HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Minutes: 06/17/2021LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021
CALL TO ORDER — Chair Barbara Delphey called the meeting to order at 4:38 pm., in the
Library's Cay Mortenson Auditorium.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Trustee Janet HasBrouck
ROLL CALL: Chair Barbara Delphey; Trustees Miriam Carter, Janet HasBrouck, Elizabeth
Renfrew, Alice Wang; Councilmember Paul Cheng (City Council Liaison); Director
of Library & Museum Services Darlene Bradley (Secretary); Library Services
Manager Pat Smith
ABSENT — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None
CLOSED SESSION
A closed session, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, was held to conduct a
performance evaluation of the Director of Library and Museum Services.
REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS: Trustee Renfrew reported, in her capacity
as Liaison to the Friends of the Library, that the Bookstore is now open to the public. She noted
that better signage is needed: many customers of the outdoor sale had never even realized that
the Library housed the bookstore. There is a large backlog of donated books and the Bookstore
needs volunteers. Trustee Wang reported that the Arcadia Chinese Association donated $1,500
to the Library. Councilmember Cheng reported that the budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 passed,
and that Judge Carlton Seaver was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees starting in July
2021. Councilmember Cheng reviewed developments in the ongoing discussions regarding
homelessness and "tiny houses," as well as ongoing development projects in Arcadia. Trustee
HasBrouck expressed her appreciation for and enjoyment of her tenure on the Library Board of
Trustees. Trustee Carter shared the fundraising ideas presented at a recent "Serving with a
Purpose" virtual conference.
REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR
Announcements 7 Statements / Future Agenda Items
Director's Update: Director Bradley updated the Board on the Library's reopening since early
May, reporting that the number of visitors is increasing, and that staff will be adding more seating
in line with the State and County's reopening. The goal is to return to being open 60 hours per
week in mid-August, pending staffing levels. She introduced the new full-time Library Technician
and reported on the status of the current recruitments for Library Aides, Clerks, part-time
Technicians, and a Teen Librarian. She also discussed the Library's efforts to create a career
pathway for staff to professional positions within the Library.
Board Member Recognition and Thank You: The Director thanked Trustee HasBrouck for her
service and noted how valuable her professional library experience has been to the Board and
the Library. Chair Delphey also expressed her gratitude for Trustee HasBrouck's service.
Monthly Statistical Report: May 2021: Director Bradley reviewed the statistics showing
increased Library use since the reopening in early May. The revenue generated by fines and fees
has increased as well, although the Library froze overdue fines in response to ongoing problems
with email and text notifications to patrons of pending overdue items.
Monthly Report Narrative: May 2021: The ongoing re -cataloging of the teen manga collection
was discussed, as was the offsite reading program at Wilderness Park. The Director reviewed the
issues with the self -check equipment, which led to a discussion of the RFID project. Trustee
Renfrew mentioned that the Friends will host a special sale focusing on school texts and classics
for students getting ready to start school in the fall.
Financial Report: May 2021: The Director noted that the end of the current fiscal year is
approaching, and that spending is generally on track. The goal is to spend all funds by the end of
May so that materials and invoices are received before the new fiscal year.
FY 2021-22 Budget Update: The City budget was passed; the Library's proposed budget was
passed without changes. Capital Improvement Projects, such as RFID and updating the
Children's room's furniture, can move forward.
COVID-19 Updates: Policies and procedures have been changing rapidly for staff, but they are
adjusting to the new guidelines.
Library Building Open Hours: The Library continues to be open to the public for 22 hours each
week, but will return to being fully opened at 60 hours in mid-August.
Staff Update: As noted above, the new full-time Library Technician has started in Account
Services, a recruitment is starting for a full-time Teen Librarian, and recruitments are continuing
for Library Aides, Clerks, and part-time Technicians.
Staff Reports The Staff Reports for the new Library Technician flex series and for an
Amendment to the PSA with Security Patrol Management were accepted by City Council.
Glib Museum of Arcadia Heritage: The Director handed out flyers and calendars for upcoming
Museum events and discussed the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Museum's opening and
celebration. The Museum will reopen to the public on July 7. She noted that Museum staff have
presented a large amount of programming and outreach, despite having only one full-time and
one half-time positions.
F'tyers/Articles1Posters/Attachments: Director Bradley focused on the Summer at Your Library
program and discussed the important of early childhood literacy and reading.
During the Director's report, Trustee Wang requested permission to leave the meeting early for
an overlapping engagement. The motion to excuse Trustee Wang from the latter half of the
Meeting was made by Trustee Renfrew, seconded by Trustee HasBrouck and carried on a voice
vote.
AYES: Chair Delphey, Trustees Carter, HasBrouck, Renfrew
NOES: None
ABSENT: Trustee Wang
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 20 2021
Recommended action: Approve
The motion to accept the Minutes of May 20, 2021, was moved by Trustee HasBrouck, seconded
by Trustee Carter, and carried on a voice vote.
AYES: Chair Delphey, Trustees Carter, HasBrouck, Renfrew
NOES: None
ABSENT: Trustee Wang
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Delphey adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m. to July 15, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference
Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia.
Approved:
Chaif
Darlene Bradley, Secretary
Minutes prepared by: Pat Smith