Board of Trustees River Forest Public Library Regular Board Meeting Minutes April 21st, 2009 7:30pm Call to Order & Roll Call Prior to calling the meeting to order Elizabeth Fischer was celebrated for her six years of service and Alice Calabrese was sworn in as a Trustee of the River Forest Public Library. Elizabeth Fischer left the meeting after Trustee Calabrese was sworn in. President Margaret Horstman called the regular meeting to order at 7:45pm. The roll was taken. Present were Trustees Joan O’Connor, Harley Beck, Mark Coe, Joan Cusack, and Alice Calabrese. Trustee Halloran was excused. Also present were Director Sophia Anastos, staff members Rebecca Thornton, Margaret Oellrich, Hadley Ford, Blaise Dierks, Ellen Cutter, Samantha Cresswell, Joy Donahue, and Sue Quinn. Ann Grimes from the League of Women Voters and Gretel Stock-Kupperman of the Metropolitan Library System were also present. Audience to Visitors, Trustee and Staff Comments Consent Agenda Trustee Cusack moved to approve the Warrant and Benefit List for the period of March 10, 2009 through April 9, 2009 including checks numbered from 8541-8650 for a total of $81,421.57, with removal of the General Ledger, and the Minutes from the March 17th meeting. Trustee Coe seconds the motion and it passes unanimously. Trustee Calabrese abstained. Communications A. Announcements B. Patron Suggestions Director’s Report SENSE Report- -Packets of information were distributed regarding further questions to Lonn Frye and more information on the Chiller/Air Handler. -Plans for new Copier/Printers for staff and patron use are under consideration. -National Library Workers Day was celebrated with success. -Friends of the Library will support the Summer Reading program. -The volunteer process is being updated and streamlined to focus on the needs of the different departments. -A packet of information was distributed for review in regards to creating an after-hours usage policy for the building. Departmental Reports Year in Review- Sue Quinn, Children’s Services: -Improved signage, shifting of materials, cleaning and organization improved the climate of the Children’s room this past year. -The number of story times increased, and the program attendance increased 40%. Up significantly from last year, not as high as in years past. -The Summer Reading program is being evaluated and streamlined. Blaise Dierks, Adult Services: -Kindles have been a big hit since they were introduced last August with over 70 holds on the current 3 kindles. -RFPL Reads blog was introduced. -Useful databases have been acquired throughout the year and integrated into our reference. -Adult programming has increased and computer classes have been introduced. Margaret Oellrich, Young Adult Services: -ASK problem solving was a big focus in the past year. Modifications, including a streamlined process of communication and consequences have been going well. This has made the ASK program more manageable and enabled diverse and engaged participation. -The ASK grant has been increased from $3,000 to $6,500. The name will be changing to “Connections” in the Fall. -Teen programs have increased and a Tween Library Council has been successfully formed. The collection circulation numbers and program participation are on the rise. Hadley Ford, Public Relations: -Print publications have been a focus: use of newspapers, the Bookplate, and Triblocal. -Word of Mouth Marketing is the new staff strategy for increasing use of services. -A new website has been introduced. -“Check Out the World from Here” has become the official library slogan. Sam Cresswell, Circulation: -The number of cards and circulation are increasing. -ILL has increased by 10%. -The Circ staff is successfully trained in using the iPods and Kindles to help instruct patrons. -The coming year will introduce Overdrive and Museum Passes for circulation. Joy Donahue, Technical Services: -Ordering Non-print materials has been the focus this past year. -Technical Services has been in charge of processing new materials, repairing and cleaning current materials. - The past year-to-date there have been 7,026 materials catalogued, and 3,324 materials withdrawn. Old Business -None New Business Strategic Plan- - Gretel Stock-Kupperman of the Metropolitan Library System spoke with the Board on their role for the upcoming strategic planning the library will go through. A proposal will be submitted and discussion will occur on how to move forward. Adjournment At 9:55 PM, President Horstman requested a motion for the meeting to be adjourned. Trustee Cusack moved so, and Trustee Coe seconded. The motion passed unanimously.