JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MINUTES

 October 15, 2009

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm Thursday October 15, 2009 in the Archive Room.  Present were Shirley Weuve, Dennis Schuessler, Steve Scott, Taena Fowler, and Director Willona Goers.

Approve Agenda

Taena Fowler moved approval of the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Steve Scott and unanimously approved.

Citizen Comments

Written comments included a note from the suggestion box about library card renewal procedures, a thank you note from the local 4-H club that had a display at the library for National 4-H Week, and a number of letters from Horizon Elementary 3rd graders.

Meeting Minutes

Taena Fowler moved approval of the minutes.  The motion was seconded by Steve Scott and unanimously approved.

Urbandale Public Library Integrated Library System (ILS) Agreement

Taena Fowler moved approval of the $41,633 quote from Urbandale Public Library for ILS services for FY10/11.  Steve Scott seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Director Willona Goers will communicate this to Urbandale Public Library before November 1, 2009, as stipulated in our long-standing Automated Library Service agreement.

Approve Bills

Library bills for the month total $15,528.82 with city back charges of $8,800.93.  Taena Fowler moved approval of the bills.  Steve Scott seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Date for Special Meeting

The budget calendar for FY10/11 was discussed.  Due to timing, a special meeting is needed in order for library trustees to approve the library budget proposal.  The special meeting is scheduled for November 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the Archive Room at the Johnston Public Library.

Budget and Finance

• As of September 30, 2009, total expenditures were $236,860.33.  With 25% of the year having passed, spending represented 22.42% of the operating budget.
• As of September 30, 2009, assets in the Library Trust totaled $60,653.86.

Monthly Statistics

• 22,404 items were checked out in August, an increase of 1% over last year.
• We experienced a 16.5% increase in the number of “hold items available” compared to September 2008.
• 197 new library cards were issued for a 12% increase over last September and 285 card renewals for a 38% increase. 

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• The Director of Parks & Recreation contacted the Library concerning a possible grant for several trees that could be planted by the east side of the library building.
• Preparations for winter are being made in the building.  Typical maintenance such as the semi-annual window washing and the annual tile floor treatments will not be done this year due to the budget.
• Nine of our upholstered chairs are torn in the seat, ranging from minor tears to major tears.  Investigation is being done to find a cost-effective means to reupholster these chairs.

Programs:

• Youth Services programming continued in October, with 30 programs provided in the regular schedule.  In addition, a ‘School-Age Special’ program will be held October 29 and the annual Pumpkin Patch Party will be October 26.  Teen Read Week activities will take place October 18-24.
• Adult programming included the monthly Book Discussion, individual computer classes, and the author visit from Chad Lewis on October 24.

Marketing, Public Relations & Networking:

• We had planned to take part in the Homecoming Parade on October 1, but it was wisely cancelled due to weather.
• We have begun to investigate revitalizing a Friends group to help with word-of-mouth marketing about the library.
• A personalized display of Johnston staff was created by Karla Kuhn (staff member) in support of the Geek the Library campaign.  Library users have been very interested in the display.
• Community displays for October included a 4-H display for National 4-H Week and a Character Counts display for Character Counts Week on behalf of the Johnston Alliance for Character Development.
• The staff attending the Iowa Library Association conference will have an opportunity to network with colleagues October 21-23.  Johnston Public Library will also host the ILA annual planning meeting in November.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• We believe that we will soon be able to test an “on order” feature in our online catalog.  This will benefit both library users and staff members.

Staff & Training Update:

• Murl Pace began her training on October 6 as a 20 hour/week Library Clerk.
• Willona expressed an interest in attending the Public Library Association conference in Portland, OR in March 2010 if the budget will allow it.

Foundation Report

• The Foundation Board officers met on October 7, 2009.   A draft budget for calendar year 2010 was discussed.  The actual budget proposal will be presented at the full Foundation Board meeting on November 4.

There being no Trustee Comments or Other Business, Taena Fowler moved adjournment of the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Steve Scott, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary

Last updated: November 20, 2009