Library Board Minutes 03-06-2012MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012
5:30 p.m.
Members present: Branch Manager Deb Luken, Janet Bridgland, Sandra Lommel, Beth Metzger,
Ralph Olsen, Regional Supervisor for GRRL Brandi Canter.
Minutes of the December meeting were approved.
Old Business: None
Library Report — Deb Luken:
■ Circulation decreased in 2011, the yearly average of items checked out per hour was
115 compared to 122 items in 2010. Brandi commented that seemed to be a national
trend.
■ Internet usage on the internet stations decreased from 15,052 in 2010 to 13,033 in
2011. Wireless usage decreased slightly.
■ 153 programs for children, adults, and teens were provided with a total of 3,807 patrons
attending. The Summer reading program attracted 737 participants.
■ Legacy funding programs included Mixed Blood Theatre's presentation of Dr. King's
Dream and Grace Carlson's Songs at the Middle School. The city sponsored a Winter
Carnival program, Scooby Doo program and 3 weekly story times. The Friends
sponsored a Felted Mitten presentation.
■ Monthly circulation statistics decreased in January and February of 2012 compared to
2011.
• There were 243 participants in the Adult Winter Reading Program.
• Automated calling for holds implemented in February.
• Friends book sale will be April 14 and 16.
• GRRL Annual fund raising program, High Five March 1— 31. 40% stays in Monticello.
• Community Book Read, Esperanza Rising will be April 16th at 6:30 at Monticello High
School. It is sponsored by the Diversity Committee and books are available at the
Library.
• Friends donation box was stolen from the circulation desk in February. Police report was
filed, the Friends will purchase a box that will be screwed to the wall near the circulation
desk.
GRRL Update — Brandi Canter:
• Brandi commented on the fact that many publishers won't allow libraries to buy e-
books. Although e -books do not wear out, the number of loans for e -books is limited by
the publisher. The conflict is ongoing and it will be either a boom or a bust for libraries.
• The December 2011 MLA report was given to board members. Minnesota Library
Trustees and Advocates (MLTA) is planning regional workshops to be held around the
state in 2012 to provide information to those interested in learning to be effective
advocates for libraries.
• Restructuring has taken place this past year at the Monticello Branch. Monticello has a
good reputation for its well trained staff and management.
• Technical Services at GRRL has undergone restructuring also and is now responsible for
cataloging of new materials, mending, and weeding.
New Business:
• A board vacancy has occurred and a resident of the city needs to be recruited and will
be invited to be at the next meeting.
• There is a need to look at expansion in the future. The city has always been financially
supportive of the library's programs
The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Lommel, Secretary