pages: LibraryBoard/2006-12-13.pdf, 5
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LibraryBoard | 2006-12-13 | 5 | Page 5 of 6 Minutes of the Alameda Free Library Board Meeting December 13, 2006 LIBRARY BOARD COMMUNICATIONS Board Member Krongold does tutoring at the Library, and when she was waiting for her learner one evening, there was a line of 5 or 6 people at the check-out desk. The self check- out stations were completely free, and Krongold asked if anyone in line would like to try using them or if she could assist them if they were unfamiliar. The group met her with some pretty frustrated looks, but one woman came over and said if she could figure it out she might use them. Krongold was trying to help her, and felt that the woman clearly wasn't able to follow the instructions. She suggested that a display stand with some step by step instructions might be helpful and would be happy to help set that up. Board President Butter had just attended a Planning Board meeting that Monday night, and suggested that "Oral Communications, Non-Agenda" be moved up on the regular Library Board Meeting Agenda. This section gives audience members a chance to speak to the Board on topics of interest to them. By moving the section up on the agenda, the public will not have to sit through most of the meeting waiting for their chance to speak. Recording Secretary Merrick verified that "Oral Communications, Non-Agenda" would be placed on the agenda directly after the Consent Calendar piece. Butter then asked what was going to be done about the branches now. Director Chisaki is planning some public meetings to take place after the New Year. If the Board agrees, there will be two public meetings for the West End Branch, and two for the Bay Farm Island Branch. One of the meetings will be held right in each of the branch libraries, and the other meetings would be held in a community meeting place, such as a church, closely located to each branch. Director Chisaki asked the board if they thought a Library Building Team, on a smaller scale than the Main Library's Building Team, would be appropriate. President Butter, who had been on this team, said it is a good concept because it enables you to bring in standpoints that are lacking in the Board, such as architectural expertise. A disadvantage for the Board is that they might feel a little left out from some of the decision-making. Director Chisaki also stated that the Recreation Commission would have to be involved if expansion was planned for the Bay Farm Island branch, because it would impinge on Leydecker Park. President Butter asked Director Chisaki if they could sit down with Honora Murphy, who had been the Chair of the Library Building Team, and get some input from her perspective. Board Member Schoenrock suggested a scaled down team but with similar representation. Having members of the public on the team would almost guarantee community enthusiasm. There is about $2 million dollars available for branch improvements, plus whatever the Foundation and Friends can contribute. With other projects in town underway, such as the theater and parking garage, it is unsure where the branch improvement would fall in the construction or renovation schedule. After more discussion had ensued, Director Chisaki suggested that the community meetings should happen first so it could be seen in which direction the public wanted to go, and then make committee or team plans accordingly. The Board agreed with this concept. | LibraryBoard/2006-12-13.pdf |