Minutes of Regular Meeting

March 15, 2005

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:09 p.m. by Board President, P. Lynn Oliva. In attendance were Trustees Denise D’Ambrosio, Jeane Garment, Howard Hawkins, Paul Schwarz, Library Director Sandra Miranda, Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen, Manager of Children’s Services Rosemary Rasmussen, and Head of Internal Operations Kurt Hadeler. Absent with notice were Trustees Connors, Furth, James, and Trelstad.

Minutes of Annual & Regular Meetings of the Library Board of Trustees

The minutes of the annual and regular meetings of February 8, 2005 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Garment.

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed reports as of 1/31/05.

Bills 2004/05 Budget #17 & #18

The payment of bill vouchers #17 & #18 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Garment.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed written administrative reports. Mrs. Miranda invited the Board to view a table model of The Trove which had just arrived and would be here until the theatrical contractor needs it. Mrs. Miranda noted that on the fund-raising side, the focus is on tours, mailing and activities to promote The Trove. She reported that with $250,000 left to meet the campaign goal of $1,000,000, the Foundation Board has asked her to prepare a worst case plan to scale back on whatever furnishings, etc. that might reasonably be delayed. Library Director Miranda asked the Library Board for ideas to help, and invited the Board for a tour after the meeting to see how the work in The Trove was progressing. On the construction side, she reported that the emphasis is on finalizing specifications for furniture, carpets and other items.

Mrs. Miranda was pleased to show a TV clip that aired on ABC News on the NASA exhibit currently at WPPL and said that NBC recently filmed a piece on The Trove. Mrs. Miranda reported the new WPPL logo was a winner of the American Corporate Identity 21 Awards, chosen from over 4,000 entries to appear in an internationally distributed publication showcasing outstanding identities in use today.

Mrs. Miranda was pleased to report that the only amendment to the Library’s Budget Request was to use another $25,000 of Fund Balance. If approved, the City’s Proposed Budget will permit filling one of the Library’s 5 vacancies with a Librarian I position for the new children’s library. Mrs. Miranda reported she recently met with Tutor.com about the Library’s online homework help service, and the company will allow us to continue offering the service through computers at the School District. The representative promised to send a binder of student comments on the service, which she will share with the Board. Mrs. Miranda noted she brought up Trustee James’ comment on the statistical breakdown by gender for use of Tutor.com which showed that more girls than boys were visiting the site. The representative noted it was the first time the gender question had been asked, and the company also found the results noteworthy.

Trustee Reports and Business

WLS

Mrs. Miranda reported that WLS Director, Mitch Freedman will retire summer 2005, the Mt. Vernon variance request was approved by the WLS Board and the WLS Book & Author Luncheon will be held on 4/14/05. She asked Board members interested in attending to forward their checks to Administration as soon as possible so a table for WPPL can be reserved.

Advocacy

The Board reviewed advocacy materials, and Board President Lynn Oliva agreed to write letter in support of funding for the Community Development Program.

Friends

Board President Oliva reported the Friends’ annual meeting will be held May 22 with speaker Dick Ayers. She was pleased to report the Friends were offering a $500 enrichment scholarship to a member of the Library staff, and encouraged staff to apply. Trustee Oliva was pleased to report the Friends’ book store was collecting books for children in Iraq and Kenya.

Foundation

The Board reviewed Foundation minutes of 2/2/05. Library Director Miranda reported that at its annual meeting, the Foundation Board elected new officers as follows: Judy Nevins, President/Secretary, Hope Furth, Vice President, and Jack Phelan, Treasurer. She noted that the Foundation’s spring Campaign brochure (draft distributed) features activities to benefit The Trove: Dining to Donate (Applebees donates 10% of proceeds on 3 dates), Coin Drive (Commerce Bank matches up to $2,500 in coin donations), and the tile project (for $250 donation, a child can paint a tile to be installed in The Trove). The brochure will be given out at the March 19^th Family Fun Day event and mailed to about 7,000 donors and prospects. Board President Oliva asked if Board members were needed on the 19^th, and Assistant Director Thorsen noted their attendance would be greatly appreciated to greet attendees and show support. Mrs. Miranda reported that at its last meeting, the Foundation Board suggested holding an event in honor of Councilman and fellow Foundation Board member, Bob Greer. This would be a dessert reception at the Library on a Thursday evening in May from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., date to be determined. There would be a $50 a ticket to raise funds for The Trove with a naming in honor of Bob Greer. She reported that another spring event, date TBD, is being planned in a home setting for those capable of donating $1,000 or more with guest speakers Larry (former Trustee) & Pamela Graham. Mrs. Miranda mentioned that meetings are scheduled with the marketing directors of Westchester Magazine re: our application for "Best of Westchester," and The Westchester mall re: a Foundation event there. A meeting will also be sought with the Galleria to plan an event there.

OLD BUSINESS:

Request for revision to Mission Statement

On a MOTION by Trustee Garment, seconded by Trustee Schwarz, the Board approved the 3/15/05 revision requested for Mission Statement as presented:

Mission Statement

The White Plains Public Library is a dynamic, civic resource. Its mission is to enable all members of our community to engage in lifelong learning, find inspiration and build citizenship by providing:

free and open access to recorded knowledge,
personal guidance it its use, and
diverse opportunities for cultural exchange and exploration of ideas.

Through the planning and action of the staff and Trustees, the Library will:

play a vigorous role in the life of the City by serving as a center for informational, educational, cultural and recreational enrichment;
encourage full public use of the total range of library services;
through hours of service and other means of service delivery, provide the greatest possible public access;
employ qualified, skilled and resourceful personnel able to make the services of the Library responsive to the needs of the citizenry;
offer an up-to-date collection of books, magazines other print and non-book materials and online resources that are carefully selected, systematically arranged, and aggressively promoted;
carry out its program of services in a comfortable, attractive, and safe Library building and grounds.

NEW BUSINESS:

NYS Annual Report

On a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Hawkins, the Board approved submission of the NYS Annual Report by the Library Director. Mrs. Miranda noted a copy of the completed report will be mailed to the Board.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Schwarz, seconded by Trustee D’Ambrosio.

Paul Schwarz, Secretary

Library Board of Trustees