HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_LAB_02.17.2003Georgetown Public Library Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2003
In attendance: Judy Parks, Jerry Sensabaugh, Gerald Carson, Ema Fielder, Zora Evans, Jackie
Cuozzo, Judy Griffith and Georgene Richaud Eric Lashley, Library Director was also present
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed. Gerald Carson moved and
Jackie Cuozzo seconded a motion to approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously
Director's Report: Eric Lashley reported the following:
The Library has a new employee, Sandra Gaiser. The position is funded through a grant from
Dell Corporation and the Georgetown Library Foundation Her primary duties will be to assist
patrons with the use of the computers and maintaining the hardware and software She will
conduct her first class for the public the first weekend in March
Ralph Love and Sarah Samson participated in the Family History Fair sponsored by the
Georgetown Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. They showcased the genealogy
resources available at the library.
Statistics are up. Over 2,000 people used the Internet last month.
Tax help in the library started and continued across the street at the police station during the
temporary closing of the library.
The work done in the library to rectify the mold problem went well. After completing the
preliminary work, they tested again and found another spot and were able to complete the repairs
in time for the library to reopen today.
The Texas History room has been moved to where the old meeting room was. This will make it
more convenient for the patrons.
Eric will be going to the City Council on February 25th regarding the GISD cooperative grant.
The Fnends of the Library began their week-long membership drive today in the library and it
was very successful. They have also donated a rug for the children's room and a CD cabinet.
The library has ceased taking books for loan to Sun City due to difficulty in getting these
materials returned.
Agenda Items:
Composition of the New Advisory Board
Gerald Carson, Judy Parks and Georgene Richaud have been appointed for additional 2-year
terms on the Board. Nancy Varljen will be our new member The swearing in will be held
tomorrow at the Courthouse.
Cooperative Grant with GISD
Eric will be finalizing the proposal for a cooperative grant with GISD. The grant is for 45
thousand dollars to fund a temporary position for the library and GISD. This position will work one
day a week at five different school libraries as well as at other locations in the city in an outreach
capacity. The individual will assist with English as a Second Language. During the summer, this
individual will assist students in obtaining materials from the library.
CTLS Meeting
The State Librarian proposed to cut funding for the CTLS. This would have deprived libraries of
needed databases which have replaced periodicals as well as materials used in the summer
reading program. Eric and Judy Parks have been active in lobbying efforts to prevent the cut and
it appears that the required budget cuts will be made in a different manner.
Legislative Day
Judy Fabry and Judy Parks attended the Legislative Day on February 12th. They were able to
meet with legislative aides as well as one chief of staff to lobby for the continuation of the TIF
Grant. There is a House of Representative's Bill as well as a Senate Bill which address this
issue.
City Budget Schedule
Eric reported that the city will begin its budgeting process earlier this year. By the end of April or
the beginning of May they should begin to have workshops on budget issues Two council seats
are up for election this year. The good news is that it appears that sales and property tax
revenues have not declined in Georgetown and these items compose the general fund from
which library activities are funded. Eric will update the board on this schedule at our next
meeting.
Labor Day Bookfest
Gerald Carson announced that the Coalition of Texas Authors will be participating in a bookfest
held on Labor Day weekend. This is the same weekend as the Bluegrass Festival in
Georgetown. The authors will be setting up booths on the square. Proceeds will be donated to
children's branch of the library.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting:
Election of a Vice Chairperson and a Secretary
Potential Locations for a New Library
Update on the Budget Schedule.
The next board meeting will be on March 10, 2003
There being no further business, Jerry Sensabaugh moved and Zora Evans seconded a motion
to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:16 PM.