Library Advisory Board Minutes - 11/23/2010LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
November 3, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Donna Jane McGough
Jennifer Andrews
Arthur Bea Williams
Amy Bobrowitz
Jeff Tillman
Jean Hall
Julie Carter
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Lesley Daly, Library Administrator
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Carrie Ann Taylor
Cari Guidry
A quorum was present and the meeting was called to order at 4:15 pm.
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Librarian's report:
Staff Update: Ms. Daly reported that Allison Steger tendered her resignation effective November 16, 2010 and that the
vacant Youth Services Librarian position is already being advertised through the city website and on other library
listservs. Ms. Daly is hopeful that a new employee can be hired in time to start the new year: to date, there have already
been over a dozen qualified applicants who have responded to the job posting.
The federally funded work program that the city has been involved with through the Texas Workforce Commission has
now ended and the library is sorry to be losing the help we've had again this year from our young workers. The library
was fortunate enough to have 2 of the individuals who participated in last year's program return: this year, their
maturity and work ethic have been outstanding.
Arno Leer: The Spanish and bilingual books have all arrived at the library and on November 4, staff invited local
Hispanic families to come and help open the boxes. Local media were also on hand and the library received some good
positive resulting publicity from the event. There are approximately 800 books that now need to be processed and
shelved — this may well take a few weeks! To help keep the spotlight on the Arno Leer program, the library will be
providing bilingual storytimes in 2011, as well as a reading fiesta and other bilingual programming.
Statistics Update: Ms. Daly clarified that previous years' statistical reports have not included database hits or
ebook/downloadable audiobook checkouts due to remote hosting issues. This year, however, these numbers should be
more readily available to the library and will be included in future counts.
Loan Star Funds: The plans for the 2011 Loan Star funds have been approved by the city council and have been sent
back to the State Library for disbursement. Coincidentally, one of the paperback spinners scheduled for replacement
with the funds has recently suffered a deadly encounter with a patron who ran into it while using the mobility scooter.
Part of the paperback collection is now being temporarily housed on carts until more permanent fixtures can be ordered
and installed.
Loan Star funds will also be used to fund the 2011 Summer Reading program. Suggestions from board members
regarding potential programs included collaborating with the Recreation department to host lunch concerts, and to
contact local youth music groups such as the Youth Symphony Orchestra and Applause as possible performers.
Friends: Ms. Daly mentioned that the Friends of the Library are hoping to bring back_ a major program such as the Dr.
Seuss birthday celebration in 2011. Jane McGough expressed interest in having the board sponsor a similar event,
suggesting a Literary Pumpkin contest as a possibility.
New Business: Ms. Daly announced that the library has received permission to conduct its first Food for Fines
program. From December 1 through December 15 2010, the library will accept canned food donations in lieu of cash
for overdue fines. One can will equate to $1 in fines, and all proceeds will be donated to the Wichita Falls Area Food
Bank. Amy Bobrowitz volunteered to help co- ordinate the delivery of collected goods if needed, and all members
present agreed that this would be a worthwhile activity for the library to pursue.
There being no further business, the mee ' was adjourned at 5:05 pm.
Next meeting: January 18, 2011, 4:15 lim
Am,l 94hroa4+z. Chair