1. Opening reading

Commissioner McElwaine

Commissioner Cary will give the opening reading at the September 10, 2008 Commission Meeting

2. Approval of Minutes from the June 4, 2008 meeting of the Library Commission Meeting

Commissioner McElwaine moved, with commissioner Moriarty providing the second to accept the minutes of the June 4, 2008 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners.

The motion passed.

3. Notes of the July 9, 2008 Meeting

Commissioner McElwaine asked that two corrections be made. In response to a query from the Mason Square Advisory Committee, there was a discussion regarding the subject of eminent domain relating to the Mason Square Branch Library.

The Commissioners complimented the Library Department for their handling of Grants, as noted in a report from the Finance Control Board.

4. Library Advisory

Committee Reports:

No Reports.

5. Commission Sub-Committee Reports:

Facilities-

Commissioner McElwaine reported that she is still working on the Forest Park parking situation.

6. Chairman’s Report:

Commissioner Cary reported that Gov. Patrick signed the 25year lease that was negotiated with the Springfield Museum Association for the Central Library. This will also allow for the transfer of ownership of the non-owned branches after title searches have been completed

The transfer of the undisputed trusts is moving along according to Commissioner Cary who met with City Solicitor Ed Pikula and Attorney Patrick Markey.

Commissioner Cary explained that Charlie Ryan has researched the possibility of taking over the former Mason Square Branch Library building from the Urban League by Eminent Domain.

Commissioner Cary also announced that a meeting has been scheduled with Mayor Sarno and Attorney Markey to discuss other locations.

7. Director’s Report:

Emily Bader reported that the Library Commission meeting schedule has been posted to the Library website.

Ms. Bader distributed sample STARR packets that are in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Russian for the STARR volunteers to use in the community.

Ms. Bader announced that the Springfield Library was awarded a 3 year State Contract for a Early Childhood Resource Center that will provide teachers and pre-schoolers with curriculum kits and workshops.

Action Plan Highlights: Library signs have been installed at the Forest Park Branch and Indian Orchard Branch Libraries.

At Forest Park, the LSTA grant has provided funding for new furniture and shelving for the Teen and Adult areas. New study carrels are scheduled to be installed.

Mr. Wilson is working on a special event for the Fall with the Forest Park Advisory Committee.

The Poetry Contest was well attended. Two hundred poets submitted poems.

Created Teen space at Sixteen Acres with new shelving and chairs.

Added wireless at the East Springfield and Sixteen Acres branches. Forest Park Branch is next on the schedule.

Research is underway for an additional T-1 line for the Central Library.

Ms. Bader is working on next year’s Action Plan that will connect it with the budget narrative.

In addition, the Library contracted with the Crisis Prevention Institute that provided Crisis Prevention Training to key staff. The annual Staff Development Day will focus on providing training to all staff to help with diffusing crisis situations that may occur.

Commissioner McElwaine requested periodic updates on this year’s Action Plan.

8. Other Business:

In regards to library vacant positions, Commissioner O’Connor would like for the Commission be informed of any in house applicants.

Commissioner McElwaine asked where the Somalian Book Collection is being held.

Ms. Bader will provide Commissioner McElwaine with a report as to where the books are being housed.

9. Adjournment:

It was moved by Commissioner Cary and seconded by Commissioner McElwaine to adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at. 6:45 pm

The next meeting will be held on September 10, 2008 at 5:30 pm at the Central Library.