MEETING MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, April 21, 2005, in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:
Rebecca L. Pordum, Chair
Phyllis A. Horton, Vice Chair
Frank Gist, Secretary
W. Lawrence Buck
Jack Connors
Hormoz Mansouri
Elaine M. Panty
Abdul H. Raoof
Judith K. Summer
Sharon A. Thomas,
Wayne D. WisbaumRobert J. Plache, Trustee Emeritus
George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused:
Annette A. Juncewicz, ill
John B. Long, ill
Susan Maggiore, conflict
Daniel T. Roach, conflict
Chair Rebecca L. Pordum called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.
Agenda Item B – Approval / Changes to the Agenda. The agenda was approved as mailed.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the March 17, 2005 meeting. On motion by Ms. Panty, seconded by Ms. Horton, the Minutes were approved as submitted.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Ms. Pordum reported the grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 11 th at the Central Library was a very exciting day for the Library. Many trustees were able to attend this special day, and she thanked everyone for their support during the renovation process. It was a good decision to spruce up and modernize the entrance after asbestos had been abated from the interior.
The Chair reported that she and the Director had met with Legislator Lynn Marinelli regarding the $5 million bond issue for new library materials. The Library also needs to know the status of the Merriweather Library bond issue. The 2006 budget was discussed as well. Additional meetings with other legislators are planned. The Chair and Director plan to meet with town and village officials in May. It is the Board's intent to keep all community leaders informed of developing library issues. Ultimately trustees must determine what needs to be done to keep the System viable.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Horton reported the Executive Committee met on April 14, 2005 to discuss agenda items and resolutions. She stated the new Central Library entrance received many favorable comments at the grand opening. The café is bringing in new visitors who have never been in the Central Library before.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget and Finance Committee items were presented by Deputy Director Kenneth Stone.
Agenda Item E.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. Budget transfers in the Amherst and Cheektowaga Public Libraries were proposed. On motion by Ms. Panty, with a second by Ms. Horton, the following was unanimously approved.
RESOLUTION 2005-19
WHEREAS, a request for budget transfers has been received from the Amherst Public Library and Cheektowaga Public Library, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers totaling $4,404 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library and $9,174 within the budget of the Cheektowaga Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b – Amend 2005 Budget: CD Sale Proceeds. The B&ECPL received thousands of CDs as its portion of a price fixing settlement against the recording industry. Hundreds of new CDs were added to individual library collections. The remainder was offered for sale to the public. Proceeds from this sale to date are $12,190. As a condition of the settlement, proceeds must be used to purchase music titles. This resolution will amend the budget and authorize expenditure of the proceeds to augment the music collection. Ms. Summer motioned for approval and was seconded by Ms. Horton. Approval was unanimous.
Resolution 2005-20
WHEREAS, the Library recently received several thousand CDs as a result of the settlement of a price-fixing lawsuit against major record labelers and retailers, which awarded 5.6 million CDs to libraries across the country, and
WHEREAS, while many of the CDs were added to individual library collections, the Library received far more copies of many titles than needed, and
WHEREAS, the extras were then “priced to move” and offered for sale to the general public in what turned out to be an extremely popular sale in the Central Meeting Room, and
WHEREAS, proceeds from the main sale and subsequent sales through the Library's Encore Editions used book store now total $12,190, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the conditions of the settlement, proceeds from the sale are to be used for the purchase of music titles for the Library's collection, and
WHEREAS, the 2005 budget needs to be amended to recognize the revenue collected and increase the library materials budget accordingly, now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library amends the 2005 Library Operating Budget as follows:
Library Operating Fund
REVENUE:
SAP # 466020 – Minor Sale Other $12,190
EXPENSE:
SAP # 561450 – Library Books and Media $12,190, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the proceeds be used to purchase additional music titles for the Library's collection.
Agenda Item E.2.c – 2005 Budget Transfers. In December, the Board adopted a 2005 budget that reflected a $4.2 million expenditure decrease from 2004 levels. Due to insufficient time, reductions were temporarily allocated to general accounts. This allowed time for each contracting library to determine what specific cuts needed to be made to meet its reduced 2005 budget. This resolution implements budget transfers needed to meet specific budget allocations and approves reductions in appropriate accounts. Contracting libraries will continue to operate on extended 2004 contracts until the status of the Library's 2005 materials budget is finalized by Erie County . The contract extensions are in effect through September 30, 2005 .
Trustee Buck arrived at approximately 4:10 p.m. Ms. Horton moved for approval of Resolution 2005-21. Ms. Thomas seconded, and approval was unanimous.
Resolution 2005-21
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2004, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library adopted Resolution 2004-49, the 2005 Budget for the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, and
WHEREAS, given the fluid state of affairs at the time, the following techniques were utilized to allow time to implement budget reductions in a more orderly way: (1) For System and Buffalo cost centers, change the “salary savings credit” from -$600,000 in the requested 2005 budget to -$2,527,044; and (2) For Contracting Libraries, include a budget reduction target that reduced their total System allocation, allowing each contracting library board the time to identify the specific changes needed to meet the target, and
WHEREAS, that process resulted in the need to amend the 2005 System budget and the estimated 2005 budget levels for contracting libraries, and
WHEREAS, contracting libraries remain on an extended 2004 contract as the status of the Library's 2005 materials budget has yet to be finalized by Erie County , now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves the following transfers in the System budget:
Library Operating Fund
FROM:
Salaries & Wages ($2,527,044)
TO:
Reduction from Personal Services $2,527,044, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves amending estimated contracting library 2005 revenues and expenditures as summarized in Attachment C, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the 2004 contract extensions for contracting libraries will remain in place until such time as the funding status of Erie County's capital budget for library materials becomes known and any necessary adjustments to address the resulting level of funding can be identified.
Mr. Buck inquired about the anticipated timetable for the County's capital borrowing. Mr. Stone stated the Library is hopeful that County capital bonds may be issued by the end of May or mid-June. The library materials budget and Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library project are the two highest priority capital funding requests for the B&ECPL. The lack of new materials is having an effect on circulation and revenues, which are both down about 15%.
Agenda Item E.2.d – Monthly Financial Report for March. A financial report for the period ending March 31, 2005 was distributed to trustees at the meeting.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. Michael Mahaney stated the Library's main concern right now is the capital budget. The B&ECPL has ordered only 14,000 titles this year compared with 68,000 titles ordered by this time last year. Measures have been taken to control expenses, such as charging out-of-county borrowers and implementing a voice automation notification system to reduce postage costs. The new charge for out-of-County borrowers commenced on April 18 th . To date, everything has gone smoothly.
In addition to cost cutting, new revenue streams are being developed. Updated amenities at the Central Library are drawing customers in to generate increased income. The new Popular Materials area, opening this fall, should also boost visits. Mr. Mahaney displayed the new “Libraries Matter” gel bracelets that are being sold in the Novel Ideas store. Funds raised from the sale of bracelets will be used for library advocacy. A new feature on the web catalog links the Library's catalog to Barnes & Noble's online services. The Library will receive a portion of the proceeds from any purchases made through Barnes & Noble via the B&ECPL link.
Mr. Connors asked if new data was available since the Cohen study was written in 1998. Mr. Mahaney replied that some elements of the plan are in the process of being updated. Critical demographic information and other statistical data will be provided to trustees in coming weeks.
The following was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting.
B&ECPL Urges Release of County Capital Funds: In early January, the B&ECPL sent correspondence to the County Budget Director and County Comptroller urging them to initiate bonding for the library materials and Merriweather Library projects approved in Erie County 's 2005 Capital Budget. Subsequent to the adoption of the County's March 3, 2005 budget amendments, the Director transmitted additional communication concerning the need for a decision regarding these items. Based on feedback from both the County Budget and Comptroller's Offices, a proposal to issue bonds to support priority projects is expected to reach the County Legislature at the beginning of May. The two items noted above are B&ECPL's highest priorities of the $14.4 million 2005 County Capital Budget allocation for Library projects. The $600,000 Merriweather allocation provides the County share (furnishings, equipment and library materials) for this building project funded by the City of Buffalo . The new library, located at the intersection of Jefferson and Utica , replaces the current North Jefferson Branch. The project is expected to be completed by late summer. To operate this much larger facility properly will require shifting staff from other libraries to supplement the current North Jefferson Library staff. Without additional funding, most likely this will lead to the closing of more than one branch.
The need for library materials funding is even more immediate. Unexpended balances from 2004, a modest appropriation of $200,000 in the 2005 operating budget, and New York State Central Library Book Aid (approximately $1.3 million for the entire System) have been committed to paying electronic database and subscription invoices, orders already in the pipeline, selected standing orders and limited quantities of current high demand titles only . These funds are nearly exhausted. (For the sake of comparison, during the first 4 months of 2004, the System acquired nearly 68,000 volumes while only 13,000 volumes have been ordered during the same period of 2005. Thousands of backlogged online patron requests await new materials that the Library has been unable to order.)
On March 17 th , the Library received correspondence from County Executive Joel A. Giambra, stating that he does not intend to provide enough revenue to sustain 52 libraries in 2006. This makes a prompt resolution of the 2005 Library Materials funding even more crucial. Issuing as much of the $5 million approved 2005 Capital Budget amount as feasible would enable the B&ECPL to scale down the number of open libraries to meet anticipated reductions in 2006 County support in a more orderly manner and fully transition a reduced library materials expense back to the operating budget. Specifically, should the County Executive recommend and the County Legislature approve a deep cut in County funding for the B&ECPL in 2006, the Library would have no choice but to reduce funding to all B&ECPL System, branch and contracting libraries correspondingly, resulting in multiple closings and major layoffs. These actions would generate one-time termination pay-out and unemployment expenses of several million dollars. The Library would need to make sweeping cuts to reflect reduced County revenue and offset reduced fine/fee income and one-time termination costs.
If the 2005 Library Materials Capital bonds are not issued, the Library will have no balances available for materials purchases beyond June 2005. This would force even deeper cuts, even more extensive library closings, to cover both the one-time termination costs and adequate funds to purchase books.
Library closings would need to begin by late summer 2005.
A prompt resolution of the Capital funds issue will help the Library determine the timing and magnitude of the major changes that lie ahead.
Central Library Unveils Phase One of Renovations: Scheduled to coincide with the beginning of National Library Week 2005, the Central Library hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for completion of Phase 1 of ongoing renovations on the morning of April 11 th . As part of a multi-year renovation program, the main entrance, borrower services area, gift shop and used books store (a.k.a. Novel Ideas and Encore Editions) and a brand new café (Fables) were unveiled to the public with Library Board Chair Rebecca Pordum and Chief Operating Officer Ruth Collins offering welcoming remarks and congratulations. Several B&ECPL Trustees were in attendance including: Phyllis Horton, Elaine Panty, Judy Summer, Larry Buck, Sharon Thomas, Hormoz Mansouri, Jack Connors , Frank Gist , Susan Maggiore , Trustee Emeritus Bob Plache and the immediate past president of the Library Foundation, Leonard Lenihan . Also recognized were Habiterra Associates' architect David Walters and Jag Teckna interior designer Tim Benson , along with Jim Hearn and Michael Judd from Erie County 's Department of Public Works. Erie County 's Chief of Staff Larry Jasinski represented County Executive Joel Giambra , who was unavailable. Asbestos abatement in Phase 2 renovations began March 15 th . When complete, this area will house a remodeled Popular Materials Department adjacent to the new Fables café and a transformed “Ring of Knowledge” display and performance space. Phase 2 is targeted for completion in October 2005.
Digital Exhibit Follows 1908 Great Race: To celebrate National Library week, the B&ECPL unveiled its first digital exhibition on the Library's website. Digitization allows wider access to unique and valuable collections for a global audience without the restrictions of distance, limited hours of availability, physical condition of the items and heightened security. For this inaugural effort, staff selected “The New York to Paris Race, 1908,” highlighting a proud but often overlooked part of Buffalo 's past and the history of mechanized transportation. Members of the Technology Services Committee worked diligently on this pilot project, learning as they proceeded, ultimately generating an exceptional product. Congratulations and thanks to: Central librarians Cynthia Van Ness, Matthew Best, Maureen McLaughlin and Mary Ann Ozimek ; former webmaster Brian Fending ; Network Support liaison Johnny Hsu ; librarians Pat Forsberg (Orchard Park), Jim Stelzle (East Delavan) and Kathy Kimble (Elma).
Celebrating National Library Week: On April 14 th , the Department of Extension Services held its 11 th annual African American Writers' Reception at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch. Librarian Dorinda Hayes chaired the event, which attracted a dozen participating authors. Wegman's provided refreshments. Other Extension Services events included computer classes at East Clinton, Fairfield, Mead and Crane; a visit by Explore and More: A Children's Museum at Niagara, Northwest, East Clinton and Crane; a Brief History of the B&ECPL and bookmark crafts at Riverside, Fairfield and North Park; Super Book Sales at Kensington and East Delavan; Michael the Magician at Cazenovia; “Cat Mummies of Egypt” at North Jefferson and numerous open houses.
Sharon Holley Earns Crowning Achievement: On March 18 th , at the Westminster Community Charter School , Extension Services Administrator, Sharon Y. Holley was honored for her recognition as an “Uncrowned Queen.” The Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, Inc. conducts research on the issues affecting women of color, research used to develop educational programs that enhance the quality of life for women and their communities; to promote the collection and dissemination of the individual histories of women, women's organizations and women's collective history and to teach and educate women on the use of technology to preserve and disseminate their histories. The distinction of “Uncrowned Queen” acknowledges the contributions and accomplishments of the recipient to further these goals. Through advocacy, collaboration, and self-determination these women have been builders in the African American community. More details about the Uncrowned Queens Institute and Ms. Holley's accomplishments are available at: www.buffalo.edu/uncrownedqueens/files/holley.htm .
B&ECPL Advocates Visit Legislators in Albany: On March 15 th , CFO Ken Stone, Central Library Administrator Peggy Skotnicki and librarians Tom Morrissey (Central) and Sandra Williams-Bush (Extension Services) traveled to Albany for Library Day, visiting the offices of every member of the Western New York Delegation and requesting their support for restored and sustained library funding. An annual event, Library Day is sponsored by the New York Library Association. The efforts of trustees, librarians and friends from across the state were successful as both houses of the Legislature restored library funding to 2003 levels. (Happily, the Governor did not subsequently veto the restoration!) The B&ECPL representatives also discussed issues unique to this System, given the current fiscal crisis in Erie County .
Trustees Gather for Annual Workshop: On March 19 th , approximately 60 trustees and staff from B&ECPL and contracting libraries assembled at the Central Library for the annual Trustee Workshop. Following opening remarks by the Director, keynote speaker W. David Penniman , Dean of UB's School of Informatics , discussed “Educating the Next Generation of Information Professionals.” His remarks offered a well-timed and logical transition to the second half of the program where Process Improvement Project (PIP) Coordinator Doreen Woods and Central Library Administrator Peggy A. Skotnicki offered a preview of the soon-to-be-released PIP reports, which analyze the work activities of all public service staff throughout the B&ECPL. Co-sponsored by the Association of Contracting Library Boards of Trustees (ACT) and B&ECPL, this annual event provided a forum for valuable information exchange and an opportunity to sample the extraordinary food offerings from Fables, the Central Library's new café. Trustees were treated to a preview of Phase 1 renovations and their reactions were quite favorable.
B&ECPL Joins Citywide Literacy Forum: Children's Department Manager Beverly Federspiel was a facilitator at the March 12 th forum sponsored by Good Schools for All . A group of 175 educators, judges, parents and community leaders worked on a literacy vision for Buffalo , looking at both best practices and obstacles, as a first step toward developing a literacy plan for the City.
A New Look at Mark Twain: Librarian Cynthia Van Ness has designed a new exhibit, “Mark Twain and Paperback Art,” with the assistance of B&ECPL graphic artist Dawn Stanton . Drawing from the Library's extensive editions of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , it presents the variety of iconographic and illustration styles used in cover art over the years and around the globe.
Staff Assembles for Database Training: On March 8 th , Bill Loges from “Reference USA ” provided two training sessions on his company's databases in the Central Library Training Lab. Thirty-two librarians from the Central Library, Contract Libraries and Extension Services participated. This is the first of several vendor-conducted workshops to be held this year on B&ECPL subscription databases.
Libraries Celebrate Spring: On March 30 th , 55 children and 15 caregivers attended the “Come Fly with Us” program in the Central Meeting Room. Librarians Kerra Alessi and Sandra Blackman (Children's Department), assisted by librarian trainee Alicia DiFranco, presented this kite-oriented program. Craig Schmidt (Network Support) loaned 12 kites from his private collection. An overflow of 20 children and five adults made crafts in the Children's Room. On March 10 th , Dudley Library celebrated spring with an appearance of the Rince Na Tiarna Irish Dancers. Forty-three people attended the St. Patrick's Day event, which featured a local international competition winner.
Branches Reach Out to Community: On March 1 st , librarian Andrew Maines ( North Jefferson ) participated in the BPS #53 “Dr. Seuss Night.” Children from Pre-K to three years of age were invited to the school auditorium for a performance by local storyteller Karima Amin and then visited the North Jefferson Library for a Dr. Seuss story. On March 10 th Sandra Williams-Bush ( North Jefferson ) and Beverly Federspiel (Children's Room) met with Sherry Byrnes and Stephen Keller of Literacy Volunteers to brainstorm collaborative efforts between LVA's “Reading Right Now” program and B&ECPL. The project encourages parents to read with their children as early as possible. On March 18 th , Ms. Williams-Bush was a presenter at the annual “Transitions: A Conference for Women Returning to School,” sponsored by the Buffalo Branch of the American Association of University Women and held at Bryant and Stratton's Amherst Campus. Her online workshop entitled, “Taking Care of Business: Other Financial Aid Alternatives, ” highlighted sources for scholarships, grants and loans in higher education.
East Cluster Buffalo Branches Look to the Future : North Jefferson , Martin Luther King, East Delavan , Fronczak and Kensington Branches are engaged in a pilot study to recommend future service and staffing models through the application of Process Improvement Project (PIP) data and related information. Sharon Y. Holley oversees the pilot with participation from Doreen Woods (Service Evaluation and Planning), Kelly Donovan (Central), East Cluster Manager Patricia Covley , and Branch Managers Sandra Williams-Bush , Dorinda Hayes and Britt White .
B&ECPL Uses Sirsi Unicorn to Charge Out-of-County Borrowers: In this very challenging budget year, the new Sirsi Unicorn automation system offers many features that can help B&ECPL develop new sources of revenue. Sirsi Unicorn provides a special program, “Set User Expiration Date,” to automatically expire out-of-county accounts and require borrowers to pay the first installment of their 6-month $20 fee the next time they charge out material. Network Support computer operators Craig Schmidt and Roseann Hausrath will make the required changes to implement the Board's policy shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 17 th , to take effect with the start of business on Monday, April 18 th .
Sirsi Voice Automation (SVA) Tested: In order to eliminate the paper, production and five-figure postage costs to generate postcards that notify patrons when they have holds, overdue materials or charges for lost materials, B&ECPL will offer only two notification options, either e-mail or telephone using Sirsi Voice Automation (SVA). Currently, staff at all locations are updating telephone numbers and e-mail addresses in preparation for the May cutover. In addition, patrons can update their personal information using the B&ECPL website with a special program written by interim webmaster Chris Mancini. The Sirsi Unicorn implementation team, consisting of CIO Shirley Whelan , Support Services Administrator Ann Kling, Support Services Manager Dawn Peters, System Public Services Administrator Carol Batt, and Network Support's Johnny Hsu, Roseann Hausrath and Dennis Lance , has successfully performed a limited test of SVA. Based on the results, the team is gearing up for a larger-scale test, using actual records of current staff.
Web2 Interface with Barnes and Noble Developed: Toni Naumovski (Network Support) has developed an interface with Barnes and Noble from the B&ECPL Web2 Catalog. Using it, patrons will be able to link from a title in the Library's online catalog to the Barnes and Noble website if they wish to purchase that item. A portion of the proceeds will be credited to B&ECPL.
Floating Collections Introduced: The Sirsi software “Floating Loan” feature allows designated collections to remain in the discharging library, rather than being shipped automatically back to the traditional “owning” library. The first B&ECPL Floating Collection provides libraries with access to the Central Library's entire adult large print collection. This allows enhanced resource sharing and provides branch and contract libraries the opportunity to create browsing collections from the wealth of titles owned by the Central Library. Any books purchased and “owned” by local libraries will remain part of that library's collection and will revert if returned to another location. Due to the uncertainty of the 2005 materials budget, this is a very timely implementation that will maximize the use of Central Library materials.
Fine Revenues Remain Down: System-wide receipts for March 2005 totaled $104,232.54, compared to a total of $119,713.18 for March 2004, or a decrease of 12.93%. This is a slight improvement over February results. Year-to-date fine revenue, at $292,055.86, decreased by 14.68% from $342,286.82 collected during the same period in 2004. This decrease can be attributed to budget cuts that have reduced open hours throughout the System and reduced the availability of new library materials. The recently approved out-of-county borrower fee will assist in mitigating some of the loss. Additionally, other fee schedules and direct revenue options are being explored for future Board consideration.
Staff Generate Collection Development Guidelines: The task of developing guidelines for all collections in the Central Library has begun. On March 22 nd , the Collection Development Committee, led by Debbie Fink (Humanities and Social Sciences) and including Kate Weeks (Business, Science and Technology), Tom Morrissey (Humanities and Social Sciences) and Darlene Lysarz (e-Branch), presented the project worksheets and supplemental information to subject department staff. Librarians are working with their department heads to prioritize and segment their collections and develop guidelines for each section.
Facilities Inventory Update Underway: Facilities and Records Management Coordinator Ward Pautler , supported by Joe Cich and Mark Kross of the Maintenance Department, is updating and expanding the facility information contained in the 1998 Aaron Cohen Associates study. Staff expect to complete the process for Buffalo branch libraries this month and proceed to contracting libraries in May. When complete, this inventory will assist the Board in projecting the long-term viability of library buildings throughout the System.
County Dental Provider No Longer to Bill Individual Libraries: Erie County's dental insurance provider, GHI, recently notified the County that the firm will no longer bill individual contracting libraries separately for their employees' dental coverage. GHI is prepared to consolidate the billing with the B&ECPL's System bill (supporting Buffalo and contracting libraries participating in the Centralized Human Resources Program). To minimize the impact on existing budgets, B&ECPL management staff proposes a pass-though approach: paying the overall bill at the System level and billing individual contracting libraries for their share of the cost. The full expense will be shifted to the System budget in 2006. Other health insurance costs have been incorporated into the System budget already.
Technology Focus Group Planned: Sirsi Corporation is working with Mary Lee Kennedy , Executive Director of the Harvard Business School Library, to conduct research on the information needs of public library users. Previously, Ms. Kennedy worked closely with Microsoft Corporation founder Bill Gates , as the Director of Microsoft's Knowledge Network Group. B&ECPL has agreed to join Sirsi and Ms. Kennedy to learn how the Library can provide better services for the residents of Buffalo and Erie County . Twenty-four to thirty library users, from teenagers to seniors, are being recruited to participate . The Focus Group is designed to be interesting and fun. Sirsi will underwrite all expenses associated with this activity . Bergen County Library and SAILS Library Network have already conducted similar focus groups.
Miscellaneous Meetings and Appearances: On March 15 th , Humanities and Social Sciences librarian Suzanne Colligan led an enthusiastic audience of 21 in a discussion of Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven: a Story of Violent Faith , part of the Central Library's “Literally Speaking” series of lunchtime programs.
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. Executive Director Anne Leary updated Board members on various projects. A reception will be held on April 28 th to introduce the summer reading program to librarians and teachers. A “Get Ready to Read” week, sponsored by Barnes & Noble, is scheduled for June. Barnes & Noble will also sponsor special events related to the new Harry Potter book release in July. On September 14 th a reception will be held featuring Simon Winchester, author of The Map that Changed the World . The Foundation hopes to increase community awareness of the rare book collection. Ms. Leary said she was exploring the possibility of finding a corporate sponsor willing to underwrite the purchase of multiple copies of the next Harry Potter book in exchange for an acknowledgement on bookplates.
Regarding the topic of donated library materials, Ms. Pordum informed the Board that the Buffalo News is now providing newspaper subscriptions to the Library System at no charge in light of its diminished materials budget. The B&ECPL is grateful for this corporate support.
In response to an inquiry about the summer reading program, Ms. Leary stated that an attempt was made this year to collaborate with as many school groups as possible, e.g., Buffalo Public Schools and Erie 1 and 2 BOCES. Some positive steps were made toward sharing reading lists and resources and the mutual cooperation has been well received.
Agenda Item H – Public Comment. John Klukowski, Sr. of Buffalo stated the National Library Week event held at the Cazenovia Library was well attended. He suggested that property taxes be increased to support library services.
ElizaBeth Berry of the Save Our Libraries coalition would like to see all branches remain open. On average there is one city library branch for every 21,000 residents. She believes it is more important to keep 52 branches open rather than expend funds on renovating the Central Library.
Jeffrey Gauthier of Buffalo is disappointed that hours at the Cazenovia Library have been reduced and asked trustees to retain all 52 branch libraries.
Carol May of Buffalo asked trustees to keep neighborhood libraries open. She does not believe libraries should compete with private businesses; libraries should not be all about money. Money spent at Central could have been spent on individual libraries.
Valerie Niederhoffer of Buffalo suggested the B&ECPL approach Niagara Mohawk to request a reduction in energy bills, similar to the Buffalo News donation, since residential energy costs are so high in Erie County . Many Buffalo residents rely on their libraries.
Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item J – New Business
Agenda Item J.1 – CLDA Grant Application. Peggy Skotnicki, Administrator for the Central Library, introduced this resolution. The Central Library Aid grant is awarded annually to the B&ECPL by New York State . Central Library Development Aid has been awarded in the amount of $304,085, and Central Library Book Aid of $71,500 has been awarded. Together with remaining 2004 balances, this resolution authorizes a CLDA grant budget of $386,156.74. Ms. Panty moved for approval, with a second by Mr. Buck, and approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2005-22
WHEREAS, the Central Library Aid grant, composed of the Central Library Development Aid grant and the Central Library Book Aid grant, is an annual New York State statutory grant aimed at assisting central libraries in developing collections and providing services to their systems, and has provided funding for many years, and
WHEREAS, each year an application must be transmitted to the State to receive these funds, and
WHEREAS, the 2005 budget adopted by the Library Board of Trustees anticipated $375,585 of the proposed 2005 Central Library Aid grant amount, but could not at the time anticipate either the total amount of the 2004 grant or the amount of prior year funds remaining at the end of 2004, and
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees desires to move forward with the 2005 Central Library Aid programs, including applying the $10,571.74 prior year balances to the CLDA grant, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Central Book Aid received in 2004, pursuant to article 273.1 (b) (2) of Education Law, has been totally expended for adult non-fiction materials in non-print, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees approves the application, including reallocating prior year balances, for the State-funded Central Library Aid grant, and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Library Director transmit the completed Central Library Aid grant application to the State Division of Library Development.
There being no further business, on motion by Mr. Gist, seconded by Ms. Summer, the meeting was adjourned at 4:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Gist
Secretary