HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-20 BLT AGENDA PACKETCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES AGENDA
Civic Center Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Monday, July 20, 2020 - 5:00 PM
Board of Library Trustees Members:
Janet Ray, Chair
Paul Watkins, Vice Chair
Douglas Coulter, Secretary
Barbara Glabman, Board Member
Kurt Kost, Board Member
Staff Members:
Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING COVID-19
Given the health risks associated with COVID-19, the City of Newport Beach has decided to proceed with the Board of
Library Trustees meeting while strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines. To this end, the meeting will be
conducted in the Newport Beach Civic Center Council Chambers. The public is invited to participate in the Community
Room next to the Council Chambers. The Community Room is set to provide minimum seating socially distanced.
Based on recent guidelines from the OC Health Agency, face coverings are required. You can participate via the following
options:
1. You can go to the Community room and participate.
2. You can submit your questions and comments in writing for the Board of Library Trustees to consider. Please send
them by email to the Library Services Department at LibraryAdminTeam@newportbeachca.gov by Friday, July 17, 2020, at
4:00 p.m. to give the Board of Library Trustees time to consider your comments. All emails will be made part of the
record.
Special Accommodations: If you are unable to participate in the meeting via the process set forth above, please contact
the Library Services Department at (949) 717-3801, or LibraryAdminTeam@newportbeachca.gov, and our staff will
attempt to accommodate you. The City remains committed to holding public meetings in a transparent manner, with
public participation, ensuring City business continues in this challenging environment. The City of Newport Beach thanks
you in advance for continuing to take precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The Board of Library Trustees meeting is subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Among other things, the Brown Act
requires that the Board of Library Trustees agenda be posted at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of each regular
meeting and that the public be allowed to comment on agenda items before the Commission and items not on the
agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board of Library Trustees. The Chair may limit public
comments to a reasonable amount of time, generally three (3) minutes per person.
The City of Newport Beach’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an
attendee or a participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, we will
attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director, at
least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation
is feasible at (949) 717-3801 or thetherton@newportbeachca.gov.
NOTICE REGARDING PRESENTATIONS REQUIRING USE OF CITY EQUIPMENT
Any presentation requiring the use of the City of Newport Beach’s equipment must be submitted to the Library Services
Department 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
II.ROLL CALL
III.ELECTION OF OFFICERS
July 20, 2020
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
The Board of Library Trustees shall nominate and elect Board members to
serve as Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The City provides a yellow sign-in card to assist in the preparation of the minutes. The
completion of the card is not required in order to address the Board of Library Trustees. If the
optional sign-in card has been completed, it should be placed in the tray provided.
The Board of Library Trustees of Newport Beach welcomes and encourages community
participation. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes per person to allow
everyone to speak. Written comments are encouraged as well. The Board of Library Trustees
has the discretion to extend or shorten the time limit on agenda or non-agenda items. As a
courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
V.PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are invited on agenda items. Speakers must limit comments to three (3)
minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the record.
The Board of Library Trustees has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’ time limit
on agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally to all speakers. As a
courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
VI.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and will all be
enacted by one motion in the form listed below. Board of Library Trustees have received
detailed staff reports on each of the items recommending an action. There will be no separate
discussion of these items prior to the time the Board of Library Trustees votes on the motion
unless members of the Board of Library Trustees request specific items to be discussed and/or
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Members of the public who wish to
discuss a Consent Calendar item should come forward to the lectern upon invitation by the
Chair.
A.Consent Calendar Items
Minutes of the June 15, 2020 Board of Library Trustees Meeting (pp. 5-14)1.
DRAFT MINUTES
Patron Comments (pp. 15-17)2.
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests
received from patrons.
JUNE CUSTOMER COMMENTS
Library Activities (pp. 18-25)3.
Monthly update of library events, services and statistics.
JUNE ACTIVITIES
July 20, 2020
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Expenditure Status Report (pp. 26-27)4.
Monthly expenditure status of the library’s operating expenses, services, salaries and
benefits by department.
JUNE EXPENDITURES
Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List (p. 28)5.
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library
Trustees.
MONITORING LIST
VII.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
Library Service Policy (Council Policy I-1)(pp. 29-31)6.
Staff requests that the Board review the Library Service Policy.
LIBRARY SERVICE POLICY REPORT
LIBRARY SERVICE POLICY REPORT-ATTACHMENT A
Proposed Library Closures for Winter Holidays 2020 (pp. 32-35)7.
Staff recommends a proposed library winter holiday schedule for Board approval.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES REPORT
HOLIDAY CLOSURES REPORT-ATTACHMENT A
COVID-19 Closure Update (pp. 36-37)8.
Staff will update the Trustees on the Library’s response to COVID-19 restrictions.
COVID-19 CLOSURE UPDATE
Lecture Hall Update9.
Trustee Ray will report on activities related to the Library Lecture Hall project.
Library Services10.
Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons and staff.
B.Monthly Reports
Library Foundation Liaison Reports11.
A. Library Foundation Board - Report of the most recently attended meeting
B. Library Live Lectures Committee - Report of the most recently attended meeting
C. Witte Lectures Committee - Report of the most recently attended meeting
Friends of the Library Liaison Report12.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting.
July 20, 2020
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Literacy Services Liaison Report13.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Literacy Services Advisory Board
meeting.
VIII.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments are invited, and non-agenda items generally considered to be within the
subject matter jurisdiction of the City Arts Commission. Speakers must limit comments to three
(3) minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the
record. The Board of Library Trustees has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’
time limit on agenda or non-agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally
to all speakers. As a courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
IX.BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION,
ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
X.ADJOURNMENT
DRAFT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Board of Library Trustees Civic Center Council Chambers 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Meeting Minutes June 15, 2020 – 5:00 p.m. I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – Chair Ray called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. II. ROLL CALL – Roll Call by Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome Trustees Present: Chair Janet Ray, Vice Chair Paul Watkins, Secretary Douglas Coulter, Board Member Barbara Glabman, Board Member Kurt Kost Trustees Absent: None
Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist
Melissa Hartson, Circulation & Technical Processing Coordinator Rebecca Lightfoot, Acting Library Services Manager and Adult Services Coordinator
III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jim Mosher inquired whether the number of calls with reference questions has increased or decreased during closure and inquired regarding the budget line items affected by the $108,000 adjustment. V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Consent Calendar Items 1. Minutes of the April 20, 2020 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
2. Patron Comments Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests
received from customers. 3. Library Activities Monthly update of library events, services and statistics.
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4.Expenditure Status Report
Monthly expenditure status of the library's operating expenses, services, salaries,and benefits by department.
Vice Chair Watkins noted an operational savings of $108,822 and requested staff explain the components of the savings.
Circulation & Technical Processing Coordinator Melissa Hartson advised that staff worked with the Finance Department to reduce the Maintenance and Operations Budget by $108,000 in the current fiscal year due to COVID-19. The Finance Department did not reduce specific accounts but added a line item for the reduction. Savings in Budget categories such as car wash and fuel, equipment maintenance and repair, and postage
will make up the $108,000 reduction.
5.Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board ofLibrary Trustees.
Vice Chair Watkins concurred with Mr. Mosher's suggestion to add a monthly agenda item for COVID-19/reopening issues.
Chair Ray announced the Board of Library Trustees can consider such an agenda item following Library Services Director Hetherton's report on the reopening plan.
Motion made by Board Member Coulter, seconded by Vice Chair Watkins, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Ray, Watkins, Coulter, Glabman, Kost NOES:
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES:
VI.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
6.Reopening PlanBased on California State Library guidelines, staff requests that the Board of
Library Trustees review and approve a plan for reopening Newport Beach PublicLibrary for limited services and hours of operation.
Library Services Director Tim Hetherton reported the reopening plan is subject to State and County approval and the City Manager's plan for reopening City facilities. The earliest date the Library could reopen is July 13, 2020. The plan proposes service hours of 10:00
a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday for four locations, but only curb-side serviceat the Balboa and Corona del Mar Branches. The Central Library would maintain itsSunday hours of operation. The Library is currently understaffed. Curb-side service wouldbe available at all locations, and online programming would continue. The County ofOrange has suggested services the Library could offer. Social distancing can be achievedby relocating furniture and closing some computers. No organization has issued
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Page 3 guidelines specifically for libraries; therefore, staff compiled the proposed guidelines from
those issued for museums, zoos, and retail businesses. In response to Board Member Kost's questions, Library Services Director Hetherton advised that staff has ordered custom-made plexiglass barriers for the public service areas in Central Library and Mariners Branch, and the barriers should arrive by the end of June. Staff has also ordered ten stand-alone sanitizer dispensers, which will be deployed at entrances and in public service areas. Staff has removed seating, but it can be replaced as guidelines allow. Staff will request patrons limit their computer use to an hour per day and make an appointment to use computers. If computers are not heavily used, staff can allow patrons longer usage of computers. The Board of Library Trustees is welcome to tour the Library to view the changes.
To reply to Board Member Glabman’s inquiry, Library Services Director Hetherton related that guidance does not call for taking patrons’ temperatures, and the City Manager does
not plan to do that at City Hall. Consequently, the Library probably will not take patrons' temperatures. Chair Ray noted the thermometers being used do not touch an individual, and she feels safe in public spaces when she knows the people around her do not have
a fever. Everyone needs to feel as safe as possible. Library Services Director Hetherton indicated staff will await further guidance and recommendations. Denying entry to a public building and denying service to an individual with a low-grade temperature could raise issues. The public has pushed back against a requirement to wear face coverings; therefore, staff will strongly suggest patrons wear face coverings. In answer to Board Member Coulter's query, Library Services Director Hetherton advised that the County replaced the requirement with a strong recommendation to wear a face covering. Vice Chair Watkins appreciated the explanation of the challenges staff has faced in
preparing to reopen. While he understood the rationale for reopening slowly and safely, he was disappointed by the Library's closure.
Board Member Coulter remarked that the public can access the Library's collections through curb-side service.
Chair Ray commended Library Services Director Hetherton for implementing curb-side service before other libraries in the area. Jim Mosher protested the need to impose a hard one-hour per day limit on patrons' use of computers. The policy and more severe policies have been implemented in other libraries. He suggested patrons reserve computers. Library Services Director Hetherton related that normally staff does not place limits on patrons' use of Library facilities. Under the guidance, Staff has to manage resources such that everyone has fair access to them. If resources are not used, staff may change the policy quickly.
In answer to Board Member Kost's inquiry, Library Services Director Hetherton indicated fewer computers will be available for patrons' use; therefore, demand should increase.
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Page 4 Patrons do not expect their time in the Library to be regimented. Staff will monitor the
policy's effect on patrons. Library Services Director Hetherton supported Vice Chair Watkins’ suggestion to schedule COVID-19/reopening issues as a monthly agenda item hopefully for a short while. In reply to Board Member Kost’s questions, Library Services Director Hetherton advised that the number of self-checkout stations will remain the same, but one side of them will be shut down to accommodate social distancing. Staff is considering use of the Media Lab because it is an enclosed space. Staff will present recommendations for the Media Lab to the Board of Library Trustees at a future meeting. Computers in the Media Lab could be made available to patrons.
Motion made by Board Member Coulter, seconded by Board Member Kost, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the Reopening Plan and its implementation when allowed.
AYES: Ray, Watkins, Coulter, Glabman, Kost NOES:
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: 7. Circulation Policy Review (NBPL 12) Staff requests that the Board review and approve proposed changes to the Circulation Policy. Circulation & Technical Processing Coordinator Hartson reported the Circulation Policy contains minor changes such as the removal of references to eReaders. A major revision is the addition of automatic renewals offered by the new Integrated Library System (ILS). At Vice Chair Watkins’ suggestion, Section 3.0 has been revised to allow automatic
renewals for four additional periods if the item has not been reserved. General materials are eligible for automatic renewal. Lucky Day books, rental DVDs and Blu-Ray DVDs, eBooks, audiobooks, streaming videos, laptops, Tech Toys, and items that have been
renewed four times or have been reserved are not eligible for automatic renewal. Periodicals cannot be reserved, and the current policy of two renewals is appropriate for periodicals. Because patrons frequently request exceptions to the two-renewal policy for
materials, staff proposes increasing the number of renewals from two to four. Patrons will return materials they no longer need prior to the four renewals. Increasing the number of renewals will also increase circulation statistics. In response to Board Member Glabman’s question, Circulation & Technical Processing Coordinator Hartson agreed that automatic renewals will eliminate a portion of fines, but fines will continue to be charged for lost items and items not renewed. The loss of revenue from fines is outweighed by the goodwill gesture to patrons and the community. Jim Mosher suggested implementation of a three-day grace period beginning on an item's due date for patrons to return items without a fine. Patrons will not receive notice that an
item has been reserved, and renewing the item is not possible until the day after the due date.
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Page 5 Circulation & Technical Processing Coordinator Hartson advised that the new ILS will
provide patrons with a notice of an item's due date three days prior to the due date. If a patron cannot renew an item on the due date, he must return the item or pay a fine. Patrons will receive a notice of items that have and have not been renewed. The ILS is not configured for a three-day grace period. Motion made by Vice Chair Watkins, seconded by Board Member Coulter, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the Circulation Policy (NBPL 12) with an effective date of July 13, 2020. AYES: Ray, Watkins, Coulter, Glabman, Kost NOES: ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: 8. Friends of the Library Wish List
Staff requests that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the annual wish list request to the Friends of the Library.
Library Services Director Hetherton indicated the Friends of the Library has approved $150,000 for the Library's Wish List. Funds will support general materials, best sellers, children's materials, and high-demand items in print, DVD, and audiobook formats. The Friends of the Library has also allocated $50,000 for Library programming and supports staff's proposal to use the funds for materials if restrictions on public programming continue. Motion made by Board Member Coulter, seconded by Board Member Glabman, to approve the Wish List for the Friends of the Library. In reply to Vice Chair Watkins' inquiry, Board Member Coulter recalled the Friends'
donation to the opening of the new Corona del Mar Branch. The Friends' total donation for the fiscal year exceeds $200,000. The Friends is exploring a CD as a fundraiser. The Friends' ability to raise funds for the Library has not been impacted by COVID-19.
Vice Chair Watkins proposed amending the Wish List to include a $5,000 donation to ProLiteracy. Library Services Director Hetherton indicated the Friends typically donates
funds to ProLiteracy and would not recommend amending the Wish List to include a donation to ProLiteracy. The motion carried (5-0-0-0). AYES: Ray, Watkins, Coulter, Glabman, Kost NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: 9. Library Foundation Wish List
Staff requests that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the annual wish list to the Library Foundation.
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Page 6 Library Services Director Hetherton reported the Newport Beach Public Library
Foundation has agreed to donate $88,000 to the Library, which is smaller than previous donations due to the impacts of COVID-19. The Library Foundation has been a solid partner for the Library since 1989. The Library is fortunate to receive the support of the Friends and the Foundation. Motion made by Vice Chair Watkins, seconded by Board Member Coulter, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the Wish List for the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. AYES: Ray, Watkins, Coulter, Glabman, Kost NOES: ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: Chair Ray agreed that the Library is lucky to have the Library Foundation and the Friends
as partners. Jim Mosher commented that the Library Foundation's gift to the Library is funded through
donations rather than programming. People may be less inclined to donate to the Library Foundation at the moment, but he did not understand the reason the gift is so small. Library Services Director Hetherton did not wish to speak for the Library Foundation. However, most of the Library Foundation's assets are in the market, and the market has been drastically impacted over the past few months. The Library Foundation provides programming and raises funds, both of which are precarious at the moment. The Library Foundation is likely being conservative with its gift. Board Member Coulter remarked that the Library Foundation's programs offer an opportunity for the Board of Library Trustees and staff to build relationships with Library
Foundation Board Members. Toby Larson, Library Foundation Board Member, concurred with Library Services Director
Hetherton's comments. All Library Foundation programming in fiscal year 2020-2021 will be virtual. 10. Media Lab Update Staff will update the Board on the Media and Sound Lab at Central Library. Acting Library Services Manager and Adult Services Coordinator Rebecca Lightfoot reported that the Media Lab is more than six years old and offers professional equipment and software for patrons' use. The Media Lab draws patrons aged 15 to 35 years, a segment of the population that is notorious for not visiting libraries. Techs Toys have been in circulation since May 2016. Hotspots have been added to Tech Toys, and more items will be added to the collection in the next few months. In response to Chair Ray's inquiry, Acting Library Services Manager and Adult Services
Coordinator Lightfoot advised that staff is looking at ways to make some of the Media Lab computers available after the Library reopens. The Media Lab is a small room, and social distancing in the Media Lab is challenging. Computers in the Media Lab have different
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Page 7 software and shutting down a computer would not allow patrons to use software available
only on that computer. 11. Marketing, Public Relations and Social Networking Updates Marketing Specialist Katherine Mielke will provide the annual briefing on Library marketing and social media activities. Library Services Director Hetherton advised that the purpose of marketing the Library is to raise the community's awareness of the Library. The Library has a fairly good brand that is enhanced by the Friends, the Foundation, and ProLiteracy. The Library does a good job of promoting events and programs and communicating with stakeholders. Ms. Mielke does a good job with print marketing, press releases, and event marketing.
Communications with the public during the Library closure has been great. The Library does not have a huge social media presence, but it is probably the right size for a public library. The Library has received some pretty good reviews on Yelp. Library programming
on YouTube has been successful. Vice Chair Watkins liked Mr. Mosher's suggestion for promoting Board of Library Trustees
meetings and attendance at Board of Library Trustees meetings. Ms. Mielke's report is comprehensive and valuable. Perhaps Ms. Mielke could promote meetings as open to the public and encourage public attendance and input. Board Member Glabman suggested Ms. Mielke work with social media influencers of various ages to promote materials and generate excitement about the Library. Library Services Director Hetherton indicated he would mention the suggestion to Ms. Mielke. In reply to Board Member Kost’s question, Acting Library Services Manager and Adult Services Coordinator Lightfoot advised that programs and events are highlighted on the Library's home page and linked to the City website.
Jim Mosher expressed concern about the poor public attendance at Board of Library Trustees meetings. Increased noticing might help with attendance. Allowing the public to
select the Library notices they wish to receive could be helpful and increase the audience. Chair Ray concurred with Mr. Mosher's suggestion. Library Services Director Hetherton
indicated he would explore the possibility of allowing patrons to select notices. 12. Financial Report Comparison of Beginning Budget to End of Year Amended Budget Circulation & Technical Processing Coordinator Melissa Hartson will report on Budget Amendments for FY 2019/2020. Circulation & Technical Processing Coordinator Hartson reported the Library’s Maintenance and Operations Budget was amended to reflect the Friends' and Library Foundation's donations. Those donations along with donations to Literacy Services have increased the Library Budget despite the $108,000 reduction. Staff used a reimbursement
from the Santiago Library System grant to purchase downloadable books.
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Page 8 Jim Mosher remarked that the Board of Library Trustees may wish to compare the
Library's proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 with the budget approved by the Council. Circulation & Technical Processing Coordinator Hartson related that the Council did not approve the Library's request for an additional $55,000. 13. Adult and Reference Service Update Acting Library Services Manager and Adult and Reference Services Coordinator Rebecca Lightfoot will provide the annual update on reference services and collections and programming for adult patrons.
Acting Library Services Manager and Adult Services Coordinator Lightfoot reported four part-time Library Assistants were hired in July and August 2019, and three are no longer with the Library. The positions will be filled once the hiring freeze is lifted. Events during
the year included the Central Library's 25th Anniversary, a Nutcracker for Kids program, and a performance by the Little Dynasty Chinese Children’s Orchestra. Staff hosted several Let’s Talk Tech events before the Concerts on the Green and at the OASIS Senior
Center and Marina Park; manned a table at the City’s annual health fair; held a workshop on self-publishing; and hosted Digital Saturday with Overdrive Media's bookmobile. Overdrive Media staff was particularly impressed with the turnout. Reference staff has
attended the Public Library Association conference, the California Library Association conference, and the American Library Association conference. Staff has terminated service with Lynda.com due to its requirement for patrons to create a LinkedIn account. New databases are Udemy for Business, the Legal Information Reference Center, and NewsBank for the Orange County Register. Macmillan lifted its prohibition on the purchase of more than one copy of an eBook in April 2020, and staff is again purchasing eBooks in the quantities needed. Board Member Glabman appreciated the Library's adult programming. Acting Library Services Manager and Adult Services Coordinator Lightfoot stated Library Assistant Terry Sanchez does a great job with programming.
14. Lecture Hall Update Chair Ray will update on activities related to the Library Lecture Hall project.
Chair Ray reported the Lecture Hall has been put on hold until next year but not removed from the Budget. Hopefully in the next few months, the Lecture Hall Committee meetings
will resume. In response to Board Member Kost’s inquiry, Chair Ray advised that people have pledged funds to the Lecture Hall, but fundraising has been postponed for now. 15. Library Services Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons and staff. Library Services Director Hetherton reported curb-side service has been very popular and is contactless. Virtual programming through eBranch has been popular and supports home schooling. Book drops are open, and the Library began charging fines again.
Materials are quarantined for three days between check-outs. The Library Budget was
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Page 9 reduced by 4.3 percent. Wi-Fi hours have been extended from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
seven days a week. The new ILS will be live on July 13. B. Monthly Reports 16. Library Foundation Liaison Reports A. Library Foundation Board – Report of the most recently attended meeting. Chair Ray noted the difficulty of fundraising in the current environment. The Foundation approved the extension of all Board Members' terms for one year. Toby Larson, Library Foundation Board Member, reported all programming will be virtual in the fall and spring.
B. Library Live Lectures Committee – Report of the most recently attended meeting.
Board Member Glabman indicated Tomi Adeyemi and Steven Rowley will be two of the three speakers in the upcoming season. The Committee continues to consider a number of speakers for the third lecture. In reply to Chair Ray's query, Board Member Glabman related that outside events may not be feasible because of the limit on the number of people in a public gathering. Toby Larson, Library Foundation Board Member, expressed his disappointment with holding the lectures virtually, especially as public meetings may be allowed in the spring of 2021. Board Member Glabman suggested the Committee's plans may be fluid. C. Witte Lectures Committee – Report of the most recently attended meeting.
Board Member Kost advised that the Witte Lectures Committee is on break. In answer to Chair Ray's inquiry, Board Member Kost understood the Committee has executed contracts with some speakers and is working on other speakers. 17. Friends of the Library Liaison Report Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting. Board Member Coulter reported the bookstore remains closed, but the Friends is working on plans for reopening. The Friends of the Library is working on ways to accept book donations. The Friends canceled the June officer installation luncheon and hopes to host J.A. Jance for the 2021 luncheon. In May, the Friends received $1,029 from Amazon and a donation of $500. Memberships have been extended by two months because of the COVID-19 situation.
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Page 10 In response to Chair Ray's inquiry, Library Services Director Hetherton stated book
donations should be quarantined for three days. Keeping batches separate and secure is challenging. The President of the Friends has worked with people who have large or valuable collections to donate. In reply to Vice Chair Watkins' question, Board Member Coulter did not believe a book sale on the curb would be safe. 18. Literacy Services Liason Report Trustee update of the most recently attended Literacy Services Advisory Board meeting.
Vice Chair Watkins related that Literacy Services has 90 tutor-learner pairs and funding of $443,000. The Gift of Literacy Luncheon may be replaced with a fancy version of a happy hour later in the year. Literacy Services has been sending mini newsletters entitled
Literally Speaking in place of quarterly newsletters. The California State Library will host a writing challenge called COVID Diaries.
Library Services Director Hetherton reported the passport space in Central Library is ready to go. Staff is awaiting furniture but has not ordered merchandise. In answer to Board Member Coulter's inquiry, Library Services Director Hetherton advised that the Friends of the Library will sell specialty items in the retail space. Chair Ray suggested the Friends may want to begin ordering stock because obtaining preferred items may require some time. VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher congratulated the Library and the Board of Library Trustees on their 100th Anniversary and believed the event should be celebrated. The Board of Library Trustees may want to recognize some of the people important to the history of the Newport Beach
Public Library, particularly those who contributed to the creation of the Library. VIII. BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
None IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:41 p.m.
14
MAY / JUNE 2020Comment #Date ReceivedSource of CommentStaff MemberStaff Member TitleDate Responded to Patron 15/29/2020EmailTim HethertonLibrary Services Director5/29/202025/31/2020EmailMelissa HartsonCirc. & Tech. Processing Coordinator6/1/202036/3/2020EmailMelissa HartsonCirc. & Tech. Processing Coordinator6/4/202046/5/2020EmailMelissa HartsonCirc. & Tech. Processing Coordinator6/5/202056/8/2020EmailMelissa HartsonCirc. & Tech. Processing Coordinator6/8/2020Since there are not currently any holds on your items, I can renew them for an additional loan period. They are due 3 weeks from today. Please let me know if you would like me to process your renewal. Thank you for contacting us regarding this matter.All returned items are quarantined before being checked in. We will check the items in on the correct date they were returned so you will not incur overdue fines for the quarantine period. Thank you for your inquiry.I just brought two books that were due on 6/6/20, so I was 2 days late. Where can I pay the late fee since the branch is still closed to the public?You may pay your fees online through your Library Account. All items are quarantined for three days before being checked in. We will check the items in based on the date you returned them and the fees will be added to your account after the quarantine period. Thank you for your inquiry.I’m currently out of town for the next month or more and we accidentally brought a couple of our library books with us. Is there a good/easy way to return them via the mail or anything else? You may mail the materials back to the Central Library. Three of your items were due back on June 2 and while they have reached the maximum renewal limit, I did renew them one more time to stop your fines from continuing to accrue while you mail them back. They are now due back on June 25. The fourth item on your account is not renewable because there are multiple people on hold for the book. It is due back on June 19. Thank you for your inquiry.I have checked out books and have two renewals on this cycle. I'm out of town due to the virus and probably won't be back by the June 10 deadline when the books are due. I'm 600 miles away. Can I check them out one more time? NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTSCommentResponseI'm respectfully contacting you because I am a father of a three and six-year-old. We are library enthusiasts, especially the Main library and the Mariners branch. On March 27th my wife was exposed to COVID-19 as she is a frontline worker. Myself and her two children were subsequently exposed we all contracted the virus and we quarantined for a month. Thankfully we are healthy and our antibodies are through the roof and all of this is medically documented. I'm contacting you for a simple question. You've had months to plan and I would like to understand what your plan is moving forward for people who are like us (people who had COVID-19, are now healthy and safe, and who pose no known threat as a host of the virus). I'm opening this conversation because I fear that people like us are not represented or planned for in this process. Please tell me my fear is unfounded.That’s great news that you and your family have recovered! We are planning for reopening, most likely under the State’s Stage 3 guidelines for higher risk workplaces. Moving into Stage 3 is based on achieving specific public health metrics, and State and County guidance. Public services will be modified for public health reasons and measures will be taken to suppress the transmission of the virus. When NBPL reopens, we will welcome all patrons to use the library facilities. There won’t be any distinction made between COVID-19 survivors and patrons who were fortunate enough to remain virus free. Public libraries are inclusive institutions supported by public funds and I doubt the legality of denying service to anyone based on private medical history. I think your fear is unfounded. Please let me know if you have further concerns.We dropped off a big filled with many books and videos checked out prior to COVID. I just got an email saying books are due in 3 days, however everything was retired this week. Please confirm receipt. 15
MAY / JUNE 2020Comment #Date ReceivedSource of CommentStaff MemberStaff Member TitleDate Responded to Patron NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTSCommentResponse66/8/2020EmailMelissa HartsonCirc. & Tech. Processing Coordinator6/8/202076/9/2020EmailTim HethertonLibrary Services Director6/9/202086/14/2020EmailTim HethertonLibrary Services Director6/16/202096/15/2020EmailTim HethertonLibrary Services Director6/16/2020106/21/2020EmailTim HethertonLibrary Services Director6/22/2020How can I return a book? Is the book drop open?All exterior book drops are open at each of our Libraries. You may return items to any of these book drops. Thank you for your inquiry.Time to open them up. What the f--- you waiting for?...People need tax forms this time of year. Maybe you can have the board approve it this week and have them opened up Monday. Just a thought man. I'm going to need a Schedule B, C and SE from form 1040. I have no way of printing them. I rely on the library for that too. I can pick them up and pay you for them? No biggy if I can't. Janice at Mariners and I go way back. Maybe I can pick them up there. I can pick them up at Mariners when they're ready.Thanks for your patience. Let me know what forms you need. We can print them out and you can pick them up at Mariners or Central, whatever is easier. Mariners will contact you when the forms are ready and they will coordinate a pickup time with you. Don't worry about payment.As most businesses have been reopened is there any chance that public libraries will reopen soon?We are waiting for guidance from the State and the County for reopening. We have a plan, but not a specific date.Any idea when you guys will open again?The Library requires further State and County approval before opening. While a plan to reopen was approved, I cannot provide a date at this time.As businesses begin to slowly reopen, I was wondering if public libraries will too. I am a college student and wanted to know if I could use any of the libraries starting June 22nd for school use. This includes studying there, using the WiFi offered, printing and scanning. Thank you for your feedback and I sure hope things start getting back in shape soon.The Library requires further State and County approval before opening. While a plan to reopen was approved, I cannot provide a date at this time.16
MAY / JUNE 2020Comment #Date ReceivedSource of CommentStaff MemberStaff Member TitleDate Responded to Patron NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTSCommentResponse116/21/2020EmailTim HethertonLibrary Services Director6/23/2020126/24/2020EmailTim HethertonLibrary Services Director6/25/2020136/25/2020EmailMelissa HartsonCirc. & Tech. Processing Coordinator6/26/2020146/29/2020EmailMelissa HartsonCirc. & Tech. Processing Coordinator6/29/2020I dropped off my books at Mariners Library yesterday when these books were due. I understand this branch is closed, however I saw that I "may return your Library materials using the exterior book drops at all four NBPL locations and Newport Coast Community Center" per the library closure FAQ -- https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/about/library-closure-faq. I will not be paying any fine nor additional ones hereafter as I dropped them off on the due date. Please advise. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you!All returned items are quarantined before being checked in. We will check the items in on the correct date they were returned so you will not incur overdue fines for the quarantine period. Thank you for your inquiry.I still have the Brad Meltzer book checked out and it's due back on 7-1-20. However, because all of the Newport Beach Libraries are still closed and because nobody can check out any books, can I just hold on to it until they reopen? Thank you.The Newport Beach Public Libraries are open for Curbside Checkout Service. Due dates are valid. Since there are not any holds on the Brad Meltzer book, I can renew it one more time to allow you some time to return the book. It is now due back on Monday, July 20. All of our exterior book drops are open when you return this book. Thank you for your inquiry.Unfortunately, libraries are closed. Just wondering if I can put books somewhere for donations. Have some text books. Would like to see if possible or is it better to wait? Have some publications named Clay and they are all in Japanese. Would you take those too? Thank you for taking time for this.Unfortunately, the Friends of the Library are not taking book donations at this time. When we are given approval to reopen and the Friends work out a protocol for donations, they will start accepting them again.I’m a student at UC Berkeley and a Newport Beach native. One of the things that has been pivotal to my academic success in college has been the UC Berkeley library system. Whether it was a place of study or a place of research, the UC Berkeley libraries have helped me immensely. I have decided that due to COVID-19, I will be doing courses online from Newport Beach. I was wondering if there would be any way to turn the Newport Beach public library into a 24-hour library (like a few of the UC Berkeley libraries), or at least have them close later than 9 pm (most Berkeley libraries close around midnight) so that college students will have a place to study and conduct research. I’m sure many college-aged students will be looking for work-study style employment, and college students could help staff the library during these hours. Most college students are nigh owls so this would help out many college students. Also, if need be, social distancing could still occur, as I don’t think there would be enough demand to make the library completely full. Also, since I am an economics major, helping Newport Beach’s college students succeed will help make them smarter, take on better paying jobs post-college, and ultimately pay more taxes (higher income). The cost of keeping the library open 24 hours should, in the long run, pay for itself. Thanks in advance for reading this or directing this message to someone who might be able to help with this issue.Thanks for your intriguing suggestion. A good public library should be available to patrons during their discretionary time away from work or school. This is why Newport Beach Public Library maintains night and weekend hours of operation. We also maintain an “e-Branch” that provides 24/7 access to databases and downloadable content. In order for NBPL to offer 24 hour service, the City would need to increase the personnel budget to maintain the appropriate number of staff daily for an additional 12 hours of public service at the minimum, determine whether or not the public would actually use the library at night, and if so, determine what resources patrons are using at those times. Currently, COVID-19 further complicates the provision of public library services, particularly use of the library as study space, since there are restrictions on public gatherings and the number of people allowed in facilities. 24 hour service is more common in academic libraries because they are serving a unique user group who may require extended hours to access resources and services. You may want to check with UCI libraries (https://www.lib.uci.edu/) to determine if UC students are eligible to use their facilities once they reopen.17
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY
To: Board of Library Trustees
From: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
Re: Report of Library Activities – June 15, 2020 meeting
______________________________________________________________________
TIM HETHERTON, LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
“Books can take you anywhere when you can’t go anywhere.”
-unknown
Newport Beach proved to be an early adapter in curbside services, which commenced in early April to satisfy the
community’s need for library materials and online school curriculum support.
In addition to curbside services, digital collections and virtual programming continue to be a valuable lifeline to
the community.
While physical branches may have shut down, NBPL still offers a wealth of digital content for those who have
internet access. Card holders can take advantage of eBook loans and streaming programs. NBPL has also
started offering even more robust online offerings, from increasing the allotment of streaming media rentals to
hosting virtual programs. Staff continue to use our new reality to offer something different. Staff are
challenged, but they are developing good, creative ideas, especially for online programming:
•Sunday Musicales, funded by the Friends of the Library, and featuring live musical performances recorded
especially for NBPL.
•Let's Talk Books, in which Newport Beach Public Library staff members talk about the books they like and
why.
•Tune-In Tuesdays - tune-in every Tuesday for a new story time with stories, songs and fun!
•Crafting with NBPL - enjoy trying your hand at some crafts, utilizing materials usually found around the
house.
•We also have content on our YouTube page.
Wheelhouse List for Library Trustees:
Monday, August 17
Board of Library Trustees meeting
5 p.m.
Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Tuesday, September 8
Check presentation from the Friends of the Library
4 p.m.
Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
18
DEBBIE WALKER - BRANCH AND YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR
Branches
All branch locations continued Curbside Service throughout the month. Mariners again did very well, filling over
2000 requests in June. Summer Reading Program (SRP) started at all locations on Saturday, June 20. Mariners
again was very busy in offering this annual program, which this year, due to the closure, is a hybrid of
online/curbside service.
Youth Services
SRP began on June 20 for all locations. After much pre-planning and targeted marketing and publicity efforts, the
program began with options for curbside pick-up service or online/virtual participation. So far it has been very
well received with over 800 registrants and participants for the kid, teen and adult versions of SRP. SRP Welcome
kits were assembled for pickup. Participants were also allowed to select a book to put in their kit as a reward for
joining the program. In the past, a free book was given at the end and only to those children who finished SRP
during the seven weeks of the program. In order to generate more interest and thank those who still wanted to
participate, staff decided to distribute the books (while supplies last) initially. During the last week of June, in
place of what normally would have been craft programs at all locations, craft kit bags were assembled and
distributed again via curbside service. Staff has contributed some great craft videos:
https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/calendar/summer-reading-program-for-kids. This also proved to be very
popular with just about every craft bag being distributed by the end of the week. As a reminder, all the funding for
Summer Reading Program is provided by the Friends of the Library.
Teen Services
No meetings this month. Teens are participating in SRP, submitting review forms and picking up a free book in the
process.
Facilities
The biggest projects of the month both involved the HVAC systems of Central and Mariners. In early June, a
company called Emcor completed the chiller coil and piping replacement project at Central that had been
arranged through Public Works as part of the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) for the Library. At Mariners, the
HVAC compressor was replaced. Facilities Maintenance Specialist Eddie Flores continued to perform general
maintenance throughout all locations and has taken advantage of the closure to paint as needed.
MELISSA HARTSON, CIRCULATION AND TECHNICAL PROCESSING COORDINATOR
ILS Update
The ILS team worked with SirsiDynix on final system configurations and continued to test those configuration
changes.
SirsiDynix hosted WebEx trainings for three days in the middle of the month. Staff attended the trainings to ask
questions and learn how the new system works. After the trainings, staff was able to practice what they learned
in a test database environment.
Curbside Service
This month, Curbside Service at the Central Library was modified to more effectively serve the patrons utilizing
the service. Patrons no longer need to wait in a drive-thru style line to pick up their materials. Instead, they park
in a designated Curbside Service parking space, call the phone number listed on space sign and staff will prepare
their items and bring them to a table that corresponds to the parking space. Moving to designated spaces
eliminates patrons waiting in line through the parking lot and the line no longer blocks the 3-minute book drop
parking spaces.
19
REBECCA LIGHTFOOT, ADULT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Programming
Ryan Whyman, pianist and composer, performed a special Father’s Day concert that was filmed and posted on the
website and has had over 360 views. Two new crafts videos have had 90 views in June. Four new Let’s Talk Books
videos had 159 views.
New ILS
Web Team was kept busy designing and testing the new OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) and mobile app for
the new Symphony ILS.
20
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020
Tracked by #searches
A to Z Databases 1234 1874 875 450 380 578 696 1533 2186 4561 2636 2411 19414
Ancestry 263 790 744 1102 776 442 563 480 280 7434 3110 2411 18395
AskART 43 51 32 93 111 115 181 64 113 24 50 15 892
Biography In Context 51 143 48 215 457 78 58 40 35 150 51 8 1334
Britannica School Edition 55 265 52 870 483 51 51 314 23 303 89 10 2566
Facts on File Ancient History 74 95 22 120 61 44 23 4 10 22 10 12 497
Gale Archives Unbound 438 1095 8322 4380 3285 7446 13359 5475 11388 9636 4161 1971 70956
Gale Directory Library 23 17 22 45 5 43 19 11 6 16 18 52 277
Gale Virtual Reference Library 19 24 363 393 233 717 379 89 65 90 93 25 2490
HeritageQuest 2980 1565 2641 1909 1801 1573 1812 3127 3714 406 3234 3660 28422
Kids InfoBits/Gale Elementary 16 45 14 93 38 17 12 4 17 17 9 0 282
Legal Information Ref Center 46 242 112 126 50 152 125 61 35 81 32 49 1111
Literature Resource Center 56 99 18 105 100 30 79 36 10 347 589 20 1489
National Geographic 45 78 30 273 51 87 33 26 20 36 37 17 733
National Geographic Kids 5 25 11 22 24 1 14 19 18 38 13 4 194
NewsBank (OC Register)613 775 922 945 996 1946 6197
NoveList Plus 68 282 164 343 141 135 160 124 38 71 82 58 1666
NoveList K-8 Plus 52 89 81 41 134 12 66 37 71 36 14 22 655
Opposing Viewpoints 49 214 408 377 215 61 84 240 841 223 391 96 3199
ProQuest 2275 1971 2750 4486 3228 4542 3566 4814 4925 3432 3031 4124 43144
Reference USA Business 1508 906 1091 890 845 590 2468 1784 1305 1817 1086 898 15188
Reference USA Residential 146 727 218 160 56 80 47 92 78 42 129 19 1794
World Book Online 4 3 16 437 252 4 40 344 146 52 2 9 1309
Tracked by #sessions
ScienceFLIX 5 3 4 13 51 50 12 46 53 48 1 0 286
Testing & Education Ref. Center 35 68 37 53 37 35 73 34 58 37 31 41 539
Tracked by #page views
Consumer Reports 2283 2864 2126 2561 568* * 2203* 2726 2547 2518 3463 3094 24182
CultureGrams 9 120 27 186 244 10 70 12 35 122 41 27 903
Morningstar 48614 24429 11599 11372 10764 44002 62638 48207 73260 65132 107634 42276 549927
NetAdvantage 6581 8480 2859 1986 1987 683 6554 6678 9372 3278 2043 6346 56847
RealQuest 98 3093 24 92 737 138 336 133 183 57 10139 167 15197
Tumblebooks 64 227 358 186 134 95 70 83 358 243 111 179 2108
Value Line 8605 10042 11834 14057 15422 13804 15276 12814 9450 13074 14605 12948 151931
Tracked by courses
Udemy 868 1341 2079 4288
Tracked by Hours Used
Rosetta Stone 70.32 51.2 61.25 49.77 33.08 17.33 90.93 42.6 69.42 188.2 84.07 78.63 836.8
Notes: July 2019 - Intermittant issues with S&P NetAdvantage and ValueLine this month
Sept 2019 - trouble with S&P NetAdvantage access outside of library
(due to a change at Consumer Reports that affected statistics data collection; it has been remedied
going forward)
Lynda service ended at end of year 2019
NewsBank (OC Register) added Jan 16, 2020
Udemy stats tracked beginning Apr 2020
**still awaiting June statistics for Udemy
*Partial statistics only for November (11/1-11/8) and January (1/8-1/31); December not available at all
Database FY Comparisons YTD
19/20
Proquest Articles Retrieved 2019-2020
July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June AVG.
Business Databases 1233 812 1230 1075 945 1692 1330 1335 1689 1080 881 1357 1222
Newspapers--Current 604 643 879 1178 1242 921 1025 1139 1781 1114 1137 1210 1073
Newspapers--Historical 1376 1101 1895 2586 2023 1770 4026 3051 2099 1920 940 1784 2048
Magazines 28 28 54 124 83 72 57 134 130 48 32 45 70
21
JUN 20 YTD 19/20 YTD 18/19
BALBOA 6,181 53,514 72,878
CDM*3,783 33,415 38
MARINERS 9,629 218,702 307,325
CENTRAL 20,885 572,497 833,729
Ebooks/Emagazines 21,082 206,078 162,071
TOTAL 61,560 1,084,206 1,376,041
JUL 19 123,372
AUG 19 112,107
SEP 19 109,665
OCT 19 113,721
NOV 19 105,791
DEC 19 99,729
JAN 20 105,934
FEB 20 105,105
MAR 20 73,216
APR 20 33,475
MAY 20 40,531
JUN 20 61,560
TOTAL 1,084,206
* The Corona del Mar Branch Library was closed for reconstruction from April 2018 through July 2019.
12 Month Comparison
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - JUNE 2020
CIRCULATION
LIBRARY CLOSED MAR 16 - JUN 30 TO MINIMIZE SPREAD OF COVID-19; PROGRAMS CANCELED STARTING MAR 12.
BALBOA
CDM*
MARINERS
CENTRAL
Ebooks/Emagazines
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
JUL 19 AUG 19 SEP 19 OCT 19 NOV 19 DEC 19 JAN 20 FEB 20 MAR 20 APR 20 MAY 20 JUN 20
1,588,822 1,582,953
1,582,914 1,598,265
1,610,818
1,529,391
1,464,640
1,424,594
1,376,041
1,084,2061,000,000
1,125,000
1,250,000
1,375,000
1,500,000
1,625,000
1,750,000
FY 10/11 FY 11/12 FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20
CIRCULATION
22
JUN 20 YTD 19/20 YTD 18/19
BALBOA^367 4,600 5,530
CDM*^288 7,225 0
MARINERS`1,891 29,404 40,406
CENTRAL`"3,299 90,216 117,456
TOTAL 5,845 131,445 163,392
12 Month Comparison
JUL 19 14,476
AUG 19 13,960
SEP 19 14,394
OCT 19 15,606
NOV 19 13,664
DEC 19 11,826
JAN 20 13,739
FEB 20 13,901
MAR 20 7,816
APR 20 2,708
MAY 20 3,510
JUN 20 5,845
TOTAL 131,445
* The Corona del Mar Branch Library was closed for reconstruction from April 2018 through July 2019.
^ Includes reference phone calls and curbside phone calls.
` Includes reference phone calls, curbside phone calls, reference emails, and curbside emails.
" Excludes Children's reference data for June 20-22, 2020.
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - JUNE 2020
REFERENCE
LIBRARY CLOSED MAR 16 - JUN 30 TO MINIMIZE SPREAD OF COVID-19; PROGRAMS CANCELED STARTING MAR 12.
BALBOA^
CDM*^
MARINERS`
CENTRAL`"
0
2,500
5,000
7,500
10,000
12,500
15,000
17,500
20,000
JUL 19 AUG 19 SEP 19 OCT 19 NOV 19 DEC 19 JAN 20 FEB 20 MAR 20 APR 20 MAY 20 JUN 20
199,880 191,567
184,260 190,391
168,496
162,510
157,149
156,521 163,392
131,445120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
200,000
220,000
FY 10/11 FY 11/12 FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20
REFERENCE
23
JUN 20 YTD 19/20 YTD 18/19
BALBOA^334 28,485 42,927
CDM*^301 32,731 0
MARINERS^`2,063 170,391 234,538
CENTRAL^`3,566 404,465 658,488
TOTAL 6,264 636,072 935,953
12 Month Comparison
JUL 19 76,699
AUG 19 66,394
SEP 19 83,404
OCT 19 76,420
NOV 19 70,128
DEC 19 68,482
JAN 20 77,144
FEB 20 74,891
MAR 20 32,436
APR 20 237
MAY 20 3,573
JUN 20 6,264
TOTAL 636,072
* The Corona del Mar Branch Library was closed for reconstruction from April 2018 through July 2019.
^ The number of curbside pickups at this location is being used to represent the number of patrons served.
` The number of curbside pickups at this location was not available for April 2020.
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - JUNE 2020
PATRONS SERVED IN LIBRARY
LIBRARY CLOSED MAR 16 - JUN 30 TO MINIMIZE SPREAD OF COVID-19; PROGRAMS CANCELED STARTING MAR 12.
BALBOA^
CDM*^
MARINERS^`
CENTRAL^`
0
15,000
30,000
45,000
60,000
75,000
90,000
JUL 19 AUG 19 SEP 19 OCT 19 NOV 19 DEC 19 JAN 20 FEB 20 MAR 20 APR 20 MAY 20 JUN 20
1,258,902
1,131,330
1,074,933
1,399,841
1,256,238
1,209,719
1,102,106
1,158,344 935,953
636,072500,000
750,000
1,000,000
1,250,000
1,500,000
FY 10/11 FY 11/12 FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20
PATRONS SERVED IN LIBRARY
24
JUN 20 YTD 19/20 YTD 18/19
BALBOA 0 984 1,709
CDM*0 4,105 3,600
MARINERS 0 8,829 12,491
CENTRAL^`3,011 54,160 50,441
TOTAL 3,011 68,078 68,241
12 Month Comparison
JUL 19 7,728
AUG 19 9,780
SEP 19 9,800
OCT 19 6,533
NOV 19 4,805
DEC 19 5,010
JAN 20 5,014
FEB 20 5,500
MAR 20 2,664
APR 20 3,501
MAY 20 4,732
JUN 20 3,011
TOTAL 68,078
* The Corona del Mar Branch Library was closed for reconstruction from April 2018 through July 2019.
^ Includes video views and programs conducted online.
` YTD 19/20 reflects March and April 2020 video views update.
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - JUNE 2020
LIBRARY CLOSED MAR 16 - JUN 30 TO MINIMIZE SPREAD OF COVID-19; PROGRAMS CANCELED STARTING MAR 12.
BALBOA
CDM*
MARINERS
CENTRAL^`
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
JUL 19 AUG 19 SEP 19 OCT 19 NOV 19 DEC 19 JAN 20 FEB 20 MAR 20 APR 20 MAY 20 JUN 20
53,534
51,570
51,894
49,977
64,473
67,646
69,922
70,430
68,241
68,078
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
FY 10/11 FY 11/12 FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18FY 18/19FY 19/20
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
25
LIBRARY EXPENDITURES FY 2019‐20
(July 1, 2020)
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
ORIGINAL
APPROP
REVISED
BUDGET
YTD
EXPENDED
MONTHLY
EXPENDED
AVAILABLE
BUDGET
I SALARY & BENEFITS
SALARY FULL‐TIME REGULAR 2,875,248 2,875,248 2,679,300 202,992 195,948
SALARY PART‐TIME 944,040 1,002,943 797,572 54,944 205,371
BENEFITS 2,345,669 2,359,269 2,303,101 210,255 56,168
SALARY & BENEFITS TOTAL 6,164,957 6,237,460 5,779,973 468,191 457,487
II MAINT & OPERATION
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE*167,773 167,773 130,145 9,835 37,628
UTILITIES 271,491 271,491 204,247 15,260 67,244
PROGRAMMING 5,500 8,000 7,594 3,536 406
SUPPLIES** 83,170 84,209 59,936 2,463 24,273
LIBRARY MATERIALS 619,740 629,842 606,157 18,435 23,685
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 174,951 182,061 163,528 38,271 18,533
TRAINING AND TRAVEL 15,075 15,575 12,889 17 2,686
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES*** 24,200 24,682 18,895 857 5,787
PERIPHERALS 5,000 6,832 3,490 920 3,342
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 1,458,054 1,458,054 1,458,054 243,009 0
OFFICE EQUIPMENT 2,000 2,000 348 0 1,652
OPERATIONAL SAVINGS**** 0 ‐108,822 0 0.00 ‐108,822
MAINT & OPERATION TOTAL 2,826,954 2,741,697 2,665,284 332,604 76,413
LIBRARY BUDGET TOTAL 8,991,911 8,979,157 8,445,256 800,795 533,900
*PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ‐ INCLUDE OUTSIDE PRINTING, JANITORIAL, WINDOW SERVICE
**INCLUDES OFFICE , PROCESSING AND JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
***INCLUDES, ADVERTISING, DUES, EVENT INSURANCE
****CITY COVID‐19 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
26
FRIENDS
FY 2019‐20
As of Jul 6, 2020
Date Funded Wish List
Jul 2019 Amount Purpose Amt Expended YTD Notes
$135,000 New Materials $ 135,000 Complete
$50,000 Programming $ 1,900 In Process
Total 185,000$ 136,900$
FOUNDATION
FY 2019‐20
As of Jun 30, 2020
Date Funded Wish List
Aug 2019 Amount Purpose Amt Expended YTD Notes
68,875$ Downloadable Content $ 68,875 Complete
25,000$ Flipster Subscription $ 25,000 Complete
15,000$ New Materials $ 13,850 In Process
13,125$ Lynda.Com Subscription $ 13,125 Complete
18,000$ Kanopy Streaming Films $ 18,000 Complete
10,000$ Business Center $ 7,900 In Process
5,000$ Adult Literacy Program $ 5,000 Complete
155,000$ $ 151,750
Total
27
Previous
Agenda Date AGENDA ITEM Scheduled
Agenda Date
Ongoing Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing
Jul 15, 2019 Jul 20, 2020
Jul 15, 2019 Jul 20, 2020
Aug 19, 2019 Aug 17, 2020
Sep 16, 2019 Sep 21, 2020
Oct 21, 2019 Oct 19, 2020
Oct 21, 2019 Oct 19, 2020
Jan 21, 2020 Jan 19, 2021
Jan 21, 2020 Jan 19, 2021
Feb 24,2020 Feb 16, 2021
Feb 24,2020 Feb 16, 2021
Apr 20, 2020 Apr 20, 2021
Apr 20, 2020 Apr 20, 2021
June 15, 2020 Jun 14, 2021
June 15, 2020 Jun 14, 2021
June 15, 2020 Jun 14, 2021
June 15, 2020 Jun 14, 2021
Apr 23, 2019 TBD
June 17, 2019 TBD
LAST
REVIEWED POLICY REVIEW
Aug 20, 2018 CC I-1 Library Services Policy (Council Policy I -1)Jul 20, 2020
Aug 20, 2018 NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy (formerly City Council Policy I-3)Aug 17, 2020
Sep 17, 2018 NBPL 9 Expressive Use Areas Sep 21, 2020
Nov 13, 2018 NBPL 6 Media Lab Use Policy Nov 16, 2020
Nov 13, 2018 NBPL 7 Sound Lab Use Policy Nov 16, 2020
Jan 22, 2019 NBPL 10 Laptop/Use Borrowing Policy Jan 19, 2021
Jan 22, 2019 NBPL 5 Newport Beach Public Library Internet Use Policy (formerly City Council Policy I-8)Jan 19, 2021
Jan 22, 2019 NBPL 11 Rules for Acceptable Use of Wireless Internet Connections Jan 19, 2021
Feb 19, 2019 NBPL 8 Display and Distribution of Materials Policy Feb 16, 2021
Mar 18, 2019 NBPL 1 Library Use Policy (formerly City Council Policy I-2)Mar 15, 2021
Mar 18, 2019 NBPL 4 Children in the Library Policy (formerly City Council Policy I-6)Mar 15, 2021
Apr 23, 2019 NBPL 13 Study Room Policy Apr 19, 2021
Apr 23, 2019 NBPL 14 Friends Meeting Room (formerly City Council Policy I-7)Apr 19, 2021
Jan 21, 2020 NBPL 3 Library Gift and Donor Policy (formerly City Council Policy I-4)Jan 17, 2022
Jun 15, 2020 NBPL 12 Circulation Policy Jun 14, 2021
Branch Update - Balboa
Review Holidays / Meeting Schedule 2021
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MONITORING LIST
Lecture Hall Update
Policy Review (See List Below)
Media Lab Update
Information Technology Update
COVID-19 Update
Branch Update - Mariners
Annual Budget - Approval
Proposed Library Closures for Winter Holidays 2020
Newport Beach Public Library eBranch & Database Review
Adult and Reference Services Update
Arts & Cultural Update
Branch Update - CDM
Election of Board of Library Trustees Officers/Trustee Liaisons
Annual Budget - Preliminary Review
Literacy Program Update
Youth Services Update
Library Material Selection & Downloadable Services
Marketing Update & Social Networking Update
Financial Report Comparison of Beginning Budget to End of the Year Amended Budget (Every June)
28
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board review Council Policy I-1, Library Service Policy.
DISCUSSION:
In January 2017, City Council appointed an ad hoc subcommittee to review the one hundred twenty-
eight current City Council policies and return with a recommendation for revisions, additions, and
deletions. The subcommittee approached the City Council Policies review with goals to:
1)combine policies when practical to provide more efficiency;
2)update or eliminate outdated or unused policies;
3)eliminate policies that merely restate existing local, state, or federal law; and
4)update for changes in processes, names and/or procedures.
Among many other recommendations, the subcommittee recommended that most of the Council
Policies pertaining to the Library remain policies of the Library. However, the subcommittee
recommended that it was not necessary to have these policies as part of the City Council policies.
After City Council’s approval of the subcommittee’s recommendation at the August 8, 2017 meeting,
two Library policies were retained as Council Policies: Council Policy I-1, Library Service Policy, and
Council Policy I-7, Library Meeting Rooms.
Council Policy I-7, Library Meeting Rooms, establishes procedures, priorities, standards, and criteria for
the Board of Library Trustees and the Library Services Department to administer the Central Library
Friends Room. In June 2019, the Board of Library Trustees proposed to adopt changes to the policy and
submitted the recommended changes to the policy for Council approval. The Board of Library Trustees
also requested that the Council approve the deletion of I-7 from the City Council Policy Manual. Council
approved the deletion and the revised policy is retained as Newport Beach Public Library policy NBPL–
14, Friends Meeting Room policy.
Council Policy I-1 remains as the only Council Policy related to the Library. Prior to 2017, Council I-1
provided a mission statement for the Library and stated a commitment to branch Library service in
concert with the Central Library. In previous iterations, the policy proposed a funding scheme for the
Newport Center Library, using Building Excise Tax Funds, and efforts to ensure the adequacy of reading
materials for children. The brief policy currently states, “All policies proposed to be adopted by the
Board of Library Trustees should first be submitted to the City Council for review.”
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
949-717-3810, thetherton@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
TITLE: Library Service Policy (Council Policy I-1)
29
In practice, staff submits proposed revisions to Library policies to the City Attorney’s Office prior to
Board of Library Trustees approval to determine compliance with Federal, State, and local law. The City
Attorney’s Office provides legal advice and services to support the City Council, the City Manager and all
City departments, boards, commissions and committees in achieving the City Council’s goals while
limiting risk and costs to the taxpayers. The Board of Library Trustees, appointed by City Council, is a
policy-making board responsible for the administration of City libraries. Library policies, while subject to
review by the City, are made and approved by the Board of Library Trustees and implemented by staff.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: Council Policy I-1, Library Service Policy
30
I-1
1
LIBRARY SERVICE POLICY
All policies proposed to be adopted by the Board of Library Trustees should first be
submitted to the City Council for review.
History
Adopted O-2 – 2-25-1974 (“Future Library Service”)
Amended O-2 – 11-11-1974
Amended O-2 – 11-27-1978
Amended O-2 – 2-9-1981
Adopted O-4– 3-27-1984 (“Mission Statement”)
Amended O-2 – 10-22-1990 (renaming to “Branch Service Policy”)
Amended O-4 – 10-22-1990
Amended O-2 – 2-10-1992 (incorporating O-4)
Amended O-2 by Board of Library Trustees – 8-17-1993
Amended O-2 – 1-24-1994 (changed to I-14)
Amended I-14 – 4-8-2003 (changed to I-1)
Amended I-1 – 9-27-2011
Amended I-1 – 8-8-2017
ATTACHMENT A
31
ABSTRACT:
An adjusted schedule for this holiday period will have minimal impacts on Library users. It will enable
the Library to provide appropriate staffing levels while accommodating staff leave requests.
RECOMMENDATION:
Should the Library resume normal operating hours prior to the Winter Holidays, staff recommends that
the Board of Library Trustees adopt the following proposed holiday hours:
All locations except Central closed on Saturday, December 26. Central Library open from 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
Regular Sunday hours (12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) at Central and Mariners on December 27.
All locations open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 28, 29, and 30.
All locations open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December 24 and 31.
Normal schedule resumes on January 2 (Sunday) with operating hours from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at
Central and Mariners.
CENTRAL BALBOA MARINERS CORONA DEL
MAR
Current Proposed Current Proposed Current Proposed Current Proposed
THU DEC 24 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1
FRI DEC 25 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed
SAT DEC 26 9-6 9-6 9-6 Closed 9-6 Closed 9-6 Closed
SUN DEC 27 12-5 12-5 Closed Closed 12-5 12-5 Closed Closed
MON DEC 28 9-9 9-6 9-6 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-6 9-6
TUE DEC 29 9-9 9-6 9-6 9-6 9-9 9-6 9-6 9-6
WED DEC 30 9-9 9-6 9-9 9-9 9-9 9-6 9-6 9-6
THU DEC 31 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1
FRI JAN 01 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed
If the Library is still closed to the public as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, staff proposes that all
locations, except Central Library, remain closed on Saturday, December 26.
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
949-717-3810, thetherton@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
TITLE: Proposed Library Schedule for Winter Holidays 2020
32
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
No funding requirement.
DISCUSSION:
In compliance with the City’s MOU with employee bargaining units, all NBPL locations will be open from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 24, Thursday, December 31, and closed on Christmas Day and
New Year’s Day. Library management proposes to offer a 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. public services schedule at
Central Library on Saturday, December 26, with the remaining Library locations closed. The Library will
maintain normal 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. hours at Central Library and Mariners on Sunday, December 27.
Management requests that the all Library locations operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday,
December 28, Tuesday, December 29, and Wednesday, December 30. Normal hours will resume on
Sunday, January 2, 2021.
Maintaining open hours during the day and providing digital resources via the 24/7 Library eBranch
provides an opportunity for the public to access library services. Typically, usage is low in the evenings
during the holiday week. Library management expects that this schedule will have minimal impact on
customers while satisfying staff requests for leave.
Neighboring libraries and libraries considered our peers in terms of service population and budget are
for the most part closing on 12/24 and 12/31:
Orange County Libraries:
Anaheim Public Library - open on 12/24 and 12/31
Buena Park Library District - closed on 12/24 and 12/31
Fullerton Public Library - closed from 12/24 through 1/1/2021 for winter closure.
Huntington Beach Public Library – open on 12/24 and 12/31
Mission Viejo Public Library - closed on 12/24
Orange County Law Library - closed on 12/24 and 12/31
Orange County Public Library –all libraries open on 12/24 and 12/31
Orange Public Library – The Orange Public Library & History Center at 407 E. Chapman Ave.
closes at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 24 for Christmas Eve. The Taft and El Modena
Branch Libraries are closed all day on Thursday, December 24. All Orange Public Libraries are
closed on Friday, December 25 through Friday, January 1. Normal Library operations resume on
Saturday, January 2.
Placentia Library District - closed on 12/24 and 12/31
Yorba Linda Public Library – closed on 12/24
Peer Libraries:
Carlsbad Public Library – 5 p.m. closure on Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24; 5 p.m. closure on
New Year's Eve, Thursday, Dec. 31
Cerritos Public Library - closed 12/24 and 12/31
Mountain View Public Library – closed 12/24 and 12/31; the Library will open from 10:00am -
6:00pm on Monday, December 28th; Tuesday, December 29th; and Wednesday, December
30th.
Palo Alto Public Library – Library closed from 12/24 to 1/2/2021
Santa Monica Public Library – to be determined.
33
ATTACHMENT A: City of Newport Beach 2020 Employee Calendar
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
34
PAY DAY OBSERVED HOLIDAY PAY PERIOD ENDS COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
FEBRUARY
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
MARCH
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
APRIL
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
MAY
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
JUNE
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
JULY
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
AUGUST
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
SEPTEMBER
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
OCTOBER
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
NOVEMBER
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
DECEMBER
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
City of Newport BeachCity of Newport Beach2020 EMPLOYEE CALENDAR
ATTACHMENT A
35
DISCUSSION:
Since mid-March, the Newport Beach Library has been working diligently to provide continued services
to the community despite the physical closure of our libraries as a result of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
pandemic. We have been thankful for the public’s support and understanding as we have navigated new
territory, learned new skills, developed a curbside pickup business model, increased content on digital
lending platforms, and implemented online programming. Simultaneously, we have been planning for
both reopening, and opening safely. The well-being of the community has been the top consideration in
every decision we have made. Staff submitted a detailed plan for reopening, which the Board of Library
Trustees approved at their June meeting. As approved, however, the plan did not include a specific date
for reopening.
Despite the June 9 guidance for the California State Library, Restoring In-Person Services in California’s
Libraries, all public libraries in Orange County and most in the state remain closed. The Placentia Library
District opened briefly in June but rolled back in-person services on July 3 as infections began to spike.
On Monday, July 13, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered all counties in the state to close indoor
operations for a handful of businesses, including restaurants, bars, movie theaters and museums, as
COVID-19 cases continue to climb. The businesses can operate outdoors, if possible. State guidance for
reopening these business types also applies to public libraries.
The Library will reopen with City Manager approval, informed by Federal, State, and County guidance.
At this point, it is impossible to speculate when this will be, but staff can assure the Board that we will
be prepared when asked to proceed.
In response to the State Library’s recommendation to reopen public libraries incrementally, NBPL’s
reopening plan limits use to two library activities – browsing the shelves and use of public computers in
a socially distant manner. This plan does not accommodate patrons who want to use the library for
study/meeting space or program attendance. Most of our patrons are satisfied with curbside service
and virtual programming and understand that we are limited in our offerings from a public health
standpoint. Curbside service is somewhat analogous to browsing the shelves to select materials and
pick up holds. With increased wi-fi availability at all 4 locations, the Library is offering a modicum of
Internet access to patrons with their own devices.
An important issue during the closure and with the implementation of curbside services has been the
quarantining of returned items. In order to safeguard the health of patrons and staff, Newport Beach
Public Library is quarantining all items for 72 hours after their return. Based on a study commissioned by
the Institute of Museums and Library Service, Batelle Memorial Institute, a private nonprofit applied
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
949-717-3810, thetherton@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
TITLE: COVID-19 Closure Update
36
science and technology development company, conducted tests by applying the virulent SARS-CoV-2
virus (the virus that causes COVID-19) on five materials held at standard room temperature and
humidity conditions. The materials tested included the following items:
(1) Hardback book cover (buckram cloth)
(2) Softback book cover
(3) Plain paper pages inside a closed book
(4) Plastic book covering (biaxially oriented polyester film)
(5) DVD case.
Results show that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was not detectable on the materials after three days of
quarantine. The evaluation demonstrates that standard office temperature and relative humidity
conditions typically achievable by any air-conditioned office space provide an environment that allows
for the natural attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 present on these common materials after three days of
quarantine. For the complete report, visit: https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/test1-
results.html.
Another major concern during the closure has been staff safety. Curbside service has minimized staff
interaction with the public. Staff wear masks, maintain social distance, and work in Plexiglass enclosed
workspaces. Frequent handwashing is encouraged, and hand sanitizer has been made available to all
staff. Staff with existing health conditions, documented with a physician’s note, and staff with childcare
issues, are permitted to telecommute.
In response to the recent increase of COVID-19 infections, per the City Manager, and in line with City
Hall employees, the Library implemented A and B schedules for staff that can telecommute, starting on
Monday, July 13. The teams telecommute on alternate working days. The point of the staggered
schedule is to not intermingle the two groups in order to lessen the risk of passing any potential
illnesses. This plan reduces the overall number of people working in a building at any given time,
decreases the chance of transmission among those on the same work teams, and eliminates the
potential for a Team A member to expose a Team B member. Staff who cannot complete their assigned
duties from home have remained on their current schedules. We have assigned staff to a single
location, to limit exposure. We are refraining from moving full time staff around to multiple locations,
and part timers are also scheduled for a single location. We have placed telecommuting Reference staff
on an A and B schedules, with separate work groups for Central Circulation, and Mariners. Because of
their smaller staffing complement, CDM and Balboa will share some staff, and these staff members will
only be assigned to Balboa and CDM.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
37