6.7. SR 02-07-2005
Item66.7.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator
f~
DATE:
February 7, 2005
SUBJECT:
Library Board Update
CouncilmemberJohn Dietz is the City Council liaison on the Library Board. At the February 7, 2005
City Council meeting, John is scheduled to provide the Council with an update on Library Board
activities. Attached are the draft minutes from the January 25, 2005 Library Board meeting.
s: ICouncillPatl Updates llibraryupdate. doc
Minutes
Elk River Library Board Meeting
January 25, 2005
Leslie called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Mick Stoffers, Leslie Anderson, Ann
Schroeder, Mike Hangaard, Karen Stelk, Allison Olson and John Dietz were in attendance.
Arne Engstrom of the Sherburne County Commission was present as a guest. The Board
agreed to suspend the agenda to talk to Arne about advocacy issues fIrst.
Leslie introduced Arne, who thanked the board members for the service they provided by
serving on the library Board. The County has looked into developing its own library
system, but found that staying with GRRL was the most cost effective solution. Arne said
that no one from GRRL has made a presentation to the County. Sherburne County does,
but Sherburne gives more per capita than the other districts. John made the point that even
though Sherburne County has less sites, they are large in usage compared to other counties.
Mick noted that Elk River Library is the highest circulating library in the system. She said
that libraries are important, during these difflcult economic times, for citizens of all
economic backgrounds because the services are free. She indicated that GRRL is coming to
the county now because state funding has been cut and the system must increase other
sources of income.
Arne suggested that we bring circulation statistics to our presentation, give a brief history of
the upcoming expansion, tell stories of some of the users, etc. He suggested we call their
administrative liaison at least one month in advance to get on the County Commission
agenda. He said he would not be there in March, so the board chose April to make their
presentation.
Anne moved and Mike seconded to approve the November secretary's report.
Mick presented the fmancials and the approved 2005 budget. John is going to check with
the city to fmd out why the library is not using the same cleaning service as they rest of the
government offIces. Karen moved and Mike accepted to approve the Treasurer's report.
Mike made the Librarian's report. April 21 is the tentative date for the city of Elk River
volunteer recognition supper. Both the library reading chairs and the front desk chairs will
be coming soon with left over money going towards more library chairs. The Channel 12
library page has been updated with information on the web site and will be further updated
in the spring. Monica Miller did the library lobby display on how to access and use the
web site. John reported that Leslie has been reappointed to the board. Mick reported that
St. Cloud did a survey in their libraries that patrons could complete when they were in. 62%
from Elk River want a bigger library. 75% liked the children's programs. Other results
indicated a high interest in more books and more computers. Mike suggested these statistics
be included in the information for the county commission presentation. In April, the
Friends of the Library will have a book sale. The Friends have money set aside for
purchasing shelving for the library expansion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 and the board began an advocacy session.
Each member presented their ideas for what information should go to the commissioners.
Karen volunteered to compile each board member's materials into a one-page statement
with statistical attachments. Mike will work with Mick and Leslie on a PowerPoint
presentation to make as well. All agreed the presentation should be succinct, while leaving
the commissioners with a small packet of information to which they can refer.