Windsor Library Advisory Board Meeting

Minutes

Windsor LAB Minutes

January 9, 2024 @ 4:00 PM

Windsor Regional Library

9291 Old Redwood Highway, Building 100, Windsor, CA 95492

1.    CONVENING & INTRODUCTIONS

Present: LAB Members -- Connie Ochoa, Chair and Mike Neely, Vice Chair

Others present:  Debra Doyle, Library Commissioner; Barbara Maes, Public Services Division Manager; and Vicki Chavez, Adult Services Librarian for Phil Hoeft, Branch Manager

Not present: Randall Neff, President of Friends of the Windsor Library

Members of the public present:  No members of the public present.

2.    PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comment

3.    APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PRIOR MEETING

Minutes were not approved for the last meeting. Vice Chair Neely will send last meeting’s minutes to Branch Manager Hoeft.

4.    REPORTS & UPDATES

Reports and updates on library governance, management, programs, services and support group activities as well as City Council activities. All items are for discussion only.

       4.1.  TOWN COUNCIL LIAISON'S REPORTS – Not present

       4.2.  LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Division Manager Maes reported on highlights and activities between October and December including the Mock Caldecott Awards and the Winter Reading Challenge. Maes mentioned planning for spring and summer events and upcoming holiday closures. Maes spoke of recent Press Democrat article highlighting several branch refreshes and noted that Windsor was not included since this branch was only going to have a mini-refresh (carpet replacement as well as shelving and furniture.)  Maes also mentioned that computer kiosks will be installed soon at Windsor.

Maes spoke of ROHN’s LAB innovative ways to generate public participation in their LAB.  Suggestions from ROHN include partnering with Friends group, establish a calendar with specific subjects to discuss at each meeting, e.g. LAB by-laws, prep for summer activities, inviting members of public to meetings, more outreach.  Perhaps give a presentation to the Library Commission.

       4.3.  LIBRARY COMMISSIONER'S REPORT – Commissioner Doyle reported that the finances are in good shape. The commission seems to approve of the way money is spent for the library.  Vice Chair Neely said there was a concern that we are not spending enough money.  The Library Director will get a bump in salary.  SCL will be hiring a Community Events Specialist (part-time) for the Summer Lunch program.  Doyle will be attending the upcoming ALA Midwinter meeting in SoCal.

       4.4.  BRANCH MANAGER'S REPORT – Librarian Chavez delivered report for Branch Manager Hoeft. Chavez reported that shelver Koslowski resigned her position and recruiting for open position was in process. Work on wiring and networking for the Bibliobox was in progress.  Branch will undergo a mini-refresh with the installation of new carpeting (by the Town) and new shelving and furniture. Events and outreach stats were reported and a few programs were highlighted:  Tai Chi, Teen Scary Movie, Magic Mike and the Sugar Skull workshop to name a few.  The branch will work with the Town of Windsor to identify partnership opportunities in 2024.

       4.5.  FRIENDS OF THE WINDSOR LIBRARY REPORT – Vice Chair Neely reported that money was provided to Adult Service Librarian Vicki Chavez to purchase books for a new book club.  The cart is doing well – pulling in $350 - $400/week (? – clarify timeline with Mike).

5.    DISCUSSION ITEMS

       5.1.  RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS –Chair Ochoa spoke of an outreach event the LAB held at Windsor Park Apartments.  Attendees received a free book and a survey to complete.  47 out of 80+ surveys were returned.  Chair Ochoa wanted to know if Branch Manager Hoeft had feedback about the surveys. Vice Chair Neely said he could compile and present the findings to the Library Commission.  Commissioner Doyle said she could provide dates for upcoming Library Commission meetings to Neely. Maes read the WIND LAB’s bylaws – the total number of people needed for a full LAB (8), a Quorum (4) and number of vacancies (5).

       5.2.  SURVEY RESULTS – Are the results useful? 47 responses returned to the LAB. Neely to create presentation for upcoming Library Commission meeting (2/7, 3/6 or 4/3).

       5.3.  OUTREACH PLANNING - Chair Ochoa and Vice Chair Neely spoke about visiting another property. 

       5.4.  ALL LAB MEETING – had been postponed but wants to have another one soon. Chair Ochoa recommended that there be annual training on Brown Act, best practices for running meetings.  Would like to share knowledge among various LAB groups.

6.    ACTION ITEMS – 

• Chavez to write advertisement for LAB vacancies to e-banner (Hoeft and Maes to review).
• Ask Jodi Tam, Teen Librarian, for help identifying possible teen LAB member.
• Hoeft to send Bylaws to LAB members.
• Any applications for vacancies given by Hoeft, who then reviews them and forwards to Doyle.
• Feedback from Hoeft to LAB members on survey conducted by Ochoa and Neely.

7.    MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

None.

8.    ADJOURNMENT – 5:00 pm

Next meeting: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.