Friends of the Library - San Lorenzo Area
January 26, 2009
Minutes
Annual Membership Meeting
Present: See attached list of members present, including directors.
The meeting was called to order by vice-president Beckman at 6:00 p.m. in the library. A quorum of the membership was not present.
Chair's Announcements: Beckman briefly explained the structure of the monthly meetings, bylaws, membership, etc. for the benefit of members present. He also announced the dates of the next booksale (March).
Librarian's Report: Anthony dos Santos summarized the progress on the library renovation for the benefit of members. Largest expenditure is for a raised floor to accomodate computer cables. Also spending on new carpeting, chairs, shelving (about three-quarters of existing shelves to be replaced). Layout will be changed to accomodate new location of service desk; some touch-up painting. Present, sketchy timeline is for work to occur between mid July and mid November, with the library closed during that period.
Member Mikel Estrin was critical of the investment in a raised floor -- that computer technology is quickly moving away from cables to microwave transmission. He said he would provide detailed written comments later.
Dos Santos reported there has been a reduction in funds available from the library administration for summer reading programs. He hopes that Friends can increase its contributions.
Member Comments: In the limited time available, a few questions and concerns were expressed, but no full discussion.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Regular Board Meeting
Directors present: H. Beckman, K. Cancilla, M. Dias, N. Kent, C. Webb, D. Yanagi
Others present: See attached list of members present.
The meeting was called to order by vice-president Beckman at 6:36 p.m.
Nominating Committee Report: The committee recommended the following nominees:
Howard Beckman, 3-year term (vacancy because term expired)
Dorothy Yanagi, 3-year term (vacancy because term expired)
Karen Cancilla, 2-year term (vacancy because of resignation)
Certification of Election:
Lemcke asked about nominations of officers. Beckman replied that the board appoints officers to serve at its pleasure (no terms). The question of officers (both those required by statute and others of our choosing) will be on the agenda of the February meeting. He believes that several people are still confused about "directors" versus "officers" since we changed the bylaws and that he is willing to spend whatever time it takes individually with people to clarify this business.
Treasurer's Report: Webb distributed information on recent expenses and income (see attached). He said that one of our certificates of deposit at Pacific National is earning 2.4% (balance $2,271.42).
FY 2009 Budget: The board resumed discussion of the budget. Several modifications were suggested: increase mailing costs to $1,000.00; designate cost of brochure printing = $120.00; designate stationary/postage cost = $100.00; funds for Alameda Co. Library Foundation are a donation, not dues (no amount specified); increase expense for refreshments for board and committees to $400.00; move $1,000.00 for library program from Friends Expenses to Library Contributions; delete funds for membership appreciation ($150.00); delete president's expenses (no amount designated); increase bulk mailing (newsletter and booksale flyers) costs to $1,000.00. Total library contributions = $3,000.00; total expenses = $5,000.00.
Acceptance of New Members: Kent reported 11 new members.
Capital Fund Drive: Lemcke said that Friends had agreed some time ago to start a capital fund drive and that it's time to get started. Beckman said that is true; he made the motion at a well-attended meeting, but the vote wasn't a formal board resolution and in any case none of the people who voted to go ahead are around to take responsibility, and thus we need a formal authorization from the board.
A general discussion ensued without action. Yanagi asked how the new Castro Valley Library was funded. Beckman replied that it was a combination of county funds (land) and state funds (construction). Last year the county library administration hired a fundraising specialist to help the Castro Valley community raise funds for furnishings. Beckman said he was told by the county librarian, Jean Hofacket, that this fundraising assistance would be extended to other libraries in the future, and that the work for the Castro Valley Library was viewed as a pilot program.
Beckman believes there will be no county or state funds available to build a new San Lorenzo Library in the foreseeable future (20+ years) and that public support for libraries is not as strong as it once was, therefore we have no choice but to raise money from private donations.
To be continued.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. to Feb. 23, 6:00 p.m. For future action: time and place of board meetings; whether to hold a semi-annual membership meeting; appointments to San Lorenzo Library Advisory Committee.
(Minutes submitted by Howard Beckman based on notes by Marilyne Dias)
Approved by the board on March 23, 2009
Certified: _______________________________