HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Minutes: 05/20/2021LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 20,2021
NOTE: As part of the City of Arcadia's COVID-1 9 transmission mitigation efforts, this meeting was
conducted in person as well as virtually, by teleconference, on Go To Meeting.
CALL TO ORDER — Chair Barbara Delphey called the meeting to order at 4:33 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Trustee Alice Wang
ROLL CALL,: Chair Barbara Delphey, Trustees Miriam Carter, Janet HasBrouck, Elizabeth
Renfrew, and Alice Wang; Councilmember Paul Cheng (City Council Liaison);
Director of Library & Museum Services Darlene Bradley (Secretary); Library
Services Managers Roger Hiles and Pat Smith; Principal Librarian Petra Morris
and Librarian Melissa Camaiore.
REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS
Chair Delphey stated that she was glad to be back meeting in person. Councilmember Cheng
reported that the Council had been discussing services to the homeless, and there was a lot of
public interest in the matter. He also complimented Library staff for providing new services during
the pandemic and said he has heard from many people that Library services have been a lifeline
during the last year. Chair Delphey thanked him for his comments and support of the Library.
Trustee Renfrew reported that the Friends' Book Store had been opened during the continuing
"pop-up" sales outside the building on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and that Friday sales
may be added. She also announced the summer newsletter had been released, and that it
included a tribute to Doris Selmer, former Library Board member and president of the Friends of
the Library, as well as a long-time, dedicated volunteer. Trustee Renfrew also reported that the
Friends had presented the Library with a check for $30,000 to support the Summer Reading
Program and to purchase items for the teen collection. She also stated the Friends were hoping
to hold a couple of fund-raising events this year. Trustee Carter asked if anything was being
planned in Doris' memory, and Trustee Renfrew wondered if a bench could be dedicated in honor
of both Doris and Jerry Selmer. She also asked if a donor tree similar to the one at the museum
could be added to replace the current donor plaque. Trustee Wang reported that the ACA had
received the wish list from Director Bradley and will decide on it at their meeting on June 8.
Trustees HasBrouck and Carter stated they had nothing to report.
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Director's Update: Director Bradley reported the Library reopened for limited hours on May 3,
and there have been no issues so far. Attendance has been as many as 60 on Mondays and
Tuesdays, in the 20-30 range on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and over 60 on Saturdays. She
noted that the Library's budget will go to the City Council in June, and includes money for
converting the Library's circulation and anti -theft security systems to RFID (Radio Frequency
Identifier) technology in place of the current system which uses optical barcodes and
electromagnetic sensors. It also includes funds to continue using the Aspen software running the
Arcadia Discovery online catalog' which allows patrons to search for both physical and electronic
resources in the same search. The Friends of the Library donated the money for the initial
purchase of the software last year. Trustee Renfrew added that she liked Arcadia Discovery and
felt it had been money well spent.
Summer Reading Program: Principal Children's Librarian Petra Morris and Adult Services
Librarian Melisa Camaiore presented an overview of the 2021 Summer Reading Program, which
is starting in June. Principal Librarian Morris discussed equity issues in the Children's program,
and Librarian Camaiore discussed the Adult and Teen programs, which would include a "Bad Art"
competition for teens. Trustee Carter asked how the contest would be judged, and Librarian
Camaiore suggested the Library's Teen Advisory Group might help.
Monthly Statistical Report: April 2021: Director Bradley said the gate count will begin reporting
numbers in next month's report, and she expects circulation will be higher since the checkout limit
has been raised from 5 to 30 items. She added that Inter -Library loans should resume in July.
Monthly Report Narrative: April 2021: Director Bradley reported that 7,700 items had been
checked out during the month, in 2,000 front -door pickups. In addition, 4,600 eBooks were
checked out, Adult Services' Learning Lab Micro -Lessons have been posted to YouTube, and
passport appointments are booked through June. Trustee Renfrew commented she was pleased
to see more use of social media.
Financial Report: April 2021: Director Bradley reported the Library's spending for natural gas
continues to be high, and she has asked Public Works to look into the matter.
COVI D-1 9 Updates: Director Bradley reported that staff has had the opportunity to be vaccinated
and that many had done so. COVID precautions continue to be taken because of the orders of
the L.A. County Health department. Council member Cheng asked if the Library needed hand
sanitizer or face masks (including those for sized for children) and said to let him know.
Library Building Open Hours: Director Bradley reported that due to the current staff shortage,
our limited open hours are from 4-8 on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10-2 on Wednesdays and
Thursdays, and 11-5 on Saturdays.
Staff Update: Director Bradley stated that new Library Technician in Account Services, Sarah
Hart, will be starting next week. Recruitments for Library Aides and Passport Clerks are
proceeding. Other positions will be filled after the approval of the budget for the next fiscal year.
Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage: Director Bradley reported the exhibits at the Museum have
been redone and refreshed to make them more attractive. Museum intern selections are going
forward, although there is a lot of competition for interns.
Flyers/Articies/Posters/Attachments: Chair Delphey commented that the flyers looked good.
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2021
Recommended action: Approve
The motion to approve the minutes of the April 15 meeting was moved by Trustee Renfrew,
seconded by Trustee HasBrouck, and carried on a voice vote.
AYES: Chair Delphey, Trustees Carter, HasBrouck, Renfrew, and Wang
NOES: None
ABSENT: one
A
)ADJOURNMENT
Chair Delphey adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. to Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. in the
Conference Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia.
Approved:
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Barbara Delphey, C h afr
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Darlene Bradley, Secretary
Minutes prepared by: Roger Hiles