1. Approval of Minutes from the December 7, 2011 Library Commission Meeting

Commissioner Moriarty made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 7, 2011 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners . Commissioner Fyntrilakis seconded the motion.

The motion passed.  

2. Kat Wright: Recognition

Kat Wright received proclamations from Mayor Domenic Sarno and the Springfield City Council commending and thanking her for her dedication to the Mason Square Branch Library. Mayor Sarno declared Wednesday, December 4, 2011 “Kat Wright Day” in the City of Springfield. Ms. Wright also was presented a custom made art piece with photos signed by the Springfield Library Commission showing their appreciation and thanks.

3. Library Advisory Committee Reports:

Deborah Price, representing the Mason Square area, told the Commission that she would like to see expanded open hours at the Mason Square Branch Library, saying that “in poorer areas people need more access to books, reading materials and computers.”

4. Commission Committee Reports:

Ms. O'Connor said that over the holidays she had visited many of the branch libraries to wish the staff “Happy Holidays,” and made the following observations:

• At the Pine Point Branch Library it appears that Shelby's Auto Sales' fence is on library property.

• The Mason Square Branch Library is very busy and doing well, but needs more open hours.

• Sixteen Acres looks good and was also very busy when she visited.

• She would be in favor of relocating the East Forest Park Branch Library, which would save the cost of leasing the current building. The Mary Dryden School is a possible location.

5. Chairman's Report:

Mr. Cary encouraged letters be sent to Mayor Sarno, the City Council, and the newspaper asking for more open hours for library branches.

Mr. Cary encouraged everyone present to attend the Rebuild Springfield meeting tomorrow night at St. Anthony's Church, and check out “Mindmixer” on their website.

Mr. Cary stated that the East Forest Park Branch is the second busiest of the branches and really needs a community meeting space, as in some of the library branches.

6. Director's Report:

Ms. Fogarty personally thanked Kat Wright and community members for their support and public advocacy for the Library, which made it possible to get the Mason Square Branch back.

• The Library applied for a Springfield Cultural Council Grant for Hispanic Heritage Month activities.

• The Library applied for a Learning Labs Grant from LSTA.

• The Library applied for a Mass Mutual Grant to fund year-long celebrations marking the 100 th anniversary of the Central Library.

• The Library would like to hold a gala in early April in the Central Library Rotunda, which would be planned by Spirit of Springfield. The Library has some funds available.

• Ms. Fogarty acknowledged Holyoke author/artist Dean Nimmer and thanked him and Janet Stupak for their recent donation of art for the Central Library Community Room. The piece is titled “Book Passages” and is created from old book jackets.

• TSM Design is working on a proposal for a new logo and style guide for the Library.

7. Other Business:

None.