HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-23; Library Board of Trustees; MinutesMEETING OF:
DATE OF MEETING:
PLACE OF MEETING:
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LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Teleconference
CALL TO ORDER: 1:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Trustees DeForest, Hu Isa rt, Larson, McBride and Parsons
STAFF PRESENT: Suzanne Smithson, Library & Cultural Arts Director
Sheila Crosby, Deputy Library Director
Katie Nye, Deputy Library Director
Carrie Scott, Interim Principal Librarian
Debbie Jo McCool, Associate Analyst
Devin Castel, Senior Business Systems Specialist
Jennifer Davidson, Administrative Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Library Board of Trustees meeting held May 26, 2021.
ITEM #3
Motion by Trustee DeForest, seconded by Trustee McBride, to approve the Minutes of the
meeting held on May 26, 2021 as presented. Motion carried, 4/0/0/1 (Larson -Abstain)
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATIONS TO TRUSTEE HULSART AND TRUSTEE PARSONS: Library
& Cultural Arts Director Suzanne Smithson presented proclamations to Trustee Beth Hulsart
and Trustee Dr. A. Sandy Parsons in honor of their service and contributions to the Library
Board of Trustees.
MONTHLY LIBRARY REPORTS: The board received the monthly library report for May 2021. The
Board was asked for their input as to format. Chair Larson requested the addition of 2019 to
the month to month comparison. Trustee DeForest requested to see more statistics on usage.
Associate Analyst Debbie McCool suggested a hybrid of the current report and the previous
versions, and Director Smithson suggested bringing sample statistic reports at the next meeting
to share with the board.
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Library Board of Trustees
Minutes of the June 23, 2021 Special Meeting
LIBRARY SERVICES DURING COVID-19: The board received an update and presentation from
Library & Cultural Arts Director Suzanne Smithson on library services during COVID-19. This
included elimination of occupancy limits and adding seating areas to the interior of all library
locations; increased hours and days of operation; evaluation of future hours and days of
operation based on community needs; staffing vacancies; west patio open; curbside services
continuation; virtual programs. Director Smithson also discussed preparation for next steps
which will include on-site literacy tutoring, elimination of quarantine of library materials,
accepting donations, re-opening the Friends of the Carlsbad Library bookstore at Carlsbad City
Library on Dove Lane and the possibility of limited in-person programs. Director Smithson
answered questions from the trustees on the current policy for wearing masks in the libraries.
Deputy Library Director Sheila Crosby shared with the trustees the number of patrons visiting
the libraries.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Director Smithson updated the board on a variety of topics: technology
projects including the city's new fiber network and the city's new telephone system; temporary
Carlsbad Fire Station 2 is now occupied and operational out of the north parking lot at the
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane; donor recognition site to the library webpage; new library
trustees to be appointed at the July 13 City Council meeting; possibility of canceling July 28
Library Board of Trustees meeting; new chair and vice chair elections will occur at the August or
September Library Board of Trustees meeting; and in-person meetings to be discussed at the
next Library Board of Trustees virtual meeting.
FOUNDATION REPORT: Representative McBride reported the Carlsbad Library & Arts
Foundation will continue to meet virtually. The Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation to begin
planning the annual gala.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REPORT: Representative Hu Isa rt shared that the Friends of the
Carlsbad Library will hold their annual meeting to elect new board members, and the Friends of
the Carlsbad Library are excited to return to re-open the bookstore.
NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY REPORT: Board Liaison Mary Millet
reported on the addition of a full page to the society's newsletter on library services and hours
and days of operation; current membership is 346 members; results of member surveys on
meeting virtually or in person; program attendance statistics; and the North San Diego County
Genealogical Society will continue to meet virtually through the end of September.
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Library Board of Trustees
Minutes of the June 23, 2021 Special Meeting
LIBRARY BOARD COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Trustee McBride and Trustee Larson
commented on the happiness patrons are expressing for being back in the library and thanked
staff all they do to support the community.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Larson adjourned the meeting at 2:25 p.m.