved in city discussions concerning the Adams Street property, advocating a community center and history center on the site.

Thanks to Leslie. Bert led the trustees in appreciation of Leslie’s fine work and demonstration of love of and dedication to the library during the interim period. She reported that she and several other staff members are considering seeking advanced degrees (tuition assistance available!)

Getting to know Jennifer. Jennifer’s first day as Library Director will be November 13. She spoke about her education and experience and anticipation to direct this library. Trustees offered their heartfelt support and wishes to assist her in any way in assuming her new responsibilities.

The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary