HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_LAB_10.13.2003Georgetown Public Library Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2003
In Attendance: Judy Parks, Zora Evans, Ema Fielder, Jerry Sensabaugh, Nancy Varljen,
Jackie Cuozzo, Judy Griffith. Eric Lashley, library director, and Gretchen Pruett,
assistant director were also present.
Chairperson Judy Parks called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Minutes: Ema moved and Jackie seconded a motion that the minutes of the
previous meeting be approved as distributed. The motion passed unanimously.
Director's Report: Eric introduced Gretchen Pruett, new assistant director. She started
on September 29. Another new staff member, Kate DiPronio, cataloging librarian, began
work today.
* Sept. 23 — the city accepted the proposed facilities plan, emphasizing library
needs, as well as giving authority to hire a design firm to design a building to address
these needs. An architect will probably be named in December. The council will appoint
a citizens committee to determine the amount of a bond to finance the proposed building.
* The Library Card Sign Up Essay contest winner was announced, Evan Davis.
His picture and winning essay will be on the library web sight.
* Oct. 4 — the Native Plant Society hosted a reception in the garden.
* Sept. 30 — the library had a visit from Peggy Rudd, state librarian. Her input on
needs and future plans was greatly appreciated.
*Friends of the Library will sponsor a Walk -Around -the -Square fundraiser for the
library. Preschoolers are soliciting donations for pledges for laps around the historic
square. The effort is to raise funds and awareness for the library.
* The Friends are also collecting books for next year's Book Sale Annual
Fundraiser, to be held in San Gabriel Park, May 13-15.
*A staff member is attending on-line genealogy classes and will start classes at
our library soon.
* Sandra continues to have full computer classes.
* Computer usage in the library continues to have significant increases.
* The Hill Country Bookstore has agreed to start a program to encourage
donations to the library. This program was described in last month's minutes. The same
program will be offered to all other book retailers in Georgetown.
* The library is currently updating its Website to be more user friendly.
*Eric will be in training on the Horizon Computer system this week. A new
aspect is that patrons will be able to renew books on-line.
Action Items•
Date for retreat with Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, library staff, city
council and administrators. Since an architect will be named sometime in December,
the date for this retreat will be pushed back to sometime in January. It will be on a
Saturday, from 8-10 AM. The Board will consider possible dates at next month's
meeting.
Selection of possible Bond Election dates for the Advisory Board to recommend to
the City Council. Zora moved and Jerry seconded a motion to recommend to the City
Council a Bond Election Date of Nov. 2, 2004, to coincide with the Presidential Election
date. The motion passed unanimously.
Presentation for Workshop with City Council planned for October 27, at 4:00 PM,
in the newly renovated City Hall. The following items were discussed:
*A Thank You for making Sunday hours a budget priority, and further
explanation of need.
*Proposed Bond Election date of Nov. 2, 2004
*Increase use of the library by youth, benefits, and associated possible problems.
The library will continue to encourage youth usage and work with local agencies to make
this usage meaningful.
*Proposed mechanisms for raising money for a new library — naming rooms or
purchasing new furniture or other ideas.
Judy G. moved and Ema seconded a motion for Judy Parks to present the above items at
the upcoming City Council workshop. Advisory Board members are encouraged to
attend.
One Book Campaign: Author Margaret Atwood will be the featured author at
Southwestern University at their annual event on November 6, at 7:30 PM. Next year the
library has plans to co-sponsor the annual event, with special promotions, advertising,
etc. in an effort to get the whole community involved.
Plans to meet with library architect: The Advisory Board should be able to meet with
the assigned architect prior to the January Board Meeting.
Report from CTLS meeting: Enc and Judy Parks recently attended a CTLS meeting; it
was the largest gathering of library members in recent memory. An information focus
group led by Dr. Julie Todaro presented a recent study of Public Library Development in
Texas. This study included recommendations to improve efficiency and funding for
member libraries.
The next meeting will be held on November 10, at 6:30 PM.
Adjournment: Zara moved and Jerry seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The
motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Griffith, Secretary