HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Minutes: 04-20-23LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023
CALL TO ORDER — Chair Miriam Carter called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m., in the
Conference Room of the Library.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Director Bradley
ROLL CALL: Chair Miriam Carter; Trustees Connie Liao, Elizabeth Renfrew, Carlton Seaver,
Alice Wang; Director of Library & Museum Services Darlene Bradley (Secretary);
Library Services Managers Samantha Alba, Pat Smith
ABSENT — None
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None
REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS: Trustee Renfrew reported for the Friends
of the Library. The Friends are waiting for the check from the Panda Express fundraiser. The Paint
Night fundraiser had to be cancelled because there was not enough interest. Next week, from
Saturday to Saturday, the Book Store is offering 50 percent off all items. Trustee Wang reported
on the Historical Society's presentation to the Arcadia Chinese Association, and Trustee Carter
said that she had attended the City Council District Five meeting and the Library's Read Across
America event.
REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR
Announcements / Statements / Future Agenda Items
Director's Update: Library Administration is in the middle of the budget process: the Director
and the Library Services Managers attended the Operating and CIP budget meetings. The
Library's supplies budget was reduced; the Museum's HVAC project was cut. The second City
Council study session will be held May 2. Library Services Manager Alba will be attending the
annual CLA Conference and Teen Librarian Arroyo will attend YALSA: attending conferences is
part of the staff's professional development. The administration staff is still covering Shelly's
absence and hoping to simplify procedures going forward. Christina Vallejo, from Cataloging and
Acquisitions, has been very helpful.
Monthly Statistical Report: March 2023: The gate count dropped in March due to the inclement
weather and Spring Break for local schools.
Monthly Report Narrative: March 2023: Trustee Renfrew enjoyed the March Madness program
for adults and the 10 to Try program for children; she wondered if the latter would make a good
program for adults as well. Aide Bonnie Tang retired, and Angelica Marquez has been made
acting Circulation Supervisor. Children's Tech Eva Luc is on maternity leave. Circulation Tech
Ann Morrice has been moved to full-time status. Library Service Manager Alba pointed out that
Ann is a success story: with her mentoring, Ann has moved up through the organization from
Aide to Tech Aide, to part-time Technician, to full-time Technician.
Financial Report: March 2023: The gas budget is overspent again, probably due to recent cold
weather, fuel costs, etc. Seventy percent of the budget has been spent.
Staff Update: (See above under Monthly Report Narrative.) The Children's department is now
fully staffed with the addition of Children's Librarian Amanda Coleman. Account Services is now
down eight part-time positions and one full-time
time aide —was apparently for financial reasons.
hard to recruit.
position. The most recent resignation —a part -
The low hourly pay ($15.50 per hour) makes it
Facts about the Library FY 2021-2022: The Library Fact Sheet provides a snapshot of the
Library in the immediate post-COVID period. The Director briefly reviewed the Library's history,
noting that the Library was originally part of the Los Angeles County system. She also noted the
increase in circulation and explained that this was largely due to the circulation of children's books,
which are responsible for 75 percent of circulation overall.
Glib Museum of Arcadia Heritage: The 13th annual Photography Contest ended on April 8; the
opening exhibition is scheduled April 29 at 10:30 a.m. "Nature' is the theme of this year's contest.
CuratorAcevedo is currently working on her own, relying on substitutes forthe Museum Education
Coordinator. The recruitment for this position is ongoing. The Director showed samples of the
hugely popular educational kits, funded by the Friends, that the Museum is offering children. The
kits have been assembled by the Museum's teen volunteers, part of the 5,000 hours they have
contributed.
Calendar of Activities for Children's Services: May 2023: May is a slow month for Children's
Services as the staff prepares for summer reading. The department is hosting class visits and
participating in outreach efforts to promote the Summer at Your Library program. The featured
program is a four -week "Mindfulness Storytime." The recent contribution from the Friends of the
Library supports SAYL and other programs. Trustee Renfrew encouraged the Board members to
join.
Calendar of activities for Adult and Teen Services: May 2023: Director Bradley encouraged
the Board to visit Children's and Adult Services to see the AUSD student art exhibit.
Flyers/Articles/Posters/Attachments: Darlene reviewed upcoming programs, including Fast
Fashion on April 22.
Arcadia History Room Featured Historical Picture: The Board discussed the Baldwin family
and noted that Lucky Baldwin's descendants are still active in Arcadia. Chair Carter reported on
the renovation of the Queen Anne cottage at the Arboretum and discussed Hugo Reid.
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 16, 2023
Recommended action: Approve.
The motion to accept the Minutes of March 16, 2023, as written, was moved by Trustee Renfrew,
seconded by Trustee Wong, and carried on a unanimous voice vote.
AYES: Chair Carter, Trustees Liao, Renfrew, Seaver, and Wang
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Carter adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.m., to May 18, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference
Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia.
Approved: /
Go
Miriam Carter, Chair Darlene Bradley, Secretary
Minutes prepared by: Pat Smith