HomeMy WebLinkAboutLB Minutes: 09-19-2024LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES REVISED
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
CALL TO ORDER — Trustee Hsuichen Chen called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. in the
Library's Conference Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Library Services Manager Samantha Alba
ROLL CALL: Trustees Pardha Akalamkam, Miriam Carter, Hsiuchen Chen, Barbara Delphey;
Paul Chang (City Council Liaison); Director of Library & Museum Services Darlene
Bradley; Library Services Managers Petra Morris, Samantha Alba
ABSENT — Chair Connie Liao
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None
REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS: Library Board members introduced
themselves. City Council Liaison Paul Chang introduced himself to the members of the Board. He
explained his role and said that any issues that are brought to his attention are his job to bring up
and discuss with other City Council Members. He stated that the Library was one of the few
libraries that was open during the pandemic and that it made the community feel stable. City
Council member Chang discussed that AFFA and ACEA union contracts did not pass at
Tuesday's Council meeting. He shared that there is an issue with compaction for the upper
management positions. Management salaries have not increased in 16 years and are not paid
overtime. Council has said that they must deal with compaction because unfortunately, staff is
being poached by other cities.
REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR
Announcements / Statements / Future Agenda Items: The Library Board photo has been
postponed until next month since not all members were present. The Library had over 1,700
participants for the Summer Reading Program. Administration staff attended the groundbreaking
for the Sierra Madre Library on September 17. Library staff attended the Moon Festival event at
City Hall on September 14.
Monthly Statistical Report: July and August 2024: Trustee Chen noted that total circulation
numbers are not accurate on both reports. Totals do not include the digital collection numbers.
Circulation numbers should include digital and print because it's not comparable otherwise.
Trustee Delphey inquired about online passports and what the impact might be. We are not
worried, since it is currently only for passport renewals. Trustee Chen inquired about how many
Passport Clerks the Library has and indicated that the organizational chart shows four and
whether it should be two Clerks. Trustee Akalamkam mentioned that the revenue for passports is
lower compared to the revenue in July 2022 which was $7,930. Director Bradley explained that
there is currently only one Clerk. Manager Alba added that we should see an increase closer to
the holiday season and once we have the other Clerks are onboard.
Monthly Narrative Report: July and August 2024: Trustee Akalamkam inquired about 3D
printing and asked if the service is up and going and if it is a free service. Director Bradley
responded 3D printing is a free service to the public. Trustee Delphey mentioned she is impressed
with Children's Services programming. Additionally, she inquired about a staff member being
dismissed. A brief discussion followed.
Financial Report: July and August 2024: Board members inquired about the accuracy of the
financial reporting. Even though the fiscal year ended in July and the report was generated in
September, it was still not up to date. Director Bradley confirmed that the report is not up to date
• Imagination Theater Form: Update hourly rate to $55.
The motion to accept the changes to the Library Policy Manual be accepted was moved by
Trustee Akalamkam, seconded by Trustee Carter, and carried unanimously by a voice vote.
AYES: Trustees Akalamkam, Carter, Chen, and Delphey
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage: Director Bradley reported that Stevy will be back in early
November. Staff is working on veteran military banners, and they currently have 62 applications.
The banners will be displayed between the civic center and Baldwin. The 901h anniversary exhibit
for the Santa Anita Park is currently on display at the racetrack.
Flyers/Articles/Posters/Attachments: Trustee Carter referenced In-N-Out Cover to Cover and
asked if staff has ever thought of letting the adults read to get a burger. The Library Board
reviewed all materials.
Featured Historical Photo: Arcadia Grammar School — The Library Board reviewed the
historical photo.
Announcements: Trustee Delphey reported on behalf of the Friends of the Library. She
submitted flyers for the Friends of the Library Paint Night fundraiser. On November 19, the Friends
of the Library is sponsoring a Jazz concert featuring a saxophone group at 7pm in the Library
Auditorium. The bookstore will have a half-price sale starting on September 30 through October
5. Trustee Delphey asked Board members to please support the Friends of the Library since it
raises funds for library programming.
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 20, 2024 — postponed to October
Recommended action:
b. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of July 18, 2024 — postponed to October
Recommended action:
Because there was a lack of a quorum from the previous meetings, the approval of Minutes for
June and July will be deferred until the October Board Meeting.
MOTION TO EXCUSE
A motion to excuse Chair Liao from the September 19, 2024, meeting due to illness, was moved
by Trustee Delphey, and seconded by Trustee Carter, and carried on a unanimous voice vote.
AYES: Trustees Akalamkam, Carter, Chen, and Delphey
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Chen adjourned the meeting at 6:22 p.m. to October 17, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. in the
Conference Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia.
Approved:
P