04-19-1994
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CITY OF EDGEWATER
LIBRARY BOARD SPECIAL MEETING
April 19, 1994
MINUTES
The special meeting of the Edgewater Library Board was called to
order by Chairman Jean Haughwout at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April
19, 1994, at the Edgewater Library. The purpose of the meeting was
to recognize the Library volunteers.
Present were: Board members Jean Haughwout, Lilian Bond-Nelson,
Mary Rice, Fran Byrne, and Lauretta Shafer. Jan Dudley was absent.
Also present were: Sue Habel, Library Operations Manager; Bill
Bowden, Library Administrative Services; Alice Haldeman, Southeast
Regional Librarian; Jack Hayman, Mayor of Edgewater; Gayle Harmon,
Librarian; and, Marilou Spencer, Coordinator of Volunteer Services.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced the Board members. She commended the
volunteers, advising them they do make a difference and that they
all need to work to save this library.
Mrs. Haughwout stated there's a meeting May 5th at the County and
they should all attend. She explained a Library Task Force is
being formed and the names are to be announced at the May 5th
meeting.
Ms. Alice Haldeman, Southeast Regional Librarian, thanked the
volunteers for all they do and asked that they keep supporting the
library.
Mayor Hayman thanked Mrs. Haughwout for the luncheon and for the
support and leadership she's given, noting she was very helpful
with guidance on a regional library and the future of this library.
He said there is still a question about libraries in Southeast
Volusia County. He stated a lot of things may happen that they
don' t want to happen unless there is input and interest. He
suggested they find out what friends and neighbors want and then
make those feelings known.
Mayor Hayman stated they hope to have an Edgewater electronic
community information network before Christmas at this library to
find out what is going on in Southeast Volusia County, including
government, schools, clubs, social organizations, weather, sports,
and stock market information. He added that if it's successful
and received well, it will be in Winn-Dixie, Publix, the schools,
and elsewhere in the community.
Mayor Hayman stated there have been differences of opinion about
the future of this library, and he and the City Council have said
they do not want to lose this facility and do not plan to trade it
off for anything else. He noted each geographic area of the County
library system has its own requirements and differences and he
thinks they should be looking at this before they make any
strategic plans.
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Ms. Sue Habel, Library Operations Manager, stated Edgewater has one
of the most successful branches in the County. She pointed out
libraries suffer when economy does, but requests for services
increase and materials prices also increase. She compared figures
from prior years for food, clothing, medical costs, and CPI with
the current prices today for books and periodicals. She noted they
have lost 20 positions since 1990, and some libraries reduce
services, cut hours, or close branches. She explained they can
keep operating libraries because of the volunteers. She said
Edgewater reported 99 volunteers for 1992-93 and 122 for 1993-94
and the hours worked increased also. She indicated how much the
volunteer contributions saved the County.
Ms. Habel stated they are on the County Council agenda from 10:30
to noon on May 5th and there will be audience participation and
they need to sign up when they arrive if they want to speak. She
noted that Gayle Harmon has volunteered to drive.
Mrs. Haughwout stated the volunteers are needed and a library
without volunteers probably doesn't function very well.
Mrs. Harmon read a quote by Margaret Mead, noting they should not
sell themselves short on May 5th and for other activities as they
really can make a difference. She spoke of the camaraderie and
friendships that have been made over the years and read a poem
entitled "Friends".
Ms. Spencer thanked all the volunteers for the work they do and
commended Fran Byrne for her varied activities with the library.
She spoke about those that come in after the library closes to
straighten shelves and the menders who come on Monday afternoons.
She reviewed some past instances regarding volunteers.
Ms. Spencer presented the certificates to the volunteers and Ms.
Habel and Mr. Bowden assisted with distribution.
Mrs. Rice presented a plaque engraved "Best Boss Award" to Ms.
Spencer from the volunteers.
A volunteer expressed her enjoYment to work at the library and to
meet new people. Mrs. Haughwout suggested that everyone make the
people welcome because some are away from their families.
Ms. Spencer announced to the volunteers that as of this date, there
is no limit on the number of videos, CD's, or audio books, but the
time limit remains the same.
Meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lura Sue Koser,
Recording Secretary
2 Library Board Special Meeting
April 19, 1994