HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 2002-10-09CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO October 9, 2002
Library Advisory Board Main Fire Station
Present: Colleen Bennett, Patrick Curran, Anne Dickason, and Benjamin
Sostrin
Staff Present: Jan Erickson, Jackie Rose, and Joyce Niewendorp
Others Present: Patt Thomas
Excused: V'Anne Didzun, Bill Gallagher, Maria Meneghin
Before the Library Advisory Board meeting was called to order, Patt Thomas distributed
the monthly circulation count reports that she prepared.
The Library Advisory Board meeting was called to order by Chair Ben Sostrin at 7:04
p.m.
I. Introductions
For the benefit of Pat Curran, the newest member of the Library
Advisory Board, introductions were made around the table.
II. Approval of Minutes — September 4, 2002
Colleen Bennett made a motion, seconded by Anne Dickason, to
approve the minutes of the September 4, 2002 Library Advisory
Board meeting. The motion carried.
III. Public Comment
Chair Sostrin invited Patt Thomas to speak. Patt Thomas stated that
she brought in the September circulation usage numbers, which she
believes are slightly different from the information that is detailed in
the Library's monthly report. The numbers that Ms. Thomas compiled
show trends in usage that she feels are an important component.
Anne Dickason asked Ms. Thomas if she has had a chance to analyze
the data, as well as collect it. Ms. Thomas responded that either last
month or the month before last, she gave the Board annual total counts
for the last six years. The biggest growth has been in the audiovisual
area. Ms. Thomas thinks it is important to note because it is an
entirely different focus than the traditional library. She thinks it sends
an important message on how library use is changing. She thinks that
studying the trends might help to insure that the best possible services
are available.
Library Director Jan Erickson stated that she is not sure this trend is
new in public libraries. When she left the public library in Hillsboro,
popular materials were hugely used. Approximately 40% of the
Library's circulation is in the popular materials' area. In order to
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enhance the popular materials, the Library has tried to get the materials
out into the center aisle. In the Library renovation, the staff is looking
at redesigning the reference department to utilize the space to better
serve the patrons. The Lake Oswego Public Library is a popular
materials' library. The Library has evolved as the technology evolved.
There are still items that do not have a high yearly circulation, but they
do circulate every year. The classics are an example of this. It is a
balancing act. Ms. Erickson stated that the Lake Oswego Library does
not purchase only with circulation in mind. The Library purchases
materials to meet the demands of its customers.
IV. Chair's Report
Chair Sostrin said the Board members probably saw his e-mail about
how the Library Advisory Board interviews went. He was troubled by
the fact that the shared use idea is becoming a litmus test for Library
policy.
Ben Sostrin thanked Colleen Bennett for taking the community survey
meeting for him on short notice. He asked Ms. Bennett to share what
she gleaned from the meeting. Colleen Bennett responded that the
Board originally submitted three questions to the City for a citywide
survey. All boards and commissions were asked to consider some
questions that might be asked in the community survey. The Library
Board received word that some of the questions submitted by the
boards and commissions were more for focus groups than for a survey
type questionnaire. Representatives from the boards and commissions
were asked to meet with the consultant Martha DeLong to discuss the
questions.
Ms. Bennett stated that the questions submitted by the Library
Advisory Board were:
• What would inspire you to donate to the Library endowment
fund?
• Do you believe it is time to plan for a new library for Lake
Oswego?
• Have you visited the Lake Oswego Public Library in the last
six months?
Colleen Bennett said the group did not zero in on individuals, except
she asked them not to forget the Library. She said that the group liked
the question that asked if patrons have visited the Lake Oswego Public
Library in the last six months. She said it is very difficult to ask: Do
you believe it is time to plan a new library? There was no comment
on: What would inspire you to donate to the endowment fund. She
does not know if the survey will have any of the three questions or if
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they will come up with something else. From this meeting, Martha
DeLong will take the discussion to City Council. The survey is set for
January. There will be 400 names randomly selected for a 20 -minute
phone survey.
Pat Curran asked if this survey is something the City does annually.
Colleen Bennett responded that it is done every two years.
Ben Sostrin reminded everyone of the invitation to Jan Erickson's
welcoming brunch on October 18th. R.S.V.P.s should be made to
Arlene Kraft.
V. Goal Setting
Chair Sostrin stated that City Council wants to know what the goals
are for every board in the coming year. During the last couple of
years, the Library goals have not been near the top of the Council's
agenda. He asked the Board members to think about the goals the
Library Advisory Board would like the Council to consider for next
year. The Board will discuss the goals at the November meeting.
Pat Curran asked for the goals for the current year. The secretary
responded that she will send him copies of the goals.
Chair Sostrin asked Ms. Bennett if she remembers the goals. Ms.
Bennett responded that one of the ongoing goals was to review and
revise policies. Ben Sostrin responded that the Board did a lot of that
this past year. They would like to explore some new ways to market
the Library. Long range planning for Library services is one of the
goals. They wanted to do the First Tuesday music programs and art in
the Library. The Board also talked about doing the endowment letter
every year. Another goal of the Board was to address the City budget
whenever possible. In November or December, the Board will review
the Library's budget for the coming year with the staff.
Colleen Bennett stated that the Board also submitted an annual report
of the goals in December.
Chair Sostrin asked the secretary to include the prior year's annual
report and goals in the November agenda packet.
Chair Sostrin stated that he sent the Board members the endowment
letter. He received comments from two people. He took Colleen
Bennett's letter from last year, since it worked so well, and changed
some figures. Ben Sostrin said that he incorporated some of the
suggestions in the letter and he believes the draft is ready to go.
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Library Director Erickson stated that Jackie Rose reviewed the
endowment brochure and made a correction. The brochure now says
that checks should be made out to the Oregon Community
Foundation/Lake Oswego Public Library. Jan Erickson also discussed
the possibility of changing the color of the brochure. She showed
samples of colored paper and distributed a sample of the brochure
printed on white paper with the City's logo in color. The City's logo
can only be printed in color on the white paper. The Board decided to
have the brochure printed with the color logo on the white paper.
Ben Sostrin asked how many letters will be printed. Joyce
Niewendorp responded that there are 425 names and addresses on the
list. Ben Sostrin suggested a letter folding/stuffing party for the end of
the month. Joyce Niewendorp will let the Board know when the
brochures and letters are ready.
Jan Erickson stated that at a previous Board meeting a database for the
local businesses was discussed. Volunteer Coordinator Arlene Kraft
had volunteers create this database from the Chamber of Commerce
directory. It might be a good idea to personalize the list by adding the
business owners' names, as well as the business name.
Colleen Bennett asked if they are talking about two letters. Ben
Sostrin responded that he has concerns about doing a business letter.
About three years ago, there was a campaign to hit the businesses.
The returns were rather meager. He would like to know what they
would do differently this time, before they put the money and the
effort into it. It is his recollection that they spent so much sending
letters to the Chamber members and the money returned did not cover
the expenses.
Colleen Bennett responded that she recalls from the discussions that
the Library has made some inroads into the business community at the
Chamber by writing in the newsletter and telling them what the
Library can provide. Ben Sostrin responded that he does not know the
exact specifics. Patt Thomas asked how many of the Chamber
businesses actually take advantage of the Library services. She thinks
an appeal to the business community will fall on deaf ears for the
majority of the businesses in town because they do not have any direct
business contact. Unless there is some concrete evidence of benefits
and services for the business community, she does not think the effort
will reap the desired outcome.
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Colleen Bennett stated that there were some businesses on the
endowment fund mailing list last year and there were some responses.
The businesses were treated as community members.
Library Director Erickson said that they would not keep records of
information requests from patrons because of confidentiality.
Business people are Library clients, but she asked if they are premiere
clients. They help just as many people or more in the arts. Ms.
Erickson said that the Board might want to look at the database to see
who it contains.
Patt Thomas asked if there is anyway they can access through the
LINCC database the equivalent of hits on business, information, and
sources. Jan Erickson responded that the reference counts noted on the
monthly report are hand tallied and not electronic. Jackie Rose stated
that even if they had an electronic count of the hits to a database, they
would be unable to tell if the hits were from students or
businesspersons.
Jan Erickson stated that they can get the number of hits from some of
the electronic databases, but, as Jackie Rose pointed out, they do not
know who is using them. Patt Thomas responded they could at least
analyze the numbers to see if there is a service that really is providing
a good value in the community. Jan Erickson responded that
Reference USA has a huge number of hits. Library staff believed in it
so much that it picked up the database, at a considerable cost, when the
rest of the county libraries stopped subscribing. Jackie Rose stated
that Reference USA has a business facet as well as other facets. There
is no way of knowing how many hits are from business.
Colleen Bennett asked if the Board could go with the list they have
and then nurture businesses a little more. Then maybe after the first of
the year or in spring, the Library could consider a letter.
Library Director Erickson stated that her purpose in bringing up the
Chamber of Commerce database was to let the Board know that it is
available.
Anne Dickason stated that she does not think the back of the
endowment brochure should have a blank page. Jackie Rose will
include something on that page.
Chair Sostrin said that the Library is getting high-speed computer
access for laptops. This will enable patrons to bring their laptops to
the Library and have high-speed access to the Web. He pointed out
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the laptop policy draft in the agenda packet. Ben Sostrin asked who
drafted the policy. Jan Erickson responded that one of the employees
drafted the policy and City Attorney David Powell worked on it.
Ben Sostrin said that if the Library wants to have a waiver, he thinks it
is going to have to be more prominent than a page on the Web or
somewhere in a binder on the Director's shelf or the Board members'
shelves. If the Library really wants coverage, they should have people
sign a liability waiver.
Patt Thomas suggested a laminated sheet with the policy by each port.
Ben Sostrin said the Board has had the discussion in the past about
whether or not they want to walk in the Library and see "don't do this"
signs every time they turn.
Anne Dickason said that she does not see any problem with having
people read the policy and then sign it.
Library Director Erickson said that she agrees with the Chair that they
do not want to see signs all over. She feels very strongly that if a sign
is needed, it should be posted where there is a problem. In a movie
theater, they do not tell you everything you cannot do before you
watch the movie, but they do tell you a couple of things. For example,
they tell you that cell phone use is not allowed and crying babies
should be taken from the theatre. Recently, the Library has tried to
keep signage at a minimum, but to put the signs where the problem
exists. The "courteous use of cell phones" sign was in an area where
no one would see it. That sign is now in an area where people use cell
phones.
Pat Curran asked the staff to explain how this will work if he comes in
with his laptop. Jan Erickson responded that he would have the
facilities at the Library to plug in his laptop and activate it. Pat Curran
asked if he would have to sign in with someone. Jan Erickson
responded the staff hopes the patron will be able to plug in and start up
their computer without signing in with the staff. They do not want the
staff to set everything up or be responsible for setting up the patron's
laptop. It is one thing to have staff assist with equipment the Library
owns, but they do not want to do that with equipment the Library does
not own.
Pat Curran asked how the staff monitors the 30 -minute time limit.
Patrons write the current time on a small card that they attach to the
computer monitor when they start a session on the Internet. Pat
Curran asked if they would do the same for the laptops. Jan Erickson
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responded that they probably would. There was discussion about
posting the time on a laminated card with the laptop policy.
Patt Thomas asked how many ports there will be for laptops. Jan
Erickson responded there are four, but she would like to see the
number four taken out of the policy. It is possible that later on the
Library will have more than four ports.
Library Director Erickson stated that in reviewing the laptop policy,
there are some changes she would like to see. First, she would like the
policy to read: "The Lake Oswego Public Library provides laptop
connections for members of the public. The conditions for use are as
follows:" She would then start the numbering. She would change
patron to patrons in number 2 and 4. Pat Curran pointed out that in
number 11 the word should be indemnify rather than indemnity.
Jan Erickson stated that the Library has had many requests for laptop
Internet connections.
Ben Sostrin asked if number 5 should read: The Library is not
responsible for inappropriate images or materials. Jackie Rose
responded that the Library staff is not going to monitor what people
are looking at to determine if it is inappropriate or not. If they print
something out and hold something up, then the Library has a policy in
place to deal with it. Ben Sostrin stated that state law also provides for
this.
Anne Dickason asked if the people who use these connections could
not just as easily be at Kinkos or are they using their laptops in the
Library because there is material in the Library they need to access.
Library Director Erickson responded that the Library has not offered
this service, but from former experience the users want to type
something from a Library resource.
Chair Sostrin said that he does not know what a DHCP server is. He
suggested changing the wording to a Library approved server, if they
are trying to make this policy relatively timeless. After some
discussion, the consensus was to change the line to read: The patrons
must set up their laptop to access Library's network.
Colleen Bennett asked if there is a rush on the laptop policy. Library
Director Erickson responded that there is a rush because the lines are
already setup for the ACC and the Library is next. They wanted the
City Attorney to review the laptop policy before the Board meeting.
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Chair Sostrin asked if the wording in number 4 about cables is
redundant. The suggested wording is: The patrons will provide any
cables they need to connect to a 10-BaseT network. The second
sentence should be eliminated. The group agreed.
After some discussion, the consensus was to delete the second
sentence of number 5: The Library is not responsible for inappropriate
images.
Colleen Bennett made a motion, seconded by Pat Curran, to
approve the laptop policy with the noted corrections. The motion
carried.
Ben Sostrin stated that when the Board adopts a policy that replaces an
older policy, they need to add at the end of the policy that the new
policy supersedes the old policy and date the new policy. This has not
been done in the past and legislatively it is sloppy.
VI. Director's Report
Library Director Jan Erickson stated that she just became the Library
Director on September 15. The first thing that she did, as any new
boss would do, was to find out who the most important person in the
organization is. The Library really cannot run without the
administrative secretary. Ms. Erickson said that she is very privileged
to have been selected as the Library Director.
Library Director Erickson stated that she would like to tell the Board
two things about her leadership style. She heard two quotes at the
Chamber's leadership training from Dr. Korach that she really believes
in. The first quote is: "The paradox of a successful leader is that they
must create the conditions for others' success." She said that she truly
believes this. One of her main jobs is to make sure that the staff that
works for her works in conditions that allow them to be successful.
One of the things she would like to do is mentor. Ms. Erickson said
that Joyce Niewendorp is doing her library internship at the Library,
working in the Reference Department. She said that is an exciting
opportunity for her.
Library Director Erickson said that the second quote she really liked
that she heard at the leadership training class is: "It isn't what you
don't know that is the problem, it is what you think you know that
really gets you." She realized this in the leadership class. They had
activities they had to do as groups. Her group lost the second two
events. The answer was right there. Each time, someone in her group
had the answer. A couple of the dominant group members would not
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listen. They insisted on doing the activity their way and the group
failed. At one point, one of them spoke to Jan and told her she was not
participating. She replied by answering, "Why should I? You are not
listening." She asked the Board to let her know if she is not listening.
Jan Erickson stated that when she was selected for this position, her
boss, Assistant City Manager Janice Deardorff, said with this job she
was going to hit the ground running. Thanks to the Library Advisory
Board and the Board's effort, the Library is preparing for a renovation.
The Library will be closed during the month of December.
Approximately $289,000 was approved for the Library project, with
$40,000 going to the parking lot to create more parking spaces. The
City and Library staff are planning for the renovation of the Library, as
well as what the staff will be doing when the Library is closed.
Library Director Erickson showed the Board the carpet, fabric, and
paint selection samples for the Library renovation. During the
renovation, the subflooring and the flooring will be replaced. They are
also going to repair the cracks in the walls, some that came from the
earthquake. Then the Library will be painted. The chairs in the
Library are good quality chairs. They are going to be taken apart,
cleaned, reupholstered, and put back together. The Bainbridge Design
team is helping the staff pick out carpet that would be appropriate to
withstand the traffic in the Library, fabric, etc. They will use
sustainable carpet and recycled paint, except for the paint for the
accent walls. They are also going to resurface the circulation desk.
Library Director Erickson stated that the Library renovation is an
exciting project. It is also very challenging to deal with all the details.
This is going to be a rolling event with three phases. Once the Library
is closed, they will start moving the furniture. Furniture will be moved
to one section of the Library while work is done in another section.
Computers have to be packed up and out of the building so that on
Monday, December 2"d, the contractors can start. The Library will be
open on Saturday, November 30th, but closed on Sunday, December
1 st. There are a lot of details to work out.
Jan Erickson said that staff has been receptive to the project. They are
looking at space needs. They are trying to determine what type of
services, if any, the Library can offer.
Chair Sostrin asked Library Director Erickson where she thinks the
Lake Oswego patron flow traffic will go. He asked if she has talked to
those library directors to advise them what they would be faced with.
He asked if it is possible to loan out the computers to one of these
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libraries. He knows that West Linn has a computer shortage. Ms.
Erickson responded that press releases went out. Jackie Rose stated
there was a brief press release sent out in October and there is a more
extensive one for November to let the public know about the
December closure and to suggest other libraries.
Library Director Erickson stated that the patron traffic will be accepted
by other libraries just like the Lake Oswego Public Library has
accepted traffic from other libraries that have had closures. The
Library experiences increased patron flow on Mondays with the
library closures in Multnomah County. She expects some of the LO
patrons will go to West Linn, the Capitol Hill branch of Multnomah
County, Wilsonville, and Tualatin.
Jan Erickson stated that she is not sure the Library would consider
sharing the computers because of the cost factor. Staff is trying to use
every penny wisely. Even renting space was not factored into the bid.
Moving the computers to another library would require people to move
them, setup, liability, and the move back. It probably would not be
cost effective for just one month.
Ms. Erickson stated that the staff chose December as the month to
close since the Library traditionally has its lowest circulation during
that month.
Colleen Bennett asked what is being done to the parking lot. Library
Director Erickson responded spaces are being added. Jackie Rose
stated that they are internally reconfiguring the lot and possibly
removing the center islands.
Ben Sostrin asked why there is no consideration given to
reconfiguration of stacks to fit more materials in, since they are
moving everything. Jan Erickson responded that part of the answer to
that is cost. If they moved stacks, it would cost the Library more
money. Ben Sostrin asked if the stacks are not already being moved to
fix the subfloor. Jan Erickson responded that they do not have to be.
The aisles where people walk are damaged not the floor under the
shelves.
Colleen Bennett stated that originally they estimated the parking lot for
$38,000, so the $40,000 price is good.
Library Director Jan Erickson stated the Friends of the Library
approved another round of grants. The Friends approved every grant
request. Thank goodness for the Friends. Without the Friends, the
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Library would not be able to do some of the things they are going to be
able to do this year. The generosity of the Friends funded:
• A laptop for the staff to use for presentations
• Music in the Library grant
• Books for Babies
• Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia
• Cutural Pass Collection
• Ancestry Plus genealogical database
• Core collection of literature in foreign language
The Library's motto is: "Your community resource for information
and enrichment." Without the Friends, the Library could not do as
much of the enrichment side of that.
Jan Erickson stated that the Library had a Treasure Hunt day. This
was very successful. Forty-five people came into the Library bringing
their treasure, which had to be an American or European painting.
Matthew Gerber from Matthew's Gallery, donated his time and
expertise. One lady had an Impressionist painting worth $10,000.
Library Director Erickson stated that last year the Library supported
Oswego Heritage House programs. Now the Library is a co-sponsor.
The next First Wednesdays' program is November 6th entitled "Trends
in Antiques." There will be no program in December and January.
Some of the programs scheduled after the first of the year include
"Craving Chocolate," "History of the Chinese in Lake Oswego,"
"Historic Tour of Lake Oswego Homes," "The Pearl District," and
"Tales of the Lake."
Jan Erickson stated that the Library is receiving many positive
comments on the Taking Care of Business column written by
Reference Librarian Greg Cutting. His latest column was on Internet
resources that are popular. Ms. Erickson stated that the Library's in-
house artist, Reference Librarian Todd Feinman, produced a brochure,
found in the agenda packet, advertising the Library's Web site.
Youth Services Supervisor Jackie Rose stated that the Library is a key
partner in the Lake Oswego Asset Builders Coalition (LOABC). The
Coalition is focusing on providing positive opportunities for teens to
get involved in fruitful activities as a way of preventing alcohol and
drug abuse. Jackie Rose said that she will represent the Library. Jan
Lane is the chair of the speaker's bureau of this organization. Ms.
Lane asked Ms. Rose to let the Board know that someone from the
speaker's bureau will be happy to come to the Board to talk to them in
more depth about LOABC. There were articles in The Review last
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year about the essential assets that teens need to be healthy. Last year
Ms. Rose wrote one of the articles about how the Library can promote
some of these assets for teens. The other thing that the Coalition
works on is grant applications. Ms. Rose stated that from the Library's
point of view, she thinks it is good they are partnering because it gives
the Library a very good PR opportunity. She emphasized to the
Coalition that the Library has materials about substance abuse as well
as materials about other issues that teens cope with. Jackie Rose stated
that as a result of her presentation, Jory Ellis, from the school district,
requested a booklist from the Library about some of these things that
she is going to give out to health ed teachers. A school board member
that is on the committee wanted a booklist. LOABC also wanted a
booklist. Reading for pleasure and fun is one of those activities the
Library promotes that is so productive for teens.
Jackie Rose stated that the Chamber of Commerce has agreed to stock
The What's New Review, and also program calendars for children,
teens, and adults. She distributed the fall issue of The What's New
Review. This is the quarterly magazine that is published thanks to a
grant from the Friends of the Library. Every new item that the Library
purchases for teens, such as books, videos, and CD-Roms, is listed in
The What's New Review. Teens review the new books and write the
book reviews. Some teachers in the district give extra credit for
writing reviews. Every junior high and high school teacher in the
school district get this mailed to them personally. They are available
in the Library and in the schools. Ms. Rose distributed The What's
New Review and the teen calendar for the fall.
Ms. Rose said the summer reading club for teens was extremely
successful. Dark Horse Comics presented a free program for over
forty teens. One of the teens told Ms. Rose, "Aw man, that was
awesome." Another program, decorative calligraphy, was presented
by a local artist, Jean Ye. Ms. Ye won a service award from the
volunteer program.
Teen Read Week, sponsored by the American Library Association, is
in October. The Lake Oswego Public Library has made it Teen Read
Month. It is an effort to motivate teens to read for fun. Studies have
shown, that even though teens wish they could read for pleasure, they
feel they do not have time. The Library received a grant from the
Lake Oswego Junior Women's Club to purchase prizes to encourage
teens to read. Anytime a teen checks out materials, they get a raffle
ticket. Anytime they write a book review, they get two raffle tickets.
They have enough prizes for 40 lucky teens to receive a $10.00 gift
certificate to Borders. A professional illustrator is coming to the
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Library on October 19th to critique comics that teens draw. There will
be two anime movie screenings in the conference room. They are
promoting graphic novels this month through programs and displays.
There is a graffiti board in the teen area where teens can write what
they feel about different books.
Ms. Rose stated that for about eight months there has been a teen
comic book discussion group that was started as an experiment. The
discussion group has a regular following now, mostly Japanese Manga
fans. Jackie Rose stated that Councilor Graham told her about a local
comic book artist, Michael Eury, who lives in Lake Oswego. He has
published some comics and is writing a book. He is going to be a
guest at one of these graphic novel discussion groups. He is also going
to do a program for the Library in the spring.
Jackie Rose stated that circulation of young adult material has really
gone up this year. In September it went up 20%. She said that the
work Judy Dunlap is doing with the graphic novel collection and
programming is a big factor in the increased circulation.
Ms. Rose stated that one of the teen volunteers, Max Goodman,
received the President's Gold Student Service Award. This was
presented by Mayor Hammerstad at the last City Council meeting.
Max is 12 years old and a homeschooler. He has volunteered 125
hours this year at the Library. Max has done several database projects
and research for the Library. During the past year approximately 183
students have worked in the Library. It is an opportunity for them to
make new friends, serve their community, and receive honors' credits.
Jackie Rose mentioned that the Children's Department received a
grant from the Friends for children's programs. Some of the programs
are too expensive for the City budget. She distributed the children's
fall calendar. As a result of this grant, she was able to hire three
performers for this fall. These performers are the Tears of Joy Puppet
Theatre, Leapin' Louie who does cowboy rope tricks, and the Hot Shot
Tap Dancers.
Chair Sostrin asked if the Library is having problems with crowds.
Jackie Rose responded that sometimes space is a problem and they
have to turn people away. They do the best they can with the space
they have.
Last weekend, Jackie Rose attended an event called the Performers'
Showcase. This event takes place every two years. Children's
librarians from all over the state spend a day watching performers to
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see if they would like to hire them. With the grant from the Friends,
she is able to have some of these performers come to the Lake Oswego
Library.
Jan Erickson reported that 106 people were in attendance at the
October music program. Colleen Bennett asked if any donations were
made to the endowment fund that evening. Joyce Niewendorp
reported that they received $7.50.
Chair Sostrin introduced Colleen Bennett as the new Vice President of
the Friends. He asked her if she would like to tell the Board about
something the Friends are doing this weekend. Colleen Bennett
invited everyone to attend the used book sale sponsored by the
Friends. The flyer is located in everyone's agenda packet. There is an
overabundance of books at the Booktique. They are trying to clean
them out. In her new position with the Friends, she will be on the
Wish List Committee. Colleen Bennett stated that she sent the Friends
a thank you note on behalf of the Board for the grant for the music
programs. She also sent Sally Harmon a note.
Colleen Bennett stated that V'Anne Didzun discovered that George
Corneil was willing to display his artwork in the Library for the two
months before the Library renovation. Cris Pera, who volunteers to
hang all the artwork on the end of the stacks, suggested the Library do
something with William Stafford's poems. They are working with the
Friends of William Stafford. The Library is going to be one of the
settings for a birthday party for William Stafford. The publicity will
be taken care of by the Friends of William Stafford. At the same time,
they will hang his poetry in the Library for a couple of months.
Colleen Bennett stated that she went to LONAC, a neighborhood
association group, on Saturday. LONAC held a candidate's forum for
city council and the two metro candidates. LONAC asked a library
question:
The City may have in the near future land available in the Foothills
area or near block 38. If they were to place a library in either
location, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Colleen Bennett stated that Councilor Graham would like the Library
downtown. She said the Foothills area is sort of an open book at this
point because they are just beginning to talk about what will go in
there. She said Councilor Graham asked if people want more service.
If that service cannot be provided in the current Library, then maybe a
new building is needed. Colleen said that she would respond to
Councilor Graham by saying that the Library has good service, but do
14
CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO
Library Advisory Board
October 9, 2002
Main Fire Station
people want more? She said they should ask if the Library wants to
provide more space.
Colleen Bennett stated that Lynn Peterson who is running for City
Council likes the dual use of the Sellwood Library. There are
condominiums on the top with the library on the bottom floor. Ms.
Peterson would like the Library downtown. Colleen Bennett stated
that Jack Hoffman said that nothing is going to happen. He also said
they are not sure if they want a new library or a branch. He keeps
quoting a survey that was taken several years ago when people were
asked if they wanted a new library or a branch. At this time, 48% said
they wanted a branch and 50% said they wanted a new building. He
says there is no clear message of what people want. He neglects to
talk about the consultant's report that says they need a new library.
Jeff Gudman, the other candidate, would like to see a library near
block 38 (the Wizer block).
Anne Dickason stated that she is taken with all the programs the
Library is doing for the teens and children. She said if they want to
look in terms of what the Board can do to get them to a new library in
five or ten years, they need to think about the adults. They are the
people who vote. She suggested they do some special programming
for the adults. Jan Erickson responded that the Library does adult
programming, she just did not report on those programs. Anne
Dickason suggested some lectures or some adult book programs. She
said she would love to hear about those at the next meeting. Jan
Erickson mentioned that all the programming is on the Web site. Jan
Erickson said that the Library recently did a travel program. The
programming is advertised in the HelloLO, the newspapers, and on the
Library's Web site.
VII. Adjournment
The Library Advisory Board adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Niewendorp
Recording Secretary
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