Board of Library Commissioners Meeting
June 22, 2005: Minutes
Barbara Garvey, Chair called the meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners to order at 5:32 p.m.
Library Commissioners Present:
Barbara Garvey
Sheila McElwaine
Vera O'Connor
Janet Denney
Craig Givens
Library Staff Present:
Emily Bader, Library Director
Carol Leaders, Administrative Assistant
A motion to approve the minutes of the May 18, 2005 meeting passed unanimously with the following spelling corrections: Mary Tzambazakis; Sgt. Rosso.
Library Commission Committee Reports:
Buildings and Grounds - Commissioner Garvey congratulated the committee and thanked them for all their hard work. Commissioner McElwaine gave a brief report on the meeting with representatives from Open Pantry, Christ Church, Library and the manager of the Chestnut Towers Complex regarding Merrick Park. A suggestion to promote a children's program in Merrick Park was discussed. The Committee was encouraged to continue to establish a relationship with the Police and the Library.
Need clarification on who is responsible for trash removal at Merrick Park. Commissioner Garvey will follow-up.
Signage with park rules would be helpful so police will have something to refer to when needed.
The Springfield Library Commission and the Parks Department Commission will need to work on this jointly. Commissioner Givens requested a copy of official park rules from Commissioner McElwaine.
A motion from the Springfield Library Commission to work jointly with the Superintendent of the Springfield Parks Department and members of the Springfield Park Commission to post an abbreviated list of Park Rules to be posted in Merrick Park. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Chamberlin, representing Arise for Social Justice, is aware of the problems and would like to see a controlled atmosphere. He suggested a low iron fence be installed around the statue, which would allow a sign with park rules to be attached.
A letter from Arise for Social Justice was submitted to the Library Commission Board stating that Merrick Park is an important resource for all homeless.
Commissioner McElwaine suggested additional lighting be installed. Commissioner Garvey asked that Merrick Park be used respectfully. Commissioner Denney indicated the Mayor formed a Summit to look at the homeless situation in Springfield and she will represent the Library Commission at the meeting.
Library Visits - Commissioner Garvey visited a Library in California, which is located in a building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Library shares this building with other city departments. The Library promotes self-serve checkout and the Friends Group runs a store that sells used books as well as other items. Ms. Garvey suggested that the Library study the feasibility of expanding self-checkout terminals at locations beyond Sixteen Acres.
Planning and Program Committee - Ms. Bader distributed the final draft of the Library Strategic Plan along with the following timeline:
June 22 - Commissioners receive final draft
June 27 thru July 29 - public comment period
August 1st - distribute public comments to Commissioners
Late August - Commissioners review final phase
Work with a graphic designer to propose a brochure for the public
Ms. Bader will have FY 05 Action Plan completed in time for review at the September meeting.
Commissioner Garvey requested a copy of the final draft be sent to library advisory committees, local civic associations, city councilors, Mayor Ryan and Phil Puccia with a cover letter asking for comments and signed by Commissioner Garvey and Ms. Bader.
A Motion, from Commissioner Denney, to adopt the Library Strategic Plan timeline as presented by Ms. Bader passed unanimously.
Library Director's Report - Ms. Bader has been working with a signage consultant to develop uniform signs for the Library System. Ms. Bader noted that due to budget constraints, the project would be phased in with 1 or 2 at a time.
Brightwood and Indian Orchard signs will need to be refurbished
Sixteen Acres and Central Library - looking at joint effort with Parks Department
May need Historical Commission approval for some signs
Pine Point may need a special sign
Incorporate open and close signs along with library hours for all locations
East Forest Park - work with Brooks Pharmacy
Ms. Bader reported on the status of the Regional Reference Program. A meeting with the Mass Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for July 7th in Gardner to discuss this matter. If program is eliminated, the Springfield Library will lose funding.
Commissioner McElwaine would like to see a citizen advisory group be established for the Central Library. Cicely Corbett, Co-Chair of the Armory, Quadrangle and Civic Association Board will work with Ms. Bader and the Library Commission on this subject.
Ms. Bader announced that the Sixteen Acres Civic Association is sponsoring an open house on Saturday, June 25th to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the renovation of the Sixteen Acres Branch. Senator Lees will be donating a new flag at the reception.
Commissioner Garvey and Ms. Bader will work together on a new meeting schedule for the new fiscal year.
Meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Vera O'Connor
Approved: August 10, 2005
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