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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-05-06 Library Commission SummaryKENAI ADVISORY LIBRARY COMMISSION KENAI COMMUNITY LIBRARY ACTIVITY ROOM May 6, 1997 @ 7:30 P.M. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4.. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 1, 1997 5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 6. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REPORT 1 OLD BUSINESS A. Goals and Objectives (Approval of) B. Letter to Mayor (Approval of) C. ADA Report Review 1 NEW BUSINESS A. Library Commission Summer Schedule B. "Travels with Vincent"-- Report' Commissioner O'Reilly 10. COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS/QUESTIONS 11. INFORMATION A. Letter to Mayor B. ADA Report C. Goals and Objectives D. Kenai City Council Agenda (4/16/97) 12. ADJOURNMENT Library Commission ***Minutes*** May 6, 1997- 7:30 p.m. Kenai Library Activity Room Chairman Bob Peters 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Members Present: Bob Peters, Janet Brown, Kathy Heus, Carol Brenclde, Vince O'Reilly, Lorrene Forbes, Elissa Fahnholz Members Absent- Janice Rodes Also Present: Joe Moore, Emily DeForest, Debby Fahnholz 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Brown MOVED to approve the agenda as written. SECONDED the motion. Agenda approved by unanimous consent. Commissioner Forbes 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Forbes MOVED to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Brown SECONDED the motion. The minutes were approved by unanimous consent. 4. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Library Director DeForest reported that the Sunday openings were well received. She stated that there were 385 patrons over the four Sundays they were opened. The Friends left stamped postal cards for the patrons to send in comments. She reported that the library was not allowed to put the Sunday openings in the budget this year. She stated that since the library does not charge for intemet use, they decided to quit charging for computer (word processor) use to remain consistem. She reported that last month they eliminated 6,000 borrower records who had not been in within two years. She reported that there was a call from a woman in Minnesota who used to be a teacher and library volunteer here years ago. She asked to have a reception at the library when she returns in July. The commission was supportive of the reception. Library Commission May 6, 1997 Page 1 Commissioner Peters stated that 9,541 patrons in April was impressive. 5. FRIENDS REPORT Commissioner Heus stated that the post card endeavor was going well. She stated that many commented that they enjoyed the Sunday hours, and some had comments on the expansion needs. She stated that book sale will be held on June 5 and 6 and that there will be a pre- sale for Friends on Wednesday evening. She reported that fund raising ideas were discussed and the Friends decided to again run a raffle this fall. They wrote to the Kresge Foundation to request information on grant money, though they didn't feel they are far enough along with the building fund to qualify for a grant at this point. She stated they will contact Donna Peterson to have a book signing and reception. 6. PERSONS SCI:IEDULED TO BE HEARD None. ® OLD BUSINESS A~ Goals and Objectives Commissioner Heus MOVED to approve the revised Goals and Objectives as presented. Commissioner Brown SECONDED the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. Commissioner Heus asked if the Commission was going to submit a list of accomplishments to Council again this year. Commissioner Brenckle felt it was important to note the library's accomplishments. Commissioner Heus stated that maybe it isn't necessary at this time. Commissioner O'Reilly MOVED to reconsider the approval of the Goals and Objectives. Commissioner O'Reilly asked to change Objective 9 to delete the reference to read "needed services." Commissioner Heus stated that this was to cover several reference services the library provides. She stated that Objectives 3, 5 and 8 cover other services the library provides. Commissioner O'Reilly withdrew his motion. Library Commission May 6, 1997 Page 2 Be Letter to Mayor Commissioner O'Reilly MOVED to approve the letter to the Mayor. Commissioner Brown SECONDED the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. Commissioner Peters thanked Commissioners Heus and Forbes for their work on the letter. Councilman Moore asked if the three options were to be left up to the Council to decide. Commissioner Heus responded yes. Councilman Moore asked if the Commission had a preferred option. Commissioner Peters stated that the 15.4 was the wish but that Option B would be preferred. Commissioner Heus didn't want to convey the message to Council that they were willing to settle for the bare minimum. She stated that the intent was to justify that the needs are there. Commissioner Forbes asked if it would help if the Commission were to make a preference to one option. Councilman Moore responded that the wording wasn't clear on the Commission's preference. Commissioner Brenckle stated she didn't see any money coming from the Council any time in the near furore anyway. Commissioner O'Reilly agreed, but felt that since there isn't any financial assistance foreseeable, then why should the library settle for bare bones and lock ourselves into that for the future. Commissioner Brenckle didn't feel that there was anything to achieve by communicating anything beyond thanking them for their views. Commissioner Heus felt that the Commission did need to respond to the Council and suggested stating that the Commission has reviewed their needs but still feels the original needs are still there. She suggested a furore expansion be designed with a three-phase project in mind. Commissioner Heus MOVED to reconsider the vote on accepting the letter to the Mayor. Commissioner O'Reilly SECONDED. The motion passed with unanimous consent. Commissioner Heus suggested that they revisit the letter and re-present it at the next meeting. Commissioner Peters stated that the letter state that the commission looked at Options A, B and C and that they were not acceptable. Commissioner Heus stated that the original assessment is based on a five year plan and the plan is now three years old. Commissioner Forbes felt that the minimum square footage needed at this poim is 10,000 square feet and according to the codes the restrooms and aisle widths need to be addressed. She also felt that the 10,000 square feet could be done in stages. Library Commission May 6, 1997 Page 3 Councilman Moore stated that he didn't see any money coming from the general fund. Commissioner Heus stated it would have to be sent out to bond unless there was a large corporate contribution and they could then go for matching funds. Commissioner O'Reilly MOVED to table the issue until the next meeting. Commissioner Brenckle SECONDED the motion. The motion was approved with unanimous consent. Co Commissioners Forbes and Heus stated that they will get together again and redraft the letter to the mayor. ADA Report Review - Commissioner Peters responded that the city report only came up with $46,000 to comply with ADA requirements. Commissioner O'Reilly stated that there was a difference with complying with the law and the library needs. Commissioner Heus asked for clarification of how the priorities were set. DeForest responded that the City Engineer established the priorities. Councilman Moore stated that the Council did not question the priorities either. DeForest responded that she requested money to replace the arms that come down at the entrance door to the library. She stated it was denied and the arms cannot be widened to allow wheelchair access. Councilman Moore responded that the money requested for ADA compliance was cut in half. DeForest didn't feel anything would be done at the library except maybe railings put in outside. 8. NEW BUSINESS Ae Library Commission Summer Schedule - Commissioner Forbes stated she would not be able to attend the July meeting. DeForest stated she will not be available for July also. Commissioner Brown MOVED to request from Council that the July meeting be cancelled. Commissioner Forbes SECONDED the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. Councilman Moore stated he would bring the request to Council at the next meeting. Commissioner Peters stated he will not be able to attend the next meeting. Commissioner Forbes will act as co-chair. Library Commission May 6, 1997 Page 4 Be Travels with Vincent - Commissioner O'Reilly stated he met with the Seattle Public Library while he was visiting there. He stated that they are going to send him more information. He reported that they have a central library and many branches. He felt that there are many issues they have to be concerned with there that don't apply here. He stated that they have a main computer lab with access to state and local job vacancies. The library staff there assists with computer use if needed. He stated that Microsoft was very committed to supporting the library's needs. He reported that the library has ongoing groups that they promote throughout the year. He suggested that peninsula communities collaborate and approach Microsoft. Commissioner O'Reilly reported that San Francisco has essemially a bookless library. He stated that there has been a lot of comroversy there on the bookless library. Commissioner Forbes asked if it was just one branch. DeForest responded that they built a brand new library there and the new director disposed of a large number of the books. She stated it created a lot of controversy. Commissioner Peters liked the idea of promoting the local celebrities. He suggested that maybe something in Clarion like the Hero section could be approached. Commissioner Heus asked if it would be an appropriate role for the Commission to play or if it should be handled by the Friends. She didn't feel the Friends have the work force to do it and questioned whether the Commission could handle it either. She stated that the Friends could handle the fundraising and asked if the Commission could handle the publicity. Councilman Moore asked where the charges were. Commissioner O'Reilly stated he was uncomfortable with the direction of where the library is going, but didn't want to get locked into anything less than 15,400 feet. He suggested a 1-1/2 year program to generate publicity and to identify the constituencies out there. He suggested having receptions and getting people involved and to mm the library into a revenue center like bringing in a book store. He suggested recruiting younger applicants. DeForest stated that the Friends had a tea and that those who didn't show were sent a letter, a renewal slip and a bag of tea. She stated that many memberships were renewed from that response and thought it was innovative. Commissioner Forbes felt that Commissioner O'Reilly's suggestions were good but that there isn't anyone with the time to put into it and wasn't sure the Commission was the right avenue to handle it. Library Commission May 6, 1997 Page 5 Commissioner Peters stated the charges don't specify against it. He offered to put some effort into promoting the library. He felt there were a lot of people in town who would show an interest in something like that. Commissioner Heus stated that the Friends discussed many options for fund raisers. She said some of them were "A Taste of Kenai", a dinner and dance, and she suggested approaching all the local authors and having an author's reception and music. Commissioner Brenckle stated that while she was in Washington DC she was surprised to learn the Library of Congress sponsors free concerts to the public. She suggested having the author give a brief a brief lecture series and then have books available for sale. She also suggested having a lecture series. She offered to work with Commissioner O'Reilly on it. Commissioner O'Reilly suggested it should be worked through the Friends. Commissioner Peters suggested each Commissioner work through the Friends and that they also attend the next Friends meeting. Commissioner Forbes asked for a quick viewpoint of the April 26th breakfast. Commissioner Peters stated that he didn't feel they made much progress for the library but felt it was productive and informative. Councilman Moore stated that there were 112 people who attended. Commissioner O'Reilly was very impressed with it. Commissioner Heus noted that 90% of the people stayed the entire day. She felt they maintained everyone's level of interest. Commissioner O'Reilly felt the library is a people attraction and they could expand on that. DeForest listed some of the coming activities the library has scheduled but was concerned that they are all activities for children, and none are for adults. Commissioner Heus suggested going to the Chamber meetings and becoming more visible. She felt it would be good public relations to spread the library newsletters out at the Chamber meetings. e COMMISSIONER COMMENTS/QUESTIONS Commissioner Brown reminded everyone to donate books for the Friends book sale. Commissioner Heus thanked Councilman Moore for his input. DeForest thanked everyone for their participation. Library Commission May 6, 1997 Page 6 Commissioner Brenclde jokingly suggested a fish fry after July 4. Councilman Moore stated that Microsoft just gave $2 million to Detroit's library. Commissioner Peters felt it was importam to think of the adults in the community also. 10. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Brown MOVED to adjourn. motion. Commissioner Heus SECONDED the The meeting was adjourned at 9'35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, D~bby J. Fhimholz Library Commission May 6, 1997 Page 7