Windsor Library Advisory Board Meeting

MINUTES

Sonoma County Library

WINDSOR REGIONAL LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD

Windsor Regional Library Forum Room

TUESDAY, July 11, 2023 4:00 PM

PRESENT: “D” Graner, Mike Neely, Connie Ochoa, Phil Hoeft, Deborah Doyle

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PRESENT: Randall Neff

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PRIOR MEETINGS (2): Approved as presented.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT: The Commission approved a new .5 FTE position for Juvenile Hall and .5 FTE for Central.  The Newsletter has a new format, more forward looking.  The Drag Story Hour was discussed.  Summer Reading Program is in progress.

LIBRARY COMMISSIONER'S REPORT: Appropriations were made to carry forward some projects to this FY. There were also budget adjustments (development brought in more than anticipated).  The Library Foundation has a new Chair and there is a new board member. The library card and borrowing process is being revised (minor cleanup).  A new lease was signed for RQHQ.  Ballot measures were discussed at the CLA and there was a visit to the new San Francisco Teen Space.  The ALA had a discussion of censorship issues. 

BRANCH MANAGER'S REPORT: Last year there were 323 programs, an increase of 90 of FY22.  Circulation has increased significantly over the last year and door count numbers are up.  Sundays are bringing in 80-100 people.  There are about 500 new library card holders due to school outreach programs. The new door is ADA compliant but there are delays in Open+.  Badge entry has been installed for staff areas.  The town installed new carpet in the Forum Room.

FRIENDS OF THE WINDSOR LIBRARY REPORT: Spring newsletter was sent out.  New officers were elected (Randall Neff is the new Chair).  Income for last FY was about $30K (mainly book cart) and expenses were $10K.  The Friends would like to offer more support to the library.

DISCUSSION ITEMS: 

• Connie has not given out the books at Windsor Park Apartments; she needs approval from the apartment management (expected by the end of August).  We will wait until that is complete and the surveys are done before considering a similar event at another housing complex.  Connie and Phil will review the inserts for the book bags.
• What other Outreach can the LAB do?  Food distribution centers are all drive-through and hard to use for giving books.
• What role should the LABS have in renewing the ballot measure?  The library is doing a survey.
• Is it possible for the LAB or Friends to supply text books for low-income students wishing to take classes at SRJC?  Maybe it should be the library system since FoWL is restricted by its bylaws. 

ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at 5:05pm. Next meeting: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Neely