Min - Library Board - 2000 - 09/05 - RegularMINUTES OF THE
ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
September 5, 2000
ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
TWO ALLEN CIVIC PLAZA
ALLEN, TEXAS 75013
I. A quorum was announced and the meeting called to order at 7,40 p.m. Members present were
John Ross, Donna Vanous, Frank Snidow and Cal Calvin. Also present were Wilma Smith from
the Friends group and Barbara Buehler, Staff.
H. The minutes were approved as read The monthly activity report was distributed and reviewed.
A new statistical report indicating the number of hits the library's web -based catalog receives
was included for the months of June, July and August. The figures were impressive considering
no publicity about the Web PAC has been produced as yet The suggestion box forms were
reviewed and commented upon. The library director will as usual respond to those who left
names.
III. Cal Calvin reported to the Board on the NETLS workshop he, Wilma Smith and Barbara Buehler
attended last week in Grand Prairie. The workshop dealt with library advocacy and the key
elements that make it effective. The presenter was Ellen Miller, president of the Kansas State
Friends and Trustees Association. Since the Texas State Library is planning to present a
dynamic and unprecedented proposal for funding to the State legislature, it is deemed imperative
that all interested lay persons, including Board members, Friends groups and local elected
officials, become active in reaching out to and soliciting support from their legislature
representatives. The Board discussed the ideas of joining with other county public libraries to
host a social event to meet with and "lobby" their representatives to the State legislature. There
was unanimous support for this proposal.
W. Since several members were absent, the Board tabled the meeting room policy discussion until
the November meeting. It is anticipated that the October meeting will be the Young Writers
reception.
V. Marita Richards, Children's Services Manager, arrived to present a report about children's
programs and activities for the summer. Richards reviewed a prepared report she distributed to
each Board member. Highlights were. increased participation over last summer, new program
types designed to attract more school-age children and strong participation by teen volunteers.
The new"bingo" card reading program was so successful that it will probably be continued next
summer.
VI. Library Director Buehler reported that the courier service is expected to increase to twice per
week during September. Discussion on the lending period for books and audio books led to a
recommendation by the Board that the two-week lending period be increased to three weeks to
coincide with PPL's three-week period. This will not only simplify the work of circulation staff
but will also satisfy a frequent request from the public.
VII. The Board discussed the Christmas holiday schedule. The floating holiday traditionally taken
with Christmas has been designated for the Friday preceding Christmas, December 22.
Christmas falls on Monday and will be a city holiday also. The question arose as to how to
Minutes of the
Allen Public Library Board
September 5, 2000
Page 2 or 2
handle the weekend days between those two official city holidays. After discussion, a motion
was made and passed (3-1) to allow the library to close Friday -Monday to give staff a 4 -day
holiday The weekend days (Sat & Sun.) would not be paid holidays and staff that desired to
could make up their hours on other days during the 2 -week pay period. Chair Vanous
recommended that large signs be posted giving hours at other nearby libraries that might be
open on the Friday and/or Saturday.
VIII. The Board adjourned at 9 p.m.
These minutes read and approved this I st day of August, 2000
&r 1 w4 Uf nm m)
Donna Vanous, Chairperson
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Cindy Wynn -Sangster, Secretary