Sonoma County Library

Rohnert Park-Cotati Library Advisory Board Minutes February 21, 2017 – 5:00 P.M.

Conference Room

6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park, CA 94928

CONVENING AND INTRODUCTIONS 

Vice Chair Lisa Neuson called meeting to order at 5:03 pm.

PRESENT

Ulli Ehlers, Lisa Neuson, Hanna Taylor, Matthew Weinstein.

Others Present:  Library Commissioner Barbara Mackenzie, Library Director Brett Lear, Community Engagement Coordinator Angelina Cacioppo, Rohnert Park Council Liaison Amy Ahanotu, Branch Manager Nancy Kleban.

Guests: Mary Duffy.

Not present: Merrietta Jaensch, Barbara Utter, Library Commissioner Hilary Smith, Cotati City Council Liaison Wendy Skillman, Friends of the Library President Pam Novelly.

INTRODUCTIONS

All present introduced themselves.

REPORTS & UPDATES

LIBRARY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

Commissioner Barbara Mackenzie reported that the Commission is looking at the upcoming expenditure of Measure Y tax funds. The plan will focus on access to the library including increasing open hours; collections including books, media and electronic databases; programs and events; and refurbishing some library buildings. Community Engagement Coordinator Angelina Cacioppo will support community input through the Library Advisory Boards (see discussion below).

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Director Brett Lear reported that April 3 is currently the targeted date for adding

Mondays to the Library’s open hours, depending on whether the Library can have additional staff hired and trained by that date. Measure Y funds will begin to come in July, and they will increase our annual budget from $17 million to $28 million, to be spent according to the measure’s expenditure plan. LABs will be hosting community forums to ask people to share their preferences for open days and times. A permanent library is being planned in Roseland on the ground floor of a new civic building. SCL will provide staff and books according to the joint powers model.

BRANCH MANAGER’S REPORT

Branch manager Nancy Kleban reported that, with Measure Y funds supporting an increase in library open hours, our branch will be hiring three additional half-time staff members. In order to provide desk space in the librarian workroom, new furniture is being ordered. We will be adding titles to our magazine and newspaper subscriptions, and increasing outreach. Programs coming up in the next few weeks include beginners computer classes, a story walk at Crane Creek park, an upcoming Santa Rosa Symphony guitar-flute duo, and beginners’ computer classes taught in English and in Spanish.

YOUTH MEMBER’S REPORT  

Youth Member Merrietta Jaensch was not present.

FRIENDS OF THE ROHNERT PARK-COTATI REGIONAL LIBRARY REPORT

Barbara Mackenzie, ex officio member of the Friends Board, on behalf of FOL President Pam Novelly, reported that the early February book sale was successful, with new members joining on the first “members only” night. An email list of members is being developed. The book store plans to be open more hours when the Library increases its hours. A review of items to donate to the Library from the Friends’ $50,000/year budget is pending.

There was a short discussion on the meaning of equity of access since any branch can theoretically fund events and materials that are then available to all citizens of Sonoma County without creating disparities.

CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS’ REPORTS 

Rohnert Park Councilmember Amy Ahanotu reported that the City Council is working on the City budget, and developing improvements and increased services. The University District homes are selling fast, and what was expected to be a 10-year project could be completed sooner. A redesign of some of the homes will include ground floor master bedrooms.

Cotati Councilmember Wendy Skillman was not in attendance.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PAST MEETINGS

The minutes of the December 20, 2016, meeting were approved following a motion by Matthew Weinstein, seconded by Lisa Neuson.        

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Guest Mary Duffy expressed interest in getting to know the Library, finding out what brings people to the library and understanding the roles of the LAB, the Friends and the library volunteers.

ACTION ITEMS

None

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Angelina Cacioppo introduced plans for community conversations on expanding hours in the spring, and also on what the second phase of expansion could look like. This could be different for different communities. The plan is to have conversations in person as well as to use online surveys to find out the public’s patterns of library use now, and what would be desirable in the future. Ulli Ehlers recommended a Community Voice survey in addition. At the public events, LAB members could serve as facilitators and note takers at tables of about 5 people. Members recommended publicizing this through the local newspapers, school districts, community groups, social media, email, flyers and use of Survey Monkey. Additional community conversations eliciting public input beyond the future hours of library could be focused on in an ongoing outreach strategy.

The LAB agreed to host a community meeting for input on expanding hours on Wednesday, May 17, from 5:30 to 6:30, with LAB members getting together at 5:00.

The LAB discussed a celebration of the first Monday that the library is open, including food, music, and prizes. If it is to be on Monday, April 3, the date of the May Library Commission meeting, the celebration could be held during the day (unless the Commission changes the date of its meting).

Tabled: Review the upcoming year’s local events that are possibilities for library outreach.

ADVISORY BOARD INFORMATION ITEMS

None

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.