1. Approval of Minutes from the January 4, 2012 Library Commission Meeting

Commissioner Fyntrilakis made a motion to accept the minutes of the January 4, 2012 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners . Commissioner O'Connor seconded the motion.

The motion passed.  

2. Library Advisory Committee Reports:

None.

3. Commission Committee Reports:  

None.

4. Chairman's Report:

Mr. Cary spoke about the Rebuild Springfield Meeting that he'd attended last night, stating that the Library's current Strategic Plan had helped Concordia with their post tornado planning. The possibility of a branch library on the grounds of a new Dryden School was discussed. Ms. Fogarty added that Rita Coppola is already developing a plot plan.

 5. Director's Report:

Ms. Fogarty reported:

•  The Library is partnering with the Springfield Museums Association for a $250,000 IMS Grant/early literacy initiative, calling it “an excellent collaboration.”

•  A national letter/submission from the IMLS was mentioned, and that our plan is spoken highly of.

•  The Library has received a Springfield Cultural Council Grant.

•  Read/Write/Now received a $50,000 United Way Grant. This Grant was signed by the Chairman of the Library Commission at tonight's meeting, accepting the grant funding.

•  There is still a possibility that the Library will receive a Mass Mutual Grant.

•  February 16 she will be presenting a national webinar, live from the Central Library, for Library Journal.

•  Plans are continuing for the renovation of the Forest Park Children's Room.

•  Assistant Director John Ramsay is on the MLA Legislative Committee/Advocacy Training. He distributed copies of the current legislative agenda.

•  Mr. Ramsay is involved in the newly developed Downtown Marketing Group, currently working on a collaborative community-wide online calendar. Ms. Stupak will attend the next meeting.

•  A Friends of the Library Bookstore at Tower Square is still a possibility, with the Library taking the lead.

6. Other Business:

Ms. Fyntrilakis voiced concern about the safety of staff at the Brightwood Branch and discussion followed. Since it is in a school department building the staff does not have their own keys.

Ms. Fogarty will follow up with Haydee Hodis, the branch supervisor.

Ms. O'Connor questioned how the residency requirement affected library staff. Ms. Fogarty explained the waivers and “grand fathering” agreements.

City Solicitor Ed Pikula is reviewing the issue of the vacant lot which adjoins the Pine Point Branch Library property.

Norma Couture and Debbie Jones will be retiring from the library system in the early spring. Positions will be posted as soon as possible.

All are encouraged to attend the Friday, February 10 Legislative Breakfast at the East Longmeadow Library, which begins at 8 a.m.