Library Commission

1. Approval of Minutes from the July 7, 2010 Library Commission Meeting

Commissioner Moriarty moved, with Commissioner O'Connor providing the second, to accept the minutes of the July 7, 2010 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners .

The motion passed.

2. Approval of Minutes from the August 4, 2010 Library Commission Meeting

Commissioner Moriarty moved, with Commissioner O'Connor providing the second, to accept the minutes of the August 4, 2010 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners .

The motion passed.

3. Introduction, Assistant Library Director, John Ramsay

Molly Fogarty introduced the new Assistant Library Director, John Ramsay, who had previously worked as an Administrator for WMRLS for 18 years and also has 14 years of experience as a Library Director. Mr. Ramsay explained that he is getting acclimated and meeting with library staff.

4. Library Advisory Committee Reports:

The status of the Mason Square Branch Library was discussed. It was reported that the Urban League is scheduled to move out at the end of September, possibly to the STCC area. Re-opening of the Mason Square Branch is tentatively planned for late November.

Mo Jones expressed his frustration with the lengthy process of reopening the Mason Square Library. Chairman Cary requested patience from all.

5. Commission Committee Reports:

None.

6. Attorney Stephen Riley, City Law Dept., Meeting Room Policy:

The Library's Meeting Room Policy was discussed, and noted that since the City does not want to get sued, the policy must be “content neutral.” Based on that discussion and the recommendation from Attorney Stephen Riley from the City Law Department, Mr. Moriarty made a motion to delete “religious services or” from the current Meeting Room Policy. Ms. O'Connor seconded the motion.

The motion passed.

7. Chairman's Report: Gift Policy and Strategic Plan Approval and Vote

After reviewing the Gift Policy, Mr. Moriarty made a motion to pass the Gift Policy. Ms. O'Connor seconded the motion.

The motion passed.

The Strategic Plan for the Library, presented by Stephen Spohn, Senior Consultant for Lyrasis, to the Library Commission at August's Commission Meeting, was discussed. Mr. Moriarty presented a motion to accept the Strategic Plan, and Ms. O'Connor provided the second.

The motion passed.

8. Director's Report:

Ms. Fogarty again welcomed Mr. Ramsay to the Library and complimented him for working on so much already. She explained that instead of an all day retreat for library staff, she and Mr. Ramsay would be going to each branch location and meeting with staff there.

Ms. Fogarty expressed her satisfaction with the new mission, vision statement and possible tagline: “the community source for literacy, technology and information.”

It was reported that the Springfield Museum Association has transferred ownership of the parking lot at the Liberty Branch to the City.

Also the City is working with the Catholic Diocese of Springfield to purchase or lease space to build a parking lot (for use by the between the Central Library and St. Michael's Cathedral on State Street.

Ms. Fogarty stated that all Summer Reading Clubs were successful, providing a great number of fun activities and prizes for children and adults.

The Library took part in the City's Summer Youth Employment Program, hosting one student at each branch library.

The Library is involved in the newly formed Springfield Parent Academy.

Plans for opening the Friends of the Library Bookstore is moving slower than anticipated.

9. Other Business:

Mr. Cary complimented Janet Stupak and Doris Madsen for highlighting the Springfield City Library on their sneaker for the Art and Soles Project.

Openings on the Library Commission were discussed.

Ms. O'Connor commended the Summer Reading Club Party with Keith Michael Johnson and his “Big Bubble” program at the Sixteen Acres Branch Library.