Friends of the Alameda Free Library

Minutes of Meeting, February 27, 2006

President Molly Skeen called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm in room 391 of City Hall. Members in attendance were Molly Skeen, Honora Murphy, Gertrude Woods, Peter Woods, Marilyn Ng, John Quick, Kate Quick, Jane Chisaki, Richard Kolberg, Maxine Wright, Beth Sibley, Liz Rogers, and Chris Christopher.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

Copies of the minutes of the January 2006 meeting were distributed and approved.

Treasurer's Report

John Quick (Treasurer) presented the financial report for January 2006 and reported on a number of minor issues he is investigating.

Molly and John reported on their analysis of the Friends' accounting practices compared to an "accounting checklist" published and discussed on the FOLUSA web site (Friends of Libraries USA, www.folusa.org). Several issues were identified for future action, including the value of preparing and working to an annual budget.

Another issue for discussion was workers' compensation insurance. It isn't clear as yet that the Friends need this type of coverage as opposed to liability coverage when volunteers are working at the collection site, the O'Club during sales, and the new library (when it opens). Molly and John hope to have more information for the next meeting.

The Friends' contract with the City of Alameda will be reviewed in January 2007. It's clear there will be many new issues associated with Friends' activities slated to take place in the new library..

Membership Report

Peter Woods (Membership Chair) reported that he had resolved problems with the membership computer files. He reported that the Friends have a total of 240 members, although only 159 are paid up through 2005.

Book Sale

Gertrude Woods (Book Sale Co-chair) reported that donations are good, especially because the library is going through one of its periodic withdrawal of underused of obsolete books.

The accumulation of so-called "second rate" books was discussed again. The volunteers are selling sealed boxes of these books at the donation site on Oak Street for $2 per box. Gert requested that a notice be placed in the newsletter of the availability of these books.

It was also noted that boxes of books in storage at Alameda Point are still at considerable risk of damage by moisture and pests.

The next book sale is scheduled for May 5, 6, and 7, 2006.

Library Building Team Report

Jane Chisaki (Interim Director of the AFL) reported that construction progress for the new library is still on time and on budget.

Visit web cam: http://www.ci.alameda.ca.us/library/webcam.html

Newsletter Report

Marc Lambert was not present, but advised members by email that the March newsletter deadline is Friday, 3/3/06.

BALIS Report

No report at this meeting.

Library Director's Report

Jane Chisaki (Interim Director of the AFL) showed photos of the art medallions to be installed, which are based on the approved theme "Cadence of Water", and funded by the Friends. She also reported that the Library Foundation has approved a commission for circulation desk artwork based on the theme "Oracle of the Tree" by the same artist. This art will be funded by the Foundation.

Jane also reported that planning for the "Sneak Peek Gala" fund-raiser sponsored by the Library Foundation continues.

Jane announced that a large (~24-page) insert is being planned for the October 13 issue of the Alameda Journal. She encouraged the Friends to submit articles and photos describing Friends activities.

Jane reminded us that the Library will be closed from March 6-19th in order to implement a new radio frequency identification (RFID) system. This new system should greatly speed up the handling of books and other materials.

The Grand Opening for the new library is currently scheduled for November 2, 2006 at 11:00am.

Old Business

Tote bags: Marilyn Ng showed a sample of the tote bag selected by the Friends at the last meeting. Chris Christopher shows a number of different possible designs to be silk-screened onto the bag. One of the designs was approved. The quantity of bags to be ordered was discussed as there are price breaks for larger orders. The discussion was extended to how and where the bags should be sold.

Molly invited members to visit the library to see the new bulletin board.

Molly announced that there will be an Author Night event at Books, Inc. on April 7th at 7:30pm featuring Eleanor Wylie discussion her book, There Are No Mistakes: Becoming Comfortable with Life As It Is, Not As It Should Be.

Molly reported that she is organizing volunteers to staff the Grand Opening event for the new library and the Café in the Library. A number of volunteers are already on board and several members in attendance at the meeting also volunteered.

Respectfully submitted,
Chris Christopher
Acting Secretary