Patrick Markey, Chair called the meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners to order at 5:38 p.m.

Library Commissioners Present:

Patrick Markey
Vera O'Connor
Rudy Ruggeri
Janet Denney
Craig Givens
Sheila McElwaine

Library Staff Present:

Lee Fogarty, Assistant Library Director
Carol Leaders, Administrative Assistant

Guest Speakers:

John Arnold, Chairman, Mass Board of Library Commissioners
Rob Maier, Ex. Dir., Mass Board Of Library Commissioners

Opening Reading by: Rudy Ruggeri

A motion to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2006 meeting passed unanimously with the following change: Page 1; Audience: name correction; change Beryle Kress to Beryl Kress.

By-Laws Revision - A Motion to adopt the new Committee Structure, adding a Policy Committee, maintaining the Finance Committee, Buildings & Grounds Committee and Program Committee and deleting the Development Committee was made by Commissioner McElwaine and seconded by Commissioner Denney. The Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Markey introduced Rob Maier and John Arnold of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

John Arnold explained that his role as Chair is to oversee the policies of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and that he would be discussing the State Library Legislative Agenda for FY 2007.

Rob Maier gave a brief outline describing how the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners supports services for all libraries and residents of the Commonwealth. The MBLC receives funds from the State, which in turn funds the following programs: State Aid to Regional Public Libraries, Talking Book Library, Talking Book and Machine Lending Agency, State Aid to Public Libraries and Library Technology and Resource Sharing.

John Arnold encouraged everyone to call their Senators, Representatives and Legislative delegates as well as the Speaker of the House to request additional funding for all libraries.

Massachusetts Library Association - Grassroots Advocacy - Assistant Director, Lee Fogarty provided a list of projects and programs sponsored by the MLA Legislative Committee and collaborating organizations. The following is a list of ways to access information and participate in Library Legislative events: A Legislative Web Site (www.capwiz.com/masslib ) which allows volunteers the ability to post messages and alerts; Ways and Means Day and Legislative Day at the State Capitol; and Regional Legislative Breakfasts.

Other Business - Library Advisory Committee Reports - Jean Mathiesen announced a meeting has been scheduled for February 22 with the Indian Orchard Branch staff to discuss ways of providing help to local immigrants and programs for children.

Mary Rivest reported on the recent improvements made at the Liberty Branch Library, which included new carpeting and repainting. New computer and display furniture will be added soon.

Mike and Liz Stevens announced an upcoming event scheduled for April that will address the issues at Mason Square. Liz asked for an update on the status of the African American Collection. This will be addressed at the March 8 Commission Meeting.

Establishment of New Committees - Commissioner Denney expressed interest in remaining on the Investment Committee and would like to serve on the Policy Committee; Commissioner Givens will continue to serve on the Buildings & Grounds Committee; Commissioner McElwaine will remain as the Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee and will also continue as liaison to the Branch Advisory Committees. Additional assignments will be made at the March 8 Commission Meeting.

New Business - Pat Markey announced that the Library Foundation is soliciting bids from Investment Management Companies to manage the Library Foundation funds.

Commissioner Denney requested that an update on the lawsuits be discussed at the March 8 Commission Meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vera O'Connor

Approved: March 8, 2006