03-04-2003
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LIBRARY BOARD
EDGEWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY
REGULAR MEETING
March 04, 2003
3:30 p.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairwoman Jean Haughwout called to order the regular meeting of the Library Board at 3:30 p.m.,
Tuesday, March 4, 2003, in the Edgewater Public Library.
ROLL CALL:
Members present were Chairwoman Jean Haughwout, Linda Ladd, Kathy Booth, Anne McDevitt,
Sandy Sammons, and Jeanne Foster. Also present were Head Librarian Ruth McCormack; Regional
Librarian Suzan Howes and recording secretary Terry Galbreath. Marie Goodrich arrived late.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of January 7, 2003 were presented to the Board for approval. Ms. McDevitt asked that her
name be corrected to Ann(e) McDevitt. Another correction was to reflect that Linda Ladd talked
about the Library Book Sale. Linda Ladd moved to approve the minutes as corrected, seconded by
Sandy Sammons. Motion CARRIED 6-0.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
A & c. Linda Ladd moved to nominate Jean Haughwout for Chairman of the Library Board, second
by Anne McDevitt. Linda Ladd amended her motion to say re-elect all the present officers
to their positions, which included Jean Haughwout Chairman and Marie Goodrich,
Corresponding Secretary, second by Sandy Sammons. Motion CARRIED 7-0.
B. A motion was also made to nominate Kathy Booth for Vice Chairman, second by Sandy
Sammons. Motion CARRIED 7 -0.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN:
Head Librarian Ruth McCormack shared the Annual Report she delivered to the City Council. The
Council declared February Library Appreciation Month. She said being they are a County library they
don't have the opportunity to report "goings on at the library" to the Council. The Annual Report was
read to the Board (copy attached) by Ms. McCormack.
Discussion ensued as to whether the Library could get publicity relating to the growth of Edgewater
Public Library. The Annual Report figures show libraries are not becoming obsolete.
Ms McCormack stated they are the recipients of refurbishing money this year. Some of the things that
have been completed are new lighting throughout the building; new painting to the librarian's office;
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Edgewater Library Board
March 4, 2003 - Minutes
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some plumbing repairs have been done; an update in the restrooms to include new lighting; all the
wooden doors have been refinished; and the floors have been striped and refinished (some of the
flooring will be replaced sometime at the end of the month). New desks and chairs and automatic doors
with motion detectors will be added. In conclusion Ms. McCormack said the City is going to replace the
steps with poured concrete after the parking lot and landscaping is complete.
A question was raised regarding the number of designated handicapped parking spaces. Ms.
McCormack said there are presently three spaces. There has been consideration to
re,address the parking issue and possibly add additional spaces.
COMMUNICA TrONS:
Chairman Haughwout said the Texas Library Association Conference is April 1 st through April 4th , for
anyone interested. She also mentioned The 80th Florida Annual Conference and Exhibition April 26th
at Lake Buena Vista.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. Update of By,laws, The Board agreed there didn't seem to be any significant changes to the
By,laws and Chairman Haughwout asked for a vote for approval. Anne McDevitt moved to
accept the By,laws as drafted, second by Kathy Booth. Motion CARRIED 7,0.
B. Progress on Library parking lot - Discussed under Report of the Librarian.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Discuss Program/Decorations for Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon - The date proposed
for the luncheon was April 15, 2003 at 12:30 pm. The theme of "Volunteers Touch
Life's" and butterflies for the decoration theme was discussed. They discussed buying
plants for decoration and how to give them as prizes. The Chairman provided a previous
menu and it was decided it could be revised for their luncheon.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Chairman Haughwout related the experience of a friend (she is the head of a library board in
Massachusetts) who came to the Edgewater Library who was truly impressed with the library and staff.
Sandy Sammons also stated how impressed she is with the variety of books in the library. Anne
McDevitt said at the last meeting of Friends of the Library Board there was considerable discussion on
how to get people involved. Initially the response is good but people don't come to the meetings. She
said the next meeting of the Friends of the Library Board plans to have a brainstorming session on how
to open the Friends of the Library up to the general public to get more dues paying members.
There was an inquiry as to whether the work done by Sue Shaw for Friends of the Library on a tri,fold
was ever used. Regional Librarian Suzan Howes said she has a copy of it, however the County has
something presently being used. When there is an update, her changes will be incorporated into it.
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March 4, 2003 - Minutes
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ADJOURNMENT:
There being no additional business to address, Chairwoman Haughwout thanked all for coming and
adjourned the meeting at 4:32 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Sondra M. Pengov
Recording Secretary
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EDGEW ATER PUBLIC LIBRARY
ANNUAL REPORT
March 4, 2003
Ten years ago, as computer use grew at an astounding rate, predictions were that
computers would take the place of books, that libraries would become obsolete and
someday cease to exist. That prediction has defInitely proved false nationwide, and
especially here in our city. The past decade has been one of change and growth for the
Edgewater Public Library. The past year has been one of milestones.
The library has a staff of 6 full time employees and two part time student workers. There
are currently 58 adult volunteers and around a dozen junior volunteers. These valuable
members of our community give the library nearly 500 hours of time each month, 7000
hours over the past year.
On an average day anywhere from 300 to 600 people walk through our doors. During
2002, nearly 120,000 people visited the library. 20 % of those use our computers to help
locate books and other materials they need. The library's catalog can also be accessed
from home computers where customers can search our holdings, renew items, and place
requests for others. Walk-in customers borrow up to 650 items each day. Many of our
patrons use one of our 10 public access computers to send & receive e-mail, order travel
tickets, get the latest medical information, or simply surf the net. Last year, in-house
computer use by members of the public totaled over 30,000.
The library conducts programs throughout the year for adults and children. Programs for
adults include basic computer classes, local history, gardening, and homeowner issues.
Last year 43 adult programs were attended by 1,765 people. Children's programs range
from toddler to teens. 103 programs for children and teens were attended by 5,664
people.
The library is open 49 hours a week serving the needs of our patrons. We currently house
approximately 45,000 items including books, audio-tapes, CDs, videos, DVDs,
magazines, and newspapers. Our customers have access to 950,000 items in the Vol usia
County Library system which can be requested and delivered to our branch at no cost to
the patron. Nearly 170,000 items were borrowed by our customers last year. We have
over 11,000 registered borrowers who have used their library card in the past year.
During the 12 months of 2002 the Edgewater Library issued over 1000 new library cards.
The staff and I are proud to be an important part of such a vital and growing community,
and happy to continue to serve this community, now and for many years to come.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth E. McCormack
Head Librarian