Library Commission

1. Approval of Minutes from the August 3, 2011 Library Commission Meeting

Commissioner Moriarty made a motion to accept the minutes of the August 3, 2011 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners. Commissioner O'Connor seconded the motion.

The motion passed.  

2. Library Advisory Committee Reports:

Kat Wright, representing the Mason Square Branch Library Advisory Committee, reported to the Commissioners on recent activity:

1. The group now call themselves “Mason Square Library Ambassadors.”
2. Spoke about the possibility of and need for a full line grocery store in the Mason Square neighborhood. The Mason Square Library Ambassadors would like the MS Branch Library to be a collection point for grocery receipts in order to show how much money is being spent by neighborhood residents on groceries.
3. The group would like the Mason Square Branch Library to consider being a Food Bank location/pick up point. Ms. O'Connor voiced her concerns and stated that there are already locations in a close proximity to the library. Ms. Fogarty suggested that the Committee put something in writing for review by the City Law Dept.
4. Ms. Wright shared the results of surveys about the Mason Square Branch which were completed by people attending the local Farmer's Market. Surveys were positive and complimentary.

3. Commission Committee Reports:

•  Naming Policy

As discussed last month and reviewed tonight, Mr. Moriarty motioned to accept the Recognition/Naming Policy following the removal of the second sentence under number 1. Ms. O'Connor provided the second.

The motion passed.

5. Director's Report:

Ms. Fogarty reported:

•  The Library has applied for a Mass Mutual Grant ($150,000) to help fund the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Central Library in 2012; and a private grant ($250,000) for renovation of the Forest Park Branch Library Children's Room.

•  Work will begin in November on a “temporary fix” to the Central Library ramp. The cost to completely renovate the ramp is estimated at approximately $200,000 with approval of the Springfield Historical Commission necessary.

•  The Library received a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

•  Wireless usage at the Library increased 100% over last year; walk-in reference is up 20%.

•  The group Gardening the Community worked well at the Mason Square Branch, including fun end of the summer projects with children such as making salsa and fruit smoothies with the items grown on site.

•  There was an excellent article on the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) in The Republican newspaper.

•  iPads are being tried out at the Central Library for “roving reference.”

•  Western New England University students will be volunteering at various branches as a Community Service Day. The students will do yard work/clean up.

•  The Library has submitted photos of the Mason Square Branch renovation for consideration for Library Journal's Architectural issue.

•  The Library was nominated to apply for a $10,000 award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), given out at the White House by the First Lady, Michele Obama.

6. Other Business:

Ms. O'Connor complained that “the grounds at the branch libraries look atrocious.”

Mr. Moriarty asked about delivery of the Media Box for the Mason Square Branch Library. Ms. Leaders stated that installation is expected by the end of October.

Mr. Moriarty asked about the lease for the East Forest Park Branch Library and was told by Ms. Fogarty and Ms. Leaders that the lease expires on February 2012 and we are working with Attorney Donovan on the terms of a new lease.