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| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Actions |
DECEMBER 8, 2005
ATTENDED BY:
BOARD: Mohan Tracy, President; Mary Pugh, Vice President; Jannie Williams, Treasurer; Stan Siegel, Secretary; Charles McMullen; Mary Mann; Lee Levey; Grace Vetter.
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director, Dave Hepworth
RECORDING SECRETARY: Sharon L. Soltes, Telesco Secretarial Services
OTHERS: Doris Mason, Friends of the Norwalk Library
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by the President.
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 10, 2005
** Mr. McMullen moved to APPROVE the minutes as distributed.
** Ms. Mann SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED with one abstention (Mr. Levey).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Siegel introduced Ms. Mason as a member of the Friends of the Norwalk Library.
President Tracy introduced Mrs. Soltes as the recording secretary for the evening.
Mr. Kozerowitz noted that Mrs., D’Amato was not able to attend the evening’s meeting due to the illness of her husband, John. Mr. Siegel suggested Board send a note to Mrs. D’Amato. Mr. Siegel will send a note of regret.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
President Tracy reported that she had received a memo from the Mayor requesting
that when applying for federal grants, copies of the application be sent to
the Mayor’s office and Senator Dodd and Senator Lieberman’s respective offices
to inform them of the pending application. President Tracy stated that she had
forwarded the memo to Mr. Kozerowitz.
REPORTS
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz reported that the Library will be closed on the next two Monday
mornings from 9-12 for the installation of the new circulation desk. They will
also be moving the computer stations to a new location at that time and a delivery
of the first fifty re-upholstered chairs provided by the Friends of the Norwalk
Library are expected to be delivered during the closures. The second set of
fifty chairs needing reupholstering will be picked up during that time. The
new Lobby display will also be updated and installed during that period.
Plans for the Teen Room are being developed by Merritt Construction as a part of a Tauck Foundation grant.
“Partners for Architecture” has been selected as the architects for the redesigning of the front entryway. Currently, the cold air penetrates past the front circulation desk and down as far as the lower level. A projected cost will be provided for inclusion in the Capital Budget.
Currently the renovation at the South Norwalk Public Library is moving forward. On April 6th, , 2006 the carpet will is scheduled to be installed and by April 11th, the construction crew should be finished with clean up detail. Following that, the shelving and other large items will be moved in and a tentative reopening date of July 1st, 2006 is being projected. With the newly renovated facility, the library staff expects to see an increase in usage. When that happens, the Main Branch will lose the staff that is currently manning the lower level circulation desk.
Mr. Kozerowitz, representing the Library, reported that he had spoken at the Tuesday night meeting of the Fairfield County Computer Users Group, (FCCUG) which met in Darien.
NEW BUSINESS
a - Friend’s Report
Mr. Siegel reported that he had attended the “Friends of the Norwalk Library” meeting and felt that the interchange of ideas would work out well. It was agreed that, whenever possible, a Library Board member would attend the Friends Board meeting and vice versa. The Friends will be replenishing the plastic Library book-bags for the borrowers. Mr. Siegel suggested that one side of the imprinted bags be used to publicize the “Buy-a-Brick” campaign and offered a suggested graphic for consideration. It was agreed to include the “Buy-a-Brick” graphic on the new bags.
b - Other
There was no additional business.
OLD BUSINESS
a – South Norwalk Branch Library 21st Century Fund
Mr. Siegel proposed that the Board consider underwriting the out of pocket expenses of the bricks and other fundraising costs so that whatever is raised from the program can be directed fully to the project. Following some discussion, it was decided by the Board to table it until the March or April agenda.
Mr. Siegel reported that a check for $1,500 for either one brick, or 10 bricks, had arrived from the Freemasons and the accompanying paperwork was somewhat sketchy. Ms. Williams said that she was familiar with the group and would help Mr. Siegel determine how the funds were to be applied.
b - Marketing Pan
Mr. Siegel stated that the marketing plan was ongoing. The goal was to make the Library “The Best Library There Is”. Toward that end, Mr. Kozerowitz reported on a brain-storming session held with the staff. Many ideas were suggested. Mr. Siegel prepared a press regarding the campaign – both he and Mr. Kozerowitz were interviewed by Ryan Jockers of the Advocate (Norwalk) for a forthcoming article based upon the press release. President Tracy reminded the Board that the Library used to have a regular column in the Norwalk Citizen-News.
c - Mayor’s White Paper
The Mayor’s “White Paper” including the Board Manual and By Laws will be delivered to Mayor Moccia. A discussion followed. It will be helpful to keep the Library in the Administration’s “scope” as a necessary, useful and effective resource for the City and its citizens.
d - Minutes Procedure
Mr. Siegel reported that he had worked out the minutes procedure with Ms. Telesco and that it appeared to be working well.
e - Other
Mr. Kozerowitz reported that he had reminded the staff about the snow procedures and that if City Hall is closed, then the Library is closed. If the grounds are deemed unsafe for the public, then there will be a delayed opening. He also reminded the Board that they are responsible for the buildings and the grounds.
Mr. Siegel stated that he had not given Ms. Mason, representing the Friends, an opportunity to speak earlier and asked if she had any remarks for the Board. Ms. Wilson stated that the last book sale had raised $8,000 and that would be about $7,000 after expenses. The Friends need help in sorting books, and she reiterated that they will be replenishing the bags for the children. New signage will be supplied for the book sale tables and the last week-end in April will be the date for the next book sale. Mr. Siegel stated that the Friends will soon have their own webpage where they can ask for help with the book sorting.
ADJOURNMENT
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to adjourn.
** Mr. Levey SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: subject to Board review and approval.
Stanley M. Siegel, Secretary.
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