1. Approval of Minutes from the December 1, 2010 Library Commission Meeting

Mr. Moriarty moved, and Ms. O'Connor seconded the motion to accept the minutes of the December 1, 2010 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners.

The motion passed.

2. Library Advisory Committee Reports

None.

3. Commission Committee Reports

None.

4. Chairman's Report:

Mr. Cary noted that since there has been no action thus far from Mayor Sarno's Office concerning appointing additional library commissioners, the Commission should suggest three or four interested Springfield residents. Ms. O'Connor did not agree and voiced her concerns regarding this issue.

5. Director's Report:

Ms. Fogarty explained that she, Mr. Ramsay and Ms. Leaders have been spending a great deal of time working on the FY12 budget, for submission by January 21. Mayor Sarno's City Budget Hearings are planned for the first two weeks in February.

Ms. Fogarty reported that although the Mason Square Branch Library renovation is progressing, the opening date will be delayed a couple of weeks. Problems with construction building permits arose. Electrical work and new laminate are expected to move fairly quickly, once the roof work is completed. The Springfield Library Foundation has donated an additional $312,000 for remodeling and updating the building, for a total of $1.5 million.

Mr. Ramsay talked about the new telephone system being installed at the Central Library as a result of the December 13, 2010 fire at Blake House on the Quadrangle. Valley Communications worked with library staff on the project, resulting in an easier and more friendly phone script.

Mr. Ramsay spoke briefly about the ADA Workshop some library staff had attended, along with various City of Springfield employees. He mentioned a new issue, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), which could affect employees, and how the Library could make accommodations.

6. Other Business:

Ms. O'Connor shared brochures about the Anchor Branch of the Norfolk Public Library, as she had recently visited and was impressed with the building as well as the marketing brochure.

Mr. Moriarty talked about the diversity in the City of Springfield and the need for the Library to provide language and interpreting services to non-English speaking residents.

Mr. Moriarty also announced that Baystate Health would be willing to provide interpreters to be available during the Grand Opening Days of the Mason Square Branch Library.