Minutes
Of the
Columbus Public Library Board
October 11, 2007


The regularly scheduled meeting of the Columbus Public Library Board was called to order at 4:30 PM on Thursday, October 11, 2007 by the President, Craig Neid. He read and signed the “Certification of Compliance,” regarding the “Open Meeting” law.

The two new board members, Joie Taylor and Sharon Farritor, were introduced.

Other Library Board members present included Carol Keller, and Jim Schaefer. Carolyn Rohde was present to represent the Platte County Library Advisory Board. Also in attendance were Joe Mangiamelli, City Administrator, Brad Hruska, the Children’s Librarian, Jill Owens, the Reference Librarian, and Robert Trautwein, the Library Director.

Notice of this meeting was given in advance with a copy of the agenda posted at City Hall, the County Court House, and in the Public Library. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the public.

The Minutes of the Board meeting held on September 11th were reviewed and allowed to stand as presented with a motion from Jim Schaefer and a second from Carol Keller. The motion passed by voice vote.

The Director distributed the financial reports for the City Library, Platte County Library Service, and the Columbus Library Foundation. He explained that this is the first month of the budget year. Following a discussion of some of the items listed, a motion was made by Jim Schaefer and seconded by Carol Keller to accept the reports. This motion passed by a roll call vote: Neid-aye, Keller-aye, Farritor-aye, Taylor-aye, and Schaefer-aye.

Under the Director’s Report, Trautwein discussed the circulation statistical comparison between the years 2005-6 and 2006-7. He noted that the library’s total check out is staying stable, but lower than it was ten years ago.

There were no Committee Meeting Reports.

Regarding Communications, Trautwein informed the Board that Jill Owens has completed her master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Missouri at Columbia. She has been promoted from a Library Aide III to a Librarian I position. In addition to being in charge of the Reference Desk, Mrs. Owens will also prepare the staff schedules, approve vacation leaves and note sick leave absences. She will also gather and sign the timesheets and submit them to City Hall. Additionally, she will write the personnel reviews for each person under her supervision.

Mrs. Owens spoke for a few minutes about a local history database she is constructing. Eventually, it is hoped that this database will be posted on the Library’s website and made available to the public. Trautwein noted that the library’s obituary index is unique in the state. No other library has attempted to construct or maintain such an index . This index currently contains around 44,000 entries.

Old Business, Trautwein discussed the leaks in the roof above the Children’s Room. He said that early in September he had contacted Central Insulation and Roofing to ask that someone from the company examine the area of the roof around two roof drains. When the ceiling in the Children’s Room was removed, it was noted that there were minor leaks at, in, or around the roof drains. The Moore brothers from Central Insulation spent two or three hours one morning examining the area. While they could not find where the leaks were, they did patch some areas that were suspicious. Trautwein said that there have been several heavy rains since and there have been no leaks.

Jim Schaefer noted that he had received a phone call from a patron who questioned why the library would be selling furniture when the children’s room is inadequately furnished. Trautwein said that the Library is saving back two of the old oak tables and 12 chairs. This furniture will be refinished and placed in the Children’s Room.

The next item of business was a review of the City Library budget and that of the Platte County Library Service budget. It was noted that in the spring of 2010, the Library Board will be renegotiating with the County Board of Supervisors for a new county library services contract.

Brad Hruska, the Children’s Librarian, described the activities occurring in the Children’s Room. A new program, “Children’s Art” is being held every other week in cooperation with the Art Gallery. Children will first listen to a story time and then go to the art gallery for an arts and crafts program. He also discussed his outreach services to daycares and preschools. He said that the outreach is touching around 360 children a month.

Brad Hruska excused himself.

Karen Hake, the bookmobile library, talked about her recent trip to St. Louis to attend a conference of bookmobile librarians. She said that it was very rewarding for her to visit with her counter parts from around the country. There were 222 participants, including those from Australia and Canada. Karen said that the city of St. Louis uses 10 bookmobiles. Each is sponsored by a bank or company. The company purchases the vehicle and the city staffs and maintains it.

Karen Hake excused herself.

Under New Business the Board discussed the possibility of an open house for the Children’s Room on November 5th.from 5pm to 7pm. This is a City Council meeting day. Each councilman will receive an invitation. Carol Keller will work with the Director and Joe Mangiamelli to plan the program. It was suggested that some children be involved in a ribbon cutting ceremony. Trautwein said that he will ask the Friends of the Library to provide refreshments and host the program. Craig Neid suggested that there be a representative from the Library Foundation as well as the City Council.

Jim Schaefer excused himself.

The next topic was an invitation extended by the Friends for member of the Library Board to attend the Friends monthly meetings (3rd Tuesdays of the month). Joie Taylor volunteered to attend the meeting on the evening of October 16th.

The final item of business was a brief discussion by Trautwein of a national movement by public libraries to transform themselves to better serve the public. He said that he will be changing the way the library staff interfaces with the public. He will be encouraging staff to get up and away from desks and become willing to visit with the public. He said that the ultimate goal is to make the library the “third place” for many people in the community. He reviewed a new brochure the staff designed and printed. It was noted that the bookmobile service was not listed as a service.

The new brochure and many more newspaper articles are part of the “transformation.” Other aspects of transformation include the purchase of many more multiple copies of popular materials. A coffee machine in the adult reading area is coming. Also, cleanliness is very important. Trautwein is working with a senior employment program to recruit a volunteer for four hours each day to clean.

Regarding other remodeling projects, Craig Neid asked about the restroom project. Trautwein said that he had not addressed that. It was suggested that a “facilities master plan” be developed to incorporate a color and design motif.

Carol Keller asked about the security panels. She said that she thought they are too large and foreboding. Trautwein said that he could see in the future a different type of security system, one that would include radio-frequency markers.

The announcements were read.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.