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| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Actions |
OCTOBER 12, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Mary Pugh, Vice President; Stan Siegel, Secretary; Mary Mann; Charles
McMullen; Regina Krummel; Grace Vetter; Jannie Williams (7:05).
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director; Frank Ferro, Assistant Library Director; Dave Hepworth.
OTHERS: Beverly Frankel.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by the Vice President in the absence
of the President
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2006
** Mr. McMullen moved to APPROVE the minutes as submitted.
** Ms. Mann SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Vice President said that Mrs. Tracy’s daughter had taken ill; they are both at the emergency room.
The Vice President said that Mr. Levey, who is the consultant for the entry-way project, was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
The Vice President extended her welcome to Mrs. Krummel, who introduced herself to the Board. In turn, Board members introduced themselves to Mrs. Krummel.
The Vice President said that Mrs. Tracy has been in touch with the Garden Club. Eleven volunteers will plant bulbs within the next few weeks.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that he had entered Mr. Siegel’s name to the Association of Connecticut Library Boards as Trustee of the Year, which he won. He and Mr. Siegel attended the conference, where Mr. Siegel was presented with the award. It was a very nice occasion. He was happy to see Mr. Siegel’s body of work recognized.
The Vice President presented Mr. Siegel with two gifts in appreciation of all of his wonderful work. He was given a replica of a brick, which will be installed onto the walkway, and an inscribed clock.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mrs. Frankel said she was present to observe the meeting. She was delighted with the re-opening of the SONO branch, but feels badly that it is not open on Saturdays. It would make more sense to be closed on a weekday and open on Saturday when children can go there. The Vice President suggested that a letter be sent to the people who put the City budget together.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz said he was initially a bit disappointed at the attendance at the branch when they first opened, but it takes people time to get used to the fact that they are open. On Tuesday night, he, Ms. Pugh, Mr. Siegel and Mr. Hepworth were at the branch, and he was delighted to see that the library was full.
In reference to Mrs. Frankel’s comments regarding opening the branch on Saturdays, Mr. Kozerowitz noted that they used to be open but the library just wasn’t used. It is possible to re-adjust the hours; the Board sets the hours. However, there is no history re requiring staff to work every Saturday. Mr. Kozerowitz referenced a bookmark from the 1950’s where the branch was open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mrs. Frankel said there is more parking at the branch, which might be more attractive to people on Saturdays than the Main Library.
Mrs. Vetter asked for statistics on circulation and auditorium use on a quarterly basis and perhaps taking a survey to see if people would prefer to have the branch open on Saturdays. Mr. Kozerowitz noted that circulation is not the only measure, pointing out use of the computers. He will provide this information as well.
Mr. Kozerowitz said there are a lot of staff shortages due to illnesses. Two people will be out for a month due to surgeries. Ann Tomlinson has been out for a few weeks because of illness but hopefully will be back soon.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that they received the bids today on the entryway project, for which $125,000 has been appropriated as a Capital project. Unfortunately, both bids were way above budget, at $210,000 and $280,000. He will meet with the architect in the next few days. There is really nothing that can be taken out of this project.
NEW BUSINESS
FRIENDS BOARD MEETING
Mr. Ferro said that the Friends Book Sale will take place during the last week of October. On October 21st, approximately 20 teenagers will move books from the basement into the auditorium. The Friends approved an expenditure for additional plastic book bags for use by Library customers.
BRANCH “COMMUNITY ROOM” POLICIES
Mr. Ferro distributed a draft policy Branch “Community Room” Policy. He needs to list the room on the paperwork forms and on the policy, list the room and the cost for it and put it on the web. The room is officially named “The Friends of the Norwalk Public Library Community Room”. He would like to use “Community Room” as the generic description. Most uses of this room are at no charge. He would like to charge $250 for commercial use. These are the only changes.
** Mr. Siegel moved to APPROVE the branch community room policies as requested.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
NOVEMBER MEETING DATE
Mr. Siegel requested that the date be changed from November 9th to November 16th due to the fact that Mr. Kozerowitz is having surgery and will be unable to attend the earlier meeting.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to change the date of the next meeting from November 9th
to November 16th.
** Mrs. Vetter SECONDED.
** Motion passed with one abstention (Mrs. Vetter).
OLD BUSINESS
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. Williams said they will be moving the funds from Wachovia to A.G. Edwards. She has submitted the paperwork and is waiting to hear from them.
MARKETING/21ST CENTURY FUND
Mr. Siegel said they now have 200 bricks and can place the order. They will have a date for the ceremony by the next meeting.
Mr. Siegel said he is still marketing the library.
ADJOURNMENT
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to adjourn.
** Mrs. Vetter SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, subject to Board approval.
Stan Siegel, Secretary, Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors
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