HomeMy WebLinkAbout020822 Packet
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING AGENDA
February 8, 2022 | 1:00pm | Online
****The State of Emergency declared by Governor Inslee temporarily prohibits in-person
contacts with the public required by the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act.
The May 29, 2020 Public Health Order by Jefferson County Health Officer Thomas Locke also
states no in-person meetings are allowed. Council will be participating by teleconference****
Submit public comment emails to be read aloud (up to three minutes per person) to:
publiccomment@cityofpt.us or join in person via computer or tablet at http://joinwebinar.com
enter the 9 digit Webinar ID 225-540-899 or listen by phone only (listening mode only) United
States: +1 (415) 655-0060 access code: 448-180-272#
Local Dial In – (360) 390-5064 access code: 448-180-272#
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes
V. Old Business
a. 2022 LAB Workplan Discussion
VI. New Business
a. Electing a Chair and Vice Chair for 2022
b. Community Read 2022
c. Arts Commission and the Poet Laureate
d. Intellectual freedom webinar discussion
e. San Juan Art Policy
VII. Next Scheduled Meeting – April 12, 2022 | 1:00 p.m. ONLINE
a. Suggestions: Agenda items: 2021 end of the year statistics and reports, 2021 customer
satisfaction reports, draft art policy
VIII. Public Comment
IX. Adjourn
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING NOTES
Regular Meeting
DATE: August 10, 2021 START TIME: LOCATION: Online
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathy Ryan, Ann Raymond, Ellie Mathews, Jacqueline Mention, Owen Fairbanks (Council Liaison)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Library Manager Keith Darrock, Deputy City Clerk Haylie Clement
AGENDA ITEM ACTION
V Approval of Minutes Approved
VI Old Business:
a. Recruitment
VII New Business:
a. Reopening Updates
b. Summer Reading Program Update
c. 2022 Workplan Discussion
A) Suggestions of options for recruiting new
members – members writing a summary of what
its like to be a member. This would go to Melody
to look over and present. Kathy referenced the
ALA group, United for Library as a source for how
to recruit members or for other information for the
board. Kathy also suggested reaching out the
JCARF (Jefferson County Anti-Racist Fund) to
see if they have member suggestions.
B) Keith provided an update on library hours and
operations, including an update on how Summer
Reading went.
C) Owen mention the new Culture & Society
committee and if that would impact the workplan
process.
Public Comment: None
Next Scheduled Meeting agenda ideas: October 12, 2021 from 1pm-3pm online
or in-person TBD
Workplan updates and more on recruitment of
new members.
Adjourn: 1:43 p.m.
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING NOTES
Regular Meeting
DATE: October 12, 2021 START TIME: n/a LOCATION: Online
MEETING CANCLED DUE TO THE LTAC MEETING BEING SCHEDULED AT THE SAME TIME ON GOTO MEETING
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
AGENDA ITEM ACTION
V Approval of Minutes
VI Old Business:
VII New Business:
Public Comment:
Next Scheduled Meeting agenda ideas:
Adjourn:
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING NOTES
Regular Meeting
DATE: December 14, 2021 START TIME: 1:09pm LOCATION: Online
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ellie Mathews, Jacqueline Mention, Owen Fairbanks (Council Liaison)
DID NOT HAVE A QUAROM SO NOT ACTION WAS TAKEN
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ann Raymond, Kathy Ryan
STAFF PRESENT: Library Director Melody Sky Weaver, Deputy City Clerk Haylie Clement
AGENDA ITEM ACTION
V Approval of Minutes Not Approved due to lack of quorum
VI Old Business:
a. Recruitment
VII New Business:
a. City Attorney Heidi Greenwood’s Overview of Advisory Board
Workplans
b. 2022 LAB Workplan Discussion
c. Library Director Updates
d. Library advocacy and intellectual freedom
Meeting was informational only without any
actions taken.
A) LAB in Culture and Society Committee
B) Discussed workplan supporting the Library’s
Strategic Plan, updating and creating library
policies, and learning more about library advocacy
work.
C) Overview of library operations, programming,
and staffing updates
D) Discussed the need for training in intellectual
freedom
Public Comment: None
Next Scheduled Meeting agenda ideas: February 8, 2022 from 1pm-3pm online
Workplan updates and more on recruitment of
new members.
Adjourn: 1:42pm 1:43 p.m.
Advisory Body Work Plan
TASK START END KEY METRICS BUDGET IMPLICATIONS January February March April May June July August September October November December
Library Work Plan Item:
Support the library's strategic plan 1/1/22 12/31/22 Refer to attached plan None Review and discuss Review and discuss Review and discuss Review and discuss Review and discuss Review and discuss
plan support plan support plan support plan support plan support plan support
Library Work Plan Item:
Review exisitng library policies and advise on new library policies 1/1/22 12/31/22 Review a policy each meeting none Policy advising Policy advising Policy advising Policy advising Policy advising Policy advising
Council approval of new and revised policies
Library Work Plan Item:
Library advocacy and intellectual freedom training 1/1/22 12/31/22 Participation in virtual and in person trainigs $1500 out of the library's trianing budget Watch two webinars Possible guest speaker at meeting Library All Staff Day
Training 9-28-22
Library Work Plan Item:Review 2021 stats &review monthly stats review monthly stats review monthly stats review monthly stats
Review monthly statistics and reports 1/1/22 12/31/22 LAB members understanding of reports none reports and reports and reports and reports and reports
Review year in statstics and customer satifaction survey and trends review monthly stats advise on annual survey
advice on yearly survey and reports
Library Work Plan Item:
Library Work Plan Item:
K E Y M I L E S T O N E S
Port Townsend Public Library
Strategic Plan 2021-2025
Updated for 2022
The Port Townsend
Public Library is
dedicated to:
Uplifting our
community through
reading, learning,
connection, and
creativity.
And ensuring
A thriving community
for all.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021
Acknowledgments
City Council
Pamela Adams
David Faber
Amy Howard
Monica MickHager
Owen Rowe
Michelle Sandoval
Ariel Speser
Library Advisory Board
Robert Gray
Savannah Hensel
Ellie Mathews
Jacqueline Mention
Ann Raymond
Kathy Ryan
Owen Rowe, Council Liaison
Sidonie Wilson (Chair)
Other Departments
John Mauro, City Manager
Kelly Graves, Executive Assistant
Library Supporters
Friends of the Port Townsend Library
Port Townsend Public Library Foundation
Consultants
BERK Consulting
Library Department
Melody Sky Eisler, Library Director
Keith Darrock, Library Manager
Hilary Verheggen, Library Manager
Chloe Vogel, Library Associate
Kathi Johnson, Library Assistant
Shilah Gould, Library Assistant
Nancy Grant, Library Assistant
Erin Fenton, Library Page
Jon Kasper, Library Page
Karen Bezanson, Library Substitute
Mary Coté, Library Substitute
Mary Flick, Library Substitute
Helen Tadeo, Library Substitute
Library Strategic Planning Committee
John Capps, Library Foundation
Keith Darrock, Library Manager
Michael D’Alessandro, Northwind Arts Center
Melody Sky Eisler, Library Director
Nora Mitchell, City Finance Director
Tamara Meredith, Jefferson County Library
Ann Raymond, Library Advisory Board
Sarah Rubenstein, Port Townsend School District
Deborah Vanderbilt, Friends of the Library
Joy Wentzel, Port Townsend School District
Sidonie Wilson, Library Advisory Board
Special Thanks
A special thank you to the numerous Port Townsend community members and
stakeholder agencies who provided their time and thoughtful ideas to help
the City create this Library Strategic Plan in 2020.
For More Information
For more information on the partner organizations and terminology referenced in this
document, please see the Library’s website: ptpubliclibrary.org.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 1
PLANNING CONTEXT IN 2020
The Port Townsend Public Library (PTPL) is truly Port Townsend’s library. Its staff, collections, programs,
historic Carnegie and Charles Pink House buildings are custom tailored for the unique community it serves.
Port Townsend values its small town feel and sense of a community; loves the arts, creativity, history, and
the sea; supports learning at all ages; and has an economy based on tourism and, increasingly, local
self-reliance. This Strategic Plan gives us direction for how to continue to be the best library for Port
Townsend over the coming five years.
Just as PTPL is shaped by its community, this plan is shaped by the particular time we are in. As this
plan is written, we are in the midst of a major public health crisis, on the slow path to recovery. Financial
challenges that were already affecting the City of Port Townsend have been exacerbated, inspiring
Engage PT, a community-wide conversation about how to focus a constrained City budget, and encourage
public participation in Citywide initiatives. Public attention is focused on tackling systemic racism and
climate change; promoting social, economic, and environmental justice, and providing equitable access to
resources for all community members.
We are grateful for our assets and mindful of our constraints. PTPL is fortunate to have the support of
the community, expressed both in recent engagement activities and in the passage of a levy lid lift in 2008
that created a dedicated source for library operations. As generous as this is, this funding is constrained in
two significant ways. The revenues it generates does not increase with inflation and so the library’s
purchasing power is eroding over time. Currently all levy funds are necessary to fund library operations
and there are questions about whether the levy can be used to fund capital improvements. Further
programmatic outreach or any increased services will be dependent on staffing and service models.
Currently, the library is at maximum capacity for maintaining day-to-day operations, which leaves
offerings status quo for now.
Given the economic hardships faced by community members and the City overall, we
will not ask for additional public operating support during the five years covered by this
plan. We will live within our means and work with the City, our Friends and Foundation,
and other partners to manage existing resources and leverage creative funding
opportunities.
“Waterfront with Kayak” photo credit Ashley Courter.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 2
PLAN STRUCTURE AND FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION
In the midst of current challenges, we remain hopeful. This Strategic Plan is calibrated to be both
pragmatic, grounded in short-term realities, and aspirational, looking beyond current constraints.
Engagement activities conducted as a part of this planning process captured what is most important to
community members: our collections, staff, and space. We also heard a desire for more: more community
connections; more programs and resources beyond the walls of the library; and more of a focus on what
makes Port Townsend, and Port Townsend Public Library, unique.
This Strategic Plan names the Library’s Vision, Mission, Core Services, and Assets and Resources. We
will stay true to these, leveraging them to advance four Strategic Initiatives designed to strengthen our
ability to serve the Port Townsend community. These elements are durable and will guide us through 2025
and perhaps beyond.
Each year, in concert with annual reviews on a citywide basis, we will use this guidance to identify current
special projects, with related ideas for the future indicating where we may go in subsequent years. In an
annual cycle, Library staff will work with the Library Advisory Board, City leadership, and our partners to
reflect on our progress and establish priorities and our budget for the coming year. Annually the staff will
identify meaningful measures by which to track deliverables, outcomes, and build success.
Carnegie Library illustration by Diane Mayers.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 3
OUR VISION AND MISSION
We share the City of Port Townsend’s Vision of:
A thriving with access to resources for learning,
relaxing, and expressing creativity.
community founded on our ability to connect to one another,
by design and by accident, in person and online.
for all. includes full access for everyone,
without barriers.
The individuals and organizations of the Port Townsend community must work together to achieve this
Vision, each according to their ability, focus, and resources. For its part:
The Library’s Mission is:
Uplifting our community through reading, learning,
connection, and creativity.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 4
OUR STRATEGY
We will prioritize the delivery of the Library’s Core Services: Collections, Programs and Events, Staff
Expertise, and Access to Technology. Our community relies on us for these services, by providing spaces
to house collections, offering friendly and expert customer service, hosting programs and events, and
creating opportunities for connection, and we will deliver.
We will steward our assets and resources, including our financial resources and beautiful Carnegie
building.
We will amplify our impact through partnerships with our Friends,
Foundation, Cooperative Libraries of the Eastern Olympics (CLEO), and
local and regional organizations. Our community desires more than we can
provide on our own, so these relationships are essential to achieving our
Mission.
We will use our Core Services, partnerships, assets, and resources to
continue to advance four Strategic Initiatives designed to help us be the best possible library for the Port
Townsend community:
Increase equitable access to library offerings to serve all Port Townsend residents and visitors according to
their needs, interests, and abilities.
Build community as a trusted convener and connector, both within and beyond library walls.
Help our Port Townsend community learn, do, create, and share.
Make efficient and effective use of local and regional resources.
Tactics for implementing these Initiatives in 2021, as well as some ideas for the future are presented on the
following pages. Initial Measures of Success are listed for 2021, with the expectation that these will evolve
over time to include specified targets and a mix of outputs and outcomes. As noted on the pages that
follow, 2021 will serve to establish a baseline and methods of gathering ongoing measurement data.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 5
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
1. Increase equitable access to library offerings to serve all Port Townsend residents
and visitors according to their needs, interests, and abilities.
In 2022 Measures of Success
Explore options for enhancing and expanding our collections,
including strategies to improve easy access to digital resources
and make creative use of Library and public spaces to house
programs and collections with a focus on EDI.
Work to get circulation statistics back to at least half of 2019
numbers.
Raise awareness of what we have to offer, where we have
limitations, and where we can connect to partner resources.
Develop a creative method for identifying resources and
programs that are provided by PTPL, including those provided
through partnership with others.
Evaluate current services such as: staff development; access to
technology, ADA; Books on Wheels, to establish a baseline.
Items in our collection.
Total circulation and circulation
statistics over time.
Percent of the Port Townsend
community who are active library
card users.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
expressing satisfaction with
Library collections.
Ideas for 2023-2025 and Beyond
Engage underserved populations and neighborhoods in the community and identify their needs and
desires for library services.
Build on what we’ve learned about new user desires and continue to balance traditional services with
ideas for drawing in new patrons.
Initiate community conversations to continually connect with the community and promote library
services.
Explore options for pop-up library services and convenient pick up and drop off locations.
Create a Services Improvement and Efficiencies Plan from the established baselines in 2021.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 6
Left: Sing-A-Ling with Keeth Apgar at the Library, photo credit Hilary Verheggen. Right: Community
Read 2018 with Leif Whittaker at Port Townsend High School, photo credit Leif Whittaker and
Freya Fennwood.
2. Build community as a trusted convener and connector, both within and beyond
Library walls.
In 2022 Measures of Success
Work to build in-person programming back to at least half of
2019 levels pre-pandemic of offerings.
Plan Community read with an EDI focus
Plan Summer Reading with an EDI focus
Explore hybrid programming options for in-person/online.
Facilitate access to physical and virtual meeting spaces.
Work with the Friends and Foundation to secure stakeholder
advocacy and financial support for programs and outreach.
Number of events held in the
Library and elsewhere in the
community.
Attendance at and increased
demand for programs.
Positive feedback from event
participants gathered through a
simple immediate feedback tool.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
expressing overall satisfaction
with the Library.
Ideas for 2023-2025 and Beyond
Extend library programs into the community.
Evaluate library programs and outreach activities to identify equity and access challenges. Use this
baseline assessment to inform a future Program & Outreach Plan.
Develop an annual Program & Outreach Plan, including more developed Measures of Success with a
focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 7
3. Help our Port Townsend community learn, do, create, and share.
In 2022 Measures of Success
Map and formalize our partnerships to leverage community
resources.
Build on existing collaboration with the Port Townsend School
District in the COVID/post-COVID reality through programs
like “Lunch at Your Library” and supporting their place-based
learning.
Continue creative services like “Take and Make Bags,” “Grab
Bags,” and the “Unusual Items to Check Out” collection.
Number of active partnerships.
Number of programs and events
delivered by the Library and its
partners.
Attendance at and increased
demand for creative programs.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
expressing satisfaction with
Library programs and events.
Positive feedback from event
participants gathered through a
simple immediate feedback tool.
Increased demand for relevant
programs and events.
Ideas for 2023-2025 and Beyond
Showcase local creative works in partnership with other community organizations.
Offer local history and tell local stories in our collections in partnership with local organizations.
Feature more indigenous history, stories, and programs in partnership with local Tribes.
Circulate tools, technology, and other means to do, create, and share.
Left: Git-Hoan Dancers at Jefferson County Library, photo credit Russ Stamp. Right: Children’s Choir
at the library, photo credit Phina Pippia.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 8
4. Make efficient and effective use of local and regional resources.
In 2022 Measures of Success
Serve as a hub for Engage PT and other current City
initiatives. Including, Learn Your City program series.
Plan Library All Staff Day 2022 in-person with EDI focus.
Assemble and prioritize the Library’s maintenance and capital
improvement needs with Parks & Facilities Manager.
Collaborate with the Friends and Foundation to prioritize
resources for capital needs and collections in line with
community priorities.
Interlibrary circulation statistics
within CLEO.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
agreeing that the Library is a
good steward of public resources.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
expressing overall satisfaction
with the Library.
Increased Friends and Foundation
resources for collections and
programs.
Ideas for 2023-2025 and Beyond
Invest in staff development to meet evolving service needs aligned with this Strategic Plan.
Work with the City to establish a plan to address long-term capital needs and aging physical
infrastructure.
Explore funding for historical preservations and capital improvements.
Research long-term options for establishing a sustainable operating budget aligned with community
expectations.
Explore long-term options for establishing sustainable funding for the City’s maintenance and capital
improvements to the Library and Pink House.
Engage PT is a yearly campaign – a clear, coordinated, and consolidated approach to community-led, integrated decision-making.
RELATED SPECIAL EVENTS (All Events Free!)
Check the Library’s website for specific links to online programs at
ptpubliclibrary.org, under Programs/Community Read.
Movie Kickoff: PTFF Presents Boy, written and directed by Taika Waititi
March 1–8 Virtual Screening Room On Demand
Screen the movie for free March 1st–March 8th through the Port Townsend Film Festival’s online
platform, www.ptfilmfest.com. A coming-of-age story filled with magical realism.
Free Screening of Boy at the Rose Theatre
March 5 (Saturday) Rose Theatre 1 pm
Watch Boy live at the Rose Theatre. Pick up free tickets at the Library or www.ptfilmfest.com.
Tickets are limited.
Northwind Art – Stand Tall and Reach Deep: Creative Book Covers for Wishtree
March 1–31 Port Townsend Public Library See Library hours below
Max Grover’s painting class reimagined the cover art for Wishtree, which are on display at the Library.
StoryWalk A Year Around the Great Oak for Kids and their Families
March 1–31 Kah Tai Lagoon Anytime during daylight
A fun outdoor adventure for the whole family. Walk and read Gerda Muller’s beautiful tribute to a
great oak tree and the seasons. Starts at Landes Street entrance.
Make a Wish Tree
March 1–31 Port Townsend Public Library
Come to the Library to make a wish for our own wishtree.
Book Lovers’ Café Online
March 7 (Monday) Online via Zoom 2 pm
Join the Library’s Book Club for a group discussion of The House
in the Cerulean Sea with Library Director Melody Sky Weaver.
Meet the Author: Katherine Applegate Online
March 17 (Thursday) Online via Zoom 6:30 pm
Join Katherine Applegate for a presentation and reading.
Some Questions About Trees Storytime
March 22 (Tuesday) Online via Zoom 10:30 am
Special virtual storytime with author Toni Yuly. For kids 0–6.
Community Book Discussion Online
March 24 (Thursday) Online via Zoom 7 pm
Grab a curbside meal from your favorite local restaurant and join
the book club discussion of The House in the Cerulean Sea with
Kimberley Gorman, Executive Director of Jumping Mouse.
Meet the Author: TJ Klune Online
March 31 (Thursday) Online via Zoom 6:30 pm
Join TJ Klune for a presentation and reading.
FOR ADULTS AND TEENS
The House in the
Cerulean Sea
by TJ Klune
“It’s a witty, wholesome
fantasy that’s likely to
cause heart-swelling.”
– The Washington Post
FOR CHILDREN
Wishtree
by Katherine Applegate
“A deceptively simple,
tender tale in which
respect, resilience, and
hope triumph.”
– Kirkus Review
Books can be
purchased at
Imprint Books
LIBRARY HOURS:
Tue.–Thur. 10 am–7 pm
Fri. & Sat. 10 am–5 pm
Sun. 1–5 pm
Mon. Closed
2022
THE COMMUNITY READ PROGRAM & HOW IT WORKS
The City of Port Townsend has proclaimed March as the official “Reading Month.”
Community Read is designed to promote closer ties among community members
through the shared experience of reading, sharing and discussing the same book and
ideas related to topics raised by the book.
• A limited number of free copies of the book will be available at the Port Townsend
Public Library on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional copies will be available
at the Library on two-week loans, or you may purchase a copy at Imprint Bookstore.
• Read the book, then pass it on to others.
• Prepare for a discussion about the book with your own book group or join in with other
book clubs. A brochure with discussion issues and questions is available at the Library.
• Attend the many related, mostly online, events during the month of March.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE!!!
For more information:
(360) 385-3181www.ptpubliclibrary.org
Author Profiles
TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary
Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and
more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it’s important – now more than ever – to have
accurate, positive queer representation in stories. He lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Visit online at www.tjklunebooks.com.
KATHERINE APPLEGATE is the author of several best-selling young adult series,
including Animorphs and Roscoe Riley Rules. Home of the Brave, her first standalone
novel, received the SCBWI 2008 Golden Kite Award for Best Fiction and the Bank
Street 2008 Josette Frank Award. She won the John Newbery Medal in 2013. She lives
with her family in Irvine, California. Visit online at www.wishtreebook.com.
Book for Adults and Teens: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret. Linus Baker is a by-the-book
caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s tasked with determining
whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.
Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the
children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about
the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place – and
realizing that family is yours.
Book for Children: Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
The New York Times bestselling story of kindness, friendship, and hope. Trees can’t
tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories… Red is an oak tree who is many rings old.
Red is the neighborhood “wishtree” – people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie
them to Red’s branches. Along with a crow named Bongo and other animals who seek
refuge in Red’s hollows, this wishtree watches over the neighborhood. You might say
Red has seen it all.
Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red’s experience as a
wishtree is more important than ever.
Funny, deep, warm, and nuanced, this is Applegate at her very best – writing from the
heart, and from a completely unexpected point of view.
This year’s Community Read is mostly online to keep our community safe
and connected. The Library’s website offers live online events and some
self-paced activities. All the information for how to access the programs
are on the Library’s website under Programs/Community Read.
ptpubliclibrary.org
Port Townsend Reads … a community coming together through reading
SPONSORS: Friends of the Port Townsend Library, The Port Townsend Public
Library Foundation, and our community partners: Port Townsend Film Festival,
Imprint Books, Port Townsend School District,
Port Townsend Jefferson County Leader, Peninsula Daily News,
Northwind Art, Rose Theatre, and KPTZ 91.9 FM.
San Juan Island Library
5.4
Art Policy
The San Juan Island Library District believes that the display of artwork in the building enhances the Library
environment for patrons. Therefore, to the extent that space is available, the Library encourages the exhibition of
artwork which is of local and regional interest, and/or which enhances and complements the Library’s other
collections.
5.4.1 Acquisition of art
Except in extraordinary circumstances, the San Juan Island Library District does not include monies in its
annual budgets for the purchase of art works. However, consistent with its general art policy (section 5.4),
the Library does encourage the loan of artworks for temporary or longer term display, and in some cases
(section 5.4.5) accepts gifts of art to add to its small permanent collection.
5.4.2 Composition of art committee
To aid in the implementation of this Policy 5.4, the Board authorizes the Director to appoint an Art
Committee consisting of three to five persons, the members of which shall serve at the pleasure of the
Director. Generally, committee members shall have experience in the field of art, but the committee may
additionally include members of the Board of Trustees, or Friends of the Library.
5.4.3 Responsibilities of art committee
A. To recommend, develop, and implement temporary and permanent exhibits of art in the Library
building...subject to the approval of the Director, and consistent with the objectives of the Library’s Art Policy
(section 5.4 above), and its Policy on Exhibits (section 5.3 above).
B. To review works of art offered to the Library as gifts, and to recommend to the Board whether the Library
should accept them. Appeals of the committee’s decision may be made to the Board. The criteria the
Committee will use in this review are listed in Section 5.4.4 below.
C. To advise the Library Director on physical placement of art within the Library building (individual pieces,
and exhibitions of multiple items). Final approval rests with the Director.
D. To report at least twice yearly to the Board on the past 6 months’ activities (including for example,
significant acquisitions, both loans and gifts, and exhibits) and the outlook for the next 6 months.
5.4.4 Criteria for Selection of works of art, including gifts
In addition to ensuring that the art under consideration for display is consistent with the Library’s general
Policy on Art (section 5.4), the Art Committee shall consider the following criteria when determining whether
to recommend to the Director and/or Board that artwork/s be displayed in, and/or acquired for the Library:
A. Quality: the inherent artistic quality of the work is of highest priority
B. Media: all visual art forms may be considered, subject to the limitations of the Library’s display
space
C. Style and nature: the art work should be appropriate in scale, material, form and content to the
Library’s physical space, its audience (Library patrons), and its other collections.
D. Architectural design: the ability of a particular piece of art to enhance the interior aesthetics of
the library’s public spaces may be considered
E. Other: special circumstances may apply, as described by the committee where applicable
5.4.5 Gifts of and disposition of art
A. Upon recommendation by the Art Committee, the Board may choose to accept donated works of art.
Once accepted by the Board, the donated art becomes the property of the San Juan Island Library District,
which has sole authority thereafter re. its location, retention, and disposition.
B. Determining the value of the donated art is the responsibility of the donor. The San Juan Island Library
District does not arrange, nor pay for, appraisals.
C. The Library shall prepare a Gift Acceptance form which outlines the above provisions, for signature by
the donor and the President of the San Juan Island Library District Board of Trustees.
D. Disposition of gifts of art which are determined to no longer serve the objectives of the Library’s general
Policy on Art, will be with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
5.4.6 Other administrative policies
A. The Library does not insure art work on loan for display, and assumes no liability in case of theft,
damage, or loss. The Director shall prepare a ‘hold-harmless’ agreement, which shall be signed by each
exhibitor (before his/her art works are displayed in the Library).
B. Art exhibits shall be administered consistent with the Library’s general policy on Exhibits (section 5.3
above)
C. It is the responsibility of the art committee to create publicity about art exhibits in the Library, including
press releases to local media, calendars, and brochures.
5.4.7 Citizen input
A patron questioning the display of an artwork in the Library is free to bring his/her concern to the Library
Director. If the patron wishes to file a formal complaint, the procedure outlined in section 3.1.7.