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| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Actions |
NOVEMBER 16, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, President; Mary Pugh, Vice President; Stan Siegel, Secretary; Regina Krummel; Mary Mann; Grace Vetter; Jannie Williams, Lori Torrano
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director; Frank Ferro, Assistant Library Director;
Dave Hepworth;
OTHERS: Diane Lauricella, League of Woman Voters.
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by the President.
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2006
** Mrs. Vetter MOVED to APPROVE the Minutes as submitted.
** Ms. Mann SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED with one abstention (Mrs. Tracy).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The President welcomed Mrs. Krummel to the Board. The President noted that Ms. Pugh was not present.
The President noted that Mr. Kozerowitz had recently undergone surgery and welcomed his speedy recovery.
The President said that the Garden Club had planted 300 daffodil bulbs at both
libraries. The President said there will be a spectacular showing in the spring
at the branch in the spring. Bulbs were planted in front of the roses at the
Main Library.
At 7:05 p.m., Ms. Pugh and Ms. Williams arrived at the meeting. At 7:06 p.m.,
Mrs. Torrano arrived at the meeting.
The President said that the Festival of Words will take place on March 31st.
The National Endowment for the Arts gave a $40,000 grant to four cities, including
Norwalk. This will be a regional “Big Read”. Mr. Siegel said this is a nationwide
endeavor. A press release will be sent out to local papers very soon. Bridgeport
will be the lead partner, and he will discuss their suggestions at future meetings.
The “common” book will be To Kill A Mockingbird. The President said that there
will be a Festival of Words meeting, December 7th at 4 p.m. at City Hall.
Discussion took place on the idea of opening the branch on Saturday, as had
been discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Siegel suggested that a task force be
formed to review this issue and make a proposal/statement of intent at the next
meeting. Mrs. Vetter noted that the branch has not been open on Saturdays for
many years. The President said that she would create a task force.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz said that Mr. McMullen had notified him that he would be unable
to attend tonight’s meeting.
Mr. Kozerowitz thanked the Board for their flowers and good thoughts during
his recent surgery.
Mr. Kozerowitz noted that he had received an extension from the Finance Department
regarding submission of the budget. It has to be submitted tomorrow.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that right now, the branch represents 8.8% of all circulation
activity. This is approximately what it was when they closed, if not a little
more. It looks, however, like it is trending upward.
Ms. Pugh asked about usage of the community room and computers at the branch.
Mr. Kozerowitz said more publicity about the community room would be useful.
The computers are being used.
Mrs. Vetter asked for the percentage of the budget that goes to the branch.
Mr. Kozerowitz said he did not have that number but it is higher than 8.8%.
Mrs. Vetter said she remembered that there was a higher percentage of budget
than usage. Mr. Kozerowitz said he would provide that information.
Ms. Pugh asked about taking a traffic count at the branch; Mr. Kozerowitz said
this would be done.
Mr. Kozerowitz reviewed the operating budget request. He will bring the capital
budget request to the December meeting.
** Mrs. Torrano MOVED to APPROVE the operating budget request as submitted.
** Mr. Siegel SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
FRIENDS BOARD MEETING
Mr. Siegel said that the Friends raised an additional $7,200 at their last book
sale. They are, of course, still very interested in helping the library. Mr.
Ferro brings a “wish list” to their Board meetings every month. Their ongoing
book sale in the Children’s Library is also going very well. They are contemplating
doing this in the Branch as well. They are also talking about additional opportunities
to help the library through people becoming involved with the Friends in ways
other than monetary; they are talking about expanding their organization. Mr.
Siegel will present a proposal to the Board at their December 4th meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. Williams reported that the funds have been transferred to American Funds. The Finance Committee will meet on Monday during the day via conference call.
MARKETING/21ST CENTURY FUND
Mr. Siegel said that the essay contest is going exceptionally well. A teacher
from All Saints School – Mrs. Laura Wrinn --submitted essays from all of her
students. Mr. Siegel proposed that, to honor these students for their efforts,
they authorize a trophy with an engraved trophy for all 24 students. The cost
would be approximately $14 each. Mr. Siegel suggested that Mrs. Wrinn be considered
as a “Read” poster subject.
Mrs. Krummel said she could not vote for essays she has not read. This is denying
the opportunity to other children.
The President suggested that everyone who participated in the Essay Contest
be acknowledged. Mr. Siegel said everyone who participated would be acknowledged
with a certificate.
Extensive discussion took place.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to acknowledge Laura Wrinn’s class from All Saints School
for their love of the library and reading by awarding them with a Reader’s Award
trophy.
** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED with two votes in opposition (Vetter, Krummel).
Mr. Siegel said that they have three press releases (new bike rack at the branch,
Library Book Clubs, and the planting of bulbs) that will go out over the next
few weeks.
Mr. Siegel said they have had a lot of comment from the public about the need
for a branch sign. He proposed that the Marketing Committee obtain bids to mark
the building and bids to do something similar with their faded brass letters
at the Main library.
At 8 p.m., Mrs. Vetter left the meeting.
Ms. Pugh asked about the sign saying “library” rather than the “South Norwalk
Branch Library”. Mrs. Torrano asked about illuminating the sign; Mr. Siegel
said they would look into that.
ADJOURNMENT
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to ADJOURN.
** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, subject to Board approval.
Stan Siegel. Secretary, Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors
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