Library Commission Minutes

Thursday, August 16, 2006

Location: Central Library

Members Present: Susana Cordova, Suneeta Hazra, Fofi Mendez, Kevin O’Connor, Karen Rokala, Lois Ann Rovira, K.C. Veio, Sid Wilson.

Staff Present: Shirley Amore, Gwendolyn Crenshaw, Michael Eitner, Elizabeth Elder, Eleanor Glover, Jennifer Hartman, Cori Jackamore, Celeste Jackson, Michelle Jeske, Elaine Langeberg, Diane Lapierre, Christopher Lovejoy, Rachelle Naishtut, Jim Pinamont, Jo Sarling, Sherry Spitsnaugle, Kristen Svendsen, Richard Weinstock, Derek Wolfgram.

Guests Present: Hanne Lichtenfels, Denver Public Library Friends Foundation; Steve Hildmann, Harriet Hogue, community members.

1. Call to Order.
   • President K.C. Veio called the meeting to order at 3:38 p.m.



2. Approval of Minutes of July 20, 2006, Regular Monthly Meeting.
   • The minutes were approved as written.



3. Public Comment Period.
   • The staff and guests present introduced themselves. New Commission members Suneeta Hazra and Susana Cordova each presented a short personal introduction. Harriet Hogue, community member, read a letter into the record. Steve Hildmann, community member, expressed his concerns/interests in Library matters.



4. Report of the President and Members.
   • Sid Wilson reported on the July 21 meeting of the Staff Council.
   • Kevin O’Connor reported on the Booklover’s Ball Corporate Committee efforts.
   • K.C. Veio announced that the Booklover’s Ball Patron Party will be held at Lonna and David Fitzgerald’s home on September 28.
   • Fofi Mendez reported on the activity of the Cultural Facilities Subcommittee of the Mayor’s Infrastructure Priorities Task Force. The Denver Public Library’s report will be presented to the Committee on October 9.
   • Karen Rokala reported that the joint meeting of the Friends Foundation Board and the Library Commission will be held on September 6.



5. Report of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation.
   • Hanne Lichtenfels reported that voting on Board officers and new members will be done via e-mail before the September 6 meeting as the Friends Board Annual Meeting will be pre-empted by the joint meeting with the Commission.



6. Monthly Financial Report through July 31, 2006.
   • Richard Weinstock presented this report.
   
   
   
7. Analysis of Circulation’s Upward Trend.
   • Jo Sarling, Michael Eitner and Derek Wolfgram presented this report.
   
   
   
8. Report of the City Librarian and Staff.
   • In addition to her written report Shirley Amore announced that:
   • The Cultural Center Parking Garage, across the street from the Central Library, will be changing its fee structure.  Although there has not yet been an official announcement it is likely that the "up to 2-hours" rate will stay the same, volunteer parking via a pre-paid ticket will be eliminated, and the monthly fee for staff parking will double by the end of the year.  Library staff are researching alternatives for monthly parking and for volunteer parking.
   • The Library has received a travel grant for four people to go to an Urban Libraries Council conference in New York City. The conference focus will be best practices in after school activities for children. Two librarians will attend in partnership with one person from each of two other city agencies.
   • Celeste Jackson reported that:
   • The Library has partnered with Qwest in an on-line safety project for children.
   • The Library will receive $103,000 worth of in-kind media support for the August 26-27 Used Book Sale.
   • Colorado and Company continues to be very supportive of the Library’s Fresh City Life program regularly interviewing presenters who are part of the program.  A brief clip was shown.
   
   
   
9. K.C. Veio adjourned the meeting at 5 p.m.
   

Submitted by Lois Ann Rovira, Secretary