Cleveland Heights – University Heights Public Library Board of Trustees meeting highlights 9-18-2017
SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
- Financial report
- Strategic plan update
- Expenditure transfer
- Library Card Sign Up Month and amnesty
- Materials and selection policy
- Friends report
- Farewell to the bookmobile
Present were President Ron Holland, Vice President Abby Botnick, Secretary Chris Mentrek, Suzann Moskowitz, Susan Beatty, Jim Roosa and Max Gerboc.
Financial report
The fiscal officer reviewed both July and August financial statements. A chart was presented that showed a four-year trend of the libraries major revenue sources, which include property tax, tax reimbursement from the state, and the public library fund. Of the three funding sources, property tax is the largest. Total cash balance across the operating accounts, Bauer Fund accounts, and investment accounts at the end of August was $15,141,749.11. The board accepted the financial reports.
Strategic plan update
Deputy Director Kim DeNero-Ackroyd provided an update on the strategic plan, which included results of completed surveys on library programs and services, such as the summer reading program, as well as programs that are in the process of being surveyed or that will be surveyed in the future, such as the Hotspot Lending Program. Twenty-five parents and caregivers, and 36 children and teens completed evaluation surveys for the summer reading program. According to the surveys, 96 percent of parents and caregivers reported that their children maintained or increased their reading skills, and 92 percent said their children are more confident readers. Ninety-one percent of children and teens want to use the library more often, and 85 percent enjoy reading more. Board Member Roosa commented that the number of survey responses seemed low, and there was discussion and inquiry about methods to increase survey responses.
Expenditure transfer
The board approved a resolution allowing the fiscal officer to make a technology expense adjustment, in an amount not to exceed $25,000, for items needed for the University Heights branch.
Library Card Sign Up Month and amnesty
The board declared September as Library Card Sign Up Month and authorized library staff to waive fees and fines for persons under 18 years old, in order to reinstate them as “bona fide” library users, and to provide parents a $5 fine waiver for completing a survey.
Materials and selection policy
The board adopted an amended materials and selection policy that changes “gender” to “gender identity,” sets guidelines for the purchase of self-published books, and defines the local history collection.
Friends report
Linda Lopez provided a report on the activities and fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Heights Libraries. The first Friday book sale raised $680, and two scholarships were awarded. On Oct. 8, Friends will hold its annual meeting.
Farewell to the bookmobile
With the upcoming reopening of the University Heights branch of Heights Libraries, the bookmobile will cease operation. During the time that the bookmobile was in use, it made 207 stops, serviced 1,926 people, and had 3,293 items in circulation. A YouTube video, which highlighted the activities and services of the bookmobile, was shared.
LWV Observer: Khaliah Fisher-Grace.
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These reports contain member observation and selected highlights of public meetings and are not official statements of the Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland. This disclaimer must accompany any redistribution of these reports.