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MEETING MINUTES

MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AUGUST 21, 2003

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, August 21, 2003, in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present: Daniel T. Roach, Chairman; Rebecca L. Mahoney, Vice Chair; Annette A. Juncewicz, Secretary; John B. Long, Treasurer; William P. Brosnahan; W. Lawrence Buck; Phyllis A. Horton; Elaine M. Panty; Abdul H. Raoof; Judith K. Summer; Sharon A. Thomas; Wayne D. Wisbaum; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus. Excused: Raul Vazquez

Chairman Roach called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.

Agenda Item B – Approval / Changes to the Agenda. On motion by Ms. Panty, seconded by Ms. Mahoney, the agenda was approved with the following changes: Resolutions 2003-36 through 2003-40 were correctly re-numbered as Resolutions 2003-37 through 2003-41.

Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of June 19, 2003 and the Executive Committee Meeting of July 10, 2003. On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Mr. Buck, the Minutes were approved as mailed.

Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Chairman Roach deferred his report.

Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.

Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Director Michael Mahaney advised the Board the Executive Committee met on August 14th and approved the Board meeting agenda.

Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee. Deputy Director Kenneth Stone reported the Budget & Finance Committee met on August 14th. He apprised trustees that Erie County has not yet forwarded budget instructions to departments. The Library’s 2004 budget request will be submitted to the Board for approval as soon as possible.

Agenda Item E.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. Ms. Juncewicz made a motion to approve routine transfers. Ms. Summer made a second and the resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2003-37

WHEREAS, a request for budget transfers has been received from the Amherst Public Library, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers totaling $28,273 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library.

Trustee Wisbaum arrived at approximately 4:09 p.m.

Agenda Item E.2.b – State “Hold Harmless” Aid. Deputy Director Stone explained the 2003 budget was prepared with the expectation the State would use certified 2000 census figures. Due to Erie County’s population decline, State Aid would have decreased by nearly $50,000. However, the State adopted a “hold harmless” provision for 2003 and is continuing to use 1990 census numbers to calculate library aid. This resolution would amend the Library’s 2003 budget to include increased State Aid. The additional funds will be restored to applicable grant programs as well as used to defray increased State retirement expenses in some town budgets and offset lower than projected fine revenues.

Trustee Thomas arrived at approximately 4:10 p.m.

After a brief discussion, on motion by Ms. Juncewicz, seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2003-38

WHEREAS, New York State, through the Department of Education, State Library, Division of Library Development, provides both general and grant-based aid to support public libraries, and

WHEREAS, a number of the aid categories are formula driven, including a population factor, which under law is recalculated upon certification of the U.S. Census each decade and

WHEREAS, B&ECPL’s 2003 Adopted Budget included an approximately $50,000 decrease reflecting the impact of Erie County’s population loss on state aid formulas, and

WHEREAS, the State’s 2003-2004 adopted budget for library aid contains a “hold harmless” provision, specific to this funding year, that maintains aid for all libraries at their pre-2000 census levels, and

WHEREAS, the restored $47,615 is available to be applied to the individual grants where appropriate and to offset lower than expected fine revenues in the operating budget and increased retirement expense in some contract library budgets, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library amends the 2003 budget as shown in the attached Exhibit.

Exhibit One - Expense

Exhibit One - Revenue

Agenda Item E.2.c – Amend 2003 Budget, County Legislature Member Aid. Mr. Stone reported the details of two recent funding allocations from County Legislators. Legislator Kuwik gave $2,000 to the Lake Shore Library in March. This resolution transfers $1,000 to Lake Shore’s library materials account. Legislator Larson allocated $2,000 to the Lancaster Library in June. Lancaster will expend the funds on furniture and equipment, with the balance going to Lancaster’s library materials account. On motion by Ms. Horton, seconded by Ms. Summer, the resolution was unanimously approved.

RESOLUTION 2003-39

WHEREAS, Legislators Kuwik and Larson have designated member item funds from various county accounts to benefit the Lake Shore and Lancaster Libraries, and

WHEREAS, pursuant to an agreement entered into many years ago, Erie County is responsible for funding local branch libraries situated within localities throughout Erie County, and

WHEREAS, libraries within Erie County are routinely in need of additional funds to provide services and materials to local patrons, and

WHEREAS, Legislators’ strong support for the community’s public libraries is greatly appreciated and helps the libraries support substantial use, and

WHEREAS, $2,000 for the Lake Shore Library was accepted and the Library’s 2003 budget was amended by the Board of Trustees in Resolution 2003-13, approved at the March, 2003 meeting, and

WHEREAS, the Hamburg Public Library has requested that $1,000 of the allocation to its Lake Shore Branch Library be transferred to the Library Materials account for that library, and

WHEREAS, $2,000 sponsored by Legislator Larson is new to the Library and the 2003 Budget needs to be amended to reflect this addition, and

WHEREAS, the Lancaster Public Library has requested the $2,000 be sent to the System to assist in purchasing desired display/ storage furniture and a laminating machine, with the balance applied to the Library Materials account for the Lancaster Library, and

WHEREAS, this requires a budget transfer to the appropriate accounts, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library gratefully accepts the $2,000 in new funding from the County Legislature for the above mentioned library, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves a budget amendment to the 2003 budget to allocate revenues of $2,000 into SFG# 8209734206863200 (Inter-fund Subsidy) and $2,000 in expenditures into SFG# 820973420830170 (Lancaster Library), and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves budget transfers in the amounts and object accounts shown below:

FROM	Description	Amount
SFG#820973420830168	(Hamburg Public Library)	$1,000
SFG#820973420830170	(Lancaster Public Library)	$2,000
	TOTAL FROM:	$3,000

TO	Description	Amount
SFG#820973420810	Office Supplies (lamination mch)	$38
SFG#820973420932	Furniture (display/storage)	$594
SFG#820973420933	Office Equip (lamination machine)	$225
SFG#820973420938	Library Materials (Lancaster)	$1,143
SFG#820973420938	Library Materials (Hamburg)	$1,000
	TOTAL TO:	$3,000

and be it further

RESOLVED, that any balance of the Lancaster allocation remaining in the furniture and office equipment accounts after the Lamination Machine and Furniture purchases are completed be transferred to the Library Materials account for the Lancaster Library, and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution and a revised Exhibit A be transmitted to each library to implement these changes.

Agenda Item E.2.d – State Aid Construction Grant – Central Library Renovation Phase 1. The B&ECPL has received notice of a State construction grant award for $39,755 to be expended on the Central Library Renovation project. This resolution amends the 2003 grants budget by that amount. On motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Horton, the resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2003-40

WHEREAS, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees recognizes that the 40-year-old Central Library needs renovation to achieve various goals outlined in Expanding Horizons: Directions for Superior Public Library Service in Erie County and the System Five Year Plan of Service, 2001-2006, and

WHEREAS, in Resolution 2002-46, the Board of Trustees authorized B&ECPL administration to take the steps required to advance the renovation, including collaboration with officials of Erie County government to secure necessary public funds and the Library Foundation of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc. to secure necessary private funds for successful implementation of the project, and

WHEREAS, in Resolution 2002-70 the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library directed staff to transmit to the New York State Division of Library Development a recommendation to allocate $39,755 in State Library Construction Grant funds for the Central Library renovation project, and

WHEREAS, the library has received notice that $39,755 in State Public Library Construction Grant funding has been awarded for this project, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees amends the 2003 Grants Budget by appropriating the additional $39,755 State Public Library Construction Grant revenues and expenditures as shown below.

2003 Grants Budget

Revenue From State Grant	$ 39,755
Project Expenditures    Central Renovation Project	$ 39,755

Agenda Item E.2.e – Monthly Financial Report – May. The monthly financial report for the period ending 5/31/2003 was provided for information in the board packet.

Agenda Item E.2.f – Monthly Financial Report – June. The monthly financial report for the period ending 6/30/2003 was provided for information in the board packet.

Agenda Item E.3 – Benefits Committee. Ms. Summer reported the Committee met on August 20th to review language changes suggested by contract libraries. She expects the document to be finalized and submitted to the Board for approval at the September meeting. The approved document will be included with the annual contracts ratified by all contracting libraries.

Agenda Item E.4 – Orientation Committee. Ms. Horton stated the Orientation Committee met on June 26th and July 22nd. A new procedure has been devised to orient new trustees. The new protocol and a trustee biography sheet were distributed to trustees at the meeting. The protocol indicated documents that will be provided to new trustees. If current trustees are missing any of the listed documents, they should advise Mr. Mahaney, and he will supply the information. Trustees were also asked to review their biographical information and make revisions. Ms. Horton suggested it would be a good idea if the Library had a copy of each trustee’s resume as well. She explained a mentor would be provided for any new trustee who would like a more individual orientation to the Board.

Dr. Raoof suggested Minutes be provided for the entire fiscal year rather than just the two previous months. It was agreed this was a good suggestion, and the protocol will be changed.

Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. Trustees have been supplied with reading matter regarding the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the recent Supreme Court decision. Additional information will be supplied as it becomes available. The B&ECPL has until July 1, 2004 to comply with CIPA. This deadline allows a reasonable amount of time for staff to gather information and present it to trustees, allowing them to make an informed decision that best represents the interests of the community. Policy language is now being reviewed, and all the technical and economic factors relating to installation of filters is being collected. All costs associated with filtering or non-compliance will be identified.

The Buffalo Control Board met at the Central Library on August 6th. The North Jefferson Library construction project was approved. However, the project is still approximately $500,000 short of what will be needed to finish it. The City is looking for additional funds.

Site selection for the new South Buffalo library continues to be explored. More information is expected shortly.

The following was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting.

2004 Operating Budget Preparation Underway: In mid-July the Library received a request to forward its estimated 2004 Grants and Department of Information and Support Services (DISS) requests by August 1st, somewhat ahead of the anticipated schedule. This request is intended to assist Erie County in its efforts to convert to a new financial system later this year. Since this request occurred after both the June Board meeting and the July Executive Committee meeting and the information is due prior to the next meeting of either body, CFO Ken Stone will submit a best estimate, subject to the subsequent review and modification by the Budget and Finance Committee and the full Board of Trustees. Erie County’s Budget Instructions and target information for the bulk of the budget are due at the beginning of August, with the budget request due back to the County near the end of the month. The recommended budget will be assembled for Budget and Finance Committee review and consideration and the Committee’s recommendations will be presented for the Library Board’s consideration at the August meeting.

Work Begins on CIPA Analysis: As indicated in earlier memoranda, the administrative staff has begun gathering information for the Board’s reference in developing a response to the Supreme Court decision upholding the filtering mandates of the Children’s Internet Protection Act. At present, much of the information the Board will require is not available, such as current prices and specifications of filtering products compatible with B&ECPL network technology. Based on recent announcements, full compliance is not required until mid-2004, so the Board has adequate time to evaluate its options before rendering a decision on this important issue.

State Basic Aid Payments Received: At the end of July, the B&ECPL received an Electronic Funds Transfer in the amount of $2,384,474, which represents the bulk of the Library’s State Aid and includes the full restoration of library aid approved by the State Legislature. Notification of several grant payments are expected within the month.

Taking a Serious Look at Sirsi: On June 18th, executives from the Sirsi Corporation, including CEO Patrick Sommers, visited the B&ECPL to meet with staff and members of the administrative team to discuss B&ECPL’s migration from DRA Classic Library Automation System to Sirsi’s more powerful and versatile Unicorn system. At a morning meeting with staff from departments, branches and contract libraries, National Account Manager Kate Duval and Customer Account Manager Laurie Chase presented an introduction to the company, a brief overview of the migration process and a peek at the software. Mr. Sommers made closing remarks. That afternoon, B&ECPL administrators Ruth Collins, Shirley Whelan, Ken Stone and Lucille DeFranks met with the Sirsi delegation to discuss issues concerning Unicorn capabilities, the migration timeline, training and, of course, financial concerns. Subsequent to this meeting, Sirsi transmitted a project proposal, which key personnel are reviewing to ensure that the B&ECPL will have equivalent or improved functions available when the migration is complete. To that end, a report-by-report comparison is being conducted. In addition, Ms. Whelan, Ms. DeFranks and Support Services Manager Ann Kling are contacting other Sirsi Unicorn customers by phone and in person. In August, the three will visit Anne Arundel County Public Library and Frederick County Public Library in Maryland to interact with Unicorn users firsthand.

“Art on Wheels” Transportation Programs Continue at Central Library: On June 29th, Curator and Senior Historian of the Niagara Aerospace Museum, Richard Byron, visited the Central Library’s Ring of Knowledge to present “The Right Stuff Started Here,” a discussion of Western New York’s rich aviation heritage. An enthusiastic audience of aviation buffs attended the lecture as part of the B&ECPL Sprockets to Rockets series presented in conjunction with the regional “Art on Wheels” experience. Librarians Amy Pickard and Meg Cheman, both of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department, organized and facilitated this program. Aviation also was the theme on June 28th when WBEN-AM metro traffic reporter, “Air Gordon,” presented a program for kids, describing his daily rides in the traffic copter and answering such questions as: “What if you hit a cloud?” Children had the opportunity to tape their own traffic reports after being introduced by Gordon. Chairs in the room were arranged in two rows to simulate airplane seating, and the children who flew with West Room Airlines were treated to soda and pretzels served from a cart that was rolled down the aisle by a B&ECPL flight attendant. On July 19th, the Central Library presented “Buffalo’s Railroad Ties.” To highlight July’s railroad theme, the B&ECPL welcomed Russell Pawlak, President of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, who presented a slide show to accompany his discussion on the Central Terminal building, its deterioration and subsequent preservation.

Harry Potter Arrives in Grand Fashion! On June 21st, more than 100 “muggles” filled the Central Library’s West Room to celebrate the release of the newest Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Librarian Jessica Ewing planned and conducted the program, which included crafts (an owl paper bag puppet and a magic wand) and two rounds of “Harry Potter Trivia.” Waldenbooks from the Main Place Mall teamed up with the Library and provided Potter-related raffle prizes, including baseball caps, stuffed animals, board games and — the Grand Prize — a copy of the new book. WIVB-TV Channel 4 interviewed Youth Services Manager Chris Moesch the day before the book release. WKBW-TV Channel 7 taped the Saturday program and broadcast it that evening. Photos appeared in The Buffalo News on Sunday, June 22nd, in NEXT Magazine on Wednesday, June 25th and again on Sunday, July 6th. On Monday, June 23rd, Ms. Moesch was interviewed on WBEN-AM Radio. Thanks to the efforts of Support Services staff, Harry arrived in B&ECPL libraries to fill requests on the release date!

Staff Complete Urban Libraries Council Executive Leadership Institute: From July 8th to 11th, librarian Doreen Woods and Assistant Deputy Director Mary Jean Jakubowski completed the 10-month Executive Leadership Institute sponsored by the Urban Libraries Council. Their challenge, to conduct a thorough evaluation of B&ECPL mobile library operations, will result in a report designed to assist B&ECPL administrative staff in redefining this service for the future. That report is scheduled to be completed and available for the Board’s review in September. On July 10th, at the Erie County Legislature’s final session before the August recess, Legislator Lynn Marinelli introduced a resolution to honor Ms. Woods on her inclusion in the list of Library Journal’s “Movers and Shakers” in U.S. and Canadian libraries. Ms. Woods earned this distinction through her involvement in the Executive Leadership Institute and her work on the B&ECPL Process Improvement Project (PIP). A formal presentation will be scheduled in September.

Two Central Library Capital Projects to Begin: Recently, the County Legislature approved two projects to refurbish and enhance the infrastructure of the Central Library Building. The ‘Erie County Central Library Exterior Building Rehabilitation, Phase I’ project will include repairing, cleaning and sealing the marble and granite exterior siding as well as the exterior windows. The accepted bid for this Public Works project was $472,431. The ‘Buffalo & Erie County Central Library Fire Protection and Domestic Water Service’ project will add standpipe fire fighting water supplies in the main stairwells of the building and provide code-based improvements to the domestic water supply. The accepted bid for this project is $122,800. The latter project will involve some disruption to the small Oak Street parking lot on the east end of the building as incoming waterlines are modified. Both projects will begin in late summer or early fall.

Supervising Accountant to Assist in County Financial System Implementation: As the County proceeds with replacement of its financial system, additional assistance is needed to ensure that the project can be completed in time to begin full operation in 2004. To this end, the County has requested additional support from the Library. As successful implementation of the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project is in the best interest of the Library, Supervising Accountant Nancy Hammond now assists the ERP implementation team on a part-time basis. Ms. Hammond’s increased involvement also will ensure that the Library’s unique activities, such as the Centralized Human Resources Program, can be adequately addressed in the new system.

Fine Revenue Results: June System-wide receipts totaled $98,485.60, which is up $39,019.18 and 66% from the $59,466.42 collected in May 2002. Year-to-date collections, including adjustments, now total $628,074.32, which is up $216,406.18 and 53% from the 411,668.14 received in the same 2002 period. These revenues continue to track in the low end of the $400,000 to $600,000 range of increase anticipated in 2003’s budget. CFO Ken Stone continues to monitor and regularly report revenue results.

Outreach Programming: On June 6th, Claudia Yates, Supervisor of Urban Services, visited the Allentown Heritage Center to present a slide tape program on fun things to do in Buffalo. On June 13th, the Lookie Bookie attended the annual Vehicle and Transportation Show at School #6. More than 170 children visited the vehicle, heard stories and received library promotional materials. On June 10th, the Ladies of Charity presented the program, “Airplane Adventures! Reading Enrichment,” to children at the Fronczak Branch Library. Hats off to the Ladies of Charity, who have partnered throughout the school year with the Fronczak Branch to present reading enrichment programs with refreshments and free books to participants.

B&ECPL Participates in Juneteenth Celebration: On June 14th, the Lookie Bookie participated in the annual Juneteenth Festival Parade. In addition to distributing information about the North Jefferson Library, Extension Services Administrator Sharon Holley and North Jefferson Branch Manager Sandra Williams Bush coordinated activities for the Heritage Tent. Other participating groups included the Uncrowned Queens Institute, Motherland Connextions, Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations, Afro-American Historical Association, Buffalo Genealogy Association of the African Diaspora, African American Cultural Center and Harriet Tubman 300.

Public Appreciates Bookmobile Wheelchair Lift: The wheelchair lift on the Bookmobile has been getting steady use lately. Ten seniors at the Weinburg Campus in Williamsville and twin eight-year-olds at the Wales Hollow stop were thrilled to have easy access to the Bookmobile during the first week of the summer schedule.

Distinguished Trainee Wins Award: Librarian Trainee Sandra Blackman, who works in the Department of Extension Services, has been awarded a $5,000 Spectrum Scholarship by the American Library Association. Ms. Blackman is pursuing a Masters Degree in Library Science at the University at Buffalo’s School of Informatics.

Buffalo Branches Explore Cluster Programming: Youth Services Manager Chris Moesch has been working closely with the Youth Services Planning Committee and representatives from three city branches to pilot a cluster programming concept this summer. Riverside, North Park and Fairfield branches are coordinating their programs to maximize staff expertise and minimize redundant planning time. A librarian trainee from the Children’s Department will partner with the branch staff to prepare and execute some programs as well as provide desk assistance when regular staff are presenting other programs. The pilot will be closely monitored and evaluated to determine if this new model of programming should be continued and/or expanded to other city branch communities.

Crane Branch Blooms: On June 14th, the Elmwood Village-City Garden Group planted flowers in front of the Crane Branch Library in preparation for the annual Garden Walk and the Buffalo in Bloom competitions.

Staff Win Youth Service Award: Congratulations to 2003 “Pied Piper Award” recipients Gwen Collier of Urban Services and Darlene Pennachi of the Graphics Department. Presented by the Youth Services Section of the New York Library Association, the award was given for the pair’s "Snicket Bar” project. Created as a prop to be used by RAM Van staff for book talks featuring best-selling titles, the “Snicket Bar” introduced Lemony Snicket’s The Bad Beginning. Awarded annually, the “Pied Piper Award” recognizes excellence in printed materials that have been developed to further library services to youth in or by a New York State library.

Online Book Club Service Expanded: Since 2001, the B&ECPL has offered an Online Book Club service through its partner, Chapter-a-Day. Through this service, subscribers receive daily e-mailed excerpts from a different book each week. On July 31st, the service was expanded to eleven book clubs, including Chapter-a-Day’s teen, romance, business, fiction and audio book clubs. Also included in the service are online discussion forums that allow individual subscribers to interact with thousands of other Chapter-a-Day participants nationwide. A promotional campaign is being developed to encourage B&ECPL patrons to join the new book clubs. The first year’s subscription is made possible through the financial support of the Library Foundation of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc.

Twain Returns! From January 30th through February 22, 2004, Ujima Company is producing the play Pudd’nhead Wilson, adapted from the 1894 novel by Mark Twain. To generate attention and support for the play and to further Twain enthusiasm, Assistant Deputy Director Ami Patrick and Librarian Meg Cheman participated in a meeting with Margaret Smith, Ujima Company, Mike Kelleher, just buffalo literary center, and Irene Ligouri, founder of The Mark Twain Museum, on July 16th. Plans for cross-promotional events beginning in the fall were considered, including a panel discussion at the Central Library and reading workshops at just buffalo. The group meets again in August.

Citrix Public Access Model Deployment Continues: Deputy Director CIO Shirley Whelan reports that B&ECPL public access computers have been upgraded to the Citrix model at more than half of all locations. Staff and patron responses continue to be very positive. A ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document has been posted on the Intranet to assist library personnel at all sites and is routinely updated as new information becomes available and new tips are developed. Consultants from Western New York Computing Systems will upgrade three to five libraries per week and expect to complete System-wide deployment shortly after Labor Day. Final documentation and training of library staff will occur at that point.

WebFeat Prototype Development Continues: The WebFeat team has completed a major milestone with the implementation of its design for the B&ECPL user interface. Usability testing with this interface begins during the first week of August. Also, last month, team members conducted authentication testing from the Central Library, regional libraries and town libraries. Problems were recorded and communicated to WebFeat. Staff continues to examine database access using the new WebFeat2 interface to ensure that all features available with the native interface are available with WebFeat. The team was pleased that the WebFeat2 access to the Gale and Ebsco databases, which represent the majority of B&ECPL electronic resources, seem to provide the same capabilities, including the ability to e-mail articles and format them for printing.

Intranet Available Anytime, Anywhere: Through the work of CIO Shirley Whelan, Webmaster Brian Fending and Peggy Brent of Network Support, the staff Intranet, BECPL4ALL, is now available beyond library walls. Personnel may access the Intranet at any time, from any computer, simply by logging in with their library card number. Previously, Intranet access was restricted to staff PCs, limiting opportunities for staff throughout the System to access important B&ECPL information and resources conveniently.

"I See, I Read" - WKSE-FM "Kiss" 98.5 is coordinating an “I See, I Read” campaign in conjunction with Eye Care Professionals of WNY and Regal Cinemas. Children who visit Regal Cinemas throughout July and August are eligible for free eye screenings, followed by a free family film festival. At each event, literacy bags are provided to attendees. Included in each bag are B&ECPL youth library card applications and five different promotional items. This program is expected to reach more than 5,000 Western New York children this summer.

Meetings and Appearances: The Director and key staff attended the annual conference of the American Library Association in Toronto from June 20th to 23rd. This year’s meeting was a rare joint conference with the Canadian Library Association. On July 23rd, the Director was a guest on Adelphia TV’s Crossroads. Judge Penny Wolfgang, who conducted the interview, posed questions about patron privacy under the USA PATRIOT Act and Internet access under the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Recently, Assistant Deputy Director Ami Patrick and Youth Services Manager Chris Moesch met with Theatre of Youth (TOY) Director of Marketing and Sales Robert Brunschmid to discuss the Theatre of Youth’s forthcoming production of Louis Sacher’s Holes. In conjunction with the play, TOY will sponsor a campaign to encourage all Western New York children to read the book. Potential collaborations in this campaign might include workshops and displays at the Central Library. On July 10th, the Director met with the Board of Trustees and Director of the Grand Island Memorial Library to discuss that library’s interest in joining the Centralized Human Resources Program. Since the June Board meeting the Director has met twice with the Board’s Orientation Committee to develop a proposed orientation protocol for new trustees. On July 2nd, the Director, Deputy Director Ken Stone and B&ECPL legal counsel Patrick Martin met with Andrew Isenberg and Brian White of the County Attorney’s Office and County insurance consultant Mike Kirwan to discuss the Erie County self-insurance program, how it relates to the Library, where liability exposure exists and what steps might be taken to reduce that exposure.

Post Takes Pot Shot at Central: On July 9th, The Washington Post published an item by staff writer Mary Ellen Slayter, who extols Buffalo as a chic center for arts, entertainment and fine dining. (The article was reprinted in the July 13th edition of The Buffalo News.) While Ms. Slayter overflows with compliments for numerous local attractions, she regards the Central Library with a harsh eye: “My first impression of Buffalo: inspiring architecture. Well, except the public library, for which the designers should issue a public apology. For penance, they should have to build three more like the gorgeous art deco City Hall.” While the monochromatic surfaces and hard angles of the Central Library building might not appeal to everyone, the outstanding services and exceptional resources within its marble walls guarantee that a visit will reward anyone who cares to enter — even a design critic from D.C.

Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. Ms. Vedder thanked the Library’s Network Support staff for their assistance at the Control Board meeting. Former Foundation Director and Trustee Morton Stovroff celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary recently and dedicated all gifts for that occasion to the Library Foundation. To date $1,500 has been received. Ms. Vedder’s written report contained information on “Live Homework Help,” the Buffalo Fiscal Authority Control Board meeting, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn CD-ROM, Funding Approval for B&ECPL projects, Central Renovation Planning and B&ECPL funding support.

Agenda Item H – Public Comment. South Buffalo resident April Duke is President of the South Buffalo Community Block Club, active in the Cazenovia Park area. She is also PTO President at South Park High School. Many families in the area are impoverished and must walk to libraries. She hopes libraries will remain where they are.

Donna Paske believes closing libraries would be a disservice to the community. Cazenovia is located in an Olmstead Park and has historical significance. Maintaining two closed library buildings would be an unnecessary expense for the City. Urban planners say libraries are of paramount importance to communities and ideally should be within walking distance of users.

James Griffin of South Buffalo opposes the consolidation of two libraries. He mentioned the Watson Branch on South Park Avenue closed approximately 30 years ago, and the vacant building became dilapidated. He believes Cazenovia could be adapted for handicapped accessibility and necessary improvements made at Dudley for less money than it would cost to build a new library facility.

John Klukowski, Sr. of South Buffalo believes the majority of South Buffalo residents are against the consolidation plan. He feels the public should have input on site selection. South Buffalo residents contribute nearly $7 million in library taxes every year, yet they are going to lose a library. It will be difficult to find a re-use for the existing structures. Mr. Klukowski asked for more detailed information from officials.

Jeffrey Gauthier is a 7th grade student from South Buffalo. He stated many children require the use of library materials to complete school projects. If the Cazenovia and Dudley branches are closed, children living in those areas might not be able to walk to their libraries because the new library might be farther away.

William Raffel of Tonawanda dislikes the reorganization of the Music Department. That particular collection is one of the reasons why the Central Library is such a special place. Now music books have been relocated to another area of the library and are not in the “Grosvenor Room.” Mr. Raffel feels it is important to keep the music collection together and thinks scattering the collection will reduce circulation of materials.

Elizabeth Berry of Buffalo opposes the closing of two libraries to open one new one. She feels more information should be provided. Dudley has a modern, open floor plan with ADA accessibility. Cazenovia is a historic building and only needs to be made handicapped accessible. The two branches receive a great deal of use now. A new library would only be new, not better.

Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.

Agenda Item J – New Business.

Agenda Item J.1 – LSTA Summer Reading Program. Carol Batt, Administrator for System Public Services, reported this resolution would accept Year Two grant funds associated with the NYS Summer Reading Program. Youth services staff has developed a program manual, crafts and activities to support the theme, “Read, White and Blue.” Year Two funding will allow the B&ECPL to distribute the manual to all libraries in New York State and develop a web site and publicity. On motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Ms. Panty, the resolution was unanimously approved.

RESOLUTION 2003-41

WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of quality library programs for children, and

WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the talents and expertise of B&ECPL children’s specialists, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees endorses an LSTA grant application, in the amount of $194,000, that will share the expertise of B&ECPL System children’s specialists with statewide youth services librarians through development of materials to support and promote the New York State Summer Reading Program campaign for 2004.

There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Annette A. Juncewicz
Secretary

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