Gustavus Public Library Board Meeting

Chris Spute called the meeting to order at 8:40A.M.

Members present:  Chris Spute, Davita Marchbanks, Janet Lassiter, and George Jensen.    Others present: Carolyn Elder, Sylvia Martinez and Lynne Jensen.

December 2005 meeting minutes were read.  Typo corrections were noted.  George Jenson made a motion to pass the minutes with corrections. Janet L. seconded.  All was in favor-motion passed

Old Business:

Fundraiser/Programs- City clerk said that since we have meet our goal on fundraising for this fiscal year that we should not do any more fundraisers unless we have a specific reason and we get city approval.

Discussion regarding should we still do “Burgers and Bingo” in March and what should we raise the money for.  George made motion that we look at raising money for another local cause and take this to the city council for approval.  Local cause to still be determined. Chris seconded.  All in favor-motion passed.

Sylvia talked about Julie Vathke’s idea about sending out an email to see if there is any interest in setting up a time to have people come into the library to get help with applying for there PFD online.  Chris said she could possible help with this.

“Murder in the library and Night of a Thousand Stars”.  Do we want to do one of these programs?  “Murder in the Library” is typically a fundraiser and discussion regarding holding this back until we need it.  We will tentatively set “Murder in the Library” for October.  Mid-September would work for “Night of a Thousand Stars” since there still is a lot of people around for them to do their readings.

History of Gustavus-George had an idea after talking with some locals about people coming and talking about growing up here in the 60s and 70s. Discussion about having this in May when we have more people here.

Mossy (Gustavus Gardens) would like to cosponsor a workshop in April about gardening.

Christmas Bird Count- George and Lynne had the idea that we sponsor a program to have some of the local bird experts come in and do a presentation on birds and maybe a little bird walk after.  But not just before the Christmas bird count, but do something once a month or every couple of months throughout the year instead of a crash course.  George will be the coordinator on getting something started. Lynn would still like to have a get together before and after the Christmas bird count.

Newspaper Article Collection Update- Carolyn is still downloading articles for the Juneau Empire for the file at the library.

New Business:

DVD protective covers- discussion regarding this.  Is this more damaging having people remove these?  These are expensive.  Should we put the DVDs behind the desk since we had one DVD removed for the cover?  Davita made a motion that we keep track and see if it becomes a problem and if it does then bring it back to discussion. George seconded.  All in favor-motion passed.

Advertising New Hours and budget review with added hours- the new hours will start on February 10^th  for a 2-month trial period.  Put flyers out and an article in the Fairweather Reporter about new hours and see if anyone would like to help with homework.  Sean Neilson will do Mondays.  Greg Streveler said he might be interested in doing one day.  George is going to talk with the school staff about them possibly setting up assignments for the students to use the library after school. The city council would like for us to keep track of the school kids and adult patron usage of the new hours. Discussion regarding looking at a full year’s worth of statistics next winter to see if these times are used and also look at other open times to see if they are being used.

Carolyn and Sylvia put in extra hours in the month of November and early December since they were gone in late December. George will let the city council know of this. Teachers who have not had the library training should have a librarian to help.  The new teachers need a short training session.  Sylvia will work on this.

Library Conference update- everyone has registered who is going and travel plans are being made.

Patron cards and over dues- Discussion regarding a work session to come up with a new policy for over dues and go thru patron cards to see if they are current. A work session is planned for Wednesday January 18^th at 11:30 a.m. at the library.  We need to set up another work party.  Work party scheduled for Tuesday January 24^th at 11:30 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.  Bring a brown bag lunch.

Community Survey- tabled until February meeting

Next meeting is set for Saturday, February 4th at 8:30 a.m. in the library

Meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.                                                                         

Minutes respectfully submitted by Davita Marchbanks, Secretary of Gustavus Library Board.