Library Commission

1. Approval of Minutes from the September 1, 2010 Library Commission Meeting

Commissioner Moriarty moved, and Chairman Cary seconded the motion to accept the minutes of the September 1, 2010 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners.

The motion passed.

2. Library Advisory Committee Reports

City resident Rhonda Latney voiced her interest in libraries, schools and a citywide reading program. She believes it would improve MCAS scores and would like to see more books made available for youth. Mr. Cary and Ms. Fogarty agreed to follow up with her.

3. Commission Committee Reports

The donation to the Library of ten Sony e-readers from the Department of Elder Affairs was discussed, including the draft of a “Borrower Agreement.” It was explained that since the e-readers were grant funded, available for Springfield adults 55 years and older, this would be a pilot program at the Library. The Library may purchase additional readers in the future, and make them available for all ages to check out.

Mr. Moriarty made a motion to approve the Sony Reader Borrow Agreement as drafted. Mr. Cary seconded the motion.

The motion passed.

The City of Springfield's Master Capital Improvement list was discussed. Library items on the list include:

•  Central air conditioning for the Central Library, at an estimated cost of $1.5-2 million.

•  New HVAC system for the Pine Point Branch Library.

•  Security upgrades, including cameras, at several branch libraries.

Springfield's Green Communities Grant was discussed, in reference to funding for library projects.

The Library's Strategic Plan was discussed and how it relates to the City of Springfield's Strategic Plan, now in the works. The Commission talked about how to get funding for more open hours at the Library.

4. Chairman's Report:

Mr. Cary spoke about writing a letter to people who may be interested in becoming a Library Commissioner.

The most recent City Council meeting was discussed, including the wonderful residents speaking out in support of the full-size Mason Square Branch Library. The relocation of the Urban League is on the November 8 City Council agenda.

Ms. Fogarty explained that it would take approximately 8 weeks from the time the Urban League moves out to the opening of the remodeled and refurbished Mason Square Branch Library. She said she is anticipating a mid-January “soft-opening,” followed by a major grand reopening event in February.

5. Director's Report:

Ms. Fogarty reported that the Director's Office is now starting the FY12 budget process, describing it as “fiscally conservative.”

Ms. Fogarty talked about the nice event that took place on September 26, with the renaming and dedication of the Central Library Children's Room in honor of Emily Bader, the previous Library Director.

Ms. Fogarty reported that she met with the new Director of Security for the Springfield Museums Association, William J. Noonan. He oversees security staff at the Central Library.

6. Other Business:

None.