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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-02 Library Commission SummaryKENAI Ai~-VISORY LIBRARY COMMISSION KENAI COj~[MUNITY' LIBRARY ACTIVITY ROOM DI~EMBER~2, 1997 ~' 7:30 P.M. ~ENDA ITEM 1' CALL TO ORDER ~k RO~L CALL ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL ITEM 3: a, APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular Meeting of November 4, 1997. ITEM 4: a, PERSONS SCHEDULED TO ~ HEARD Tess Whalen - Economic Development District ITEM 5' ao REPORTS Director Friends of the Library Public Relations Committee ITEM 6: a. OLD BUSINESS Library Christmas Open House ITEM 7: NEW BUSIN ~ES~ ITEM 8' COMMISSIONERS! ~.COMM~NTS / QUESTIONS ITEM 9: ao ITEM 10' INFORMATION Kenai City Council Action Agendas of November 5, ~'~ No~ember 19; 1997. ADJOURNMENT ® Kenai Advisory Library Commission December 2, 1997- 7:30 p.m. Kenai Community Library Activity Room Chair Bob Peters MINUTES *** CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairman Peters called the meeting to order at 7'30 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Bob Peters, Lorrene Forbes, Janet Brown, Janice Rodes, Vincent O~eilly, Carol Brenckle, Members Absent: Kathy Heus, Elissa Fahnholz Also Present: Emily DeForest, Councilman Joe Moore, Contract Secretary Barb Roper ® APPROVAL OF AGENDA FORBES MOVED TO APPROVED THE AGENDA. MOTION SECONDED BY BROWN. AGENDA WAS APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. ® APPROVAL OF MINUTF~ FORBES MOVED TO APPROVE THE MII~UTES OF NOVEMBER 4, 1997. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY BRENCKLE. MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 4, 1997 WERE APPROVED AS WRITTEN. ® PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD am Tess Whalen - Economic Development District Whalen attended the meeting at the request of Chairman Peters to discuss fund raising strategies with the Library Commission. Whalen explained that she was aware of the activities of the Friends of the Library and the Commission with regard to raising funds for the library addition. She stated she would make suggestions on how to communicate the needs of the library to the community. Economic Library Commission December 2, 1997 Page 1 development is both a process and a strategy and Whalen stated she will discuss ways in how to bring a project to life. The following suggestions were made' le Identify the movers and shakers in the community who could ignite public interest. o Identify the supporters and those that do not support the library addition. Whalen suggested a letter to the Editor of the local paper. e Promoting and facilitating public meetings. Again this will bring out the supporters and the opposition. Once the issues and/or concerns are laid on the table the Commission can systematically attack those reasons by coming up with positive arguments on why the library addition is essential to the community. Once the interest is there then the Commission could build on it. e Another avenue would be a philanthropist. Whalen explained that she had an extensive library of philanthropists that has been developed over the past ten years. She would be happy to help with the search for one. However, she also indicated that in order to get support from this avenue, good community support and interest is necessary. Educate the public on the library and what it can do for them individually. Promote local public awareness and focus on all age groups. 6~ Go to other organizations in the community to discuss the needs and explain why they are needed. Discussion took place on the bond issues that were turned down twice. Peters stated a needs assessment was done and a survey of the community was taken. This information was submitted to the City Council and they were sold on it to'the extent to let the public decide. Peters indicated there was not a lot of support from local government. The extent of the support was allowing the Library Commission to have a bond issue. Brenckle stated the most devastating attack was when this Commission was going for more space the opposition came out with a chart of libraries that were smaller than this one in larger communities and were viewed as sufficient. e This library should offer more to kids than what the schools do. Library Commission December 2, 1997 Page 2 o Get positive press which focuses on the advantages. Utilize celebrities to raise money by donating time. Go for matching or challenge grants. Challenge major businesses in the community to match other donations. Consider local television advertisements. . Utilize resources that are available to get the needs out to the public. Economic Development is a resource and is available to help. Forbes asked if plans were needed before a philanthropist would assist with funding. Whalen answered, a plan doesn't have to be in place as a schematic would be sufficient, however, accurate estimates would be required. Discussion took place on how to get plans drawn up. It was suggested that an architect be approached to see if a donation is possible. O'Reilly stated the appraisal earlier of the lack of Council's support of the library was accurate. The defeat from the last bond issue was exhausting and terribly disappointing. O~Reilly asked what role the library plays in economic development. Whalen indicated the library is referred as a technical resource for individuals writing a business plan, developing marketing strategies, etc. Peters thanked Whalen for her presentation and invited her to the Library's Christmas Open House. A general discussion took place after Whalen left and it-was pointed out that most of the suggestions made were already in place. Additionally, there is no real urgency to complete the fund raising effort as Council indicates it would take about 3 to 5 years before the library has another chance at a bond issue. Rodes referenced the television advertisement comment and thought perhaps there would not be much support from that since the stations are based in Anchorage and they are in the process of closing some satellite libraries. REPORTS a. Director DeForest just returned from vacation. Circulation is down from last month but up compared to last year's figures. Library Commission December 2, 1997 Page 3 be Ross was hired as the City Manager and has a three year contract. Discussion also took place on the possibility of hiring an Assistant City Manager. Moore stated this would be considered during the budget process. This assistant may also handle personnel issues for the City. Friends of the Library: Brown reported the raffle held the end of October raised a total of $14,225.32, after expenses. It was again noted that all but two tickets were sold. The fund now has over $20,000.00. The Christmas Open House is scheduled for Thursday, December 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The City provided Friends with $500.00 for the party. Commissioners were asked to contact Linda McNair for a list of things that need to be done. Poinsettias will be placed around the Library for decoration. Brenckle suggested the KCHS choir be asked to sing carols during the reception. Moore also suggested the Kenai Middle School band and choir be asked to perform. James Roderick, author of "Crude Dreams" will be at the Library at 1'30 p.m. on December 17, 1997. O'Reilly asked if Roderick needed to be picked up. DeForest thought that he would not as he was speaking at the Chamber that day. Friends decided not to do the membership tea this spring because just the same few people show up. Notification will be sent out to members, however, asking for renewals. Brenckle suggested a place to sign up be available during the Christmas Open House. Public Relations Committee The public relations committee meeting was canceled and has been rescheduled. ® OLD BUSINESS Library Christmas Open House Scheduled for December 18, 1997 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Contact Linda McNair for a list of things that need to be done. 7. NEW BUSINESS - None Library Commission December 2, 1997 Page 4 ® COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS / QUESTIONS Commissioner Rodes asked if special meetings need to be held to invite people to come in and offer comments regarding the library addition. Peters answered, yes but at this time he is unclear when the Commission would be prepared for the meetings. Discussion took place on how to get people in to discuss the library issues. Moore suggested the top ten tax payers in the City of Kenai be invited. Commissioner Forbes thought Ms. Whalen's presentation was very good and is re-encouraging. Forbes suggested the Commission find out who some of the people were that were involved in building the cultural center because surprise was expressed at how much money was raised and the City then had to match. Forbes also suggested those involved be invited to a meeting to give an outline of their procedure. After some discussion it was decided that Peters and Forbes will do some research on who was involved with the cultural center. Forbes asked if anyone had seen a request from the library for money for building plans. DeForest stated that will go to the City Manager with the budget. Forbes offered to do the letter to the Friends of the Library for their fantastic efforts with the fund raiser. A copy will be provided to the newspaper. Commissioner Brenckle felt the meeting was interesting and is somewhat discouraged but at the same time feels that it is important to keep trying. Brenckle suggested a feature article in the Clarion recommending the public give the library a banned book for Christmas. DeForest stated the library has copies of the banned books. Discussion took place on various banned books. Commissioner Peters thanked Moore for the suggestion of inviting Whalen to the meeting. The presentation was enlightening and motivating. Peters also thanked Forbes for offering to do the letter to the Friends. Peters wished everyone a happy holiday and hoped to see them at the Christmas Open House. Commissioner O'Reilly again offered to pick up author John Roderick if needed. ® INFORMATION Kenai City Council Action Agendas of November 5 and November 19, 1997. Library Commission December 2, 1997 Page 5 10. ADJOURNMENT O'REILLY MOVED TO ADJOURN. MOTION SECONDED BY FORBES. MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 9:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~S~O~c ~~ x Bal~bar-a ROper l-O-- Library Commission December 2, 1997 Page 6