Cleveland Heights – University Heights Public Library Board of Trustees meeting highlights 11-20-2017
NOVEMBER 20, 2017
- Library issues successful in November election
- University Heights Branch opening
- New trustees sought for library board
- Fund for Future of Heights Libraries honor roll
- On the Same Page
- Hotspot lending program
Present were President Ron Holland, Secretary Chris Mentrek, Susan Beatty, Max Gerboc and Jim Roosa. Vice President Abby Botnick was absent. The meeting ran from 6:30 to 7:14 p.m.
Library issues successful in November election
Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levine reported that voters approved all 22 public library issues on November general election ballots in Ohio. The unofficial results show an average voter approval rate of 67 percent. The successful library issues included one bond and 21 levies, comprising seven new levies, nine renewals, two replacements, two renewals with increases, and one replacement with an increase. Locally, the Cleveland Public Library and Geauga County Libraries both passed levies.
University Heights branch opening
More than 200 community members attended the opening of the renovated University Heights branch earlier this month. Mayor Susan Infeld read a resolution naming Nov. 21, 2017 University Heights Library Day. Guests enjoyed crafts, snacks, and the Barbershoppers music group from Heights High. A final report of costs will be submitted to the library’s board of trustees before the end of the year.
New trustees sought for library board
The deadline for applications to the library board of trustees was Nov. 21. An information session was held for interested parties at the Lee Road Library. The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education interviewed applicants on Dec. 5.
Fund for Future of Heights Libraries honor roll
John Jarvey and Marilyn McLaughlin were honored by the Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries at a dinner held at the Doan Center of John Carroll University on Sunday, Nov. 5. The dinner was attended by 54 individuals and raised more than $2,000 for the foundation.
On the Same Page
The fall “On the Same Page” initiative, centered on the graphic novel March: Book Three by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell, continued during the month of October. On Oct. 5, Heights Community Congress had a free screening of the 2014 film “Selma” at the Cedar Lee Theatre, followed by a moderated discussion. On Oct. 20, Compass Consulting led an immersive role play and discussion program “Selma to Montgomery: What Does It Take to March?” It [invited] attendees to examine what it took for dedicated people to stand up to injustice and racism. Also, Emma Keeshin of the ACLU of Ohio facilitated “Know Your Rights: What to Do If Stopped by the Police” on Oct. 26. Discussions for teens and adults looked at the dos and don’ts of interacting with law enforcement officials.
Hotspot lending program
Due to increased demand and popularity of the hotspot lending program, the library instituted a hold system for the program at the beginning of the month. Developed and coordinated by Jackie Mayse, tech librarian, customers can now place a hold by calling the library or speaking with staff at any Heights Libraries location.
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.