MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OCTOBER 19, 2006
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, October 19, 2006, in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:
Rebecca L. Pordum, Chair
Frank Gist, Secretary
Richard L. Berger, Treasurer
Sheldon M. Berlow
Jack Connors
Phyllis A. Horton
Susan Maggiore
Elaine M. Panty
Judith K. Summer
Sharon A. Thomas
Excused: W. Lawrence Buck, out of town
Annette A. Juncewicz, conflict
John B. Long
Hormoz Mansouri, conflict
Wayne D. Wisbaum, out of town
Chair Rebecca L. Pordum called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.
Agenda Item B Agenda/Changes to the Agenda. No changes to the agenda.
Agenda Item C Minutes of the Meeting of September 28, 2006. The Minutes were moved by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Panty. Approval was unanimous.
Agenda Item D Report of the Chair. Ms. Pordum deferred her comments until the Executive Committee report.
Agenda Item E Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 Executive Committee. Ms. Pordum gave the Executive Committee report in Mr. Buck's absence. The Committee met on October 12 th to discuss agenda items. A draft agreement between the Library Foundation and the B&ECPL was reviewed, and changes were suggested. The Chair asked Trustees Berger, Berlow and Connors to meet with her briefly at the conclusion of the Board meeting so that she could share the revised draft agreement with them. Ms. Pordum expressed hope that this agreement can be finalized at the November meeting.
Agenda Item E.2 Budget and Finance Committee. Mr. Berger stated he had reviewed budget and finance issues with Deputy Director Kenneth Stone prior to the meeting.
Agenda Item E.2.a Contract Library Transfers. Director Michael Mahaney informed trustees this matter involved routine transfers in the Amherst Public Library budget. Upon motion by Ms. Panty and a second by Ms. Horton, approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2006-56
WHEREAS, a request for a budget transfer 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 $1,871 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library.
Agenda Item E.3 Development Committee. Ms. Pordum reported this Committee met immediately following last month's Board meeting. Although the Five-Year Plan of Service has now been adopted, there were issues that arose during the review process that require follow-up. Ms. Pordum expects the Development Committee to address the issues pertaining to fundraising activities in the near future. Mr. Mahaney said issues had been raised regarding the structural reorganization of Library Administration. Some job descriptions require fine-tuning, as well as the Development Office structure.
Development Officer Ruth Collins was invited to provide an update on Development Office activities. She prepared a goals report synopsis and financial information for Committee members in September. This information was distributed to all trustees at the October Board meeting. The main topics of discussion were the recruitment of a development officer and progress regarding communications and planning. This Committee had planned to meet again following the November 16 th Board meeting. However, Mr. Mahaney informed trustees about the possibility that the Erie County Legislature may hold its public hearing on the 2007 budget at this time. If that occurs, the Development Committee meeting may need to be re-scheduled.
Ms. Summer said she enjoyed the Tom Toles program regarding censorship. Ms. Collins stated the auditorium was standing room only and said all 100 copies of Mr. Toles' book sold out that day. Subsequently, 50 additional copies were ordered and most of those have now been sold as well. Ms. Pordum said it was very interesting to learn about the impact of censorship on the daily lives of citizens.
Ms. Collins informed trustees of an upcoming fundraiser planned by the Development Office for November 28 th . This will involve former Buffalo Bill Steve Tasker. He will discuss his new book, Tales from the Buffalo Bills , in the auditorium. Afterwards, a talegate chili party will take place. Several former Bills have offered to help with this event by donating signed memorabilia that will be auctioned off during the evening. Ms. Pordum said it is important to get some publicity prior to the event. The B&ECPL must find a way to get information out about all the libraries' positive programming. Ms. Summer believes the Library also needs to spread the word about B&ECPL databases.
Mr. Mahaney reminded the Board that the Library conducted an orientation session for legislators and their staff in September to educate them about the Library's resources. In light of that session's success, the Library needs to hold more of these presentations for other public officials. A demonstration will also be given to the Association of Contract Library Trustees (ACT) in January.
Ms. Collins pointed out the Director was wearing a newly designed Huck Finn tie made exclusively for the B&ECPL. The ties are on sale at Novel Ideas.
Agenda Item E.4 Bylaws Committee. Ms. Horton reported the Bylaws Committee met on October 5 th to complete its review of current Bylaws. All revisions were approved by the Library's legal counsel. Copies of suggested Bylaws changes were distributed to trustees at the meeting to comply with the required time period for review by trustees. Proposed revisions will be voted on at the November Board meeting.
Agenda Item F Report of the Director. Mr. Mahaney apologized for late delivery of the Director's Report, which was distributed at the meeting. The delay was due to power outages connected with the October 12 th snowstorm and its aftermath. He went on to explain the timetable for adoption of the 2007 Erie County budget. The Library is recommended to receive $21.7 million, the same amount it received the previous two years. The County Executive did not include the Library's requests for restorations. Therefore, the B&ECPL is initiating an advocacy campaign to explain the need for service restorations and the relatively small amount of funding required to implement these restorations. The Urgent' restore package, allowing all locations to meet New York State minimum standards, costs less than a dime a month for the average taxpayer. The Library's budget hearing before the Legislature will be held on October 30 th at 2:30 p.m. in Legislature Chambers. The Library must convince legislators it is entitled to more financial support. A good showing of trustees at this hearing will benefit the Library's cause.
In response to a question from Mr. Berlow, Mr. Mahaney stated the overall share of tax revenue allocated to the Library has not changed, although assessments may change, which could affect individual tax bills. New legislators need to be aware of how the Library System obtains its operating funds. Another important issue is capital funding. The County Executive has proposed zero capital dollars for the Library System in 2007. Capital funds are not part of the tax levy and are not protected by the Library Protection Act. This could have serious implications on the Library's ability to qualify for State Construction Aid funds. The Library is required to provide matching funds to be eligible for some grants. Mr. Mahaney believes that if the Legislature increases the Library's tax share, County Executive Joel Giambra would not veto the increase. It is vitally important to convince legislators the public wants funding to libraries restored, even if it means a slight tax increase.
Mr. Connors believes that in order for legislators to vote for any increase, they would want to see a direct benefit to libraries in their districts. They must be able to justify an increase to their constituency. Mr. Mahaney agreed that was a good point, and some libraries stand to benefit more than others. Advocacy materials are being prepared to focus on these issues. For example, for less than the cost of a cup of regular coffee per month, minimum service standards can be provided at all B&ECPL branches.
Mr. Gist asked whether any legislators had requested libraries in their districts be reopened. The Chair and Director stated there have been no discussions about re-opening closed libraries. Many of the libraries that are open today don't meet basic minimum standards of service. That is the primary focus for the 2007 budgetrestoring basic service to open libraries. The restoration packages that were approved by the Library Board and formally requested in the Library's budget proposal are the same restorations that legislators will be asked to fund; there will be no changes. Information handouts break out the dollar amounts intended for each library. While a library may not receive additional dollars directly, it would receive supplemental services in areas such as children's programming. Ms. Pordum believes a compelling case can be made that every library will benefit. Mr. Connors said given the size of the County budget, the cost of Library restorations are miniscule and reasonable.
Mr. Mahaney mentioned the final program in the censorship series will be held in the spring and pertains to censorship and information technology. More information will be forthcoming after that committee meets again in November.
The Director reported on Staff Development Day activities, which took place the previous day. Almost 300 staff members from across the System attended. The general feeling is that the day's activities were worthwhile and meaningful. Costs were kept to a minimum, with some financial assistance provided by the Development Office. Ms. Pordum felt it was important for staff to hear Stephen Abram speak about libraries of the future and what this System needs to do to move forward. The B&ECPL cannot maintain a business-as-usual attitude. New technology advances occur regularly, and library patrons will want to avail themselves of new types of services. The Chair said change has to come, it is not an option.
Mr. Mahaney introduced the coordinator of Staff Development Day, Doreen Woods , who has just assumed her duties as B&ECPL's Human Resources Officer. Ms. Woods has been with the B&ECPL System for 17 years. Ms. Woods thanked Library Administration and trustees for her warm welcome and said she looks forward to getting to know everyone better.
The following was submitted by the Director and distributed to Board members at the beginning of the Board meeting.
Hearing with Erie County Legislature Set: B&ECPL's 2007 budget hearing before the Finance and Management Committee of the Erie County Legislature has been scheduled for Monday, October 30 th , at 2:30 p.m. in Legislative Chambers of Old County Hall. The County Executive's budget recommendation includes a 2007 B&ECPL appropriation of $21.7 million ? precisely the same amount provided in both 2005 and 2006. Trustees are encouraged to attend the annual budget hearing as the Library initiates its campaign to advocate for reasonable funding restorations. This hearing before the Legislature affords an opportunity for trustees and staff to present an overview of the budget request, to explain important issues facing the Library and to answer legislators' questions. A public hearing on the entire County budget follows in November.
Twain Enthusiasts Cross Country to Visit Landmarks: On October 12 th , 34 alumni of the University of California at Berkeley visited the Mark Twain Room and the Rare Book Room as part of a national tour of key sites (Hannibal, MO; Elmira, NY; Hartford, CT and, of course, Buffalo) associated with the life of Mark Twain . They were guided by Robert Hirst (general editor of the Mark Twain Project), Robert Middlekauff (Professor Emeritus of History) who is in the midst of writing a book on Mark Twain and Watson Mac Laetsch (UC Berkeley Vice-Chancellor and Professor Emeritus of Botany). Grosvenor Room librarian Rob Alessi told the story of Mark Twain's time in Buffalo and the arrival of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn manuscript. Additional leaves of the manuscript were placed on display for this visit, as well as the humorous letters from Twain to Mr. M. C. Underhill of Buffalo. Humanities and Social Sciences Manager Elaine Barone and Rare Book Room senior page Keri Thomas introduced the group to the treasures of the Rare Book Room, including Shakespeare's First Folio, Audubon's Birds of America , the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili , leaves from the Gutenberg Bible and Leonhart Fuch's De Historia Stirpium which contains exceptional hand-painted botanical engravings. The enthusiastic visitors made a final stop at Novel Ideas to purchase souvenirs of their visit to Buffalo, including the brand new Mark Twain necktie created exclusively for B&ECPL.
Comments Regarding Proposed Regulations for New State Construction Grant Prove Effective: Formal correspondence from the Aurora Town Public Library, the City of Buffalo, the Orchard Park Public Library, Erie County and the B&ECPL as a whole appear to have made an impact in Albany. In a conference call with B&ECPL staff on October 11 th , New York State's Division of Library Development officials agreed to extend the deadline for the regular $800,000 program ($37,950 B&ECPL share slightly smaller than last year's share due to the application of 2000 census data) through the end of March 2007. Because the State's bonding authority for the supplemental one-time $14 million program expires at the end of the current State fiscal year, the December deadlines for this program remain unchanged. However, officials did confirm that a non-binding contractor's estimate of cost, along with budgetary resources to assure matching funds, would meet the cost estimation requirements. This new information improves the chances of some local projects qualifying for a portion of $665,117 in one-time funds.
Woods Named Human Resources Administrator: Librarian Doreen M. Woods has been appointed to the post of Assistant Deputy Director Human Resources, effective October 14 th . Mrs. Woods joined B&ECPL in 1979 as a page at the Kensington Branch Library. Later, she was assigned to the TOLIS Automation Project, where she worked first as a data entry operator and later as a site supervisor. Concurrently, she attended the State University of New York at Buffalo, receiving a Masters of Library Science degree in May 1989. As a librarian, Mrs. Woods has worked in various locations of the Extension Services Division, including the Fronczak Branch Library, Lookie Bookie and the East Clinton Branch. In 1993, she was promoted to manager of the East Delavan Branch. Following stints at Fairfield and the Erie County Correctional Facility, Mrs. Woods was assigned to the Office of Service Evaluation and Planning in 2002. Also in 2002, Mrs. Woods was selected to participate in the Urban Libraries Council Executive Leadership Institute. While working on the B&ECPL Mobile Library Services Study, Mrs. Woods' skills as a planner, coordinator, facilitator and ambassador became increasingly apparent, and she was able to utilize those same skills as she served a key role in the System-wide Process Improvement Project. In 2003, Mrs. Woods earned recognition as one of Library Journal's Movers and Shakers, an honor bestowed on the nation's most esteemed and promising librarians. On July 10, 2003, the Erie County Legislature acknowledged her outstanding performance and contributions by formal resolution. In January 2006, Mrs. Woods was assigned the post of Staff Training Coordinator, where she has worked in concert with the Human Resources Office to produce up-to-date staff instruction and training. Her most recent focus has been on Staff Development Day. A Buffalo resident, Mrs. Woods is enrolled in the Society of Human Resources Management Program.
Tom Toles and Censorship Panel Are SRO at Central: On September 30 th , it was standing room only in the Central Library's Mason O. Damon Auditorium when Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Tom Toles addressed a crowd of 350 and headlined a panel discussing new censorship. After initial remarks accompanied by a slide show of classic cartoons, Toles joined Margaret Sullivan , editor of The Buffalo News ; Lee Coppola, Dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Saint Bonaventure University; and Geoff Kelley , editor of ArtVoice , for an engaging panel discussion and audience interaction. This successful program was the second in a series that began in May 2006 with the University at Buffalo's Humanities Institute. Censorship and technology will be explored in the spring of 2007.
Award-Winning Children's Illustrator Addresses Central Library Audience: On October 4 th , celebrated illustrator Jerry Pinkney enlightened and entertained an audience of more than 200 students, teachers and parents in the Central Library's Mason O. Damon Auditorium. Mr. Pinkney's visit was the grand prize in a Scholastic essay contest. Children from across the country submitted essays and original illustrations depicting their favorite family story or memory. National grand prizewinner was Catherine Carney, an eighth-grade student from Amherst who attends Nardin Elementary School. Another local student, Jane Cooke , a sixth-grade student at Connor Middle School on Grand Island, won first prize. Mr. Pinkney autographed posters, which have been presented to the Merriweather Library and the Central Library. Although the weather did not cooperate, and one class within walking distance (Enterprise Charter School with its 100 students) could not attend as planned, 220 people braved the harsh weather and filled the auditorium. The two prizewinners and their families attended and received their awards on stage from Mr. Pinkney. Classes gathered from Amherst, Alden and all across Buffalo. Homeschoolers, college students and interested adults rounded out the diverse crowd. Afterward, Mr. Pinkney joined a small group of youth services librarians for lunch, with a tour of the new Merriweather Library to complete the afternoon. Thanks deservedly go to Bev Federspiel and the rest of B&ECPL's youth services librarians who are already discussing possible guests for the next few years. (Note: Mr. Pinkney was delighted with Fables Café, where he sampled the coffee and yogurt. He thought it was great and admired the recent renovations.)
Celebrating African American Educators: On September 23 rd , more than one hundred people filled the auditorium of the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library to pay tribute to Buffalo's African American educators. Merriweather Library manager Sandra Bush and the Director welcomed the community to the recently completed facility and recognized the accomplishments of event organizer and facilitator Eva Doyle , a respected educator, advocate and friend of the library. Among those who participated in the tribute were Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown , Council Member Antoine Thompson and Superintendant of Schools Dr. James Williams . Recent B&ECPL retiree Sharon Holley offered a heartfelt and humorous tale of her first day at school to close the formal program before guests moved to the African American Resource Room to unveil portraits and legends of honored educators. The Merriweather Library continues to serve as a popular community center and forum for well-attended and important civic events.
Technology Plan in Progress: Now that B&ECPL's Five-Year Plan of Service has been approved by the Board of Trustees, it becomes the foundation for the development of B&ECPL's mandated Technology Plan for 2007 through 2010. It is imperative that the components of this subordinate document support each of the elements of the System's Five-Year Plan of Service and meet the needs of the staff and library patrons. The Technology Plan will be completed in early November. Library Continues to Monitor Shifting Patron Activity and Fine Receipts: B&ECPL patrons continue to redefine their borrowing and visiting habits as the System re-engineers itself after the devastating cuts of 2005. Despite the closing of 15 of 52 libraries by the end of 2005, reduced hours among 37 remaining locations and a meager materials budget, System-wide circulation for the first nine months of 2006 shows a modest decline of 9.4% over the same nine-month period in 2005 when all 52 libraries were in operation. When the performance of today's 37 libraries is compared with last year's performance of the same 37 locations, System circulation actually increased 1.5%. Central Library circulation increased 3.2% over the same nine-month period. After losing 7 of 15 locations, Buffalo branches posted a circulation loss of 35.2%, although there is an increase of 0.7% when the 8 branches open today are compared with the same 8 branches open last year. Circulation among contracting libraries declined 8.3% overall, but actually increased 1.5% when the 28 locations open today are compared with the same 28 open last year. For the first nine months of 2006, public access computer sessions declined 2.8% overall, but sessions actually increased 12.9% System-wide when today's 37 locations are compared with the same 37 locations open last year. The Central Library posted an 8.8% increase over that same period. Contract libraries posted an increase of 3.0% (14.7% when libraries operating today are compared to the same libraries open last year), and Buffalo branches showed a decrease of 27.2% ? but an increase of 12.5% when today's eight locations are compared to the same locations open last year at this time. Overall, each month of 2006 reflects a gradual improvement over the same period of 2005. System-wide receipts for 37 libraries in the month totaled $88,914.99. This compares to a total of $88,276.39 collected by the 52 libraries then open in 2005, or an increase of $638.60 and 0.72% . Year-to-date receipts totaled $891,562.55, up $14,463.87 and 1.65% over the same period in 2005. The 2006 adopted budget anticipated a 4.44% decrease in collections over 2005. If the comparison is limited to those libraries that remain open today, September's $88,914.99 receipts represent an increase of $8,520.29, up 10.60%, from the $80,397.70 collected by the 37 libraries in 2005. The year-to-date comparison for these 37 libraries is similarly positive with the $891,562.55 receipts up $103,986.35 and 13.20% over the same period in 2005. The Central Library collected $16,076.40 in the month, an increase of $697.15 and 4.53% above 2005. The eight open Buffalo branches collected $9,566.39, an increase of $1,929.12 and 25.26% over the amount these same eight branches collected in September 2005. Of this increase, $1,781 reflects the significant rise in activity at the new Merriweather Library compared to 2005 activity at the old North Jefferson Branch (up 202%). The 28 open Contracting Libraries collected $63,272.20, an increase of $5,894.02 or 10.27% over the amount they collected in September 2005.
Map Continues to Change the World: From October 8 th through 10 th , the American Association of Petroleum Geologists - Eastern Section held its annual meeting in Buffalo at the Adams Mark Hotel. Among the special events scheduled for opening day was an exhibit of William Smith's Map That Changed the World from B&ECPL's Rare Book collection. Librarians Elaine Barone and Amy Pickard with senior page Keri Thomas were on hand to provide background information on the map and other items on display. Several hundred geologists viewed the map, and many expressed their appreciation to the Library for allowing them to see it. They were impressed by its beauty and its significance to their profession. As this map is exceedingly rare and difficult to display, most had never seen it, nor will again. Dr. Robert Jacobi , from UB's Geology Department, worked with the Library last year on The Map exhibit and was chair of this year's AAPG meeting. The Library is pleased to continue its partnership with the University in sponsoring events of interest and value to the local community and beyond.
Departmental Change Coordinates System Services: B&ECPL's Coordinated System Services Division was created in September, realigning departments in a manner more consistent with the State Division of Library Development's Plan of Service elements and reporting criteria. The area formerly known as Support Services has been combined with the Office of System Public Services, including Borrower Services, Stacks and Request Departments. Carol A. Batt administers this newly formed conglomerate. FREE Time @ the Library: Staff of the Central Library's Children's Department has designed a series of six Thursday evening programs for fall 2006 entitled, Family Reading Everyone Enjoys (F.R.E.E). On September 21 st , librarian Mary Ann Budny conducted the first program, Fall Leaves Fall. The programs encourage parents and other caregivers to participate in a story time with their children.
Teen Advisory Group in Formation: To better serve the library needs of Erie County's young adult (YA) population, a Teen Advisory Group is being formed to design and implement YA programming and materials. Librarian Britt White (Popular Materials Department) spearheads this initiative and will have information available during Teen Read Week, October 15 th through 21 st . Reappointment: Effective September 30 th , Nancy Mueller, formerly of the Town of Tonawanda Public Library, has been reappointed to a Librarian III position at the Central Library. Ms. Mueller will manage the Business, Science & Technology Department. She replaces librarian Ward Pautler, who retired in September.
Crane Library Receives New Circulation Desk: After numerous book sales and fund drives, Buffalo's Crane Branch Library has been able to purchase a much needed, upgraded circulation desk. The desk, which is both handicapped accessible and child-friendly, was installed earlier this month.
2006 Gates Grant Allows Installation of New Computers in Buffalo Branches: Utilizing a portion of the recent $301,500 Gates Foundation grant, Toni Naumovski has led the Network Support team of Dave Kozlowski, Dennis Lance, Michael Jason and Craig Schmidt on the installation of new public access workstations at all of the Buffalo branch libraries. Within the past month, Supervising Chief Stationary Engineer Chip Campbell and his Maintenance Department staff installed the necessary electrical work to support a total of 12 computers (four new) at the Lackawanna Public Library, 16 computers (seven new) at the Dudley Branch in South Buffalo and 18 computers (eight new) in the East Delavan Branch reading room. In the coming month, 10 new workstations will be added at the Crane Branch when the electrical work is completed. In addition, 65 existing workstations will be replaced at the Central Library. Since the new workstations will have USB ports located in the front of the equipment, an equivalent number of USB extender cables will be available for use at other libraries.
Public Now Has Access to USB Ports at 33 Libraries: Only four libraries remain to have their equipment upgraded to allow patrons to use their USB ports, and these will be completed as soon as the new Gates computers are installed at the Central Library. Remaining libraries include Alden, Angola, Eden and Marilla.
No One Injured When Shots Fired Near Central Library: On the afternoon of October 10 th , several shots rang out within one block of the Central Library. Fortunately, no one was injured when four to six teenaged youth who were engaged in gang-related activity exchanged gunfire on the 400 block of Washington Street, approximately 200 yards from the Library. The Buffalo Police Department arrested two individuals allegedly involved in the incident, with further arrests expected. A stray bullet, perhaps a ricochet, struck a service door on the Broadway side of the Central Library, resulting in minor damage.
Additional Tours, Presentations and Training: Business, Science and Technology (BS&T) librarian Dan Caufield represented the Library at the September 27 th Erie County Industrial Development Agency meeting that focused on new construction at the Buffalo waterfront. Attendees received informational flyers and maps, which have been housed with public inspection documents in BS&T. Stacey Knibloe , Senior Training Consultant with Thomson Gale , presented two staff training sessions on Gale databases on September 27 th . One of the programs was conducted at the Orchard Park Public Library, the other in the Central Library's Computer Training Lab. The book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer was the Literally Speaking lunchtime review selection for September 19 th . The session, led by Hamburg Library Director Jack Edson , generated strong opinions and intense discussion. September saw the return of Beyond Bestsellers to the B&ECPL website, now renamed What Our Staff is Reading. This section of good reads on the B&ECPL website has been redesigned to provide more variety in the titles staff recommends to patrons. Responses from staff and users have been very positive. Librarian Meg Cheman coordinates the site and the reviews. Soon, book reviews by B&ECPL patrons will join staff reviews on the website. A committee of librarians from across the System, including Meg Cheman, Jennifer Childs, Amy Christman , Cathy Foertch , Carol Pijacki , webmaster David Wojtasik and Assistant Deputy Director Doreen Woods will develop guidelines and protocols for this project. Central Library Administrator Peggy Skotnicki chairs the Committee.
Miscellaneous Meetings and Appearances: On September 28 th , the Erie County Fiscal Stability authority met at the Central Library to discuss proposed efficiency initiatives. The Director, COO Mary Jean Jakubowski and CFO Ken Stone attended and interacted with members and staff of the ECFSA. On October 18 th , B&ECPL conducted its first System-wide Staff Development Day. A full report of activities will appear in the November report.
Agenda Item G Report of the Foundation Director. No information provided.
Agenda Item H Public Comment. No members of the public were in attendance.
Agenda Item I Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item J New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 Resolution to Honor William A. Miles. Michael Mahaney reminded trustees this matter was brought to the attention of Board members at the September meeting. When the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library was in its development stage, a number of Library trustees, public officials and citizens recommended that former Assistant Deputy Director William A. Miles be honored by having the African-American Resource Room in the Merriweather Library named in his honor. This resolution will approve that proposal. Mr. Gist moved, Mr. Connors seconded and approval was unanimous. Work will now begin to plan for this event, and several trustees volunteered their assistance. Mr. Mahaney said he expects this event to occur in late November or early December.
RESOLUTION 2006-57
WHEREAS, WILLIAM A. MILES served the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in exemplary fashion from 1959 through 2002, and
WHEREAS, his efforts were instrumental in defining and delivering relevant and innovative library service to diverse communities throughout Buffalo and Erie County, and
WHEREAS, in 1965, his efforts established the collection that would become the Library's African American Resources Collection, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that in recognition and appreciation of the decades of leadership, imagination and commitment WILLIAM A. MILES demonstrated in service to this institution, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees hereby dedicates the African American Resource Room of the new Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library in his honor and re-names that space the WILLIAM A. MILES CENTER FOR AFRICAN AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES.
Mr. Berlow inquired whether it would be possible for trustees to receive the monthly Minutes earlier than the distribution in Board packets. Mr. Mahaney said Board members will be notified by e-mail immediately upon completion of the transcription of Minutes.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Panty and a second by Ms. Summer, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Gist
Secretary