FRIENDS OF THE CORTE MADERA LIBRARY

Minutes of September 10, 2003 Meeting

 

The meeting was called to order by President Shaw at 10:10 a.m. at the library.  In attendance:  Jan Shaw, Annette Schriebman, Nancy Davis, Jerri Ceschi, Sue Bigall, Kay Lowney, Nancy Brooks, and new member Jean Jones.  Cindy Winter joined us at 11:00 a.m.

 

1.      Introductions were made.

2.      The minutes of the June 11, 2003 meeting were accepted as presented.

3.      There were no additions to the agenda.

 

A.     Reports

  1. County Report:  Nancy Brooks reported The Book Place grossed $8,260 in July and $2,400 the first week in August:  The Friends joined the Novato Chamber of Commerce.  A programmable thermostat with a locking cover will be installed in the shop in an effort to control energy costs.  The. County Friends voted to continue funding $23,000 for Children’s programming and to allocate $23,000 for other items on the Wish List.

 

  1. Treasurer’s Report:  Jerri Ceschi reported $11,428 in working capital, and bank balance of about $27,000.  Restricted funds include $14,286 for the garden.  Teen program has a balance of $446.09.  Nancy Davis explained that local merchants donated the prizes for the summer Teen program.  Staff will be reminded of the allocated funds that are available for Teens’ and Children’s programs.

 

  1. Membership:  Jerry Ceschi reported 8 renewals.

 

  1. Used Book Store:  Sue Bigall reported that The Book Place committee asked to poll volunteers re working longer hours.  The consensus was volunteers might stay a bit later if there is a need, but we do not want to commit to longer hours.  The shop will be open for special sales on the first Sunday of the month beginning in October.

 

  1. Friends Reading Garden Progress: (a) Nancy D. will talk to the Town about installing the plaques.  (b) Annette reported that all is set up for the Garden Clean up on September 19 at 9:00 a.m.  J C Miller will instruct regarding pruning, and the Town will provide a staff person and waste containers.  Workers should bring their own gardening tools.  Possible use of garden funds:  landscape the area near the handicapped parking. 

 

  1. Branch Activities:  Nancy Davis reported (1) Damon Hill was promoted to Branch Manager at the Civic Center.  (2) The County Library has received a state grant to set up service for the homebound.  Criteria for participation:  over 65 years, disabled, and living in the jurisdiction of the relevant library.  A volunteer coordinator has been hired through the County Volunteer Office; each branch will have its own coordinator.  Jan suggested that this service be made known to the American Caner Society and the Cancer Center at Marin General.  (3) Nancy distributed the County’s annual report printed on a bookmark and a brochure of online resources available through the Library.  (4) The customer service questionnaire was finalized and available for patrons to complete.  Information about the Friends was provided on the questionnaire.

 

There appear to be several problems with the new parking lot.  The handicapped parking needs to be redesigned because one space has an improper crossing to the library.  The landscaping need to be completed.  We need to know how much money is needed to complete the landscaping and perhaps ask the Town to pay part of the cost.  The entrance to the new lot needs a slight adjustment to make it easier to access.  At the request of the uphill neighbor, the stairway on the hill will be removed.

 

B.   Plans for Next Year:

1.      Executive Committee:  Jan Shaw reported on the informal meeting of the Executive Committee which is suggesting fewer and shorter meetings.  Notices of our meeting schedule will be sent to all members.  Executive Board/committees will meet as needed.

 

2.      Nominating Committee:  Nancy Davis reported that Jerri Ceschi has agreed to continue as Treasurer, Nancy Brooks will continue as secretary, Jan Shaw will become Vice President.  We still need a President.  The report was accepted.

 

3.      Budget:

a.                   Chairs:  It was agreed that we need to make a decision about the chairs for the meeting room soon.

 

4.   Future Meetings/time: Fewer meetings:  after discussion, it was M/s Bigall/Ceschi to meet September, November, January, March, and May. 

      Ayes: 7, Abstain:  Schriebman

 
5.   Annual Meeting

a.                   The Annual Meeting will be held on the date of our regular November meeting – November 12 at 11 a.m.

b.                  No program was established.  The Annual Meeting to follow the regular business meeting.  Annette will arrange for refreshments with the help of Nancy Brooks.

 

E.      Other Business:  Library patron, Cindy Winter, requested that the Friends consider installing a more appropriate bike rack.  She is prepared to offer money .and thinks the Marin Bicycle Coalition also would be willing to donate for this project.  Library Administration and the Town will be consulted about the design which could complement the Reading Garden i.e., use matching pavers, and similar landscaping.  Cindy will meet with Jan and Nancy Davis to review the proposed design.

 

F.      Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 11:48 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted, Nancy Brooks, Secretary

 

PLEASE NOTE:  The decision to cut back to 5 meetings a year will be revisited