MAY 10, 2007

ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, President; Mary Pugh, Vice President Stan Siegel, Secretary; Charles McMullen; Mary Mann; Grace Vetter; Regina Krummel.

STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director; Frank Ferro, Assistant Director; Dave Hepworth.

The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by the President.

MINUTES OF APRIL 12, 2007

The minutes of the April 12 meeting were not yet available..

ANNOUNCEMENTS

It was announced that Mrs. Torrano and Ms. Williams would not be present at this meeting.

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

Appointment Of Nominating Committee

The President said that elections would be held at the June meeting, and she appointed Ms. Mann, Mrs. Vetter and Ms. Pugh to the Nominating Committee.

At 7:05 p.m., Mrs. Krummel arrived at the meeting.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Technical Services, and Computers In Libraries Reports

Mr. Kozerowitz reviewed these reports, noting that Luis Ayala, a reference librarian, had attended the Computers in Libraries Conference on April 16-18 in Arlington, Va. And submitted a note of appreciation to the Board for funding the expenses.

Mr. Kozerowitz noted that based upon the shortfall in funding for the entryway project, he requested a special appropriation, which has been approved by the Board of Estimate & Taxation and will go to the Common Council next Tuesday. It is hoped to have that project completed by the winter.

Mr. Kozerowitz read a letter of thanks from AARP Tax Aid, thanking the Library for allowing them to utilize the auditorium to help clients with tax preparation support .

TUTOR.COM/LIVE HOMEWORK HELP

Mr. Kozerowitz said that he, Mr. Ferro and Mr. Siegel met yesterday with Lauren Rosato of the Norwalk Educational Foundation, who suggested funding for the ongoing service be sought for the next several years rather than just for one year. This should be cooperative project with the NEF, the Library and the Housing Authority as well as additional benefactor support from the business community.

At 7:10 p.m., Ms. Pugh arrived at the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Finance Committee

There was no report.

Board Foundation 501c3

** Mr. Siegel MOVED That The Board Approve Consideration Of The Establishment Of A Norwalk Public Library Foundation, To Be Incorporated As Such, And Seek A 501c3 Status As Discussed.

** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.

Discussion took place, and it was noted that this would be reviewed further at the following Board Meeting with additional information forwarded to the Board in the interim.

** Motion PASSED Unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Technology Center Proposal Updated

Mr. Siegel said all of the estimates are in place for the technology center (approximately $50,000-$60,000). He will look for $75,000 from a funder or funders.

Phoenix Sculpture

Mr. Siegel said that the foundation for the sculpture pedestal will be poured soon. At the June meeting, he suggested that the Board should pick a date for the celebration for “The Spirit of Norwalk” – the title of the sculpture. They should plan for the unveiling and naming of the Phoenix and tie it in with staff recognition. He said he is looking to contact the sculptor, Jean Woodham. Mrs. Krummel said Ms Woodham resides in Westport.

MARKETING REPORT

Friends Of The Norwalk Public Library System/Book Sale, Lobby Space

Mr. Siegel said that the Friend’s book sale will take place from May 19th to May 22nd. There within the new plans for the lobby entranceway there may be space available where the Friends can use the corner as their “book nook”. This will be discussed further at the June meeting.

The Big Read/Festival Of Words – Intention To Apply For 2008 NEA Grant

Mr. Siegel suggested that the City become a partner with the Festival of Words and the Norwalk Public Library next year. Toward that end he has applied to the National Endowment for the Arts with an intent to apply for a grant in 2008. As to the “To Kill A Mockingbird” 2007 The Big Read Project, he stated that there are approximately 260 free books remaining from the original 800. The Big Read ends on June 21st.

Recent Events/Media Coverage

Mr. Siegel reviewed the press releases and media coverage the Library had in the past month. He is working with The Hour to get more coverage.

Read Campaign

Mr. Siegel said there are 3-4 Read posters that will be published in the next few weeks, including one of Lauren Tarshis, a children’s book author.

Bumper Stickers

Mr. Siegel suggested that the Norwalk Public Library have it own distinctive bumper sticker, showing one from the New Canaan Library and design for the NPL Sticker. It would be an international oval bumper sticker. 1,000 stickers would cost approximately $483.

** Mr. Siegel MOVED To Approve The Purchase Of 1,000 Bumper Stickers At A Cost Of $483.

** Ms. Mann SECONDED.

Discussion took place on the wording of the bumper sticker.

** Mr. Siegel MOVED To Withdraw His Motion And Substitute A Motion Whereby The Board Would Buy 1,000 Bumper Stickers That Say “Enjoy Your Library” With “NPL” In The Middle.

** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.

** Motion PASSED Unanimously.

Photo Release

Mr. Siegel reported that he and Mr. Kozerowitz had attended a “Libraries and the Law” workshop where, among many other topics, the presenters discussed photographing children and using their pictures without their permission. The City’s Corporation Counsel suggested the use of a “Photo Release.” A system of obtaining photo releases at Library events, where practical and deemed necessary, would be put in place.

Past, Present, Future Events

Mr. Siegel said that the mayor will present Lauren Tarshis with her “Read” poster on May 31st.

Mr. Siegel said that Mrs. Krummel will be moderating a poetry workshop at NCC on May 29th.

Mr. Siegel recommended that the Board members check the library’s web site for upcoming events.

Noting that they have spent the funds ($2,500) approved by the Board on February 9th to be used for publicizing events. He requested additional funding.

** Mr. Siegel MOVED For An Appropriation Of $5,000 For Graphic Standards And Publicity Over And Above The Operating Costs Of The Library Until The End Of The Year.

** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.

Ms. Pugh said what been done to enhance the look and prestige of the Library has been remarkable and is one of the reasons they have managed to obtain the funding for the library.

The President said they have to continue the momentum.

** Motion PASSED Unanimously.

CLA Conference/ACLB Representations / Publicity Committee Award

Mr. Siegel said he had attended the Connecticut Library Association (CLA) Annual Conference last month. The Norwalk Public Library won a Publicity Committee award for its Laid Back Book Club “Bookmark”. It was very a very rewarding experience.

As a Board Member of the Association of Connecticut Library Boards (ACLB) he attended their “Succession Planning” workshop at the CLA Conference.

Mr. Siegel said that the ACLB Annual Conference is scheduled for October 12 in Westbrook, CT. Mr. Kozerowitz was supposed to be the inspirational speaker, but will be unavailable. Mr. Siegel will moderate a Marketing Workshop.

CLC – Celebrating Our Community’s Diversity Workshop

Mr. Siegel reported that he had attended this Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC) workshop in Farmington. A librarian from Hamilton, Ontario made the presentation. He will discuss ideas with administration on how to implement some of those thoughts and ideas into programs already in place.

Mrs. Vetter asked the status of a Board Diversity Committee. Mr. Siegel said he is waiting for more information.

In answer to Ms. Pugh’s question, Mr. Siegel said that the Friends would be making a presentation to library administration on a project to make books available to the home bound. Ms. Pugh suggested a bookmobile type of program. Mr. Siegel suggested that this item be on the agenda of the next meeting.

CLC – Law For Libraries Workshop

Mr. Siegel noted that this had been discussed earlier this evening.

21ST Century Fund Report

Mr. Siegel a postcard was sent to all of the brick purchasers informing of the status of the project. The earliest they might be able to lay the bricks will be at the end of June. He suggested, however, that the Board should plan to unveil the bricks on or about the first anniversary of the opening of the South Norwalk Branch Library and make a weekend event out of it. This would be on or around September 16th. Mr. Kozerowitz suggested it could be done on the first Saturday they are open, which will probably be the first Saturday after Labor Day. The discussion will be continued at the June meeting

South Norwalk Branch Library Book Walk – Pathway To The Future

Mr. Siegel said they will put an ad in the paper announcing the approximate date and indicating that bricks are still available.

June Board Meeting

The next meeting will take place at the branch on the first Tuesday in June.

ADJOURNMENT

** Mrs. Vetter MOVED To Adjourn.

** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.

** Motion PASSED Unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, subject to Board approval:

Stan Siegel, Secretary

Back to Previous Page	Back to Home Page