Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

Minutes of the Meeting of August 12, 2009

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m.   Trustee president Dr. Darter, Bonnie Long, Susan Swan and Julie Dickson were present, as were Friends president Kelly Wheaton and Library Director Jennifer Baker. 

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

Library Director’s Report.  Jennifer reported that corrected statistical reports would be disseminated by email.  The library’s Facebook page to promote its teen activities now has 120 “friends.”

Volunteer program update.  The website VolunteerMatch is bringing in approximately 2 new volunteers a week, and Jennifer described the background and motivation of several of these people.  She expects many more such volunteers once the revised library website “goes live,” as it will contain a direct VolunteerMatch link.

Revised website to be operational the week of August 24.  Jennifer has worked with Bob Dye to appreciably improve the website.  One of the most useful features will be an embedded catalog search box.  Several trustees asked for the password to preview the site.   When the site goes live, it will contain the service “NextReads.”  Patrons can either read this online or subscribe for direct email recommendations for books in their declared interest areas.  We will initially offer 12 of the 26 lists available.   Book recommendations will be half new publications, half older.  The library will pay an $800 annual fee for this service. 

Grant applications.  Jennifer has made several requests of local organizations (Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce) to acquire and promote these online programs to assist patrons:  “HelpNow” (homework tutoring for grades 2 to 12) and “JobsNow.”

Architectural Design/Remodel.  Trustees reviewed Jennifer’s staff report to be submitted August 18 to the City Council recommending that it authorize the final bid request at its August 25 meeting.  The proposed timeline indicates that the bid could be awarded October 27 and ground be broken in November.   Trustees discussed the process by which bids will be reviewed and evaluated and reviewed how funds originally available have been and will be expended. 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  Dr. Darter and Jennifer reported that the application for nonprofit status has been received by the IRS and response time is estimated (hoped) to be 60 to 90 days.  With the appointment of Christina Tabora, there are currently five foundation board members.  The foundation proposes to organize four offsite fundraising events annually, possibly at the Elementary School Auditorium.  They will feature “big names” (Chef Thomas Keller has agreed; others are being approached.)  Proceeds above event expenses will build the endowment; the events will also publicize and feature the fledgling foundation and its value to the library.

 Friends of the Library.  Kelly distributed and explained a corrected and much improved financial statement, including an historical review of Friends direct support to the library.  Since 1982 (27 years) the library has received $242,913 from the Friends, with an annual average until this year of $7,719.  In 2009 to date, the amount is $45,909, largely because of expenses relating to the interior remodel.  Trustees expressed thanks to Kelly for clarifying the financial picture, and to the Friends for their annual contributions and notable and valuable help this particular year. 

Napa Valley Wine Library Report.  Julie encouraged attendance at the 47^th annual tasting for members at Silverado this coming Sunday, August 16, and briefly described the weekend’s activities.  She and Jennifer introduced the association’s exploration into building and maintaining a comprehensive data base of winery information, formatted similarly to Wikipedia. 

General Plan Update/Adams Street.  Bonnie reported that committee members continue to meet the fourth Wednesday of each month to develop the detailed data this process requires.  Draft elements may be reviewed on the website; comments will be added.  She distributed a flyer announcing the series of “community design process’ meetings being conducted by Mercy Housing on their proposal to develop their 10-acre site on Pope Street.  The land is designated medium density residential; a full EIR will be required.

 St. Helena Historical Society.  Jennifer reported that the society is working with the “Images of America” publishers to provide photographs and captions for the St. Helena book in their series.

The meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary