Friends of the Alameda Free Library
Minutes of Meeting, May 16, 2005
In the absence of President Molly Skeen, Vice President Richard Kolberg called the
meeting to order at 7:30 in room 360 of City Hall. Other members in attendance were Kate
and John Quick, Archie Waterbury, Peter Woods, Shelley Reed, Jo Winzenread, Marc
Lambert, Richard Kolberg, and Carol Stone. Laura Chaquette, the library's circulation
supervisor, was present on behalf of Susan Hardie. Jordona Elderts came to discuss the
Alameda Reads! program.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the April meeting were read and approved.
Treasurer's Report
A copy of John Quick's complete report is attached to these minutes. Our net worth is
about $219,000.
Membership Report
Pete Woods said that we have 217 members who have paid their dues through at least
2005, plus 58 who have paid only through 2004. We have 35 new members for 2005. There
are also 25 members of the Junior Friends.
Book Sale
Gert Woods and Adair Jorgensen were both absent.
Junior Friends' Report
Jo Winzenread reported that there will be an event at the BFI library on May 21
having a Celebrate America theme.
Library Building Team Report
Honora was absent. However, Richard reported that the foundation for the new library
is being laid.
BALIS Report
Marc had nothing to report about BALIS.
Library Director's Report
In Susan Hardie's place, Laura Chaquette presented the library director's report.
On May 17 the city council will receive next year's budget proposal from the city
manager. No more reductions have been made in the library's budget or hours of service.
On June 7 the council will consider the policy about recognizing donors to the new
library. Donors of various amounts (beginning at a minimum of $5000) will be recognized
with plaques, the privilege of naming rooms, and so on.
Susan recently attended the Chipman School program at which Laura Bush lauded the
school for its reading program.
The new library building is progressing. and in August erection of the steel
structure will begin.
The library will soon receive a shipment of 875 CDs as the result of a national
price-fixing lawsuit against several music companies. Further details of the report are
in the attached copy.
Old Business
Guests Claudia Fenelon and Mark Schoenrock attended again in connection with their
offer to provide funds for school media centers to acquire books from our book sale.
Claudia has learned that the AEF doesn't have the administrative staff to provide
reimbursement. Someone suggested giving each of the 18 media specialists $25 vouchers to
be used as cash, and Claudia brought a sample voucher for us to examine. She has been in
touch with Molly, Gert, and Adair about this by e-mail, but none of them were present to
comment.
Claudia asked whether the media specialists will have to pay the usual $5 fee for the
pre-sale. Kate moved, and Archie seconded, that we waive the fee; John objected that
this would seem unfair to all those who pay the fee. Carol suggested that a copy of a
ticket be included with the voucher, and Kate amended the motion to include a ticket.In
answer to a question from Claudia about who should sign the cover letter, Shelley said
it seems appropriate for Molly to do so. The amended motion passed unanimously.
Mark asked for the electronic file of the Friends letterhead. Carol will provide it.
Jordona Elderts thanked us for our contribution to the book club. She also clarified
some issues about the Alameda Reads! party, for which we had offered to send the
invitations. However, Jordona feels this will make the event seem like a Friends-only
occasion. She brought some handouts describing the overall program and the party, which
will cost a total of $3000. She asked us to contribute $750 toward it. Archie moved that
we approve that amount, John seconded, and the motion carried unanimously .
Shelley reported that the results of the nominating committee's search for nominees
for next year's officers have not changed: Molly, Richard, and John have all agreed to
continue in their present positions if elected, but Carol cannot do so. Richard asked
for nominations from the floor; there were none. Therefore, the three candidates were
automatically elected. Jo Winzenread suggested that several members share the job of
secretary, or that the job be handled on a rotating basis. This problem was left open.
Newsletter
Marc reminded us that May 30 is the deadline for the June newsletter.
New Business
Richard read a very gracious letter that Molly received from Susan, announcing her
September retirement as the library director and thanking the Friends for our support
over the years. John suggested that we ask Molly and Susan for permission to print the
letter in the newsletter.
We also received a letter from Jane Chisaki thanking us for our past support and
asking us for a donation of $9600 to be used for the 2006 summer reading program and
other children's programs. Discussion was postponed until the next meeting.
Notice of Coming Meetings
The next meeting will be on June 20.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Stone, Secretary |