The meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners was called to order by chairperson Patrick Markey at 12:40 p.m.

Present:

Patrick Markey, Chair
Helen Boyle
Bettye Webb
Jennifer Dugan Murphy

Staff Present:

Emily Bader
Carol Leaders
Lee Fogarty

Mr. Markey encouraged commissioners to call City Counselors and urge them to vote for reinstatement of $500,000 to the Library budget. If the funds are not re-instated it will result in further cuts which will affect services.

Ms. Bader explained that the City needs to approve the additional positions needed to staff new branch hours.

Mr. Markey motioned to close Pine Point Branch Library the week of July 21st to allow staff to prepare the Central Library for the July 29th re-opening. MOTION CARRIED

Ms. Bader scheduled a meeting with Mr. Henry Thomas of the Urban League for Monday, July 14 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the future of the Mason Square Branch Library.

Read/Write/Now is planning on moving to Pine Point during the month of August. Classes will resume in September.

Ms. Bader will prepare a press release announcing the closing of Mason Square after a closing date has been determined. The plan is to re-open circulation services in the space vacated by Read/Write/Now in the Fall. The Collection will focus on Children, Young Adult, and curriculum materials. Library materials not used will be stored in a location to be determined.

A bank of computers will remain in the former library space and will be available to the public. The Urban League will assign volunteers who will assist the public with computers.

Ms. Bader has requested quotes for grounds keeping services. Mr. Markey agreed to call Mike Ashe, Sheriffs's department for assistance in that regard.

Helen Boyle suggested an "Adopt a Branch Program" to help with grounds keeping services.

It was decided that, until further notice, the Commission will be meet every two weeks at City Hall, Room 222 starting Friday, July 18th, 2003 at 9 a.m.

The Library Director's office will send out notices to neighborhood councils and civic associations as well as a Press Release to local media.

Ms. Bader will try to schedule a meeting with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners after the Central Library re-opening.