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

Commissioner Fyntrilakis made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 1, 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:

Policy Committee: Internet filtering discussion.

Filtering is used in the Children's Areas and at all branches. Commissioners talked about removing the filtering software. The Library's Internet Use Policy addresses the issues.

Mr. Moriarty stated that he would like to see a colored menu on the computers in the children's area, with links to other sites.

4. Chairman's Report:

Chairman Cary absent.

5. Director's Report:

Ms. Fogarty reported that:

•  National Library Week (April 9-15) will be celebrated with Open House days at each branch. This year's theme is “You Belong at Your Library.” Funding for programs and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Springfield Library and Mass Cultural Council grant monies.

•  Reconstruction work on the Forest Park Children's Room continues, noting that it will have a “Forest Park” theme. New shelving will be on wheels, allowing for flexibility of the room.

•  Library Union contract negotiations have begun, focusing on language and salary.

•  The Library received a waiver for state aid, and got funding.

•  The Library received a $25,000 Mass Mutual Grant, with $10,000 “up front” and additional funds to be released later. A fall Gala is possible, possibly working in conjunction with Spirit of Springfield.

•  Plans for the Friends of the Library Bookstore at Tower Square are moving along. Shelving can be obtained from Putnam School, Tower Square will donate the space and the Friends will be responsible for the cost of utilities.

•  The Library is working on a new lease for the East Forest Park Branch, which would include rent and utilities combined. Four months notice would have to be given if we want to relocate. The Mary Dryden School property is a possibility for a new East Forest Park Branch.

•  The Commissioners were given a map of the area of Boston Road where the Pine Point Branch is located. It is not known who owns the empty lot next to the Library.

•  As of today there are no hearings scheduled on the FY13 budget. The City Council is scheduled to vote on it on June 18, 2012.

•  Mr. Moriarty asked about the IMLS award and was told we would not know until the fall.

•  Ms. Fogarty led a webinar for Library Journal covering “Positioning the Library” and our library outreach in the community.

6. Other Business:

None.