Board Capsules
May 21, 2002

The regular meeting of the Des Plaines Public Library Board of Trustees was held in the second floor conference room on Tuesday, May 21, 2002. Vice President John Burke called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Sue D'Hondt, President of the Friends of the Library reported that the Friends book sale was very successful. Sue stated that many quality used books were donated.

CONSENT AGENDA

Susan Burrows explained the Finance Committee's recommendation to offer eligible employees IMRF Early Retirement and a Health Insurance Incentive for five years. Rhys Read asked if the City insurance carrier would subrogate claims and Sandra Norlin responded that the City's insurance carrier would subrogate claims. Sandra Norlin distributed information provided by the City of Des Plaines that eligible employees will receive.

MOTION by Committee, to approve the IMRF Early Retirement 5 + 5 Plan and Health Insurance Incentive for five years as approved by the Des Plaines City Council. Vote: Ayes: All. Nays: None. MOTION CARRIED.

Susan Burrows asked Library Administrator Sandra Norlin when the staff report on adding library hours would be presented to the Board. Susan stated that it would be helpful to review the report before budget discussions begin for 2003. Sandra Norlin responded that the report will be completed before budget discussions begin.

Following monthly reports to be reviewed and placed on file for audit:

1. Over the Counter Receipts $ 7,963.70
2. Petty Cash Expenditures $ 65.50
3. Budget Expenditures for April $ 330,957.22
4. Expenditures Year to Date $ 1,203,143.09
5. Revenue for April $ 11,139.81
6. Revenue Year to Date $ 2,067,850.78

ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

New employees in April and May are Violeta Atanasova and Glen Olofson, Page I, Circulation Services; Annette Ter Antonians and Mike Menze, Assistant Clerk, Circulation Services; Kintu Patel and Beatriz Avalos, Technology Page; and Jairo Barbosa, Library Assistant II, Building Services.

Resignations in April and May were received from Phyllis Ryczek, Elinor Pea, and Norma Kautz, Page, Circulation Services; and Karin Thogersen, Assistant Clerk, Circulation Services.

During the past month several of our library staff have attended seminars, workshops, and committee meetings as part of our continuing education program. The meetings have included Cataloging Workshops, Supervisor Training, Collection Development, Electronic Resources, Services to Multi-lingual populations, Intergenerational Programming, and SIRSI training.

The annual in-service day for staff on May 9 was successful in many ways. A committee organized and coordinated by Martha Sloan and consultant Mary Jane Kepner planned the event. Nearly all expenses were covered by our Grow with a Pro Grant for staff development through the Illinois State Library. The goal of the grant was to give all employees an in depth view of the work of other departments and an increased understanding and appreciation for how each job, including their own, is integral to the successful fulfillment of the library's purpose. Job Shadowing began in March; the culmination of the program was the in-service day in May. The theme for the day, "Camp Happy River", was carried out in decorations, activities (including a campfire sing along), and refreshments. The goals of the grant were realized through group presentations of appreciation of departmental contributions. The last event of the day was the presentation of the staff totem pole, signifying each department's understanding of its contribution to the work of the whole library.

We are experiencing, along with nearly all public libraries in the U.S., a continuing growth in demand and use of our services. Our attendance has increased over last year by 13.4%; our number of registered borrowers has increased by 3,000; our circulation has increased by 14%, the use of our meeting rooms is strong, and our online reference resources were used nearly 82,000 times in April.

Since the last report I have represented the library at the following meetings and events: The UI Extension Advisory Council meeting and the Volunteer Banquet; The Maine Township High School Anniversary Dinner; two Taste of Des Plaines Committee meetings; The Chamber/City Advisory Council breakfast; the DePaul University Theatre School Scholarship Gala; the Public Library Administrators Forum; and the Library Cable Network Executive Committee meeting. I have attended the following seminars: Technology Trends, a demo of new 3M equipment; Library Services to Multi-Lingual Populations, and Intergenerational Programming.

I have met with Geralyn Hahn and Mary Kay Walsh of Maine West High School and Donna Catlett of the City of Des Plaines to discuss collaborative efforts for participation in the "Maine West Reads" summer reading project.

I have begun to write a monthly column for the Des Plaines Times.

The Volunteer Appreciation Tea was held May 15. Volunteers were presented pins and a small gift to show our appreciation of their contribution to the library. Margie Borris organized the event; Gail Bradley designed the pins.

Ceramica in Indianapolis is engraving the commemorative bricks. When we receive a date of delivery, we will contact a bricklayer to install the bricks.

The library will participate in the Taste of Des Plaines in a supporting role. We have ordered aprons for the staff to wear on June 1 and 2 with the words "What's cooking @ your library" embroidered. We will hand out brochures and bookmarks about food-related information sources and books.

NEW BUSINESS

Sandra Norlin reported that a copy of the Illinois Public Library Annual Report will be delivered to the City Clerk's office. Rhys Read asked if the Illinois Public Library Annual Report is available on the Internet and Sandra Norlin responded that she would investigate this and report back to the Board.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sandra Norlin distributed a sign-up sheet to interested Board members for participation in the Fourth of July parade and attendance at the Unity Dinner.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Vice-President John Burke asked Eldon Burk, Ellen Yearwood and Rhys Read to serve on the nominating committee.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eldon Burk reported that the atrium sculpture lights have been installed and that slight adjustments continue to be made to the lighting to achieve the best possible effect.

John Burke stated that the statistics for April 2002 were impressive and that patron attendance and circulation continue to grow.

MOTION by Inara Brubaker, seconded by Noreen Lake, to enter into an Executive Session at 7:45 PM to discuss Purchase or Lease of Real Property and Compensation of Specific Employee. Vote: Ayes: All. Nays: None. MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by Rhys Read, seconded by Ellen Yearwood, to instruct Board President John Ciborowski to implement action taken at Executive Session on compensation of specific employee effective June 1, 2002. Vote: Ayes: All. Nays: None. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION by Ellen Yearwood, seconded by Rhys Read, to approve the request by Library Administrator, Sandra Norlin to travel to Cuba to speak at the Latin American Theological Library Association (LATIN) from July 14 - 20 and to use professional time for the length of the conference. Vote: Ayes: All. Nays: None. MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by Ellen Yearwood, seconded by Rhys Read, to adjourn the regular meeting. Vote: Ayes: All. Nays: None. MOTION CARRIED.

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