June 2010 - Board Minutes

Owatonna Public Library Board Minutes of June 15, 2010

The regular monthly meeting of the Owatonna Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 4:30 PM by Vice President Angela Sager. Also present were Jill Holmes, Don Overlie, Ross Leuning, Renée Lowery, Mary Kay Feltes and Gail Plathe. Russ Dunn-Foster was absent. 

The May minutes were approved on a motion by Jill, seconded by Ross.

The May financial report was reviewed. Mary Kay responded to questions about personnel expenditures.

Renée presented Darla’s report on Children’s Services. There were fewer activities scheduled in May. Two groups of children from Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) visited the library for the first time, with 41 children in all. Kindergarten classes from McKinley had a tour, heard stories about sharks and checked out books. The total number of students and teachers equaled one hundred. Washington Kindergarten classes came for tours, stories and checked out books. There were one hundred six students and teachers. Thirty six children planted, watered and weeded in the garden on a Tuesday in mid-May. June 11th was kick-off fun day for summer reading program Make a Splash @ Your Library. Over 2000 moms, dads, children, grandparents and friends participated in activities all day. A total of 1700 items were checked out at an average of 278 per hour. Thank you to Don Overlie, Angela’s daughter Margaret and to Marie Sexton’s granddaughter Mariah for volunteering.

Renée showed the library’s YouTube video from kick off day to the board. Board members appreciated the demonstration. The library website has a direct link to its FaceBook, FlickR, and YouTube sites. Go to www.owatonna.info.

As compared to May, 2009, numbers of check-outs at Owatonna Public Library, Blooming Prairie Branch Library and the bookmobile decreased. People visiting the library in May increased at Owatonna Public Library.  Blooming Prairie Branch was down. One hundred eighty new borrowers registered for library cards in May, which is the same number as last year.

Mary Kay noted Owatonna People’s Press will publish a series on salaries paid to city employees. Jeffrey Jackson will begin with the library and continue with each city department.

There was some discussion regarding budget cuts for 2010. Mary Kay made cuts in supplies, books and personnel. Cuts were made to personnel when student workers were let go in January, 2009. It is the responsibility of the Library Board of Trustees to do all things necessary for the efficient operation and management of a public library facility in the City of Owatonna.  Board members represent residents of the city.

In other business, Don reported on a recent Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO) meeting. The SELCO executive committee has been presented with a resolution which would reinstate the classic catalog. There have been complaints from library users throughout the region about AquaBrowser. Red Wing is encouraging SELCO to allow access to the classic catalog through the public access catalogs on computers. This issue will be discussed at future SELCO board committee meetings.

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 5:25pm.

The library board will meet Tuesday July 20th at 4:30.

Respectfully submitted,    
Gail Plathe