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| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes |
MARCH 8, 2007
ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, President; Mary Pugh, Vice-President; Jannie Williams, Treasurer; Stan Siegel, Secretary; Mary Mann; Charles McMullen;
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director; Frank Ferro, Assistant Director Dave Hepworth.
OTHERS: Alana Steinberg, Master of Library Science, student; Michael Rolleri, Auditor.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by the President.
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2007
The following corrections were made: On page 1, under "Announcements", 1st sentence, "on" was deleted. On page 2, 9th paragraph, 1st sentence, the spelling of "Libratects" was corrected.
** MR. MCMULLEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MS. MANN SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The President noted that Mrs. Torrano, Mrs. Vetter and Mrs. Krummel were unable to attend tonight's meeting.
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
The President said that on March 10th is the Teen Room will have its opening celebration, with Mayor Moccia cutting the ribbon, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Festival of Words will take place on March 31st at NCC.
The President extended sympathy to Ms. Mann on the loss of her niece.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to suspend the rules to take up item 6b, Independent Auditor's report, as item 5a.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
Mr. Siegel noted that he had not brought the bound auditor's reports to this meeting, however unbound copies are included in each Director's folder; he will bring them to the next meeting.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz said there is a staff development fund request from Luis Ayala to attend a conference from April 16-18 in Washington at a cost of $1,220.29, including registration.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to approve the request.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
Regarding the operating budget, Mr. Kozerowitz said that last night, he, Mr. Ferro and Mr. Siegel attending the meeting with the Board of Estimate & Taxation. They thought that the Finance Director's recommendation was fair. Although the request for a full time Young Adult Librarian was not recommended, part time funding was included for this position. The Finance Committee also took out funding for a security guard at the Branch for 40 hours a week. A meeting with P&Z on the Capital budget included a request for carpeting and ceiling replacement at the Main library. The Finance Director recommended approval of the carpeting request. The P&Z recommended budget approval for half of the carpeting and half of the ceiling replacement. Earlier in the week, coincidentally, a ceiling tile fell in the Children's Department, narrowly missing a woman and a young child. He notified the Mayor and the Finance Director and recommended that they accept the recommendation of P&Z.
NEW BUSINESS
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
Mr. Rolleri reviewed his report -- as of June 30, 2006. The funds are doing well and continue to grow.
Ms. Pugh asked to be provided with financial information over three years so that it can be put onto Excel spread sheets; Mr. Rolleri said he would provide that information.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to accept the Auditor's Report.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
TECHNOLOGY CENTER PROPOSAL
Mr. Siegel reviewed his proposal for a Technology Center at the Main Library. He said it would cost approximately $20,000 for installation of the walls, $25,000-$30,000 for pulling new electrical and data cables and another $20,000 for new furniture, all of which he believed could be fundraised.
Extensive discussion took place on the proposal.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to authorize the Public Information office to announce plans for the creation of a Technology Center within the main level of the Norwalk Public Library Main Library to combine the public use computers and other peripherals within an enclosed facility under the supervision of the Reference Department and authorize the Special Needs Committee to seek funding to cover the costs of the construction, electrical and data connectivity, furniture and other expenses associated with the project.
** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
PHOENIX SCULPTURE PROPOSAL
Mr. Siegel said it would cost $7,100 to bring the Phoenix sculpture home. "The Spirit of Norwalk" is the name of this sculpture. He said he felt they might get someone to cover the cost of the move and installation of a new base in return for a plaque being placed on the sculpture. There were two proposals, with the lowest ($7,100) from Dicoco Construction Co.
Ms. Pugh expressed concern about children being able to climb on the sculpture, but Mr. Siegel pointed out that the base and stem would probably be 8-10 feet high.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED that the Library authorize $7,100 to bring the Phoenix home.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED with one vote in opposition (Pugh).
OLD BUSINESS
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. Williams said that the funds are doing well. They are transferring $25,000 to each fund. Ms. Williams said has not yet spoken to Mr. Mastriano but will make sure that he attends the April meeting.
SNBL "HOUR" TASK FORCE REPORT
Ms. Pugh reviewed her e-mail on the surveys for users and staff. She will recast the survey to ask more general questions.
MARKETING REPORT
FRIENDS OF THE NORWALK PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Mr. Siegel and Mr. Ferro attended the Friends meeting on Monday night. A poster stand, acquired from Avrick Furniture was placed in the lobby. It will display 22"X28" posters on each side showing upcoming events. The Friends next scheduled book sale will take place on the last weekend in April with Thursday, April 26th being a special Children's Book Sale. Mr. Siegel said he discussed forming new groups within the organization, such as a homebound service and a meeter/greeter. The concept was received favorably.
Mr. Siegel said that to expand active membership he will send postcards to everyone on the group's mailing list (300-400 people) and produce a newsletter. Ms. Pugh offered to assist.
THE BIG READ/FESTIVAL OF WORDS
Mr. Siegel met this morning with Sonya Ahuja to discuss advertising. Based on the city's grant, they will have an advertising budget for The Big read, at least. The library will be reimbursed for expenses from budget. The Big Read ad campaign started yesterday with an ad that will run every other day for nine days with a synopsis of the book's chapters. After that, three times every other day, with a larger-size ad. The "Hour" will partner with The Big Read and The Festival Of Words to provide two jacket wrap-around inserts on two Sundays, the 18th and 25th, with additional copies available, all of which is valued at several thousand dollars.
Mr. Siegel said there are still some challenges with the Festival of Words regarding programming. By next week, everything should be set. The library will have 800 copies of "To Kill a Mockingbird", which will be distributed to Library cardholders with the proviso that they read the book and send back a questionnaire via a tear-off included with the book. Ms. Pugh suggested that the tear-off be postage-paid, but Mr. Siegel said that cost should be borne by the reader, noting that the questionnaire could be returned in person to the Library and could also be answered on-line. Ms. Pugh will help put those questions on the web site.
Mr. Siegel will meet with Library Staff next Wednesday at 9 a.m. to discuss the Library's participation in The Big Read. The President suggested distributing copies of "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the Big Read; Mr. Siegel said if there are any copies left, that would be considered.
MEDIA COVERAGE/RECENT EVENTS
Mr. Siegel said they have been receiving a lot of press. He received a phone call this morning from the "Hour" asking about the teen room presentation on Saturday; the reporter will do a story tomorrow. He also received a call from the Hour, based upon the published meeting Agenda asking about the Technology Center proposal.
COMING EVENTS
Mr. Siegel said Saturday, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., the mayor will cut the ribbon for the Teen Center. Invitations have been mailed to members of the Common Council. If any Board members can attend, that would be appreciated. There will be a "name the room" contest for the teens, with the winner announced on April 16th. The winner will probably be photographed for a "Read" poster.
Mr. Siegel pointed out that Mrs. Vetter's son and former Senator Genuario's son are on new "Read" posters, yet to be published, but displayed in the Conference Room.
Discussion took place on changing the Library card from a Dragon to a Phoenix.
Regarding the African-American Proud Heritage book, Mr. Siegel showed a first draft of the revised book. It is a work in progress and he said the group was very happy with the progress so far. He also met with Dennis Bradbury, who agreed to be the curator of the collection of portraits recommended to be hung at the Branch.
MEDIA COVERAGE/RECENT EVENTS (CONT'D)
The President suggested that some more of the Library activities should be advertised more, such as downloadable videos. Mr. Siegel said a Press Release is being planned. Although the Board approved money for a monthly column in the newspaper it has not been implemented yet, but will be soon. The Library has, Mr. Siegel pointed out, been getting a lot of free press based upon the Press Releases distributed.
Mr. Siegel said that the Community Health Center will have blood testing at the branch and nutrition classes at the Branch, which will be publicized.
Mr. Siegel said that on March 22nd, Russian computer classes will take place. In addition, Ms. Harris held a Russian story hour, which was nicely attended and received good press coverage.
Mr. Siegel said that he distributes press releases and notices to media organizations on most all newsworthy activities. He is working with the City to see if event posters and a monthly calendar can be placed at City Hall.
ADJOURNMENT
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to ADJOURN.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, subject to Board approval:
Stanley M. Siegel, Secretary, Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors
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