HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_LAB_01.10.2005Georgetown Public Library Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
January 10, 2005
In Attendance: Georgene Richaud, Judy Johnston, Jack Dixon, Judy Parks, Judy Griffith, Jackie Cuozzo,
Danielle Plumer, P.J. Moore. Eric Lashley Library Director, and Keith Hutchinson, Public Information
Officer for the City of Georgetown, were also present.
Chairperson Judy Parks called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Minutes: Jackie Cuozzo moved and Jack Dixon seconded a motion that the minutes of the
last meeting be approved as distributed. The motion passed unanimously.
Formation of a City Arts Commission:
Eric Lashley introduced Keith Hutchinson, Public Information Officer for the City of Georgetown, and
explained that the two of them have been exploring the possibility of recommending the formation of
another City Council -appointed Board, a City Arts Commission. The purpose of such a commission would
be to promote culture and the arts in our city. The new library will have the opportunity to include public
art, and it may be desirable for a city-wide group to solicit and recommendart for this and other public
buildings, as well as encouraging, sponsoring, and promoting city-wide arts and cultural events. There are
many existing arts activities and groups in Georgetown, but there is a need for a central body to coordinate
events and activities. Funding could come from city grants, grants from the Texas Commission for the Arts,
and corporate and private funding. The proposed commission may include designated seats from existing
groups such as the Palace Theater, GISD, SWU, etc. It is hoped that this commission would serve a
complimentary and supplementary function to other arts groups and local arts agencies. Eric and Keith
have been researching how other cities have structured thriving city -sponsored arts programs. They will
make a presentation this week to the City Manager and begin the process of exploring the feasibility of
such an arts commission. Keith Hutchinson plans to present this concept again to our Library Advisory
Board and other City Boards and Commissions in the next few months as this concept develops.
Director's Report:
Eric Lashley reported on library statistics for the month of December and for the year of 2004.
Circulation figures continue to increase, especially computer usage figures The library will be open on
Sunday without interruption until Easter.
The staff continues to weed old items in order to add new ones. The staff is considering how the move
into the new library might best be accomplished. There are professional library movers, but the cost will be
approximately $30,000. This method would insure all items are moved carefully and in order, which is an
especially critical problem The library is being careful to weed properly so that no items are moved that
will be weeded in the near future There are also plans for future increase in numbers of items in the new
library. Plans are to have wide spaces between aisles, so that new shelving can be in filled as needed.
The contract with the architect for the new library is nearing completion, and that process should go
forward in a timely manner.
Eric reported that the Friends and Foundation groups are forming a joint committee to raise funds for the
new library. They will meet on January 20. The Board asked Eric to invite someone from this group to our
next meeting to explain their plans.
Eric also reported that CTLS got enough votes to go forward as a non-profit entity.
The city budget process for the next fiscal year will begin soon. The Board will need to give
consideration to input for this process.
Update on Grants:
Eric reported that there is no news about the GISD Grant.
The Kresge Grant application has changed and the library will be completing these new foinis soon. Eric
is working with the architect on planning for an eco-friendly building This grant will fund this process of
green planning. The City is now m the process of scheduling removal and recycling of the existing
structures on the new library site.
Update on Georgetown Reads! Program.
Judy Parks reported that the Georgetown Reads! web page is now available. Currently you can read, print,
and download a packet of information about The Tortilla Curtain. Several groups are conducting
discussion sessions on this book, and they are listed on the web page as well.
Workshop with City Council: The Library Advisory Board will meet with the City Council on Monday,
February 21, at 4 00 PM in the Council Chamber. The Friends and Foundation fund-raising group will also
attend to present plans and discuss guidelines for raising funds and naming rights associated with
donations. The Board should work with this group to present common needs, desires and concerns. The
Board will have this topic on our February meeting agenda.
Brainstorming Fund-raising ideas: Judy Parks led a discussion of possible ideas to raise funds for the
new library. The following ideas emerged as consensus of Board Members*
• Someone on the Board attend the Jan 20 meeting of the Friends -Foundation Group to
help monitor our concerns and ideas. Judy Griffith and P J. Moore will try to attend
• Someone from the Friends -Foundation group will be invited come to our next Board
meeting so that our two entities can coordinate our priorities.
• At the February 21 meeting, both groups be represented, and both groups agree on
priorities presentedto the council.
Friends Annual Book Sale: Judy Johnston explained that book collection barrels have been placed at 10
locations around our city. Sorting and pncing will begin next week The sale will be at the San Gabriel
Community Center May 12-15. Thursday, May 12 will be preview sale day for Friends members from 4-8
PM. Friday and Saturday, May 13-14 will be open to the public from 9 AM — 6 PM. Sunday, May 15,
from 12 — 5 PM will be bargain days for discounts and bulk sales. The Friends are hoping to raise $15,000
for the library
The next meeting will be on Monday, February 14, at 6:30 PM.
Adjournment: Danielle Plumer moved and Jackie Cuozzo seconded a motion that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 7 25 PM.
Respectfully submitte
G
Judy Griffith, Secretary
Ju$y Packs, Chair