HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_LAB_02.12.2007Minutes of the meeting of the
Library Advisory Board of Georgetown, Texas
February 12, 2007
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Judy Johnston, Ruth Lawrence, Sissy Lego -Pederson, Anja Lippincott,
Ruth Ann Mallory, Patti Jennmgs Moore, Linda Nix, Marc Parrish, Stephanie S. Sorensen
STAFF IN ATTENDENCE. Eric Lashley, Rachel Pattillo
OTHERS: Thomas Castillo (Pedernales Electric), Jennifer Lange (Pedernales Electric), Judy Parks
(CTLS Lay Representative)
MINUTES*
The meeting was called to order by Chair Judy Johnston at 6:30 p.m. Linda Nix moved and Ruth
Ann Mallory seconded that the minutes of the December meeting be approved as distributed. The
motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATION OF CHECK BY PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COMPANY
Jennifer Lange and Thomas Castillo presented a check for $1000 to show how much the
Pedernales Electric Company appreciates all efforts the library does for the community. Eric
Lashley and Judy Johnston accepted the check. The library director and the board thanked
Pedernales Electric for their support.
PRESENTATION BY FINANCE DIVISON ABOUT BUDGET PROCESS FOR 2007-08
Enc Lashley handed out the ` 2007/08 Budget Process Memorandum" to all members of the
board. He asked them to fill it out and to return it as soon as possible. The City Council will
choose financial priorities from the results of the survey.
DIRECTORS REPORT:
The old library closed December 23, 2006 On January 3, 2007, the move started into the new
library that was still under construction. All collection materials had been moved by January 12.
During this period most of the furniture arrived, but there is still some furniture missing (Texas
History Room, Young Adult area). Ruth Lawrence suggested having a special opening for the
Texas History Room.
The fundraiser party on January 13, 2007 was "areal blast" (Eric Lashley). Several bands and
plentiful food ensured things went very well.
The move of the Second -Hand Prose Bookstore (SHP) of the Friends of the Georgetown Public
Library had to be pushed back due to an ice storm.
The opening of the new library has been a big success Even though the weather hindered parts of
the ceremony, the citizen of Georgetown were eager to explore the new building. The bad
weather did not allow several parts of the opening program to take place, e.g. a marching band
and ceremonial book moving.
Eric Lashley expressed a big thank you to the volunteers On the opening day they helped to
check -in and shelve around 5000 books. In return, patrons checked out over 3000 books.
Since the opening there has been one power outage and one sewage problem. But the main
complaint from patrons is the parking situation. Even though the new library has 89 parking
spaces m the back of building and 30 in front many patrons are not able to find a space. The
parking spaces are not dedicated only for the library So many merchants, employees of
surrounding businesses and visitors to the Square use the parking area The library is considering
following options: (1) to let the City Council pass an ordinance or (2) to put up a sign or leave a
note on the windshield of the car A question of who would enforce the ordinance was brought
up. Eric Lashley mentioned also that the City is considering a joint parking garage for four city
facilities at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Street and Eighth Street
The SHP is doing quite well. Eric answered Ruth Lawrence's concern that the children's books
are too expensive: the Friends will make some adjustments in the future.
The meeting rooms are very popular. Not only are organizations booking them, but also more
people attend the events. There is still one issue Eric has to address with the contractors The PA
system for the two meeting rooms is not working the way it is intended Instead of one system for
both rooms, there are two separate systems.
Additionally, the cleaning company is not able to keep up with the amount of work they face
every day nor are they available to set up meeting rooms for users. The library director will
approach the City Council and argue for a full-time maintenance person.
In summary, the move has been smooth and stressful at the same time, which shows in the hours
the staff worked. The Library Advisory Board thanked Eric Lashley and his wonderful staff for
their time and commitment.
Billy Cryer (library assistant) and Rachael Pattillo (library assistant) joined the library staff.
Gretchen Pruett, the library's assistant director, resigned to become the director of the new Hutto
Library.
INTRODUCTION OF LIBRARY STAFF MEMBER
Enc Lashley introduced Rachael Pattillo. The library assistant from Lubbock joined the staff
almost a month ago She assists the public on the circulation and reference desk In addition to the
job in the library, she studies art with a concentration on graphic art. After only a four -day
training period she jumped right in on opening day and was surprised by the friendliness of the
people and how busy the library was.
REPORT ON GEORGETOWN READS!
Carlton Stowers kicked off the 2007 Georgetown Reads! program on February 7, 2007. He spoke
about the book "Where Dreams Die Hard", his career and his other books. Eighty-five spectators
enjoyed an entertaining evening. Hill Country Bookstore sold copies of his books, which he
signed at the end of the event.
REPORT ON CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Eric Lashley reported that donors have contacted the campaign in January after the sneak peek
party and the opening. Even though checks still come in, the Library Foundation will wrap up the
campaign soon. The "High 5" campaign of the Friends ended with the opening of the library
They collected over $22 000.
RESIGNATION AND REPLACEMENT OF JUDY PARKS AS CTLS REPRESENTATIVE
After ten years Judy Parks resigned as CTLS representative In a letter she summarized all
experiences and the task. The board and Eric Lashley thanked Judy Parks for her service.
THANKS TO RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS
Judy Johnston announced that Sissy Lego -Pederson and she would retire from the Library
Advisory Board Eric Lashley and the Board thanked both for serving on the board.
Linda Nix made a motion to nominate Judy Johnston to become the new CTLS representative.
Sissy Lego -Pederson second. The motion passed unanimously.
Eric Lashley added that the City Council changed the by-laws for boards. Every board will now
have only seven seats instead of nine.
Ruth Ann Mallory made a motion to adjourn. Linda Nix seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Anja Lippincott, Secretary
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Judy Johnston, Chair