HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 16 2017 Minutes
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Board of Library Trustees
Newport Beach Public Library
Mariners Branch
1300 Irvine Avenue, Newport Beach 92660
Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2017 - 5:00 p.m.
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – Vice Chair Ray called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL - Roll call by Administrative Support Specialist Elaine McMillion
Trustees Present: Vice Chair Janet Ray, Secretary Paul Watkins, Trustee Douglas
Coulter
Trustees Absent: Chair Jill Johnson-Tucker, Trustee Jerry King
Staff Present: Library Services Director Tim Hetherton
Administrative Support Specialist Elaine McMillion
Assistant City Manager Carol Jacobs
Library Services Manager Natalie Basmaciyan
Children's Librarian Nadia Dallstream
Children's Librarian Liz Aaron
Circulation & Technical Processing Coordinator Melissa Hartson
Branch & Youth Services Coordinator Debbie Walker
Mariners Branch Librarian Rebecca Lightfoot
III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
Administrative Support Specialist Elaine McMillion read the notice.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Mosher commented that the meeting, held in Mariners Branch Library rather than the
Central Library, was not well publicized. Secretary Watkins noted that there is ample
advance notice of the meeting, its time, and its location on the City website.
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consent Calendar Items
1. Minutes of the September 18, 2017 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
2. Customer Comments
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and
requests received from customers.
Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2017
Page 2
Board Member Watkins complimented Natalie Basmaciyan for going the extra mile to
assist a Library patron.
3. Library Activities
Monthly update of library events, services and statistics.
4. Expenditure Status Report
Monthly expenditure status of the library's operating expenses, services,
salaries and benefits by department.
5. Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board
of Library Trustees.
Motion made by Board Member Coulter, seconded by Board Member Watkins, and carried
(3-0-0-2) to approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Ray, Watkins, Coulter
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: Johnson-Tucker, King
VI. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Items for Review
6. Mariners Branch Report
Staff will provide the annual overview of Mariners Branch operations.
Mariners Branch Librarian Rebecca Lightfoot reported that Mariners Branch has been
open for 11 years. It is a joint use facility with Mariners Elementary School. The Library
is crowded after school with children, and staff performs outreach with the school. In the
past year, the City replaced rosebushes with native shrubbery and slurry sealed the
parking lot. In addition, the public restrooms were remodeled.
The Library's service population is slightly more than 17,000, which includes many
visitors from neighboring areas. From October 2016 through September 2017, the
Library circulated more than 350,000 and answered 43,000 reference questions. In
January 2016, two storytimes per week were added to programming. Storytime
attendance has grown dramatically every month in comparison to the prior year.
Seventeen children have completed the 1,000 Books before Kindergarten Program. The
Summer Reading Program was successful with more than 800 people attending
performances. The Summer Reading Program ended on a Saturday with a closing day
program that was also well attended. Staff introduced 770 students from Mariners
Elementary in June and 160 third graders from Kaiser Elementary to library services.
The first Coding for Kids Program was such a success that a second one was held in
May, with a third scheduled for November. The Library Foundation hosted a new
program called BARK! (Beach Area Dogs Reading with Kids) in Mariners Branch.
Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2017
Page 3
Patrons appreciated not having to drive to Central Library for the BARK! Program.
Parking does not seem to be an issue for patrons.
Board Member Watkins appreciated the tour and the cleanliness, lighting, and
organization of the Branch. He concurred that parking was not a problem.
In response to Vice Chair Ray's question, Branch Librarian Lightfoot advised that all
Library Branches serve the elementary schools in Newport-Mesa.
Resident Jim Mosher suggested clear windows at the entry to the Branch would provide
more light and be more welcoming for patrons.
Library Services Director Hetherton advised that staff will consider clear glass when the
windows are replaced. The frosted glass was a design choice when the building was
constructed.
Resident Ronnie Watkins suggested coding classes for adults.
7. Youth Services Report
Staff will provide the annual overview of Youth Services.
Branch & Youth Services Coordinator Debbie Walker reported that the Children’s Services
staff is fairly new to the Library with an average service time of approximately two years.
The Youth Services team leads storytimes and develops programming. Almost all funding
for Children’s programs comes from Friends of the Library. Youth Services does some
co-programming with the Foundation. Storytime continues to be a very popular program.
Parenting OC announced that the Newport Beach Public Library has the best story times
in Orange County. Youth Services with the Recreation Department began a new storytime
at Marina Park just after Labor Day, and attendance is steadily increasing.
In reply to Vice Chair Ray's inquiry, Branch & Youth Services Coordinator Walker
explained that the Balboa Branch does not have storytime on Monday, so there is no
conflict with Marina Park.
Branch & Youth Services Coordinator Walker reviewed other programs such as 1,000
Books before Kindergarten, National Library Week, and the annual Summer Reading
program. Friends of the Library funds school visits to the Library. Staff visits schools in
May/June to talk about Summer Reading. Full-time Librarians select and purchase
materials for the collection. The youth collection is the same as the adult collection in
terms of fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels, but also contains books unique to children
such picture books, board books, kits, and phonics readers. Staff is currently preparing
their Booklists. Staff participated in the Orange County Festival of Books.
Children's Librarian Liz Aaron advised that she hosts storytime for babies through two
years old and selects nonfiction materials for children. The majority of programming in the
children's department at all branches is storytime. Each Librarian plans her own storytime
by choosing a theme and selecting appropriate materials and a craft. She related an
experiment regarding early childhood literacy. Storytime provides an opportunity for
librarians to share tips with parents. Many parents attend storytime for the socialization
aspect of the program.
Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2017
Page 4
Children's Librarian Nadia Dallstream indicated she handles much of the teen
programming including the Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC). Teens want
educational programs rather than recreational programs. In response to teens' requests,
staff implemented programs for practice ACT and SAT tests, which were very well
attended. College Wise will provide seminars on financial aid and college admissions.
Board Member Watkins commented regarding the treasure trove of programs.
Library Services Director Hetherton remarked that private coaches for college testing are
expensive, and the Library offers these services to teens at no cost.
In response to Ronnie Watkins' questions, Librarian Dallstream advised that students from
outside Newport-Mesa can participate in programs.
Librarian Dallstream reported teens did not want more extracurricular activities; they want
meaningful volunteer opportunities. In response, staff began programs for book review
bloggers, STARS (sitting together and reading stories), and summer reading assistance.
Librarian Dallstream shared the general agenda for YAAC meetings.
Board Member Coulter complimented staff for making activities fun for teens.
In reply to Jim Mosher's inquiries, Librarian Dallstream advised that YAAC had not
commented about the teen corner in Mariners Branch. She was not aware of the number
of YAAC members who utilize the Mariners Branch.
Resident Ronnie Watkins reported she had noticed teens utilizing the Library but not
checking out books. Librarian Dallstream suggested teens are reading books outside the
library rather than in the library.
8. Donation to the NBPL
Staff requests that the Board accept a $100 donation made to the Newport
Beach Public Library.
Library Services Director Hetherton requested the Library Board of Trustees approve a
donation to the Library for purchase of books.
Motion made by Board Member Watkins, seconded by Board Member Coulter, and carried
(3-0-0-2) to
AYES: Ray, Watkins, Coulter
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: Johnson-Tucker, King
9. Corona del Mar Project Update
Library Services Director Tim Hetherton will update the Board on the
Corona del Mar Branch project.
Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2017
Page 5
Library Services Director Hetherton reported exterior painting is scheduled to begin on
October 20. The interior will be painted during that time while the Branch is closed. The
changing table has been installed. Staff submitted a work order to repaint the stripes in
the parking lot and is awaiting a date for work to begin. ABM Janitorial will clean the carpet
and upholstery after the interior is painted.
In reply to Board Member Watkins' query, Library Services Director Hetherton indicated
he had not received any new information about a new building.
Assistant City Manager Jacobs advised that staff has been directed to review a couple of
sites. Hopefully by mid-November, staff will receive some direction as to whether the fire
station will move.
In answer to Vice Chair Ray's inquiry, Assistant City Manager Jacobs reported only the
Corona del Mar fire station is being considered for relocation.
Jim Mosher reported Council Member Peotter said the City is considering moving the fire
station to Pelican Hill Road. The City would fund the new location by selling the library
and fire station sites. However, Council Member O'Neill stated the City would never think
of moving the Branch.
10. Library Services
Report of Library issues regarding services, customers and staff.
Library Services Director Hetherton reported the notable event in September was
International Literacy Day. The Newport-Mesa ProLiteracy Foundation is enjoying a great
deal of public support. Support Services Coordinator Melissa Kelly was acknowledged for
her work with the Literacy program over the years.
Board Member Watkins noted ProLiteracy Happy Hour is scheduled for Saturday.
B. Monthly Reports
11. Friends of the Library Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board
meeting.
Board Member Coulter reported the Friends collected $14,800 from Bookstore sales and
an additional $776 from new and renewed membership dues. The Friends have 466
boxes of books ready as of now for the November sale. The Friends members are vigilant
in collecting revenue from recycling books.
12. Library Foundation Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Library Foundation Board
meeting.
Library Services Director Hetherton advised that he attended the meeting in Chair
Johnson-Tucker's place. The Foundation provided an overview of their strategy for
investments and managing funds.
Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2017
Page 6
13. Witte Lectures Committee Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Witte Lectures Committee's
monthly meeting.
Vice Chair Ray reported the Witte Committee is releasing the names of speakers for the
coming year. Guest speakers will be David Frum speaking about Trumpocracy: the
Corruption of the American Republic in February; David Edelman about artificial
intelligence in March; Maira Kalman, author of Beloved Dog, in April; and Masha Gessen
about Russia and cyberthreats in May.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Jim Mosher remarked that he did not see an announcement of the Board of
LibraryTrustees meeting while he was in the Mariners Branch earlier in the day.
VIII. BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION,
ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
Library Services Director Hetherton requested an agenda item regarding Library hours.
IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:07 p.m.
Submitted by: Janet Ray
Vice Chair Approval of Minutes