1. Approval of Minutes from the April 1, 2009 Library Commission Meeting

Commissioner McElwaine moved with Commissioner Moriarty providing the second, to accept the minutes of the April 1, 2009 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners.

The motion passed.

2. Library Advisory Committee Reports

None.

3. Election of Officers

Ms. McElwaine moved that the Election of Officers be postponed until the next meeting and that those present give thought to whom to nominate. Mr. Moriarty seconded.

The motion passed.

4. Commission Sub-Committee Reports:

Ms. McElwaine, Building and Grounds Committee, reported that in the future there may be additional parking available for the East Springfield Branch Library (located at 21 Osborne Terrace) with the sale of the Cornerstone Bar property to the City of Springfield.

Parking in the State Street parking lot was discussed, since the School Department will be moving to a new location.

Ms. McElwaine recommended "way-finding signs" directing people to library locations.

Ms. McElwaine asked that updates on the Forest Park Branch Library lift project be posted on the library website, including drawings of the floor plans.

5. Chairman's Report:

None.

6. Director's Report:

Due to cuts in State Aid to local libraries, Commissioners will write letters to Senators Brewer and Knapik, as well as all senators and representatives regarding how the state budget cuts would adversely impact the Springfield City Library budget. Ms. Fogarty discussed the impact of the city FY10 library budget reductions. Less outreach to senior centers and health clinics, buying fewer items for collections, Central Library closed all day on Fridays, and one staff member at desks resulting in long lines at circulation and reference were mentioned as some examples.

The issue of Eminent Domain and how it relates to the Mason Square Branch Library was discussed. Ms. Fogarty reported that the Title Search has been done. Next steps are: assign market value, City Law Department to prepare document for actual taking, and City Council to appropriate funds.

Ms. Fogarty reported one item of good news: the computers funded by the Gates Grant are currently being installed. These computers replace outdated computers at Brightwood, Indian Orchard, Forest Park and East Forest Park Branch Libraries.

7. Other Business:

Ms. O'Connor asked for information on the Friends of the Library fundraising activities. Ms. Fogarty explained that the Friends are in the midst of conducting their annual fundraising campaign.

Ms. McElwaine expressed interest in having a Library Commissioner serve as a liaison on the Friends of the Library Board.

The continued absence of Commissioner Landrau from meetings was talked about, with Commissioners finding this detrimental.

The summer schedule for Commission meetings was discussed.