HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-25; Library Board of Trustees; MinutesMEETING OF:
DATE OF MEETING:
PLACE OF MEETING:
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Teleconference
CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Trustees DeForest, Larson, McBride, Schatt and Sheffler
STAFF PRESENT: Suzanne Smithson, Library & Cultural Arts Director
Sheila Crosby, Deputy Library Director
Katie Nye, Deputy Library Director
Fiona Everett, Senior Management Analyst
Debbie Jo McCool, Associate Analyst
Devin Castel, Senior Business Systems Specialist
Daisy Hernandez, Senior Office Specialist
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes ·of the Library Board of Trustees special meeting held June 23, 2021.
Motion by Trustee DeForest, seconded by Trustee McBride, to approve the Minutes of the
special meeting held on June 23, 2021 as presented. Motion carried, 3/0/0/2 (Schatt and
Sheffler -Abstain)
INTRODUCTION OF TRUSTEES: Library & Cultural Arts Director Suzanne Smithson introduced
the Library Board of Trustees two newly appointed trustees Stan Schatt and William Sheffler.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
MONTHLY LIBRARY REPORTS: The board received the monthly library report for June 2021 and
July 2021. Trustees asked questions and commented on eResources, library streaming services,
program attendance, resuming patron donations and the new statistic page format.
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 new mask guidelines for staff and the public; services currently available; continuation
of curbside services and virtual programs; beginning to present outdoor programs. Director
Page 2 of 3
Library Board of Trustees
Minutes of the August 25, 2021 Meeting
Smithson also discussed recent changes which include some volunteers back on-site; on-site
literacy tutoring, elimination of quarantine of library materials, accepting patron donations,
return of three-week circulation period; increased renewal periods from three to five. Director
Smithson also discussed upcoming services which include re-opening the Friends of the
Carlsbad Library bookstore at Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane; the possibility of limited
indoor in-person programs; and community meeting room rentals. Director Smithson answered
questions from the trustees on the number of patrons visiting the library since the updated
mask policy, and wi-fi bandwidth.
SEMI-ANNUAL LIBRARY DONATION REORT: The board received an update and presentation
from Associate Analyst Debbie Jo McCool on donations received for the period of January to
June 2021.
QUARTERLY TECHNOLOGY REPORT AND UPDATE: Senior Business Systems Specialist Devin
Castel presented the Library Quarterly Technology Report including technology efforts related
to circulation, computer and virtual library services during the quarter covering April, May, and
June 2021. Devin also discussed two upcoming projects related to the online catalog and the
patron network.
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR: Gina McBride was elected Chair and Sherman DeForest
was elected Vice-Chair unanimously, 5/0/0/0.
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE LIBRARY & ARTS FOUNDATION: Stan Schatt was elected representative
to the Library & Arts Foundation unanimously, 5/0/0/0.
REPRESENTATIVE TO FRIENDS OF THE CARLSBAD LIBRARY: Trustees agreed to discuss the election
of a representative to the Friends of the Carlsbad Library at the next Library Board of Trustees
meeting.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Director Smithson updated the board on a variety of topics: hours and
dates the libraries will be serving as a mail ballot drop off location; homebound services
delivering library materials to patrons; offering on line, personalized reading recommendations
by staff librarians; outdoor Paws to Read in-person program; staff present at registration events
at local schools; update on recruitment and hiring; organizational position changes;
presentation of the Citizen of the Year and State of the City video at the Aug. 31 City Council
meeting; and the Summer Reading Adventure report will be presented at the next Library
Board of Trustees meeting.
FOUNDATION REPORT: Representative McBride reported the Carlsbad Library & Arts
Foundation has canceled the annual gala and will be sponsoring other outdoor events. The
Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation asset value is currently $4,888,485.00.
. Page 3 of 3
Library Board ofTrustees
Minutes of the August 25, 2021 Meeting
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REPORT: No report.
NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY REPORT: Board Liaison Mary Millet
reported on gifting former city staff member Sarah Dana a 3.5 year membership to the North
San Diego County Genealogical Society; encouraging the library to become an affiliate member
of Family Search; and the establishment of two scholarships from the Shirley Borden Estate.
LIBRARY BOARD COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Trustee McBride thanked staff for all they
do to support the community. Chair Larson thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve as
Chair of the Library Board of Trustees.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Larson adjourned the meeting at 5:43 p.m.
n
Administrative Secretary