HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-LAB-01-15-13
MINUTES OF THE
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JANUARY 15, 2013
The Library Advisory Board held a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., January 15, 2013 in the Downey City
Library, Cormack Room, 11121 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California.
Present:
Susan Bouris – Chair, Karol Morrison, Billy Sanders
FODCL:
Pat Smith
Also Present:
Jan Palen, Senior Librarian
Welcome to Members and Guests
Written Communications
1. The minutes of September 18, 2012 were approved as written.
Oral Communications
There were none.
Reports
Library Incident Report:
1. Billy Sanders readthe following incidents which took place
since the last Library Advisory Board meeting:
On 10/17/12, staff reported that a male patron was on the floor and may have been
suffering a seizure. Paramedics were called and emergency personnel arrived
immediately. The man was responsive and was taken to the hospital for
treatment. On 11/3/12, a woman tripped over a floor mat that covers a computer
cable near the adult Reference desk. She did not fall and kept on walking. The
mat has been taped down firmly several times but continues to come loose. It has
been reported to City Maintenance and computer systems personnel. On 12/6/12,
a man was speaking loudly and disturbing others in the Computer Lab. He was
drinking from a cup and smelled of beer. After several staff warnings, the Lab
Assistant asked him to leave. Beer cans were found in the men’s room. On
12/11/12, the man involved in the incident on 12/6 returned to the Library and
was speaking loudly in the men’s restroom. He also smelled of beer and was
drinking from a cup. Staff noticed beer cans in the trash. Police were called and
the officer asked the man not to return to the Library. On 12/14/12, the man who
had been asked to leave the Library on 12/6 and 12/11 yelled profanity and
harassing remarks at the Lab Assistant after he left work and was using the ATM
at Chase Bank. The Library Manager asked the employee to file a police report,
which he did the following week. On 1/10/13, a patron using a walker almost
tripped over a rip in the carpet in the lobby area. He caught himself and did not
fall. Staff placed warning cones around the area in the carpet and notified
Maintenance to request that it be repaired. On 1/10/13, a man using the
Computer Lab became angry when a woman sitting near him received a call on
her cell phone. The man yelled at the woman and shouted profanity at the Lab
Assistant who asked him to lower his voice. The man was not allowed additional
time on the Lab computers that evening.
Downey Schools Report:
2.A complete report was not given in the absence of Theresa
Ford. It was noted that Superintendent Dr. Wendy Doty will retire in March 2013.
City Librarian’s Report
3.: Senior Librarian Jan Palen reported that 1 full time Library
Assistant was hired due to a retirement and 2 part time Library Assistants were hired in
November. The Circulation unit’s Food for Fines program brought in 700 food items for
local families. Staff will consider collecting mid-year donations to help restock the PTA
HELPS supplies. Beginning in January, the Library offers new black-and-white and color
copy machines and wireless printing for the public. 34 people attended an adult literacy
program in January. The event offered strategies for families dealing with learning
disabilities. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard read to children and parents at a
special storytime in January. The Library’s adult Reference collection has been weeded
to be displayed on lower shelving. Spanish materials will be relocated on wall shelving to
allow easier browsing. A list of Library holiday closures for 2013 was distributed.
A reported from the Downey Beat plans to write several articles on Library programs and
services.
Friends of the Downey City Library Report
4. Pat Smith reported plans for a Friends Tea
on June 1 featuring a panel of romance authors. The annual membership drive is
scheduled for Feb. 11-16. The Friends may consider participating in a booth at the Street
Faire.
Board Business:
1. Susan Bourisannounced that she will be stepping down from the Board and that Betty
Monroy will represent District 1. A new member will be appointed to represent District 5.
2. The Board discussed ways for library book club members to get additional copies of
monthly titles. The library tries to buy added copies in book, large print and audio
formats. Some members get eBook titles on Kindle and some share or get copies at
nearby libraries.
Other Business:
There was none.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
The meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m. on March 19, 2013 in the Downey City Library, Cormack Room,
11121, Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California.
_____________________ _____________________
Susan Bouris Jan Palen
Chair Senior Librarian