Minutes of Regular Meeting

March 20, 2002

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Board Secretary, Don Simmons. In attendance were Trustees Janet Elmiger, Campbell Geeslin, P. Lynn Oliva, Nancy Smith, Library Director Sandra Miranda, Assistant Library Director Charlotte Szabó, and Head of Public Services Patricia Thorsen. Absent with notice were Trustees Cox-Burns, DeSoye, Furth and Yanofsky.

Minutes of Annual & Regular Meeting of Library Board of Trustees

The minutes of the annual and regular meetings of February 13, 2002 were approved on a motion by Trustee Geeslin, seconded by Trustee Elmiger.

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed month ending reports for January and February 2002. Library Director Miranda reported she will meet with the Foundation Finance Committee on March 22 and request the Foundation to transfer grant of $10,000 to the Library for the FY 01/02 Teacher-in-the-Library program.

Bills: 2001/02 Budget: #13, #14 & #15

The payment of bill vouchers #13, #14 and #15 were approved on a motion by Trustee Elmiger, seconded by Trustee Smith.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed department reports, and discussed recent incidents in violation of the Library’s Code of Conduct. Trustee Elmiger commended Rosemary Rasmussen, Head of Children’s Services, for the collaborative project with the Early Learning Center that was highlighted in a recent mailing from the Center. Library Director Miranda reported on the Public Library Association she just attended and noted several trends in library services which will be explored: 1) live online reference service with a librarian, a service generally done cooperatively with other libraries; 2) live online tutoring, a fee-based service with certified teachers who provide homework help to children. This could be an enhancement to the Teacher-in-the-Library program; 3) downloading of audiobooks; library buys rights to recorded material and downloads to MP3 device.

Mrs. Miranda reported that she is meeting on March 21 with Jim Lothrop, Lothrop Associates, and Bud Nicoletti, Public Works, to discuss the timeframe for beginning the third floor renovation as the first step towards the Children’s Library expansion. She was also pleased to report the City Administration’s interest in and support of this project and the work of the Library Foundation.

WLS

Library Director Miranda reminded the Board about the upcoming WLS Book & Author luncheon.

Friends

Trustee Elmiger reported that the Friends of the Library will hold its Spring book sale April 13 and 14 and noted that since the Friends need donations for the sale, books are temporarily being accepted any time during library hours. Trustee Elmiger also reported that the annual meeting of the Friends is Sunday, May 19; food writer Peter Rose will speak on "The Influence of the Dutch on American Kitchens."

Foundation

Director Miranda reported that the March appeal for newsletter support had generated a few responses, including one from a local law firm. The Foundation Board will be making follow up phone calls to businesses this week. Mrs. Miranda shared the list of donors since February 2001, and thanked Lucille Marotta for her help with the business appeal and updated donor listing. The list is posted on the website and in the lobby.

Community Outreach

Director Miranda reminded the Board that the Rosedale Residential Association has invited Library representatives to speak about services at its April 24 meeting at Education House at 7:30 p.m.

Board Vacancies

No discussion.

By-laws

The By-laws of the White Plains Library Board of Trustees were approved with revisions as submitted on a motion by Trustee Oliva, seconded by Trustee Geeslin.

OLD BUSINESS

Budget Request FY2002-2003

The Board reviewed the final Budget Request FY2002-2003. Mrs. Miranda reported that a departmental review took place, and one change was made to the budget request: equipment reduced by $7,500, as this can be covered under the capital project for third floor renovation.

Retirement of Assistant Director

On behalf of the Library Board of Trustees, Trustee Simmons presented Assistant Library Director Szabó, "the gem of the Library," with a beautiful flower arrangement in honor of her retirement. Ms. Szabó thanked the Library Board and noted how pleased she was to have been part of such an extraordinary Library.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m. on a motion by Trustee Oliva, seconded by Trustee Elmiger.

Don Simmons, Secretary

Library Board of Trustees