HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-2022-BLT-AGENDA PACKETCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES AGENDA
Crean Mariners Branch Library
1300 Irvine Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Monday, October 17, 2022 - 5:00 PM
Board of Library Trustees Members:
Paul Watkins, Chair
Janet Ray, Vice Chair
Douglas Coulter, Secretary
Barbara Glabman, Trustee
Ash Kumra, Trustee
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist
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 public can submit questions and comments in writing for the Board of Library Trustees to consider. Please send
them by email to the Library Services Department at LibraryBoard@newportbeachca.gov by Sunday, October 16, 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.
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 Melissa Hartson, 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 mhartson@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.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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.
October 17, 2022
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
V.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 upon invitation by the Chair.
A.Consent Calendar Items
Minutes of the Sept 19, 2022 Board of Library Trustees Meeting (pp. 5-12)1.
DRAFT OF MINUTES
Patron Comments (pp. 13-14)2.
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests
received from patrons.
PATRON COMMENTS
Library Activities (pp. 15-23)3.
Monthly update of library events, services and statistics.
SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES
Expenditure Status Report (pp. 24-25)4.
Monthly expenditure status of the library's operating expenses, services, salaries and
benefits by department.
SEPTEMBER EXPENDITURES
Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List (p. 26)5.
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library
Trustees.
MONITORING LIST
October 17, 2022
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
VI.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
Mariners Branch Update (pp. 27-29)6.
Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator Andrew Kachaturian will provide
the annual overview of Mariners Branch operations.
MARINERS BRANCH UPDATE
Youth Services Update (pp. 30-35)7.
Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth will provide the annual
overview of Youth Services.
YOUTH SERVICES UPDATE
Lecture Hall Update8.
Trustee Ray will report on activities related to the Library Lecture Hall project.
Balboa Branch Replacement Update9.
Trustee Ray will report on activities related to the Balboa Branch Replacement
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 attending meeting.
Friends of the Library Liaison Report12.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting.
Literacy Services Liaison Report13.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Literacy Services Advisory Board
meeting.
October 17, 2022
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
VII.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 Board of Library Trustees. 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.
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)
IX.ADJOURNMENT
DRAFT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Board of Library Trustees Newport Beach Central Library 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Meeting Minutes Monday, September 19, 2022 – 5:00 p.m. I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:00 P.M. II. ROLL CALL – Roll Call by Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist
Trustees Present: Chair Paul Watkins, Vice Chair Janet Ray, Trustee Barbara Glabman, Trustee Ash Kumra (arrived 5:01 p.m.) Trustees Absent: Secretary Douglas Coulter (excused) Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist Rebecca Lightfoot, Adult Services Coordinator/Acting Library Services Manager
Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Andrew Kachaturian, Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator
Staff Absent: III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Vice Chair Ray IV. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC – Waived V. CONSENT CALENDAR – Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome A. Consent Calendar Items
1. Minutes of the August 15, 2022, Board of Library Trustees (BLT) Meeting Chair Watkins introduced the Consent Calendar and confirmed that the other Trustees did
not wish to discuss and/or did not wish to remove items from the Consent Calendar. Hearing none he noted that he had several observations. 2. Patron Comments Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests received from patrons. Chair Watkins thought the response provided by Library Services Director Melissa Hartson to a patron on e-waste was well done. He also thought that Adult Services
Coordinator/Acting Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot handled the response to the internet activist well.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes September 19, 2022
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3.Library Activities
Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics.
4.Expenditure Status ReportMonthly expenditure status of the library's operating expenses, services, salaries,and benefits by department.
Chair Watkins reported that 17% of the year had elapsed and they were under budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23. He thanked Library Services Director Hartson and staff for keeping an eye on the budget.
5.Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the BLT.
Chair Watkins called for a Motion on the minutes and noted that Vice Chair Ray would be
abstaining because of her prior absence.
Motion made by Trustee Glabman, seconded by Trustee Kumra, and carried (3-0-1-1) to
approve the Consent Calendar with the minutes as presented.
AYES: Watkins, Kumra, Glabman NOES: ABSTENTIONS: Ray (as to Minutes only) ABSENCES: Coulter
VI.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
6.Expressive Use Areas Policy (NBPL 9)Staff recommends that the BLT review Library Policy NBPL 9, Expressive UseAreas, and requests the Board approve changes.
Chair Watkins called for the staff report.
Library Services Director Hartson explained that NBPL 9 worked. There are established specific areas at each branch for the community to set up a table and provide viewpoints, seek opinions, and host petitions. The policy worked well, and the management of the
space was handled by administrative staff. She was not recommending substantial changes to the policy, there were minor clarifications and errors corrected including a mislabeling of exhibits.
Chair Watkins noted the corrections and stated that the policy looked ready. He called for Trustee comment. Hearing none, he called for the public comment and learned there was none.
Motion made by Trustee Kumra, seconded by Vice Chair Ray, and carried (4-0-0-1) to approve Library Policy NBPL 9, Expressive Use Areas.
AYES: Watkins, Ray, Kumra, Glabman
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes September 19, 2022
Page 3 NOES:
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Coulter 7. Literacy Services Update Staff will provide an update on the Literacy program and events. Chair Watkins stated Cherall Weiss had retired and called for a staff report from Library Services Director Hartson. Library Services Director Hartson stated that Cherall Weiss had provided her with a year in review of the Literacy Services. Her report listed the highlights of the program. They are
returning to in person programming and learners and tutors had come back. There were 146 learners served in the past year with 7,015 volunteer hours. In person classes continue on a regular basis. The program raised over $150,000 in the past year with
several donations and two highlighted events, which were happy hours and well attended. Over the past year they went through a rebranding from Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy to Project Adult Literacy (PAL). She passed materials around for the Trustees to review and
then showed a promotional video. The video was a powerful tool for community outreach to show people what the program was about. They considered the video to be a big accomplishment over the past year with the rebranding. September 8 was International Literacy Day and she shared some of the learner’s thoughts about it with the Trustees. Cherall Weiss attended conferences over the past year and was a panel presenter at the California Library Association (CLA). After 18 years with the program and beginning as a tutor Cherall has now retired, and the City is moving through the hiring process and working to find her replacement. A new Literacy Coordinator should be in place sometime in October. Cherall Weiss will continue to work with the Literacy Advisory Board in the interim and transition. The Literacy Advisory Board appointed Jessica Bass as the new President.
Vice Chair Ray asked if PAL planned to host a luncheon like they did pre-COVID.
Library Services Director Hartson stated that getting something like that up and running would be part of the Literacy Coordinator’s job. There would be a transition period and the new person would be able to work with Cherall Weiss. The luncheon was a large
fundraiser and she imagined the luncheon event will return. Trustee Kumra thought the update was fantastic. Chair Watkins thanked Trustee Glabman for her work as liaison. He, Vice Chair Ray, and Trustee Glabman attended International Literacy Day. He then called for the public comment, but there was none so the BLT received and filed the report. 8. Acceptance of Donation Staff recommends the BLT approve the acceptance of a donation from the Dorothy Arens Ressel Trust to enhance the Library’s maintenance and operation budget.
Chair Watkins called for the staff report. Library Services Director Hartson stated that Ms. Ressel left a portion of her estate to
three departments within the City: Police, Fire, and the Library. The Library was honored
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes September 19, 2022
Page 4 to be included. The gift was already approved by the City Council earlier in the year and
now the funds would be transferred to the Library. Chair Watkins asked what the funds were to be used for. Library Services Director Hartson explained that they would go into collections. The estate did not put any specific restrictions on the use of the funds by the Library. Chair Watkins called for BLT questions. Hearing none, he called for the public comment. Rhonda Watkins, Newport Beach resident, asked if the funds could be used for the Library Lecture Hall.
Library Services Director Hartson explained that the gift could go to anywhere within the Library, but for the Library Lecture Hall the funds would have to go through the Library
Foundation and the Library could not move the funds in that manner. Motion made by Trustee Kumra, seconded by Vice Chair Ray, and carried (4-0-0-1) to
approve the acceptance of a donation from the Dorothy Arens Ressel Trust to enhance the Library’s maintenance and operation budget, including collections. AYES: Watkins, Ray, Kumra, Glabman NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Coulter 9. Lecture Hall Update Trustee Ray will report on activities related to the Library Lecture Hall project.
Vice Chair Ray reported that City Council had approved a major donation from the William Witte family of $4 million. Accordingly, the Lecture Hall will be named Witte Hall. They are continuing in the silent phase of fundraising so there was nothing further to report. She
thanked the Foundation for its work as the Library and Trustees did not become directly involved in the fundraising work.
Chair Watkins asked if Jerry Kappel wished to add to the report. Jerry Kappel, Newport Beach Public Library Foundation (NBPLF) CEO, reported that there were two additional naming rights donations which were currently in negotiation. That represented an additional $1,750,000. He hoped they would be ready for announcement at the next meeting. There was also a $500,000 challenge grant which would be used to spur public donations. Chair Watkins confirmed there would be a time period associated with the matching funds. Mr. Kappel indicated that was correct and that any contribution would be matched within
that time to a maximum of $500,000. Chair Watkins called for questions of Mr. Kappel.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes September 19, 2022
Page 5 Mr. Kappel added that there would be another design committee meeting but the date for
that was not set. Vice Chair Ray explained there was an ad hoc committee that had been working for the last three years. The process had been very thoughtful. The architect had an example of a seat and brought it to the City Hall for examination, but it was not a good fit so that was being revisited. Chair Watkins called for the public comment, but there was none. He thanked Mr. Kappel and noted that the naming rights would be announced at the next City Council meeting or in October at the latest. He thanked Vice Chair Ray and received and filed the report.
10. Balboa Branch Replacement Update Trustee Ray will report on activities related to the Balboa Branch Replacement project.
Chair Watkins stated that there was nothing to report and confirmed that with Library Services Director Hartson.
11. Library Services Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons, and staff. Library Services Director Hartson announced that new staff members were in place. She introduced Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth and Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator Andrew Kachaturian. Both brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to their positions, and she was thrilled to expand the team. With Library Services Manager, Rebecca Lightfoot’s tenure was extended through the end of the calendar year.
Chair Watkins confirmed that Library Services Manager was Library Services Director Hartson’s “deputy.”
Library Services Director Hartson stated that was correct. Chair Watkins congratulated Acting Library Services Manager Lightfoot.
Library Services Director Hartson repeated that they attended International Literacy Day. The Foundation’s donor event was scheduled for Wednesday, September 21. The check presentation from the Friends of the Library would be held for the $200,000 on Tuesday, September 27. Chair Watkins thanked Library Services Director Hartson, called for questions/comments, and received and filed the report. B. Monthly Reports 12. Library Foundation Liaison Reports A. Library Foundation Board – Report on the most recently attended meeting.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes September 19, 2022
Page 6 Vice Chair Ray indicated that Library Services Director Hartson covered the update.
Chair Watkins called for questions of Vice Chair Ray or Library Services Director Hartson. He then called for public comment. Mr. Kappel reported that the next Bookmark magazine would be out soon and would contain the financial report. The Witte series was also being announced and Library Live had gone public. B. Library Live Lectures Committee – Report on the most recently attended meeting.
Trustee Kumra reported that he had attended his first meeting the prior week and heard an overview of the upcoming programs. The speakers were very good. They discussed the vision of the lecture series and explained that they wanted attendance of at least 200
people. Chair Watkins called for questions/comments from the Trustees. Hearing none, he called
for the public comment. Hearing none, he then received and filed the report. C. Witte Lectures Committee – Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins reported they had met the previous week. The speakers would be announced in the Bookmark as indicated by Mr. Kappel. The lectures were scheduled for February 10 and 11, March 3 and 4, March 31 and April 1, and April 28 and 29. The Committee was a well-read group and was interested in bringing quality speakers. He called for BLT or public comment, but there was none. He indicated the BLT received and filed the report. 13. Friends of the Library Liaison Report Trustee update on the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting.
Library Services Director Hartson reported that the August bookstore sales were $19,694, and the total income for the month was $20,810.46, which included memberships.
Membership stood at 882 people. They continue with a variety of specials and were looking forward to a vintage book sale and an art book sale in the coming weeks. The next big used book sale was scheduled for January 13 and 14. Chair Watkins called for BLT and public comment. Hearing none he received and filed the report. 14. Literacy Services Liaison Report Trustee update on the most recently attended Literacy Services Advisory Board meeting.
Trustee Glabman explained that Library Services Director Hartson’s report was complete. There were 97 active learners with 13 on the waiting list. There were 60 active tutors, 8 new and ready tutors waiting for assignment, and 5 returning tutors. International Literacy
Day was September 8, September 13 was the most recent Literacy Services Advisory
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes September 19, 2022
Page 7 Board meeting. Kappa Kappa Gamma chose PAL as the recipient of $3,000 raised at their
Author Under the Stars Event. PAL would also make a presentation to the Newport Beach Rotary Club on September 29. The Board was also looking to set up an assistance fund to remove hurdles from learners for things like paying for childcare during tutoring sessions or for transportation to tutoring. Chair Watkins said that PAL has a good nest egg as the group is well funded. Trustee Glabman said that they were working to replace Cherall Weiss and noted that the position was not full time. They are also working on an annual report and looking to fill Board positions. They need people with fundraising, outreach, public relations, and social media skills.
Trustee Kumra indicated that he might know someone and asked if the information was available on the website.
Chair Watkins stated that it was on the Library website under Literacy Services.
Chair Watkins called for the public comment. Rhonda Watkins, Newport Beach resident, asked if the organization held trainings or meetings via Zoom as a way to overcome transportation and childcare hurdles. Chair Watkins clarified that she meant the tutoring. Trustee Glabman said that she was not sure and asked if that was how the learning occurred during COVID. Library Services Director Hartson believed that they did utilize online tools during COVID
but had transitioned back to in person learning. Trustee Glabman stated that it was more than just tutoring, there was also mentorship and
relationship building. She thought that was why they tried to have the meetings in person. Ms. Watkins stated that she understood but noted that Zoom could be very personal.
Chair Watkins called for further comment. Hearing none he received and filed the report. VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. 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) Trustee Glabman noted that there was a great public relations article in the LA Times about things to borrow from libraries. She reminded the Trustees about the parking passes for parks they had available and how they had not been aware of that prior to the last meeting. She thought there were other items that were like that, and that the public was
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes September 19, 2022
Page 8 not aware of them either. She suggested someone put together a piece for the local paper
advertising those items. Chair Watkins agreed that was a great idea. Vice Chair Ray agreed that was a great idea and noted that not everyone reviewed the Library’s website for different types of materials. Chair Watkins announced that the next BLT meeting was Monday, October 17, 2022, at Mariners Library. The Friends of the Library’s check presentation was on September 27, 2022.
IX. ADJOURNMENT – 5:42 P.M.
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SEPTEMBER 2022Comment #Date ReceivedSource of CommentStaff MemberStaff Member TitleDate Responded to Patron 109/06/2022EmailMelissa HartsonLibrary Services Director09/07/2022209/09/2022EmailAnnika HelmuthBranch & Youth Services Coordinator09/09/2022309/10/2022EmailRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager, Acting09/12/2022409/11/2022EmailRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager, Acting09/12/2022The Study Room Policy has not changed, but there has been a significant increase in usage over the past few months and rooms are often booked for the entirety of the day very early on. Reservations can be made same day, in person only. The rooms go out on a first come, first served basis. The initial reservation is for two hours and it may be extended if there are no other reservations afterwards. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any other questions or concerns. Thank you.Lately, it seems like the reservation policy for study rooms is inconsistent at best. On prior days, I’ve requested a room and was informed that the day was completely booked as early as 9 am until close. Today, when I inquired on a second booking for 2 hours out, I was denied the reservation. Can you please elaborate on why your study room reservation policy fluctuates? Are there tiers of memberships? Any insight that you could provide on this issue would be greatly appreciated.I personally was the subject of an article regarding a burglary turned into a robbery at my home over on Sandcastle Drive. It was in the "Daily Pilot" and occurred in September 1979 (as I recall, the week prior to Corona del Mar High School opening football that year). My mother had cut out the article from way back then, but it was recently destroyed. I'd like to try and track it down (Microfiche, I believe, but not sure). Could you push me in the right direction? Thank you so much.The article appeared in the September 14, 1979 issue of the “Orange Coast Pilot”. I’ve attached the article, which is on page 51 of that day’s paper. You can access back issues of the “Daily Pilot” online through our databases page, if you’d like to see the entire paper. Just go to our website and under eBranch, click on Databases. Under Magazines and Newspapers, click on Local Newspaper Historical Records. We’ve digitized all the microfilm we hold. I hope that’s what you were looking for. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you.Thank you for your email. Currently, we are not looking to add other children’s events to our Winter schedule as this is during our two-week programming break. We are happy to consider a future date should Sterling return to California.NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTSCommentResponseI am a first grade associate teacher at Harbor Day School. The first grade team is looking/hoping to schedule a field trip to the Corona Del Mar library sometime in the spring. If this is of interest to you, please let me know and we can discuss further about dates and scheduling for a time that works! Thank you so much! The Library is once again offering field trips for first grade students. We have recently launched a new Educator and Student Services webpage on our website where teachers may request library visits, invite library staff to speak at school events, request resources for upcoming assignments, find out how to get library cards and more. I invite you to fill out the "Visiting the Library" request form to schedule your first-grade class visits. We look forward to seeing you and your students at the Library. Thank you for your inquiry.Would you be interested in having Sterling Waterfield host a “Meet the Author Book Signing” for an hour or so for Children 11-14 years old? We can put a 50 child invitation list together, and you could also invite others. Sterling will be in Newport the week between Christmas & New Year's Eve. She is a young author that wrote a book called The Last Survivor. It was just recently published.13
SEPTEMBER 2022Comment #Date ReceivedSource of CommentStaff MemberStaff Member TitleDate Responded to Patron NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTSCommentResponse509/18/2022EmailRebecca LightfootLibrary Services Manager, Acting09/19/2022609/26/2022PhoneAlex JenkinsBranch Librarian09/26/2022The soap dispenser in the men’s room was empty. I told a staff member and she said the library would take care of it. I returned to use the men’s room 50 minutes later and there was still no soap. I went back to the same staff member and she said the library is short-staffed. This excuse is unacceptable.We apologize for the inconvenience. If the circulation desk is busy, they will contact the reference staff for help with this in the future.Just curious if the library takes book donations? Yes, the Friends of the Library does take donations of books on behalf of the Library. I’ve copied the information regarding donations from their website and included it here. You can find more information about the Friends organization at:https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/about/friends-of-the-library.BOOK DONATIONSPlease help by following these guidelines for donations:1. We prefer that donations be in small or medium size boxes.2. A maximum of 6 boxes may be dropped off at any one time. If you have a largerdonation, please call the Bookstore at 949-759-9667 and leave a message forPaul or Amy to set up an appointment. We have a dolly available and can supplyboxes if needed.3. All books need to be in good, resellable condition. Books should be clean withno tears, foxing (spotting around/on edges), broken spines, missing pages, etc.4. Fiction & non-fiction should preferably be from the last 6-10 years except forclassics and history.5 We do take DVDs, CDs, DVD games, vinyl records, and jigsaw puzzles.6. We do not accept:•Encyclopedias unless they're 100 years old or older.•Reader's Digest condensed books.•Medical books, health books, law books, and travel books older than 8 years.•VHS or cassette tapes.If you have questions, email us at nblibfriend@gmail.com. A donation receipt willbe provided if desired. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Thankyou.14
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY
To: Board of Library Trustees
From: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Re: Report of Library Activities – October 17, 2022 Meeting
________________________________________________ _________________ _
MELISSA HARTSON, LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
Literacy
Jill Richardson, a member of the Literacy Advisory Board and I attended a Newport-Balboa Rotary Club
Meeting at the end of the month. Rotary recognizes September as Basic Education and Literacy Month,
which gave Jill and I an opportunity to speak about Project Adult Literacy and the Library. The members
were engaged and asked questions throughout the presentation.
Department interviews for the Literacy Coordinator position were held mid-September. A candidate is
moving forward through the City’s pre-employment process. I anticipate the new hire to join our staff by
late-October or early-November.
WHEELHOUSE LIST FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEES
• Media Lab Open House
Tuesday, October 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Media and Sound Labs, Central Library
• Sunday Musicale: Madeleine Trio
Sunday, November 20, 3 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
• Meet the Author: Dr. Cristina LePort
Thursday, October 27, 7 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
• Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Monday, November 21, 5 p.m.
Small Conference Room, Central Library
• Library Live: Bill Plaschke
Thursday, November 17, 7 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
ANNIKA HELMUTH, BRANCH AND YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR
Branches
Mariners continues to host storytimes outdoors at Mariners Park with large crowds. The neighboring
Mariners Elementary School resumed class visits and open library hours for students, with over 2,375
student walk-ins during the month. Taylor Stephenson joined Mariners staff as a part-time Library Clerk
in September. Recruitment for a remaining Library Page position at the Branch is ongoing. Library Assistant
Erik Gunderson continues his temporary assignment at Mariners in the absence of Librarian Jeremy
Rodriguez, who promoted to a Librarian II position at Central. Two exterior lighting projects began late in
the month.
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Balboa hosted a children’s craft program, Pirates Ahoy! which had kids attending in their best seafaring
attire. Thirty-six pirates attended and completed pirate-themed crafts. Staff at Central and Mariners
continue to cover Library Page duties at the Branch.
Corona del Mar’s storytime crowds are growing with over 360 attendees for the month. A construction
themed sensory play event was a success with 29 participants. Meldiana Karabeg, a Library Page at
Central, started her weekly rotation covering Library Page duties at the Branch.
Youth Services
After a two-year hiatus, children’s author events returned in September with two energetic and
interactive events. The first event, complete with a Q&A, book signing and journal creating activity,
brought students together with New York Times Bestselling Authors Lisi Harrison and Daniel Kraus. Sixty-
one participants listened as the authors shared about their newest book and the process of writing. Youth
Services’ second author event with local author of the popular Surfside Girls graphic novel series Kim
Dwinell, was also a success. Fifty participants listened to Kim as she shared her experience in animation
and storytelling. She made real-life connections with the students and encouraged participants as she
guided them through a directed drawing “key frame” animation. Both events left participants inspired
and many expressed gratitude to the Library in offering programs like these.
Two drop-in style programs also returned after a long break: LEGO Saturdays and Drop-In Crafternoons.
LEGO Saturdays invites children to design, build, and invent at this casual but creative program held on
the first and third Saturday each month. Fifty-seven patrons attended the first LEGO event. On Tuesday,
September 13, 44 participants attended the first Drop-In Crafternoon and chose from a variety of crafts
to create together. Parents complimented Library staff for the activities and children spent valuable time
working with various materials that activated their imagination and fine motor skills.
Teen Services
On September 28, Teen services offered the second of three college prep workshops, Paying for College:
Financial Aid & Scholarships, at the Central Library. A total of 14 students and parents enjoyed learning
valuable information about applying for financial aid and scholarships.
ANDREW KACHATURIAN, CIRCULATION AND TECHNICAL PROCESSING COORDINATOR
Staffing
Part-time Library Clerk Taylor Stevenson started at Mariners on September 12. Two part-time Library
Clerk positions remains vacant.
A recruitment for Pages is underway, with department interviews scheduled for October 18.
Facilities
The new boiler at the Central Library has been installed with a final walkthrough planned for late October.
There will be some additional work to tie in temperature sensors for improved monitoring.
The anticipated Mariners exterior lighting improvement project has begun. The first stage of the project
will be adding lighting along the walkway in front of the building and adding lighting along the front of the
building. Other improvements will be the parking lot pole lighting, improvements by the book drop
attached to the building – in front of the Jorgensen Room – and all along the exterior of the building, front
and back. Additionally, lighting of the Mariners signage along Irvine Avenue has been updated. The sign
itself will be replaced in the coming months as well.
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REBECCA LIGHTFOOT, ADULT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Collections
The new 4K Blu-ray collection is proving very popular. So far there have been a total of 348 circulations
on the 69 items in the collection.
Programming
In September, we hosted the first Sunday Musicale of the season featuring tenor Joshua Simka with a
piano accompanist. Ninety-eight patrons attended.
Dr. Michael Roizen gave a talk on his new book The Great Age Reboot. One hundred and twenty-four were
in attendance. Dr. Roizen graciously signed copies of his book and chatted with attendees. The event was
filmed by NBTV.
Marketing
The Library was the featured department in the City Employee’s October newsletter. Marketing Specialist
Maria Nicklin put together an impressive spread, highlighting the Library’s activities and services.
Outreach
Reference and Circulation staff manned a table at the City’s Annual Employee Health Fair on September
28. Staff passed out information about the Library to City staff attending the event.
17
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023
Tracked by #searches
A to Z Databases 1244 1237 1194 3675
Ancestry 399 804 390 1593
AskART 19 15 52 86
Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow 23 32 116 171
Britannica School Edition 110 1 336 447
Gale Archives Unbound 2628 5694 4381 12703
Gale Directory Library 7 3 8 18
Gale in Context: Biography 23 11 3 37
Gale in Context: Elementary 0 0 14 14
Gale in Context: Opposing View 3 12 22 37
Gale Literature Resource Center 71 17 33 121
Gale Virtual Reference Library 14 48 61 123
HeritageQuest 763 396 254 1413
Legal Information Ref Center 44 30 62 136
National Geographic 72 10 17 99
National Geographic Kids 44 40 11 95
NewsBank 1155 1027 1032 3214
NoveList Plus 36 47 40 123
NoveList K-8 Plus 44 31 28 103
ProQuest 2152 3766 4596 10514
Proquest eLibrary 9 0 45 54
Reference Solutions Business 903 333 240 1476
Reference Solutions Residential 27 35 31 93
SIRS Discoverer 55 125 188 368
SIRS Issues Researcher 639 1006 1691 3336
World Book Online 26 1 16 43
Tracked by #page views
Artist Works 7 6 6 19
Consumer Reports 2515 2033 1710 6258
CultureGrams 32 65 8 105
Morningstar 255 5349 4381 9985
RealQuest 124 59 45 228
Tumblebooks 19 16 52 87
Value Line 17052 15831 17229 50112
Tracked by courses
Udemy 1600 1550 *3150
Tracked by Hours Used
ABC Mouse 15.33 17.25 14.18 46.8
Rosetta Stone 31.76 35.41 45.11 112.3
Notes: *Udemy statistics not accessible. Will complete when available.
Database FY Comparisons YTD
22/23
Proquest Articles Retrieved 2022-2023
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun AVG.
Business Databases 831 2438 1125 1465
Newspapers--Current 925 926 1022 958
Newspapers--Historical 3937 3036 3076 3350
Magazines 15 15 32 21
18
NBPL Website Usage 2022-23Metric Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average TotalTotal Users 35112 38912 3853937521 112563New Users 30367 34389 3438533047 99141Sessions 67043 71011 6895069001 207004Pageviews 235396 246933 231365237898 713694Sessions Per User 2 2 22--Pages Per Session 4 3 33--Avg. Session Dur. (min) 3 3 33--Bounce Rate (%) 52 55 5654 --Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Total Data Transferred (GB) 2022-23Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average TotalBalboa 160 310 169213 639CdM 154 186 165168 505Mariners 1050 1230 11001127 3380Central 8250 10240 101509547 28640Total9614 11966 115840000000002764 33164Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Total Unique Patrons 2022-23Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average TotalBalboa 425 396 349390 1170CdM 288 305 307300 900Mariners 1028 1184 13371183 3549Central 6605 7207 82217344 22033Total8346 9092 102140000000002304 27652Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Average Number of Patrons Per Day 2022-23Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average TotalBalboa 33 36 3635 105CdM 18 19 2119 58Mariners 80 89 11394 282Central 449 517 597521 1563Total5806617670000000001672008Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Average Usage Per Patron (MB) 2022-23Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average TotalBalboa 385 801 497561 1683CdM 548 625 550574 1722Mariners 1040 1070 863991 2973Central 1280 1460 12601333 4000Total3253 3956 31690000000008651037819
SEP 22 YTD 22/23 YTD 21/22
BALBOA 2,821 8,873 7,348
CdM 3,088 9,777 8,985
MARINERS 21,690 64,051 67,891
CENTRAL 56,735 178,520 186,648
eBooks 7,196 22,807 24,849
eMagazines 1,929 6,185 6,215
eAudiobooks 5,874 17,920 17,546
Streaming Films 692 2,179 2,096
TOTAL 100,025 310,312 321,578
OCT 21 106,719
NOV 21 99,920
DEC 21 95,530
JAN 22 96,955
FEB 22 88,215
MAR 22 99,849
APR 22 93,571
MAY 22 93,733
JUN 22 99,081
JUL 22 104,603
AUG 22 105,684
SEP 22 100,025
TOTAL 1,183,885
12 Month Comparison
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - SEPTEMBER 2022
CIRCULATION
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
eBooks
eMagazines
eAudiobooks
Streaming Films
85,000
90,000
95,000
100,000
105,000
110,000
OCT 21 NOV 21 DEC 21 JAN 22 FEB 22 MAR 22 APR 22 MAY 22 JUN 22 JUL 22 AUG 22 SEP 22
1582914 1598265
1610818
1529391
1464640
1424594
1376041
1084526 1043629
1195151
1000000
1125000
1250000
1375000
1500000
1625000
1750000
FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22
CIRCULATION
20
SEP 22 YTD 22/23 YTD 21/22
BALBOA 338 1,201 1,017
CdM 698 2,060 1,385
MARINERS 1,719 5,400 5,727
CENTRAL 6,038 19,844 21,370
TOTAL 8,793 28,505 29,499
12 Month Comparison
OCT 21 9,174
NOV 21 7,938
DEC 21 7,348
JAN 22 8,214
FEB 22 7,787
MAR 22 9,531
APR 22 8,063
MAY 22 8,121
JUN 22 10,283
JUL 22 10,195
AUG 22 9,517
SEP 22 8,793
TOTAL 104,964
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - SEPTEMBER 2022
REFERENCE
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
7,000
7,500
8,000
8,500
9,000
9,500
10,000
10,500
OCT 21 NOV 21 DEC 21 JAN 22 FEB 22 MAR 22 APR 22 MAY 22 JUN 22 JUL 22 AUG 22 SEP 22
184260 190391
168496
162510
157149
156521 163392
131445
78088
105958
70000
90000
110000
130000
150000
170000
190000
FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22
REFERENCE
21
SEP 22 YTD 22/23 YTD 21/22
BALBOA 2,041 6,907 6,309
CdM 2,420 7,648 9,484
MARINERS 12,443 32,416 30,733
CENTRAL 38,585 107,714 91,865
TOTAL 55,489 154,685 138,391
12 Month Comparison
OCT 21 46,551
NOV 21 41,730
DEC 21 39,222
JAN 22 37,033
FEB 22 38,312
MAR 22 46,437
APR 22 41,309
MAY 22 36,206
JUN 22 46,987
JUL 22 48,481
AUG 22 50,715
SEP 22 55,489
TOTAL 528,472
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - SEPTEMBER 2022
PATRONS SERVED
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
30,000
32,500
35,000
37,500
40,000
42,500
45,000
47,500
50,000
52,500
55,000
57,500
OCT 21 NOV 21 DEC 21 JAN 22 FEB 22 MAR 22 APR 22 MAY 22 JUN 22 JUL 22 AUG 22 SEP 22
1074933 1399841
1256238 1209719
1102106 1158344
935953
636072
145463
512178
100000
300000
500000
700000
900000
1100000
1300000
1500000
FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22
PATRONS SERVED IN LIBRARY
22
SEP 22 YTD 22/23 YTD 21/22
BALBOA 109 361 242
CdM 486 1,430 532
MARINERS 691 1,670 1,617
CENTRAL 6,521 18,591 18,519
TOTAL 7,807 22,052 20,910
12 Month Comparison
OCT 21 4,226
NOV 21 3,559
DEC 21 2,754
JAN 22 1,747
FEB 22 2,847
MAR 22 5,065
APR 22 5,684
MAY 22 8,492
JUN 22 7,034
JUL 22 8,910
AUG 22 5,335
SEP 22 7,807
TOTAL 63,460
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - SEPTEMBER 2022
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
OCT 21 NOV 21 DEC 21 JAN 22 FEB 22 MAR 22 APR 22 MAY 22 JUN 22 JUL 22 AUG 22 SEP 22
51894
49977
64473 67646 69922
70430
68241
68078
52678
64397
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
23
LIBRARY EXPENDITURES FY 2022-23
(October 3, 2022)
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
ORIGINAL
APPROP
REVISED
BUDGET
YTD
EXPENDED
MONTHLY
EXPENDED
AVAILABLE
BUDGET
I SALARY & BENEFITS
SALARY FULL-TIME REGULAR 2,899,704 2,899,704 585,924 298,545 2,313,780
SALARY PART-TIME 1,085,842 1,096,049 180,373 93,819 915,676
BENEFITS 2,099,015 2,230,581 513,065 388,680 1,717,516
SALARY & BENEFITS TOTAL 6,084,561 6,226,334 1,279,362 781,044 4,946,972
II MAINT & OPERATION
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE*208,507 208,507 45,353 43,903 163,154
UTILITIES 309,753 309,753 85,162 46,289 224,591
PROGRAMMING 5,500 5,500 301 0 5,199
SUPPLIES**81,970 82,229 19,853 12,706 62,376
LIBRARY MATERIALS 669,740 669,740 242,875 25,981 426,865
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 187,886 191,550 48,135 30,251 143,415
TRAINING AND TRAVEL 10,681 10,681 770 770 9,911
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES***24,202 24,202 4,000 3,703 20,202
PERIPHERALS & SOFTWARE 5,000 5,000 0 0 5,000
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 1,588,120 1,588,120 308,553 41,255 1,279,567
OFFICE EQUIPMENT 2,000 2,000 0 0 2,000
MAINT & OPERATION TOTAL 3,093,359 3,097,282 755,001 204,858 2,342,281
LIBRARY BUDGET TOTAL 9,177,920 9,323,616 2,034,363 985,902 7,289,253
*PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - INCLUDE OUTSIDE PRINTING, JANITORIAL, WINDOW SERVICE
**INCLUDES OFFICE , PROCESSING AND JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
***INCLUDES, ADVERTISING, DUES, EVENT INSURANCE
24
FY 2023-24
As of Oct 4, 2022
Date Funded Amount Purpose
Amt Expended
YTD Notes
Sep 2022 Wish List
$175,000 New Materials $ - Spending to begin third quarter
$25,000 Programming $ - Spending to begin third quarter
Total $200,000 $0
FRIENDS
25
Previous
Agenda Date AGENDA ITEM Scheduled
Agenda Date
Ongoing Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing
Oct 18, 2021 Oct 17, 2022
Oct 18, 2021 Oct 17, 2022
Dec 20, 2021 Dec 19, 2022
Jan 18, 2022 Jan 17, 2023
Feb 22, 2022 Feb 21, 2023
Feb 22, 2022 Feb 21, 2023
Mar 21, 2022 Mar 20, 2023
Nov 15, 2021 Apr 17, 2023
Apr 18, 2022 Apr 17, 2023
Apr 18, 2022 Apr 17, 2023
May 16, 2022 May 15, 2023
May 16, 2022 May 15, 2023
Jun 20, 2022 Jun 19, 2023
Jun 20, 2022 Jun 19, 2023
Jul 18, 2022 Jul 17, 2023
Jul 18, 2022 Jul 17, 2023
Aug 15, 2022 Aug 21, 2023
Aug 15, 2022 Aug 21, 2023
Sep 19, 2022 Sep 18, 2023
LAST
REVIEWED POLICY REVIEW
Nov 16, 2020 NBPL 6 Media Lab Use Policy Nov 21, 2022
Nov 16, 2020 NBPL 7 Sound Lab Use Policy Nov 21, 2022
Jan 19, 2021 NBPL 5 Newport Beach Public Library Internet Use Policy Jan 17, 2023
Jan 19, 2021 NBPL 11 Rules for Acceptable Use of Wireless Internet Connections Jan 17, 2023
Feb 16, 2021 NBPL 8 Display and Distribution of Materials Policy Feb 21, 2023
Mar 15, 2021 NBPL 1 Library Use Policy Mar 21, 2023
Apr 19, 2021 NBPL 13 Study Room Policy Apr 17, 2023
Jun 21, 2021 NBPL 4 Children in the Library Policy Jun 19, 2023
Aug 23, 2021 NBPL 14 Friends Meeting Room Aug 21, 2023
Nov 15, 2021 NBPL 15 Library Lecture Hall Nov 21, 2023
Dec 20, 2021 NBPL 10 Laptop/Use Borrowing Policy Dec 18, 2023
Feb 22, 2022 NBPL 3 Library Gift and Donor Policy Feb 20, 2024
Jun 20, 2022 NBPL 12 Circulation Policy Jun 17, 2024
Jul 18, 2022 CC I-1 Library Services Policy (Council Policy I -1)Jul 15, 2024
Aug 15, 2022 NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy Aug 19, 2024
Sep 19, 2022 NBPL 9 Expressive Use Areas Sep 16, 2024
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MONITORING LIST
Lecture Hall Update
Balboa Branch Replacement Update
Arts & Cultural Update
Newport Beach Public Library eBranch, Database and Downloadable Services Review
Literacy Program Update
Adult and Reference Services Update
Performance Review of Library Services Director (Closed Session)
Election of Board of Library Trustees Officers/Trustee Liaisons
Financial Report Comparison of Beginning Budget to End of the Year Amended Budget (Every June)
Annual Budget - Preliminary Review
Annual Budget - Approval
Branch Update - CDM
Library Material Selection
Marketing Update & Social Networking Update
Branch Update - Balboa
Information Technology Update
Proposed Library Closures for Winter Holidays 2021
Media Lab Update
Branch Update - Mariners
Youth Services Update
Policy Review (See List Below)
Review Holidays / Meeting Schedule 2023
26
DISCUSSION:
The 15,305 square foot Crean Mariners Branch of the Newport Beach Public Library opened in April of
2006. This branch is unique in Newport Beach as it is a joint use facility with the adjoining Mariners
Elementary School. During the school year, when classes are in session, the school portion of the Library
is closed to the public and Library staff members are available to retrieve items for the public. Mariners
Branch is open the same 71 hours per week as the Central Library, with weekly storytimes and other
children’s events throughout the year.
Personnel
In addition to the Branch Librarian Alex Jenkins, Reference staff consists of two full-time Librarians.
Christine Chapel who specializes in Children’s Services, and a second, which is currently vacant and
undergoing a recruitment. In the meantime, full-time Library Assistant Erik Gunderson from the Central
Library is filling in this gap. The Reference Department also includes full-time Library Assistant Janice
Nikula and part-time Library Assistants Rokhsan Shafiei and Andrew Page.
The Circulation staff is led by Senior Library Clerk Liz McKibbin and full-time Library Clerk Piers Brown. The
branch part-time Library Clerks consist of Rick Costa, Shelley Pricer, Nicole Osterman, and Taylor
Stephenson. The branch Pages are Noel Chalmers, Victor Guzman, and Shayla Serrato. There are
currently open recruitments for one part-time Library Clerk and one Page. The schedule at Mariners
Branch is supplemented by staff from the Central Library
Facility Maintenance
There are some significant projects underway at Mariners Branch. Two capital improvement projects are
moving forward. An exterior lighting project is currently underway, which will dramatically enhance the
lighting around the entire building at night. An HVAC project to replace components in the exterior chiller
area are still in development but proceeding—another welcome project as the aging equipment has often
needed service.
Other projects completed this last year include a staff room kitchen remodel as water damage required
some attention, upgrades to the building intrusion alarm system, and new front security gates that allow
for easier access for contractors.
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3810, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Andy Kachaturian, Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator
TITLE: Mariners Branch Update
27
Public Service
Circulation and Reference Services
The service population for the Mariners Branch is 25,073, although we get many visitors from surrounding
areas. Between July 2021 and June 2022, Mariners Branch was responsible for 102,266 circulations of
materials and 20,889 reference questions. After two years of changing service models due to COVID-19,
this is the first year the Library returned to its normal procedures since the pandemic began.
Program Attendance
Children’s staff for Mariners Branch adapted storytimes to take advantage of the field behind the Library
due to lingering COVID concerns. This has proven to be a popular location, bringing in crowds of 70 or
more at a time. As these concerns continue to wane, or in the case of bad weather, staff is prepared to
return programming inside the Library.
During the last year, staff have similarly focused efforts on grab-and-go craft bags for children to reduce
concerns of exposure. But, as things continue to normalize, staff plan for a return to drop-in crafts and
activities. Over this last year, the grab-and-go crafts have been enormously popular with children and are
always in demand.
Summer Reading Program
Mariners Branch had another successful Summer Reading Program this year. Children earned a free book
when signing up for the program and we had strong participation throughout. There were over 300
children registered and nearly as many book reviews submitted on Beanstack. Activities and crafts kept
children engaged and interested in the program.
School Outreach
Mariners Branch Children’s staff attended and gave presentations at three events at Mariners Elementary
School: in March, staff gave a Library orientation to TK/K students; in April, staff attended Open House;
and in May, staff presented information about the Summer Reading Program. In September of this year,
staff provided an opportunity for students from Newport Harbor High School to acquire public library
cards for students
Mariners’ Elementary School
Jackie Casella has been the Library Media Tech for Mariners Elementary School for several years now. She
runs the school-side of the Library while classes are in session. She manages class visits throughout the
week and reads storytimes. Jackie has been an outstanding partner for the Library as she is passionate
about inspiring students to read and in making use of the Library. She encourages children and their
parents to acquire public library cards and make use of the Library outside of school.
Collection Maintenance
As of July 1, 2022, the Mariners Branch collection currently consists of 66,098 items. Reference staff
routinely work to maintain, withdraw and add to Library collections. CollectionHQ, an analytics/statistical
tool, helps identify less used and worn-out materials. Some of the most popular collections have been
the movie selection, audiobooks, children’s materials, and general fiction. Reference staff create displays
throughout the Library to feature themed titles and authors, and to highlight customer empowerment
services like Novelist, a reader’s advisory and OverDrive, our downloadable catalog which proved to be so
helpful during the closure.
28
Comments
2022 has brought stability back to Mariners Branch. Our service model has been consistent and has
helped grow circulation and programming back in strength. The return to in-class education has brought
increasing numbers of students back to Mariners Elementary School and to their use of the Library. The
Recreation and Senior Services Department, likewise, have returned to making regular use of the Vincent
Jorgenson Room, bringing Mariners Branch back into the focus of the community.
While this last year saw many facilities projects completed, the coming year should see the completion of
two important capital improvement projects that will offer great improvements to the Mariners Branch
and to the experience of patrons using the Branch Library.
It has been a pleasure to serve as the Mariners Branch Librarian for the last four years. The reins are being
transferred over to Alex Jenkins to oversee the Branch going forward. He will have an opportunity to
oversee a dynamic veteran staff as well as help guide several new staff members to evolving roles in the
organization. Alex brings many new talents to Mariners Branch and is sure to make a positive impact on
public service. I appreciate the opportunity to deliver this last update for Mariners Branch and to bring
attention to the strong effort and collaboration of the wonderful staff at Mariners Branch.
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).
29
DISCUSSION:
Overview
The Youth Services team, staffed by Children’s personnel at all four locations, is dynamic and innovative.
Primarily focused on resources and services for children from babies to 6th grade, Children’s staff engage
patrons in a variety of ways. The team handles planning, preparing, and executing children’s programs
from weekly storytimes, which often include performing to crowds of 70 to 120 participants, to special
events including author talks, class field trips, and craft programs. In meeting the needs of the community,
the Youth Services team is also mindful in collection development, both procuring in-demand titles and
curating specialized collections for general interest, homework, and research requirements. As with many
Library services, patron needs evolve, and Youth Services staff make it a priority to stay well-informed on
best practices and emerging trends. Throughout the reporting period of October 2021 to September 2022,
Youth Services experienced a return to well-attended programming, energetic and enthusiastic patrons,
and high demand for children’s resources. Whether interacting with families in the Library or connecting
with the community during outreach events, the Youth Services team continues to strive for excellence in
promoting Library resources and services with the goal of creating life-long Library users from infancy
through adulthood.
Personnel
At Central, the Children’s staff currently includes the Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika
Helmuth, Librarian I Jasmin Avila, and part-time Library Assistant Bernadette Gilliam. Recruitments for a
Children’s Librarian II and a part-time Library Assistant are in process. At the Branches, seven other staff
members complete the Youth Services team including Children’s Librarian I Christine Chapel, full-time
Library Assistant Janice Nikula, and part-time Library Assistant Rokhsan Shafiei at Mariners; Branch
Librarian II Evelyn Rogers and part-time Library Assistant Katrina Kading at Balboa; and Branch Librarian II
Nadia Dallstream and part-time Library Assistant Erika Aguilar at CdM.
Programs
The Friends of the Library generously provide funding for most children’s programs including funds for
supplies and marketing of storytimes, National Library Week, the ever-popular Summer Reading Program,
craft and STEM events, reading challenges, and outreach events.
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3810, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator
TITLE: Youth Services Update
30
Storytimes
The core of Children’s services, Storytimes, returned to their full brilliance during the reporting period,
with each location hosting at least two storytimes per week. Though some modifications are still in place,
namely an outdoor storytime offering at Mariners, and aside from another minor pause in programming
required earlier this year, as of November 2021, all other storytimes have returned to their respective
Children’s areas and the crowds continue to grow. Storytime offerings include Books & Babies, Toddler,
Preschool, Songs & Stories, and Family Storytime. From October 2021 to September 2022, children’s staff
hosted 359 storytimes serving 15,767 participants. Notably, in September 2022, attendance saw a 20%
increase from July 2022 when a similar number of storytimes occurred.
National Library Week
From April 3 – April 9, all locations of the Newport Beach Public Library recognized National Library Week,
an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role of libraries, with a variety of energetic children’s
programs and special guest storytime readers. Throughout the week, Councilmembers, City
Administration, and Library Board of Trustee members read aloud to patrons during the week’s
storytimes. The Central Library’s Children’s Garden also re-opened complete with fresh landscaping, and
a crowd of over 100 participants helped release painted lady butterflies at the Civic Center Park during
our third annual release event.
Reading Challenges and the Summer Reading Program
Youth Services’ on-going reading challenge is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. Launched in 2015, 1000
Books Before Kindergarten seeks to promote reading at an early age, encourage parent and child bonding
through reading, and prepare children for school. Participants register on Beanstack, a reader tracking
app. System-wide, 259 participants registered for the reading challenge during the review period. Youth
Services also ran two school year reading challenges, a Spring Reading Challenge and Back-to-School
BINGO with 163 participants combined.
The Children’s Summer Reading Program is the largest reading challenge offered by Youth Services and
ran from June 12 through July 30, 2022. During the seven weeks, readers logged books and minutes,
submitted book reviews, and completed library- and summer-themed activities. Using Beanstack for the
second year, registration totals were up over 15% at all four Library locations from the previous year. In-
person summer events returned and included craft programs, a Seek and Find challenge, a Stuffed Animal
Summer Camp Sleepover, and an outdoor musical concert on the Civic Center Lawn, a first for Youth
Services. Summer Reading Program attendance totaled 778 participants.
Children’s Authors and Other Special Events
The Children’s Department also hosts a variety of activities and events for school-aged children. By the
end of the reporting period, Youth Services was back on track with a robust after-school programming
schedule at all locations. These events include drop-in crafts, STEM programs and LEGO, Sensory Play,
Seek and Find Challenges, and local children’s author events. A Blooms and Butterfly in March 2022,
planned by Children’s Librarian Jasmin Avila, was particularly successful with 225 participants making
crafts, taking photos in front of a butterfly wing mural, and checking out books inspired by the topic of
butterflies. Recently, Central hosted bestselling authors Lisi Harrison and Daniel Kraus and local author
Kim Dwinell for two exciting and interactive events to mark the return of children’s author events after a
two-year hiatus. Total children’s special events programming from October 2021 through September 2022
included 54 programs with 4,141 participants overall.
31
Total program participation, including storytimes, has steadily increased since October 2021 as shown in
Figure 1.
Figure 1
Teen Programs and Volunteers
Teen Services offers a variety of programs for young adults throughout the year. Programs include college
prep workshops, college entrance exam practice tests, and monthly Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC)
meetings. YAAC members contribute valuable input on Library programs for teens as well as help with
popular children’s events. Full-time Library Assistant Danielle Doi plans and facilitates all Teen
programming with help from part-time Library Assistant Emily Halphide. Teen Services hosted 18 events
with 310 participants during the review period. In addition to YAAC, there are a variety of volunteer
positions for teens ages 12 to 18 that provide an opportunity for young adults to learn valuable work-life
skills and give back to their community. Children’s staff often rely on volunteers to help with craft
preparation, shelving and cleaning materials, special events, and the Summer Reading Program. Danielle
Doi also manages volunteer trainings, duties, and scheduling at the Central Library with full-time Library
Assistant Janice Nikula, managing volunteers at the Mariners Branch. Each of the Branch Librarians
manage their respective volunteers at Balboa and Mariners. A total of 114 volunteers logged 2,165 hours
from October 2021 to September 2022.
In January 2022, Teen Services launched an on-going reading challenge, 100 Books Before Graduation.
Like 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, 100 Books Before Graduation seeks to encourage lifelong readers
and promote reading for enjoyment, which studies show has a positive impact on academics, social
interactions, and emotional well-being. Since launching, a total of 159 teens have registered for the
program, an encouraging start.
Collection Development
The Juvenile collection includes children’s Fiction (which consist of hardcover fiction, paperbacks, easy
readers, graphic novels, picture books and board books), Non-Fiction, Spanish, Audiobooks, Kits, DVDs,
and Music CDs and totals an approximate 83,589 titles. Selectors at each of the four locations take
opportunities to highlight and shift collections and materials as needed. This not only allows for a more
efficient use of space, often accommodating more titles per shelf, but also keeps the collection
approachable and patron focused. Collection review is also an important process in keeping the quality of
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materials at patron’s standards. Children’s items turn-over at a high-rate. On average, each children’s title
checks out approximately 6.25 times in a year and has been increasing since reopening all facilities,
illustrated in Figure 2. Such high demand can cause wear and tear on items. Staff use the Library’s
Collection Development policy to continually review materials. This review process ensures fair access to
quality materials, allows for collection growth, and certifies the collection is meeting the needs of our
patrons.
Figure 2
Booklists
In addition to keeping a well curated collection, Youth Services staff annually review and select titles for
placement on various Booklists for children. With almost 60 unique Booklists, examples of available lists
include “Audiobooks for Families,” “Nonfiction Picture Books,” and “On Your Way to YA.” Staff select titles
deemed the best or most notable books available in their respective category and are valuable for parents
seeking grade-level reading recommendations or character-building topics for young children, students
seeking genre interest books, or staff suggesting books to reluctant readers. The annual review is a team
effort facilitated by Balboa Branch Librarian Evelyn Rogers, and booklists are accessible to patrons through
the Library’s website.
Public Service and Outreach
Circulation and Reference Services
Children's items circulated a total of 534,071 times from October 2021 to September 2022. While
Children’s materials account for 30% of the total collection system-wide, they made-up over 50% of the
total circulation in the last year.
From October 2021 through September 2022, the Central Library Children’s Desk answered 17,748
reference questions. As is clear in Figure 3, many reference questions answered are in-person with a
typical spike in reference services during the months of the Summer Reading Program.
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Figure 3
Outreach
The Newport Beach Public Library serves 12,523 children ages 0 to 14 which is approximately 15% of the
total population of Newport Beach, as reported in the 2020 Census. There are eight local public
elementary schools serving a quarter of those children. In promoting the Summer Reading Program,
Children’s staff visit these eight schools, connecting students with Library resources and promoting
reading throughout the summer break. Staff presented to almost 3,000 students, school staff, and parents
during these visits.
In addition to visiting local schools, Children’s Staff invite classes and other groups into the Library for
tours. The first group back to visit the Library since 2019 was a girl scout troop in November 2021. Each
visit includes a tour of the children’s room, a lesson about Library rules and materials, an overview of how
to use the Library, and an opportunity to listen to a story. Youth Services is excited to be offering visits to the Library again.
In recognizing a demand from students and teachers to connect with the Library, Youth Services
resurrected an outreach initiative, originally proposed in 2018, to launch a new streamlined portal that
allow educators and students direct access to information and resources that support their curriculum
needs and current studies. With that came the Educator and Student Services page, the result of a year’s
worth of needs assessments, planning, and designing by the Branch and Youth Services Coordinator, CdM
Librarian Nadia Dallstream and Mariners’ Children’s Librarian Christine Chapel. Launched in August 2022,
just in time for the new school year, the Educator and Student Services page is located on the Library’s
website. Embedded in this page are forms to arrange a visit to any of the four Library locations, request a
librarian to attend a school or organization's event, or request Library materials for support with an
assignment. Also available on the site are a Student Success Flyer with notable Library services for
students and a list of FAQs for educators navigating the site. The Educator and Student services page is a
welcome resource for all staff as they can easily direct inquiries from teachers and students. Patron
engagement with the site is promising as is clear by received form requests. Thanks in part to the launch
of this site, we are expecting to host approximately eighteen 1st grade classes (that is almost 400
students!) for class visits over the coming months.
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The largest outreach event for Youth Services is the Orange County Children’s Book Festival. Held annually
at Orange Coast College, Youth Services staff secure a booth location and spend the day promoting Library
programs, handing out prizes and Library giveaways, answering questions about Library services, and
offering Library cards. At this year’s event, held on October 2, the Branch and Youth Services Coordinator
and part-time Library Assistant Bernadette Gilliam interacted with approximately 1,000 children, parents,
community members, and authors seeking more information about the Newport Beach Public Library.
Closing Comments
As I settle into my new role as the Branch and Youth Services Coordinator, the Children’s team continues
to impress me. Their steadfast commitment to the community, their ability to create energetic children’s
programs, and their willingness to engage young Library patrons does not go unnoticed. It is encouraging
to see programs return with participants and staff both eager and excited to participate and I am hopeful
for the year ahead. I look forward to working with a capable team as we continue to reimagine children’s
spaces and collections and best meet the needs of the community we serve.
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).
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