LaGrange Public Library Board News

Meeting Room 405 Shawmut

AGENDA
1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments regarding items on the agenda

3. Unfinished Business

4. New Business

 Project Budget – Richard Adamczyk
 Project Alternatives & Options – Richard Adamczyk
 Discussion of schedule for Design and Construction Subcommittee  - Richard Adamczyk

5. Adjournment
[If special accommodations are required for a person with a disability, please notify the Library at 708-352-0576 twenty-four hours in advance of this meeting

Posted by lagrang at 04:09 PM | Permalink

Design and Construction Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 2, 2006
7:30 p.m.
Meeting Room – 405 Shawmut
AGENDA

1. Call to order

2. Public Comments regarding items on the agenda

3. Minutes of previous meeting(s) – no previous meeting

4. Unfinished Business - none

5. New Business (Any other items not listed here are for  discussion only)

6. BCA staff presentation of  general ideas for interior finish selection process

7. Feedback from the committee on direction to follow

8. Adjournment

9. Next committee meeting Thursday, February 9 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room

[If special accommodations are required for a person with a disability, please notify the Library at 352-0576 twenty-four hours in advance of this meeting]

Posted by lagrang at 04:11 PM | Permalink

Planning & Policy Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 31 7:45 p.m.
Meeting Room 405 Shawmut

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments regarding items on the agenda

3. Unfinished Business

4. New Business

• Comp Time Policy
• Materials Selection Policy – update/clarify
• Library Fundraising and Gift Policy – Prior to breaking ground for New Building
• Freedom of Information Act Policy – update/clarify
• Study Room Policy
• Donation Policy – Non-library donation collection issues
• Search Warrant Policy
• Holidays Policy – review Sunday/Monday after a holiday
• Public Relations and Marketing Policy— coordinate with Public Relations and Marketing Committee

5. Public Comments regarding matters not on the agenda

6. Adjournment

Posted by lagrang at 04:11 PM | Permalink

MINUTES OF THE LA GRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Public Relations and Marketing Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Present: Jane Byczek, Caroline Coryell, Steve Wolf
Absent: None
Staff: Steve Moskal, Peg Blasage
Meeting opened at 7:32 p.m. by Chairman Jane Byczek.
She reported that she had met this morning with Steve Moskal and Peg Blasage to discuss some ideas about Public Relations.
Peg should work on a Long Range Public Relations Plan after getting some ideas and direction from tonight’s meeting. This plan should cover from now until we move into the new building.
The PR plan should promote and inform the public about the new building; pictures, progress, etc.
The second part of the PR plan should be to keep the public informed about programs, services, the collection and general library news.
Steve Moskal said that in the past there was no specific PR budget, except for the "Book Report". Since we levy in December 2005 for the May 2006 - 2007 budget year we need to work on goals and ideas now.
The Library discussed the idea of having a meeting with other area agencies to discuss youth oriented services, share funding information and planning. They talked about "taking the pulse of the community", serving pre-schoolers, etc. They also discussed funding grants (Hinsdale library received a grant).
Steve Moskal mentioned the meetings held several years ago which Tim Hansen moderated. Various community groups, such as the Park District, schools, township officials, etc. were to try several avenues of cooperation.
It was suggested we use the web-site to inform the public about the changes to the proposed new library. A positive spin should be put on the new plans, pushing the benefits of the new building.
BCA says the floor plans must be finalized now so that they can put them out for bids ASAP which means the floor plans must be made available to the Board prior to releasing documents for bids, so the Board can discuss making any changes so BCA can incorporate them into the bid documents.
The plan now is to demolish the old building and begin construction in May 2006. So far BCA says its schedule of 306 days of actual construction should be on target.
It was proposed that the web-site, "Book Report", and local newspapers all be utilized to report on the progress of the new building. A progress board could be displayed at Shawmut.
When the new library opens Steve Moskal intends to mail a "this is your new Library" brochure to LaGrange residents and publicity money should be provided in the 2008 budget to pay for floor plans to hand out to patrons. Jane suggested we have "tour guides" available to answer questions and show patrons where things are.
It was suggested that we strive for uniformity in all our publications, signage, the web-site, etc. A new logo and new look should be used by all departments of the Library. We need to work on this now so that the Board can decide on it before it is utilized. We need a consistent look.
Steve Moskal proposed that Peg Blasage be moved to 25 hours weekly so that she can begin work on updating the web and send out information on programming, the building, etc. In effect, she will "merchandise" the Library.
We also need a new and consistent Board policy for the posting of information in the Library. Perhaps two bulletin boards, one for our library and another for other information, could be used. Items for display, from outside sources, may need to be brought before the Board. Right now, any non-profit organization may ask for information to be displayed. The Board should set a policy for these items. It was suggested that we don’t want to create ill-will; maybe we could check other libraries policies.
Some of the ideas the Committee is considering are:
Creating a graphic identity,
Fostering relationships with other agencies,
Talking to various groups (Rotary, business associations, YMCA, etc.) about the benefits of the library. This could help build a more positive image and a network within the community.
Create and change web-log to match web-site. Arrange it to be easily navigated. Updates should be done continuously. Some things to blog:
Booklists
YA programs
Reading advisory
Other programming
The Board should look at our policy for programming. Now it is mostly Arts and Literature. Do we wish to expand to more public service (such as children’s ID’s, flu shots, fire prevention), which have been done in the past?
Ask businesses if they would sponsor specific programs which could tie in with their business and generate good-will for the business and the Library.
Since we must all work within the tax cap, perhaps shared programs and underwriting of programs could be looked into.
Sponsors of programs (such as Friends of the Library, businesses, other agencies) must be given credit at the program site. People need to know who gave money for a program.
Need to find funds beyond Friends of the Library and local businesses; grants, donations, etc.
What does the community want and expect from our library? Different groups (kids, teens, seniors, families) have different needs. La Grange seems to prefer programs and activities.
Number of story times; are there enough? Too few? Too many? Should we have outside volunteers?
How can we generate more active interest in the Friends of the Library? Reach out to (younger) groups, coffees for young mothers, new residents, YA teens, and parents. Offer more Friends events, opportunities for volunteers, etc.
Tailor programming to specific groups, have exhibits, books relating to each program.
Try to market to people who don’t read library listings, or who rarely use the library.
Keep reviewing where we are going with programs, what works, what doesn’t.
Make sure library is perceived as a comfortable, happy place to be.
It was moved by Caroline and seconded by Steve Wolf to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Caroline Coryell
Secretary

Posted by lagrang at 04:14 PM | Permalink

MINUTES OF THE LA GRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
New Building Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Present: Bill Coffee, Jane Byczek, Rick Adamczyk, Mary Nelson, Caroline Coryell, Becky Spratford
Absent: Steve Wolf
Staff: Steve Moskal
Visitors: Norm Eallonardo, Ken Knudson (Doings)
Meeting called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Bill Coffee who turned the meeting over to Chairman Rick Adamczyk
Rick Adamczyk and Norm Eallonardo discussed the most recent information on projected costs. They want the Board to understand the latest figures and feel comfortable with the cost analysis.
The projected costs, working with the CRM/BCA estimate of November 15, 2005 and our own estimate of November 28, 2005, should be $6,486,515.00 for construction alone. We need to project estimates as of December 1, 2005 and project our budget also from December 1, 2005.
They then went through the costs line by line. Rick explained that line 5 (Temporary Library) was for another 22 months at $16,000 a month, but cautioned us that the cost could be higher when the new lease is negotiated, because of a clause in the lease allowing escalation for increased taxes, etc.
Line item 7 was questioned. Could the permits be lower than projected and when must they be paid? Jane Byczek explained that $20,000 was actually a very low figure and full payment must be made before any work is begun.
We were also reminded that a permit for demolition must be obtained just prior to the actual tear down and start of construction. We don’t want to have to back fill the site.
Rick then said Norm would explain number 8 (Environmental Survey) after a short perusal of the entire list. The $10,000 for legal fees is "guesstimate", we just don’t know at this time what we may need to pay. Number 11 (Testing) is required, and the cost allocated should be adequate. Number 12 (cost estimating) had $18.000 allocated, we still owe for the latest one and another (the $9.000 shown) will be necessary later. (One estimate had, of course, to be re-done with the building changes.)
Numbers 13 and 17 pertain to electronics, cables, phone wires, lighting, etc. The estimated costs are $170,000 total.
Number 14 represents Norm’s fee for overseeing the entire construction project for us.
Although only $30,000 is allocated for moving (line 15), since some items will not be moved to the new building; this figure may be too low – we still must remove any equipment from the Shawmut building.
Rick feels that in coming up with a viable cost estimate we must trust the experts and go with their expert opinions.
The amount of money available is predicated on transferring all available money from the "Special Building Fund" line in our budget, to add to the money received from the sale of bonds; plus all interest from the laddering arranged for us by Jamie Rachlin and Socrates Rivers (Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson).
There is nothing as of now allocated to "mothballing" the Cossitt building, a tentative budget calls for $8,500 to do so.
Rick said Socrates may be able to work with Schwab on gaining the Library more interest.
With a tentative amount of $9,760,000 available, if all works according to plan and a bottom line figure from BCA of $9,278,068 we should not have to do any "Value Engineering" to build our new library. Rick has gone over the proposed monies and uncommitted monies and feels comfortable with the results.
The building should stand at least 40 - 50 years and the proposed alternative exterior materials would only be a difference of $150,000. Jane pointed out that some compromises may be needed to be made down the road and materials changes would be preferable to changes made in the interior.
Becky and Mary are still going to work on fund raising after demolition and construction begins. Bill remarked that people need a tangible thing to invest in.
Rick again said he felt comfortable with the current figures but cautioned that we must use discipline in working with BCA on the actual building. Michael Mackey also says the CRM figures will only hold up if we exercise discipline.
As far as publicity is concerned Peg is waiting for BCA to release drawings of the exterior to put on the web-site. The drawings presented to the Village are being displayed now at Shawmut in an empty room.
Norm reminded us that all of this is based on early projections and not etched in stone. BCA should have completed plans drawn by March 8, 2006, to create the construction documents and instructions required for bids. The time line for bids is May 2, 2006.
Norm then talked about the steps necessary to "mothball" the Cossitt property. Minimal water (to prevent freezing of pipes) and heat (ditto) would be required. A hazardous materials survey should be done as soon as possible, as environmental rules require removal before demolition. Also, as we are liable for the use of the parking lot and the Village does not need it for overflow, Norm recommends we install concrete barriers at the entrance/ exit areas. He and Steve Moskal will arrange for the two plaques in the stairwell to be removed.
Mary wanted to know the exact cost of keeping the lot open for 6 months. Steve Moskal said he would ask Maureen (from the insurance company) to come to the next meeting to explain costs and "third party" liability. The neighbors living near the Library are complaining about people hanging around the empty lot. Steve Moskal said he will talk to Mike Holub (Police Chief) about extra patrols around the building but if there is a problem with people in the lot, the neighbors should report it to the Police Department.
Bill said the Design Oversight Committee should be ready to meet with BCA and Steve Moskal when they require it, to discuss interiors, styles, use, etc. The Design Committee members will work with BCA and take ideas and recommendations to the full Board. Mary (the chairman) will call meetings as needed.
Jane suggested we look at some newly constructed libraries (as we did before selecting an architectural firm) for interior ideas.
Rick said we must approve the DD design documents as soon as their staff work is done (late December or early January). We also must make sure the projected plans are still in the ballpark!
Norm handed out his monthly construction report. The preliminary schedule calls for the next cost estimate to be completed by December 28, 2005; Construction Documents to be completed by March 8, 2006; bidding and contract negotiations by May 2, 2006; construction to be completed by July 4, 2007. As he says, this is a very tight schedule and delays can and may occur. Also the Village has promised to complete its Water flow test this week. Hopefully the test will show that we do not need a standby fire pump. Removal of any hazardous materials and "Mothballing" 10 West Cossitt were discussed earlier this evening.
Rick wondered if it would be possible to see a small wall constructed of our chosen brick with mortar, in order to get an idea of the finished look (and avoid the color problem the Village experienced with the parking deck).
It was moved by Caroline and seconded by Bill to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Caroline Coryell
Secretary

Posted by lagrang at 04:13 PM | Permalink

MINUTES OF THE LA GRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, November 15, 2005

PRESENT: Rick Adamczyk, Caroline Coryell, Becky Spratford, Steve Wolf, Mary Nelson, Bill Coffee
ABSENT:       Jane Byczek
STAFF:  Steve Moskal, Debbie Darwine, Linda Montelo, Peg Blasage, Noel Zethmayr, Rose Taylor
VISITORS: Mr. Lynch

PRESENTER:  Michael Mackey (BCA), Maureen McGowan (A.J. Gallagher Insurance)

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Bill Coffee

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

COMMUNICATIONS:

Helping Hand has asked the library to issue a card at no cost for a year.  Steve Moskal told Helping Hand the card would have to be issued to a person, preferably a high level administrator.  The card holder cannot have an existing card in the SWAN Automated System.  Helping Hand asked the holder to be Amy Jo Behl who is their Director of Adult Services.  Steve Moskal also let Helping Hand know the board would have to approve a waiver of the card fee.  Questions were asked by Mary and Becky as to the purpose of the card.  When the Board receives more information it will take up the request.

MOTION:  A proposed omnibus vote was moved by Caroline and seconded by Steve to approve the minutes as corrected from October 20, 2005 and minutes of November 01, 2005 were unanimously approved by roll call vote.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

Caroline asked a question about plaques at 10 W Cossitt which were given for donation.  Are the plaques still at 10 W Cossitt?  How can the plaques be removed from the brick wall to be saved.  The plaques are still at 10 W Cossitt; and Norm will remove them prior to demolition.  She asked if the plaques from Carnegie Building remain at 10 W Cossitt also, and Steve Moskal stated that they were moved to 405 Shawmut.

A question was asked by Caroline about the fiction collections.    Steve Moskal responded that the staff planned this integration into one alphabet. The purpose was to cut down on looking for one author in three places. The books are being spine labeled by type – unique labels for mystery and science fiction.  The adult fiction collections are being integrated to save space and minimize shifting. The change can be reevaluated when we move back to 10 W Cossitt.

Michael Mackey (BCA) has brought back the color boards of the New Building.   The boards can now stay with the library. 

Mr. Mackey presented a new cost estimate based on what general contractors would charge today $6,486,515 (including demolition charges).  In addition to this estimate there is a 5% contingency for design and 3.8% allowance for escalation.  These costs would cover anything not shown today on the current prints.  Although the total cost came down due to the fact we are now building a smaller building, the cost per square foot has increased.

Now that exterior changes have been accepted by the Planning Commission we can focus on the interior of the library.  We will now focus on the mechanical and structural issues of the building.  This will be a state of the art library.  We will need to be more specific to get design contingency cost down.

Next step is to prepare an analysis of the project budget since we now have some known cost and see
if we are on target for the overall project.  A group should be assigned the task and establish a laundry
list of fees.  The New Building Committee will review the cost along with an analysis of funds available for
the project.

All the drawings will have to be redone because we now have a different building to build.  After the drawings
are completed the project will go out for bidding.  The bidding process will take a month.  The sooner we can get the new information in for the drawings the sooner we can get the bids.  The longer we wait the more it will cost.  When the bids come back to BCA 
there will be some negotiation.  Michael Mackey provided a time table to be discussed at another time.  All bids are reviewed by BCA’s consulting team to make sure nothing is overlooked. The consultants will make comments to the bids for review. 

It is estimated to start demolition in May of 2006 and have a completed New Building by July 2007. 

BCA has asked the Fire Department Commissioner if we would need a fire pump in the New Building.  It has been recommended to have a water flow test done in the day time.  The Village of LaGrange was contacted and they do not perform a water flow test in the day time.  If the building would need a fire pump the cost would be about $75,000 and space would need to be provided for it to be placed and maintained monthly.  The space needed would be 100 square feet taken way from the program area.  The fire pump is used to maintain water pressure.  BCA will get some information from their mechanical engineer so Steve, Norm and Mary can ask the Village to perform the water
flow test during the day. The water flow test would have to be analyzed by an outside consultant at a fee of $1,000 to $1,500.  However, this fee could save us $75,000 if the
water pump is not needed and also preserve space in the public service area.

A question was asked about elevator access to the roof.  It is still being reviewed at this time. The elevator would have to be above the roof to step off.  More will be known when the final structure is confirmed.

Request of the Owner’s Representative:  when construction commences, the Board would like to see the construction contingency reduced from 10% to 5%.

Question asked about pursuing the cost of a fireplace in the quiet room.  If the library would ask for donations, some people may contribute knowing the cost.  This has not
been pursued.  A fireplace can be discussed at the New Building Committee meeting.

BCA has met with the library staff have been taking place to modify floors plans.  BCA
is considering removing some support columns in the Youth Services Activity Room to provide more space.

Steve Moskal introduced Maureen McGowan from Arthur J Gallagher Risk Management.  She spoke to the Board in regards to property liability.

Maureen stated the first nature of business is to determine if 10 W Cossitt will remain unoccupied.  Bill Coffee stated the building would be unoccupied.  Maureen stated when a building remains unoccupied the building is usually deleted from the policy.
 
Our current insurance policy states there can not be any abandonment of the building.
For the building to be covered and not considered abandoned the library would need to hire a 24 hour security service.  If the library did not hire such a service the insurance company would consider the building as abandoned.  If something would arise the insurance carrier would need evidence of protection to pay a claim.

The Fire Department is asking to use 10 W. Cossitt for training.  If the board would like to allow the Fire Department use of the building, it should ask the Village of LaGrange to add them on to their policy for additional insurance.  Should anything unforeseen happen during this training and a claim would need to be made, the library would be responsible for the liability.

Does the library want to allow use of the parking lot?  Does the library want to close off
the parking lot?  What the library would want to do is avoid a claim or loss on the property.

Steve Moskal stated that the Village does not want use of the parking lot.  Members decided that the parking lot will remain open for use pending a later decision.

The library will carry liability insurance on the entire property and the parking lot.

Steve Moskal asked the board for approval to write a letter to delete 10 W Cossitt building and contents
and to add 405 Shawmut building and contents to our current policy.

MOTION:  It was moved by Becky and seconded by Mary to give authorization to Steve Moskal to write letter to delete 10 W Cossitt building and contents.  Approval by roll call vote.  All members present approved.

MOTION CARRIED

After presentation by Maureen McGowan (A.J. Gallagher Insurance), the original agenda was adhered to.

Steve asked for approval of warrants dated November 15, 2005.  Warrant Number 200 in the amount of $71,605.98, and Warrant Number 2-10 in the amount of $42,327.50.

MOTION:  It was moved by Caroline and seconded by Mary to approve Warrant Number 200 and Warrant Number 2-10.  The motion passed unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

We are earning more interest than we had originally forecast. 

Last month a comment was made about the payroll being over budget.  It was realized after the fact that we are in our fifth month of operation.  The payroll expense is actually well in line with the budgeted amount.
 
Caroline Coryell asked when we had signed a contract with Norm Eallonardo for consulting. Were there two contracts? Was there a consulting contract for 405 Shawmut and a proposal for 10 W Cossitt?  Caroline does not recall ever seeing the contract or signing it.  Steve Moskal will research the negotiations with Norm and report back in December.

Current cash investments on New Building were discussed.  We have $9.3 Million invested from the bond issued and interest is $141,000.  Current cash available is $886,900.  We currently have $6.8 Million invested with Charles Schwab with interest flowing into the account. Illinois Funds is drawing 3.1%.  Charles Schwab is earning higher interest based on the laddering schedule.  Rick Adamczyk wants to reexamine our cash and investments and see how they compare with new estimates reported by BCA to complete the New Building. 

COMMITTEE’S:

Ad Hoc Committee—Met November 1, 2005 it was decided to not reinstate an employee.
Planning & Policy—Becky Spratford will work on policy suggestions that have accumulated after first of the year and set a meeting for February or March.  Voting on new policies in April or May could take effect in the new fiscal year.
Building—None 
Finance—None
MLS—“Metro” news letter; pipe burst and they were able to contain the flood.
FOL—None
Public Relations and Marketing—Met November 8, 2005; will report on next month.
Long Range Planning—None
Village Liaison--None
New Building—Meeting set for November 29, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. to review how much money we have, schedule of events and budget.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Steve Moskal presented the SWAN Full Participation Agreement.  He made a brief statement about SWAN. It is an agreement that is signed every year for the protection of SWAN and all MLS members who participate in the cooperative.

MOTION:  To approve the SWAN Full Participation Agreement by Caroline and seconded by Becky.

MOTION CARRIED

NEW BUSINESS:

Steve Moskal presented the 2006 Holiday schedule for approval. 
MOTION:  A proposed omnibus vote was moved by Becky and seconded by Caroline to approve the holidays as given with the exception of Tuesday, December 26, 2006.

MOTION CARRIED:  With one exception.
Discussion on December 26, 2006 will take place after reviewing the policy.

2005 Levy request was presented for approval by Steve Moskal.

MOTION:  A motion to approve the 2005 Levy as submitted by the Director was moved by Becky and seconded by Mary.  A roll call vote was taken, all officers approved with the exception of Jane Byczek (absent).

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  None

MOTION:  It was moved by Caroline and seconded by Becky to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda L. Montelo
Administrative Assistant

 

Posted by lagrang at 04:13 PM | Permalink

MINUTES OF THE LA GRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Public Relations and Marketing Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Present: Jane Byczek, Caroline Coryell, Steve Wolf
Absent: None
Staff: Steve Moskal, Peg Blasage
Meeting opened at 7:32 p.m. by Chairman Jane Byczek.
She reported that she had met this morning with Steve Moskal and Peg Blasage to discuss some ideas about Public Relations.
Peg should work on a Long Range Public Relations Plan after getting some ideas and direction from tonight’s meeting. This plan should cover from now until we move into the new building.
The PR plan should promote and inform the public about the new building; pictures, progress, etc.
The second part of the PR plan should be to keep the public informed about programs, services, the collection and general library news.
Steve Moskal said that in the past there was no specific PR budget, except for the "Book Report". Since we levy in December 2005 for the May 2006 - 2007 budget year we need to work on goals and ideas now.
The Library discussed the idea of having a meeting with other area agencies to discuss youth oriented services, share funding information and planning. They talked about "taking the pulse of the community", serving pre-schoolers, etc. They also discussed funding grants (Hinsdale library received a grant).
Steve Moskal mentioned the meetings held several years ago which Tim Hansen moderated. Various community groups, such as the Park District, schools, township officials, etc. were to try several avenues of cooperation.
It was suggested we use the web-site to inform the public about the changes to the proposed new library. A positive spin should be put on the new plans, pushing the benefits of the new building.
BCA says the floor plans must be finalized now so that they can put them out for bids ASAP which means the floor plans must be made available to the Board prior to releasing documents for bids, so the Board can discuss making any changes so BCA can incorporate them into the bid documents.
The plan now is to demolish the old building and begin construction in May 2006. So far BCA says its schedule of 306 days of actual construction should be on target.
It was proposed that the web-site, "Book Report", and local newspapers all be utilized to report on the progress of the new building. A progress board could be displayed at Shawmut.
When the new library opens Steve Moskal intends to mail a "this is your new Library" brochure to LaGrange residents and publicity money should be provided in the 2008 budget to pay for floor plans to hand out to patrons. Jane suggested we have "tour guides" available to answer questions and show patrons where things are.
It was suggested that we strive for uniformity in all our publications, signage, the web-site, etc. A new logo and new look should be used by all departments of the Library. We need to work on this now so that the Board can decide on it before it is utilized. We need a consistent look.
Steve Moskal proposed that Peg Blasage be moved to 25 hours weekly so that she can begin work on updating the web and send out information on programming, the building, etc. In effect, she will "merchandise" the Library.
We also need a new and consistent Board policy for the posting of information in the Library. Perhaps two bulletin boards, one for our library and another for other information, could be used. Items for display, from outside sources, may need to be brought before the Board. Right now, any non-profit organization may ask for information to be displayed. The Board should set a policy for these items. It was suggested that we don’t want to create ill-will; maybe we could check other libraries policies.
Some of the ideas the Committee is considering are:
Creating a graphic identity,
Fostering relationships with other agencies,
Talking to various groups (Rotary, business associations, YMCA, etc.) about the benefits of the library. This could help build a more positive image and a network within the community.
Create and change web-log to match web-site. Arrange it to be easily navigated. Updates should be done continuously. Some things to blog:
Booklists
YA programs
Reading advisory
Other programming
The Board should look at our policy for programming. Now it is mostly Arts and Literature. Do we wish to expand to more public service (such as children’s ID’s, flu shots, fire prevention), which have been done in the past?
Ask businesses if they would sponsor specific programs which could tie in with their business and generate good-will for the business and the Library.
Since we must all work within the tax cap, perhaps shared programs and underwriting of programs could be looked into.
Sponsors of programs (such as Friends of the Library, businesses, other agencies) must be given credit at the program site. People need to know who gave money for a program.
Need to find funds beyond Friends of the Library and local businesses; grants, donations, etc.
What does the community want and expect from our library? Different groups (kids, teens, seniors, families) have different needs. La Grange seems to prefer programs and activities.
Number of story times; are there enough? Too few? Too many? Should we have outside volunteers?
How can we generate more active interest in the Friends of the Library? Reach out to (younger) groups, coffees for young mothers, new residents, YA teens, and parents. Offer more Friends events, opportunities for volunteers, etc.
Tailor programming to specific groups, have exhibits, books relating to each program.
Try to market to people who don’t read library listings, or who rarely use the library.
Keep reviewing where we are going with programs, what works, what doesn’t.
Make sure library is perceived as a comfortable, happy place to be.
It was moved by Caroline and seconded by Steve Wolf to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Caroline Coryell
Secretary

Posted by lagrang at 04:12 PM | Permalink

LAGRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
7:30 p.m.
Meeting Room – 405 Shawmut
AGENDA

1. Call to order

2. Public Comments regarding items on the agenda

3. Minutes: 

• Regular Library Board meeting of December 15, 2005
 

4. Communications

• Library Sustainability Project – Gates Foundation Grant – Workshop at MLS March 30

5. Library Director’s Report

6. Treasurer Report

7. Committee Reports
Building and Grounds – Wolf, Coryell, & Adamczyk
Finance, Personnel and Archives – Adamczyk, Byczek, & Spratford
Legislation – Byczek
Planning and Policy – Spratford, Wolf, & Nelson
Metropolitan Library System – Moskal
Friends of the Library – Coryell
Public Relations & Marketing – Byczek, Wolf, & Coryell
Long Range Planning – Spratford, Byczek, & Nelson
Village Liaison – Nelson
New Building – Adamczyk

New Building Sub-Committees:
  Administration & Coordination – Adamczyk
                Design & Construction – Nelson, Wolf, & Coryell
  Donations, Fundraising & Grants – Nelson & Spratford
  Events & Public Relations – Byczek & Coryell
  Relocation & Moving – Spratford, Wolf, & Nelson
 
8. Public Comments regarding matters not on the agenda

9. Unfinished Business

10. New Business (Any other items not listed here are
        for discussion only)

• Acclaim Packing and Assemby sublease

11. Executive Session
The Board of Trustees may decide, by a roll call vote, to convene in executive session if there are matters to discuss confidentially, in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

12. Adjournment

13. The next Regular Library Board meeting  is scheduled to be held on February 21,2006

[If special accommodations are required for a person with a disability, please notify the Library at 352-0576 twenty-four hours in advance of this meeting]

Posted by lagrang at 01:25 PM | Permalink

LAGRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
NEW BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, January 12, 2006
7:00 p.m.
405 Shawmut Avenue
Meeting Room

AGENDA

1. Call to order

2. Public Comments regarding items on the agenda

3. Unfinished Business

4. New Business (Any other items not listed here are for discussion only)
a.) Update on Design Development Phase of New Building Project – Michael Mackey, BCA
b.) 10 W. Cossitt Asbestos Update – Norm Eallonardo, ICS
c.) Fire Pump Flow Test Update – Norm Eallonardo, ICS

5. Public Comments regarding matters not on the agenda

6. Adjournment

[If special accommodations are required for a person with a disability, please notify the Library at 708-352-0576 twenty-four hours in advance of this meeting]

Posted by lagrang at 10:23 AM | Permalink