Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

 

Minutes of the Meeting of May 13, 2009

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m.    Lynda Burton, Bonnie Long, Susan Swan, and Julie Dickson were present, as were Friends representative Bob Brownscombe and Library Director Jennifer Baker. 

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  The minutes of the meeting of April 8 were approved. 

 

Library Director’s Report.  Jennifer reported that the City Council will review the budget May 14.

 

MOU for Library, Friends, and Foundation.  The most recent redraft was reviewed and discussed, and it was decided to submit the draft to the Friends so that they could address it at their May 21 meeting.

 

Teen Room.  Pursuant to suggestions of the teen focus group which met during spring break, colorful furnishings and new equipment are being acquired with a planned opening of June 1.

 

Summer Reading Programs.  Trustees reviewed the calendar and descriptions of activities to be kicked off June 1.  Over 750 children participated last year, and enthusiasm is high again this year.  A teen program will be introduced this year: the Teen Center/Recreation Director has been notified.

 

Unsightly Exterior Stucco.  The staining of the stucco cannot be resolved by only repainting.  Trustees directed Jennifer to notify Lowell Smith that we are working on a solution and see if he had suggestions.  Trustees also directed Jennifer to confer with city staff concerning an alternative to the present sign in front of the library, which has individual letters which frequently are knocked off and are expensive to replace.

 

Closure over July 4 weekend.  Trustees determined that the library would be closed for the required July 3 and 4, and also on Sunday, July 5.  The library would only have been open four hours, with difficulty assigning staff, and library usage is historically very light on such weekends.     

 

Fines for late books and lost book policy.  Jennifer reported that many libraries have abolished fines for late books, adopting instead the “Netflix” approach that new materials cannot be taken out when items are overdue.  Almost one-fifth of St. Helena’s library cards are currently frozen due to outstanding fines.  Fines currently contribute to the city’s general fund, but staff time required to collect fines would almost balance this.  Jennifer reported that libraries which have dropped fines are very pleased with the public response, with the happy return of blocked borrowers to the fold.  Trustees acknowledged the value and viability of such a change, but tabled it for the time being.  However, they approved Jennifer’s suggestion that lost books could be replaced from a “wish list” rather than the former rule that the exact missing item be replaced, and directed Jennifer to put the system in place.

 

Proposal to install windows which open in the Wine Library.  Replacing two of the currently permanently closed panes above the “view panel” with operable awning windows would allow fresh/cool air and a cross breeze, which would be a vast improvement over the noisy and ineffective AC which has interfered with increasingly well-attended programs in the wine library space.   City engineering staff has endorsed this library staff suggestion, and a quote for $2,615.90 from local Ray’s Radiator & Glass for materials and installation has been obtained.   Trustees approved the project, and directed Jennifer to obtain city approval for use of CLSA funds.

 

“Get Involved” Conference and progress.  Jennifer, Leslie Stanton, and Robyn Orsini attended the conference in San Francisco last week.  They reported upon St. Helena’s pilot project and received positive feedback.  Jennifer utilized a recommended e-blast to elicit volunteers and has already received 12 responses.  She is coordinating with the Arts Council and Nimbus Arts Center concerning the art facets of the initiative. 

  

Architectural Design/Remodel.   The final documents required for the issuance of the RFP will go before the City Council at its next meeting or possibly the one after that.  It is still possible that the contract could be awarded in July or August.

 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  Pursuant to the City Council’s directive that a means be found to effect the transfer of funds to the foundation, a meeting will be held May 20 with foundation representatives and city staff.  Representatives of the grantors have expressed willingness to assist.

 

 Friends of the Library.  Bob reported that the nominating committee is working on a slate, and that the annual meeting will be scheduled in conjunction with the next book sale.

 

Napa Valley Wine Library Association.  The second annual Books on Wine Festival will be held in the library on Wednesday, May 20, with four authors speaking and refreshments and wine.  Julie reported that on the Saturday afternoon of its annual seminar/tasting weekend (August 15-16) the association is introducing a post-seminar tasting reception at the Oxbow Market in Napa. 

 

General Plan Update/Adams Street.  Bonnie reported that meetings on the elements continue:  on May 13 Land Use and Growth Management; on June 24 Open Space Conservation and Historical Resources.

 

St. Helena Historical Society.  Jennifer is attending the society’s series of meetings to develop its plan for the Adams Street parcel.  The library cannot at this time articulate its plans for the space currently allocated for library expansion.

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

 

Julie Dickson, recording secretary