Barbara Garvey, Chair called the meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners to order at 5:30 p.m.

Library Commissioners Present:

Barbara Garvey
Rudy Ruggeri
Vera O'Connor
Bettye Webb
Craig Givens

Library Staff Present:

Emily Bader, Library Director
Judy Cmero, Manager, Borrowers' Services
Carol Leaders, Administrative Assistant

Guest: Attorney Maria Puppolo

A motion to approve the minutes of the March 30, 2005 meeting passed unanimously with the following change: eliminate sentence 6, page 3, "Other Business - Ms. O'Connor and Ms. McElwaine were opposed to such a meeting."

Policy on Decertified Libraries - follow-up discussion - Judy Cmero distributed copies of a report on the economic comparison of Springfield with towns in Western Mass with de-certified libraries.

Ms. Bader explained in order to be eligible for certification; libraries need to meet certain standards which include number of open hours, amount of dollars spent on library materials, education of library director and the amount of financial support from the municipality. Ms. Bader went on to say that if the Springfield Library decides to not loan materials, the decision must apply to any Library that is not certified. If we decline to loan materials to patrons of one de-certified library, we must decline them all.

Ms. Garvey suggested the Springfield Library should entertain a policy not to loan to de-certified libraries for a period of time. C/W MARS strongly recommends not to service de-certified libraries.

Ms. Cmero mentioned that some towns receive services from the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System.

A motion from the Springfield Library Commission states: The Springfield City Library will no longer consider service to circulate materials to de-certified towns for 1 (one) year. The Springfield City Library will charge a $35 personal fee to individuals who wish to borrow library materials from the Springfield City Library. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Givens asked that a letter be sent to de-certified towns.

By-Law Changes - the Library Commission accepted the following changes:

Article III, Section 1 - eliminate "The officers shall be elected to no more than two successive terms"

Article IV -- eliminate "pending Commission approval at its next meeting."

Article V, Section 1 insert --"with the Library Foundation" after Library Department.

Article VII, Section 3 -- eliminate.

The Library Commission decided to hold off Article VII, Section 5 until Ms. Garvey and Ms. Bader meet with Ms. Caulton-Harris.

FY 06 Budget - Ms. Garvey, Ms. Bader and Ms. Fogarty attended a budget meeting with Mayor Ryan, Phil Puccia, Mary Tzambazakis and Ms. Caulton-Harris to discuss the FY 06 Library Budget. The Library's budget is broken down into 5 major programs: Adult and Information Services; Youth Services; Borrower's Services; Collections and Administration. Ms. Garvey applauded Emily and Lee for all their hard work and expertise.

Ms. Bader reported that 9 of the 15 vacant positions are in process and are awaiting for approval to fill. The remaining 6 may be filled in a different way based on the results of the Long Range Planning process.

Library Commission Report - Ms. O'Connor contacted the Rev. Michael Devine at Christ Church to request a meeting. Mr. Givens, Mr. Ruggeri, and Ms. Bader met to discuss the security situation at Merrick Park. Mr. Ruggeri reported that he spoke with Mr. Plasse, head of security for the Museum Association in regards to enforcing the Library Behavior Policy. Mr. Ruggeri also contacted Sgt. Rosso to ask for increased surveillance at the Park by Springfield Police.

The Springfield Parks Department has agreed to maintain the upkeep and landscaping at Merrick Park.

Director's Report -- Ms. Bader gave a brief report on the Regional Reference Service Recommendations. She indicated the program may be discontinued and will keep the Commission informed as events unfold.

A new Logo for the Springfield City Library has been designed and Ms. Bader requested the Commission to approve the logo and name. A motion to adopt the name "Springfield City Library" and use the proposed new logo passed unanimously. Ms. Garvey noted that the City Seal be incorporated on stationery and business cards.

Advisory Committee Reports -- there were no advisory committee reports.

Other Business - Ms. Garvey mentioned that the Forest Park project has been put on hold due to the recent lawsuits involving the Museum Association and the City.

Meeting adjourned at 7 pm.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vera O'Connor

Approved: June 22, 2005