CITY OF NORWALK

AUGUST 2, 2007

ATTENDANCE: Stan Siegel, President; Mary Mann, Vice President; Mary Pugh, Treasurer; Grace Vetter, Secretary; Mohan Tracy; Jannie Williams; Charles McMullen

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

ABSENT: Regina Krummel; Lori Torrano

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by the Chairman.

MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2007

** Ms. Mann MOVED TO APPROVE the Minutes as submitted.

** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED Unanimously.

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS (STAN SIEGEL)

Mr. Siegel announced that filming was virtually completed at the South Norwalk Branch Library and asked Mr. Kozerowitz to speak about what compensation the Library would be getting for the use of its facilities by Harpo Films.

Mr. Kozerowitz reiterated that the filming what was almost complete except for some damage to a major piece of furniture, which the filming company had caused. This is in the process of being fixed. Mr. Kozerowitz said that he wanted to give Sherelle Harris proper credit with regard to the compensation the Library would receive from Harpo Films.

Mr. Siegel confirmed that everyone had received a copy of the Staff News with regard to Mr. Kozerowitz’s article that appeared in the CLA and Mr. Kozerowitz distributed hard copies of that article to the Board Members. Mr. Siegel said that virtually every public library and some other libraries are members of the CLA (Connecticut Library Association). The bottom line of this article was the reopening of the South Norwalk Branch Library in September and the attendance at that reopening of the architects and administration that would be available to discuss the Library’s refurbishment.

Mr. Kozerowitz said that the Library Board’s of Staff Development Fund paid for Susannah Violino to attend a month-long, online course called “Creating Web Based Tutorials: A Designers Challenge” through Simmons College. Mr. Kozerowitz distributed copies of an e-mail from Ms. Violino thanking the Board for this opportunity.

NEW BUSINESS

South Norwalk Branch “Reopening Celebration”

Mr. Siegel reminded the Board that the celebration will take place on September 15th at 10:00 a.m. and that this will be the first Saturday that the library will officially be open. He announced that the Mayor would be attending and that the bricks would be in place. He said that they would probably take a newspaper ad out about the middle of August to officially announce the celebration and invite the public to attend and to tell all of the people who bought bricks that their bricks will be available for viewing. Mr. Siegel said that he wished to discuss what might be done differently at this celebration from last year’s celebration and asked for input and perhaps physical help with setting up booths at the celebration to sell more bricks. He said there have been 204-210 bricks sold so far and that there was room for about 600. Mr. Siegel said that the brick engraver they have been working with would no longer be making the mini bricks and could provide 4x4 inch tiles. However, Great Atlantic Trophy in Norwalk can make a plastic brick that will look just like the mini brick and engrave it for the same price or less than the original mini brick. It was agreed this would be the better option.

Ms. Mann asked if there were a booth at the reopening celebration selling bricks, would they continue to sell the mini bricks. Mr. Siegel said he didn’t see why not and suggested having a sample of the new mini brick at the booth. He then asked the Board for input on what else could be included in the celebration.

Mr. McMullen said that there was music at last year’s celebration but that no one stayed for it. Mr. Siegel said that there was a tour going on inside the library at the same time music was playing so most people were inside and by the time the tour was over, people were tired and wanted to go home. He said that he was considering talking to Stew Leonard's again about having a refreshment booth outside adding that the entire event would be held outside so people would be able to get drinks and snacks from the Stew Leonard’s booth. Mr. McMullen asked if this would be in front of the Library. Mr. Siegel said he thought it would be held in the parking lot. Mr. McMullen said that at last year’s event, no one even went in back. Mr. Siegel said it could be done in front, too, and perhaps that would attract passers by. Ms. Tracy said that at the last celebration there was nothing keeping people there besides the music. Ms. Vetter asked if the visitors really needed to stay. Mr. Siegel said that this was a good question and perhaps they would just have refreshments and no music.

Ms. Tracy asked what else could be provided at the booth.

Mr. Siegel said that they could ask the Friends of the Norwalk Public Library if they could help with the booth. Perhaps the Friends would like the opportunity to show the public what they are all about and distribute a Friends of the Norwalk Public Library brochure and talk about their upcoming book sale.

Ms. Tracy asked if there was anything else that could be sold.

Mr. Siegel said that they could give away stickers and sell license plate frames and bags if they were available at that time. He added that the booths would only need to be staffed from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the maximum. The whole ceremony, including a possible flag raising ceremony by the ROTC who donated a flagpole to the Library and a ceremony affixing commemorative plaques to the two lampposts that were donated, would last from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. unless there were a lot of local politicians there who wanted to speak. Mr. Siegel said that the Library would typically open that day at 9:00 a.m. but that he suggested that it not open until the ceremony was completed. He said that it could be included in the ad that the Library will open immediately following the ceremony.

Ms. Tracy asked if it had been decided what the hours would be on Saturdays.

Mr. Kozerowitz answered that the Library would be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Ms. Pugh asked if there would be information available at the booth on the Library’s various programs, including audio books and homework help.

Mr. Siegel said that that could be a whole additional booth, adding that they could also have new library member packets including library card applications.

Ms. Pugh said that perhaps they could distribute awards for the Summer Reading Program.

Mr. Siegel said that perhaps the teen group could also get involved to help at one of the booths and sign up more teens to the library.

Ms. Pugh said that a lot of people probably don’t realize all that’s available through the Library.

Mr. Siegel said that they’d make up a brochure to inform the public about events and services at the Library.

Ms. Vetter asked if there would be a tent or if the event would be moved inside in the event of rain. Mr. Siegel said that a 10x10 ft tent could be placed where the old entrance to the Children’s Library used to be or out in the parking lot. The ceremony could be held there and the booths could be moved upstairs to the community room, children’s activity room, or the atrium where the elevator is and visitors could be ushered upstairs by signage.

ADJOURNMENT

** Mr. McMullen MOVED TO ADJOURN.

** Ms. Tracy SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Grace Vetter, Secretary

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