Sonoma County Library

Rohnert Park-Cotati Library Advisory Board Minutes August 15, 2017 – 5:00 P.M.

Conference Room

6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park, CA 94928

 

 

CONVENING AND INTRODUCTIONS 

Chair Barbara Utter called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm.

 

PRESENT

Barbara Utter, Ulli Ehlers, Art Stuckey, Hanna Taylor, Merrietta Jaensch.

 

Others Present:  Library Commissioner Barbara Mackenzie, Acting Library Director Tracy Gray, Branch Manager Nancy Kleban.

 

Guests: Brantley Bryant, John Moranski.

 

Not present: Library Commissioner Katie Doran, Lisa Neuson, Matthew Weinstein, Rohnert Park Council Liaison Amy Ahanotu, Cotati City Council Liaison Wendy Skillman, Friends of the Library President Pam Novelly.

 

INTRODUCTIONS

 

REPORTS & UPDATES

 

LIBRARY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

Commissioner Barbara Mackenzie reported that new Interim Director Tracy Gray, former branch manager at Central, is in place. Library headquarters are moving to Rohnert Park, possibly by October. The LAB staffed a table at Friday’s Farmers market attracting attention with Children’s Librarian Kate Drewieske’s grant-funded canopy and tablecloth, featuring the Sonoma County Library logo, and the LAB’s spinner and prizes. Last week the statue of Charlie Brown at Central branch became an ALA Literacy Landmark with an official plaque installed. Jean Schultz attended the ceremony. Measure Y funds are now being collected as of July 1 and will provide $18 to $30 million dollars a year. The library branches, using these funds, are now open on Mondays. There will be additional books and programs. An oversight committee meets for the first time tomorrow, with the mission of making sure the library is spending the funds as was presented on the November ballot.

 

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Acting Director Tracy Gray reported that the new facility for administration in Rohnert Park was a project begun by former Facilities Manager, with input from architects and space planners. Human Resources, Materials Management, Finance and Facilities departments will move to the new space. SCL’s Northwest branch, 49 years old, will be refreshed beginning in November. A temporary location for book pickups and returns will be established. The Roseland Coalition is raising funds for a permanent library.

Tracy Gray visited the archives building at Los Guilicos whose lease expires in a few years. SCL is the official archive for the county. 

 

BRANCH MANAGER’S REPORT

Branch Manager Nancy Kleban reported on a two-day outage planned for tomorrow and Thursday to install upgrades to the Library’s software. A new, more user-friendly collection of electronic books, Axis 360, will replace OverDrive. Both will be available until the end of the calendar year. Summer reading signups at Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library: 916 children, 73 teens and 86 adults. New workspaces for the increased librarian staff will be installed in mid-September. The Library has purchased a program that analyzes the collection and will help us in selecting and de-selecting materials. Do-It-Yourself toolkits, Home Energy and Water Savings Toolkits, stocked with supplies and measuring devices, will be available for borrowing beginning on

September 11. Student “One Card” and a special library card for teachers are in the works. A day long storytime is planned for Tuesday, November 28, and volunteers are welcome to sign up to read a picture book in the children’s area of the library at the top of every hour that day. The LAB’s help is requested to help promote our upcoming programs-- in particular, beginning computer classes taught in Spanish between August and November which so far has attracted little interest.

 

YOUTH MEMBER’S REPORT  

Youth Member Merrietta Jaensch reported that school starts tomorrow. Link Crew will help to integrate freshmen. There are 15 new teachers. Construction of the new TAG building (Theater, Academics, and Gymnasium) is underway.

 

FRIENDS OF THE ROHNERT PARK-COTATI REGIONAL LIBRARY REPORT

Commissioner Barbara Mackenzie reported that the Friends book store will not be opening on Mondays until there are enough volunteers—3 to staff the store, and 2-3 in the back room. The Friends have been contributing an average of $50,000 a year to the Library.

 

CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS’ REPORTS 

The City Council liaisons were not present. 

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PAST MEETINGS

The minutes of the June 20, 2017, meeting were approved following a motion by Hanna Taylor, seconded by Marietta Jaensch.

             

PUBLIC COMMENTS

John Moranski, new Rancho Cotati High School librarian, here to open channels between the high school and our library, including student access to SCL’s databases, and providing every student with an SCL library card. This can be done through the English teachers, since all students are in English classes. Brantley Bryant wishes to promote connections between the Library and Sonoma State University English department, including use of volunteers, fundraising projects, events planning, and faculty opportunities for outreach and service to the community. 

 

ACTION ITEMS

None.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Four terms have ended. The bylaws allow for up to 11 members, and with increased membership, the LAB will be able to do more. 

Review of recent outreach events:

            Cotati Kids Day and Farmers Market outreach: Thanks to all who participated!

Ideas for celebration and outreach:

            Founders Day – Saturday, October 7 – Members signed up to participate.

            Back to School Night at Rancho Cotate High School –a table with library card  applications, information on digital resources.

 Provide handouts for RCHS library. Suggest items for school announcements,    texting to students, and Principal’s Newsletter.  Provide training on databases to RCHS faculty.

            Present volunteer opportunities to SSU students.

 

ADVISORY BOARD INFORMATION ITEMS None.

 

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.