Roll Call – The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. Those members present were Alice Snodgrass, Rachel Abercrombie, Ann Crowder-Sanders, Sheila Owens, and Carrie Cline. Erlene Gideon was unable to attend.
Members of the public were Megan Hill, Marilyn Carnell-Williams, Rose Peck, Linda Johnson, Anna Gibbs, Beth Carr, and Tooter Gardner.
Reading of Minutes – The October minutes were read. Sheila made a motion to accept the minutes as written, Rachel seconded, and it passed unanimously.
Director’s Report
- Carrie presented the October statistics.
- The library staff are busy ordering and processing new books for the Southwest City library.
- Carrie is finalizing the 2011 Summer Reading Program grant from the Missouri State Library. This year will include an adult program, and the library will partner with the Noel Senior Center and Golden Living Center in Anderson.
Financial Reports – After reviewing the October reports, Ann made a motion to approve the financial reports, Sheila seconded, and it passed unanimously.
Public Comments on Agenda Items – Linda Johnson asked how the library planned to fund an additional library with the current tax levy it brings in. Alice explained that there is money available for these expenses, the library has been getting a lot of grant money to fund extra projects and programs, and Megan said that the Foundation will still have money coming in for the next few years, and would be willing to have money available during the transition time. Alice also indicated that the library has budgeted conservatively in the past few years, and feels confident that we have the money for the additional library.
There were also concerns about the building project at the Pineville Library, and when that would take place. The board explained that this project was tabled several years back in reaction to the failing economy and the addition of the Southwest City Library expenses.
Linda Johnson asked if the board intended to request a tax levy increase, and everyone was open to the idea when the time was right and the economy improved.
Old Business
A. Southwest City Library Update – Megan Hill updated the board and members of the public on the upcoming Christmas Home Tour, and the library will be a stop. The furniture will hopefully be ordered by December, and a grand opening in April is desired.
Concerning the transfer agreement, with the board’s approval, she would like the attorneys to get started forming the agreement, with the building and contents belonging to the McDonald County Library, with the only stipulation being that if the library is unable to keep the new building open as a library, the building will revert back to the foundation.
The foundation will retain possession of all of the donated land behind the library and be responsible for keeping that maintained. A landscaping architect is working on plans right now.
Megan also handed out an article on ways to serve Spanish-speaking people, and mentioned that she has volunteers for the Southwest City Library if we want to try any programming or services.
New Business
A. Friends of the Library – Several members of the current Friends group wondered if the library board wanted them to continue to exist or not. A discussion was held concerning attempts to notify Friends members of meetings and where the latest list of members was. Marilyn Carnell-Williams stated that a break-down of communication has happened between the Friends group and the library staff, and there was a request for more PR in the paper, etc.
Alice noted that the exceptional publicity concerning the Southwest City library was provided by the Foundation, not the library, and this was another thing that the Friends could do for the library.
After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that a Friends of the McDonald County Library would be valued, and that a Friends representative to the board could provide information both ways.
Ann suggested they meet on board meeting Saturdays before the Board meeting, so that trustees, and library staff, and members could be involved in both meetings.
It was agreed that the Friends group needs new blood to develop a positive and active Friends group, with activities scheduled in advance to get volunteers scheduled in. The board hopes to visit with the Friends group again soon.
Adjourn – Sheila made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Ann seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, December 18th at 10 a.m.
