HomeMy WebLinkAbout0513040 Meeting of the Port Townsend Public Library Advisory Board
Held at The Pink House, Port Townsend, on May 13, 2004
Board Members Present: Co- chairs Eileen Price and Kate Schumann, Deborah Carroll,
Bill Maxwell, and Larry Thomas.
Staff Present: Theresa Percy, Library Director
Guests: Julia Owens, Barbara Dyer of The Friends of the PTPL.
The meeting was called to order at 9:03 AN4.
It was MSC to approve the minutes of the Library Advisory Board meeting held April 15,
2004, with the spelling corrections of two names: Ray Serebrin and Beth DeJarnette.
Public Comment and Communications
There was no public comment.
A board member brought up a concern that she received an overdue notice for a book that
had been returned and when this was brought to a library staff member's attention, no
apology was offered for the inconvenience.
A board member suggested that nametags for the staff would be helpful to the public.
Also suggested was having the staff identify themselves when answering the telephone so
that the public knows who they are talking to.
A board member expressed concern over the phone system and not being able to get
through to a librarian during library hours. When calling the main number, the system
sometimes rolls forward to an answering machine message, where patrons cannot leave a
message. Theresa will look into adjusting the system so that messages can be left. She
also gave out other numbers to call if the main number is rolling to the answering
machine.
Board members recommended that any email communications that go out from the
library director and staff regarding library business be proofed and spell- checked.
Friends of the Library Report
Barbara Dyer reported that the Friends annual retreat was held on May 1, 2004. The plans
they discussed include a fundraiser with new book bags. They are also considering an on-
line store to raise funds for the library. The Friends annual meeting is set for Saturday
June 12th, 10 -12 AM, at the library. Deborah and Eileen will attend representing the
board.
The Friends are advertising more. The next book sale is June 5th, 2004.
Barbara noted that the Friends are still looking for someone to organize the library
landscaping volunteer work. They did find a volunteer to do the newsletter.
A garage sale benefiting the library is planned for June 26, 2004. Donations will be
received through June 25"'
Library Foundation Report
There was no Foundation report this month.
Directors Report
Theresa submitted a written directors report summarizing her first four months as library
director. She also submitted reports from the staff team leaders for the same time period.
In the future, these reports will be emailed to the board monthly.
The updated statistical reports were received for January through April 2004.
0 The board also received a list of the Long -Range Planning committee members.
Bev Shelton, Dahti Blanchard, and Jean Tarascio are filling in for Beth DeJarnette during
her leave of absence.
The library carpet will be replaced where it has a hole. The copier was moved to make
room for the Friends bookshelf.
The children's summer reading program plans are being finalized. This year's program
has been scaled back to balance time and energy available for adult programming.
The Mariners baseball program was successful, bringing in 50 people who don't usually
come into the library.
The staff is meetin� this month to plan programming for the fall and winter. Corning up
is the November 7' Film Festival Book and Movie program. Also planned is a Lewis and
Clark dinner at Lonnys in October. This will be a fundraiser for the library and the
Historical Society. The Lewis and Clark celebration plans include a program with an
L &C author.
Theresa meets this month with the Tacoma Public Library Director and the Pierce County
Library Development consultant to discuss the options for a funding bond.
. Theresa is considering how to facilitate working with a facilities consultant to best use
the available space at the library.
The quiet signs are not completed yet.
CIPA update: Theresa met with a Jefferson County librarian regarding Internet filtering
software and possibly sharing the software with the County library. She believes that the
PTPL does not need this now. The federal law requiring this software restricts LSTA
funds with a computer component if a library is not compliant with CIPA. Theresa does
not see that PTPL will be applying for this kind of funding at this time, so the restriction
does not impact the library.
Theresa will be away from the library June 23 -27 for vacation.
Long -Range Planning Report
The next LRP meeting is scheduled for June 2 °a, 2004. Bill and Eileen will attend to
represent the board. A meeting with the community is planned for either July 15 & 17 or
July 29 & 31. Deborah will plan to attend.
The Role of the Library Board
The board discussed that its role is to be the voice of the community regarding the public
library. Theresa added that the board provides feedback for the Library Director in terms
trouble shooting and problem solving library issues and budgetary matters. The board
provides input to the long range planning process and is an advocate for the library for
funding and support from the city council. The board also provides input to the City
Manager regarding the library director hiring process. The board reports to the City
Manager and to the City Council.
The next PT Library Advisory Board meeting will be Thursday, June 10, 2004 at
9:00 AM, at The Pink House, PT.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 AM.
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