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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-2023-BLT-APPROVED MINUTESCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Board of Library Trustees Newport Beach Central Library 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 17, 2023 – 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, Secretary Douglas Coulter, Trustee Barbara Glabman Trustees Absent: Trustee Ash Kumra (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 Chair Watkins IV. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC – Waived V. CONSENT CALENDAR – Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome A. Consent Calendar Items 1. Minutes of the December 19, 2022 Board of Library Trustees (BLT) Meeting Chair Watkins reminded Trustee Glabman that she should abstain from approval on the minutes from December 19 due to her excused absence. 2. Patron Comments Monthly review of evaluations of Library services through suggestions and requests received from patrons. 3. Library Activities Monthly update of Library events, services, and statistics. 4. Expenditure Status Report Monthly expenditure status of the Library's operating expenses, services, salaries, and benefits by department. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 2 Chair Watkins noted that they are 50% through the Fiscal Year (FY) and remained approximately 6% underbudget. 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 the public comment and heard none. Chair Watkins called for a Motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the changes indicated and noted that Trustee Glabman should abstain from the vote. Motion made by Secretary Coulter, seconded by Vice Chair Ray, and carried (3-0-1-1) to approve the Consent Calendar with the minutes as presented. AYES: Watkins, Ray, Coulter NOES: ABSTENTIONS: Glabman ABSENCES: Kumra VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review 6. Circulation Policy Review (NBPL 12) Staff recommends that the BLT review and approve the revisions to Library Policy NBPL 12, Circulation Policy. Library Services Director Hartson stated that the Circulation Policy came to the BLT last month and minimal changes were made. The BLT asked the staff to further review the guest card/guest pass. Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator Kachaturian reviewed it, and his work was commended. Staff removed reference to a guest card because it has no connection to the Circulation Policy, but instead had to do with computer usage and nothing in the Library software system regarding Circulation. Staff removed it and added it to a policy to be reviewed in another agenda item. Staff updated the California Government Code reference and language to reflect the current language now in effect. Chair Watkins called for Trustee and public comment of NBPL 12 but heard none, so he received and filed the report. Chair Watkins called for a Motion to approve the Circulation Policy as amended and presented. Motion made by Trustee Glabman, seconded by Vice Chair Ray, and carried (4-0-0-1) to approve the Circulation Policy. AYES: Watkins, Glabman, Ray, Coulter NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Kumra Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 3 7. Internet Use Policy (NBPL 5) Staff recommends that the BLT review and approve revisions to Library Policy NBPL 5, Internet Use Policy. Library Services Director Hartson stated that the staff reviews this policy every two years. No major changes were proposed. She mentioned that the guest pass was added in the policy because guests are able to use computers with a guest pass. She said that "Adult" was changed to "adult." Chair Watkins stated that other than the guest passes change and one grammatical correction the Internet Use Policy remains unchanged. Library Services Director Hartson agreed. Chair Watkins called for Trustee and public comment but heard none, so he received and filed the report and called for a Motion to approve the Internet Use Policy with the minor revisions described. Motion made by Trustee Glabman, seconded by Vice Chair Ray, and carried (4-0-0-1) to approve the Internet Use Policy. AYES: Watkins, Glabman, Ray, Coulter NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Kumra 8. Rules for Acceptable Use of Wireless Internet Connections (NBPL 11) Staff recommends that the BLT review and approve revisions to Library Policy NBPL 11, Rules for Acceptable Use of Wireless Internet Connections. Library Services Director Hartson reported minor changes. She said having Wi-Fi capability was the expectation and that Wi-Fi worked well within the facilities and new print management system. No major changes were recommended to the policy other than updating to the former usage of "Library." Chair Watkins looked at redlined Page 58, capitalized "Library" a couple of times and then added reference to the fact it was looked at on January 17, 2023, with very minimal changes. He called for Trustee and public comment, heard none, so he received and filed the report and then called for a Motion to approve the policy as slightly revised and presented this evening. Trustee Glabman asked if throughout all policies that "Library" is capitalized. Chair Watkins said they've tried to use "patron" instead of "customer" and capitalized "Library" and to be consistent throughout all of the Library’s policies. Motion made by Trustee Glabman, seconded by Vice Chair Ray, and carried (4-0-0-1) to approve Rules for Acceptable Use of Wireless Internet Connections Policy. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 4 AYES: Watkins, Glabman, Ray, Coulter NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Kumra 9. NBPL eBranch, Database and Downloadable Services Staff will provide an update and review of the Library eBranch, database and downloadable services. Chair Watkins commended Adult Services Coordinator/Acting Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot on her report. Adult Services Coordinator/Acting Library Services Manager Lightfoot said she discussed eBranch Database and Downloadable Services every year in January. Online resources continue to be very popular. LinkedIn Learning came back in December. The Library discontinued using Lynda.com when the terms of service were changed requiring patrons to create a LinkedIn account in order to use it. That is no longer required, and staff felt comfortable using Lynda.com again. The Library added a California collection of newspapers through NewsBank in April, which offers access to over 500 California newspapers. The eBranch changed as of September when OverDrive no longer offered streaming video and acquired Kanopy, through which it now streams everything. eBooks and eAudiobooks checkout went down since its high in 2020 due to the pandemic. She said that in 2020, there was a 38,000 difference between checkout of eBooks and eAudiobooks, dropping to 26,000 in 2021, and 14,000 in 2022. She attributed that to (i) new vehicles no longer having CD players and people downloading audiobooks instead, (ii) reduction in new CD releases, and (iii) streaming becoming more popular. Kanopy use is strong. Downloadable magazines are offered through OverDrive and Flipster. Chair Watkins called for Trustee and public comment but heard none, so he received and filed the report. 10. Acceptance Donations Staff recommends that the BLT approve the acceptance of a donation from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation and Harbor View Elementary. Library Services Director Hartson announced that the Library received a $5,000 check from the John and Gail Krueger Family Foundation, specifically for DVDs and Blu-rays for the Balboa Branch Library. She said they were grateful for the generous Library offerings that they have received throughout the past years. She also mentioned that Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth was presented with a $350 check from Harbor View Elementary. The Trustees all congratulated Ms. Helmuth, and the staff, and stated that they were pleased. Library Services Director Hartson recommended that the Board accept these donations. Chair Watkins agreed with the recommendation to accept the Krueger Family Foundation and Harbor View Elementary School donations and then asked for any discussion. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 5 Vice Chair Ray stated she graduated from Harbor View and is proud of the students. Chair Watkins asked for questions from the public but heard none. Vice Chair Ray asked if the past $5,000 donations have always been designated for the same purposes. Library Services Director Hartson stated that the Krueger Family Foundation has been specific over the years for adding media at the Balboa Branch. She thought part of the reason for the gift related to the fact that the old Blockbuster store on the Peninsula closed its doors, and the Krueger Family Foundation wanted to step up and make sure the community still had access to media. Chair Watkins asked if thank you notes went to Krueger Family Foundation or Harbor View Elementary. Library Services Director Hartson said the Library took care of thank you notes before the end of the year. Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth said thank you notes were sent out the day of the school’s visit, December 17, 2022. Chair Watkins heard no other comments and called for a Motion to accept the Krueger Family Foundation and Harbor View Elementary donations. Motion made by Vice Chair Ray, seconded by Trustee Glabman, and carried (4-0-0-1) to approve Acceptance of Donations. AYES: Watkins, Ray, Glabman, Coulter NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Kumra 11. Lecture Hall Update Trustee Ray will report on activities related to the Library Lecture Hall Project. Vice Chair Ray said bids are going out on Thursday, January 19 and will be opened on February 23. Vice Chair Ray asked Library Foundation CEO Jerry Kappel if there is anything else pertinent. Mr. Kappel said no, not at the moment. Chair Watkins asked if donations are still occurring. Mr. Kappel mentioned there was a number of significant donations in December 2022 of people giving year-end contributions. Chair Watkins said there was a fundraiser for audio visual technology coming up on Saturday, January 28 and asked about the number of tickets sold. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 6 Mr. Kappel said they had 100 tickets sold currently. Chair Watkins mentioned that the venue holds 187 people. Mr. Kappel anticipated that it would be very close to that amount, getting maybe 10 tickets sold per day now. Chair Watkins mentioned the ticket price was pricy but was for a good cause. Mr. Kappel said $135 of the ticket cost is tax-deductible. Chair Watkins said if any trustees could attend, they should go. Mr. Greg MacGillivray is a good man and he will regale us. He asked if there was a film that went along with the fundraiser or if the book was given as part of the $200. Mr. Kappel said he had clips from the film and added that he tried to have a copy of the book included with the ticket price, but it will not be. Mr. MacGillivray would be signing books and have them available after the lecture. He mentioned that dinner will be provided and that members of the band Honk will be performing at the event. He said Honk wrote the music for Five Summer Stories, which was performed by the Beach Boys and that Honk composed music for about 25 of Mr. MacGillivray's IMAX films. Chair Watkins called for Trustee and public comment but heard none, so he received and filed the report. 12. Balboa Branch Replacement Update Trustee Ray will report on activities related to the Balboa Branch Replacement project. Vice Chair Ray asked for Library Services Director Hartson to give the report because Vice Chair Ray and Trustee Glabman are on an ad hoc subcommittee, which has not met recently. Library Services Director Hartson mentioned that at the January 10 City Council meeting, Council approved an agreement with COAR Design Group for the design services of the Library and fire station replacement project. The City will be developing timelines for meetings with the various stakeholders, including the Board and public community forums. The facility is scheduled to be constructed in 2025. Chair Watkins asked Library Services Director Hartson that if she hears of any opportunity for Trustee Glabman or Vice Chair Ray to give input to COAR, or anyone related to the design of the new facility, to please let them know. Library Services Director Hartson agreed. Chair Watkins said there were issues about the Historical Society’s display at the center of the facility in Balboa and that the Board of Library Trustees was concerned and interested in whether the current display was to be continued, adjusted, or moved. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 7 Chair Watkins pointed out Mr. Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, had a good comment at the January 10 City Council Planning Session that PBK was within five points of COAR, and they apparently designed the Corona del Mar facility. He said since PBK was familiar with the staff, the people and the City, maybe PBK should have been given special consideration for the Balboa project. Chair Watkins called for Trustee and public comment on the Balboa Branch replacement. Ms. Rhonda Watkins, Newport Beach resident, asked if there was any discussion about trees around there. Vice Chair Ray said it had been discussed a lot. Library Services Director Hartson said that had not been a discussion that staff has addressed at this point in time, but it likely will be with the construction and the design. Ms. Watkins said she was just thinking about parking in the park primarily. Chair Watkins said he cannot imagine those trees will survive if it is a 10,000 square foot facility. Chair Watkins said we have asked Library Services Director Hartson to be sure that both Trustee Glabman and Vice Chair Ray are involved in the early discussions. Vice Chair Ray said people are very interested in the Library and it is very important to them, so it is important that we listen to the community. Chair Watkins called for any other comments from the Board or the public. Mr. Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, thanked Chair Watkins for acknowledging his comment at the Council meeting. He said since there was this near tie between the architect who was selected over the one that had experience designing the CdM Library/Fire Station, it would be good to know what considerations were involved in choosing COAR over PBK. He said that the contract with COAR was unanimously approved by the City Council on the Consent Calendar. He mentioned that Councilmember Robyn Grant, who was on the BLT and served as Chair in the past, expressed concern and he said it was very much the responsibility of the BLT to make sure that outreach happens. He received a phone call from a Balboa Peninsula resident who asked if the design would have sustainable features, like solar panels, generators, and so forth. He thought that was the type of public input that is needed. Library Services Director Hartson said that it was the Public Works' RFP that went out. The Library was not part of the selection panel for the RFP. Chair Watkins said we made it clear that Trustee Glabman and Vice Chair Ray are to be involved in the design and he offered to call Public Works Director Dave Webb, or someone at Public Works. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 8 Library Services Director Hartson said this is a Public Works project, but the Library will work in conjunction with PW under Dave Webb. Vice Chair Ray said she would also like to have public input. Chair Watkins agreed but that is really starts with the BLT. Library Services Director Hartson said that part of the contract is that when they do have meetings, there will be BLT input, starting small and growing. She said having BLT leadership first rather than going out to the public was a smarter move on a project like this. Chair Watkins agreed and thought the Professional Services Agreement included a provision that the public would definitely be involved. He said he would read it tonight and would speak to Mr. Webb in the near future. Chair Watkins asked for any more public comments and heard none. 13. Library Services Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons and staff. Library Services Director Hartson presented a year in review. She said staff maintained an even keel through all the major transitions. The Library got back to normal pre-pandemic services. At its height, the Library had 19 unfilled positions, but staff kept the day-to-day operations running. The Library worked with human resources and filled 22 positions. Highlights from 2022 included: • Earned 4-star status. • Returned to pre-pandemic programming. • Indoor storytimes and in-person programming resumed. • Attendees are back. • Upgrades to Media and Sound labs. • eBranch additions, new software. • Worked closely with IT to improve computer reservations and public printing, wireless printing, and a new feature of sending a print job from home and pay for and pick it up in-library. • A couple of new collections added, including California State Park passes and an addition of 4K Blu-rays. Library Services Director Hartson said there are a number of things listed in the wheelhouse list for this upcoming month before the next Board of Library Trustees meeting. • January 28 – Library Foundation benefit. • January 28 - City Council will hold their planning session for 2023. • February 9 - All-Staff meeting. All locations will open at 10 a.m. to allow staff to meet as one team. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 9 • February 23 – Library Foundation is hosting a Library Live program with Omar El-Akkad at 7 p.m. • February sees the start of the Witte Lecture series. Chair Watkins mentioned Mr. Mosher’s inquiry about Zip Books. Library Services Director Hartson said, in response to public comment, that the Orange County Public Library offered a program called Zip Books. With Zip Books, a patron requests a title that the Library purchased, Amazon directly ships it to the patron, the patron brings it back to the Library, since the Library purchased it. Staff evaluate whether that will go into their collection or be disposed of some other way. The Library has a robust system for suggested titles on the website and are fulfilling those patron requests. There is no in-house staffing that a larger library system has with cataloging and processing. She thanked Mr. Mosher for the plug on the Zip Books, but that those needs are being met by other avenues. Chair Watkins, referring back to the Balboa Branch replacement, read aloud from the scope of services for the COAR group, and then said contractually that COAR are obligated to work together with the BLT. Library Services Director Hartson said she will inquire as to that. Chair Watkins said he would mention this to Dave Webb and will share what was learned. Chair Watkins mentioned that the Omar El-Akkad February 23 Library Live ticket sales are very low with only around 48 sold. Foundation CEO Jerry Kappel said that the Meyers Foundation Grant required the Foundation to reach out to the community and provide complimentary tickets. He reached out to Syrian Catholic churches and councils that deal with immigration issues in Orange County and offered some complimentary tickets to them. He called for Trustee and public comment on Library Services Director Hartson's report. Mr. Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, wanted to clarify the comment about the contract with the architect. He stated concern, which he believed Councilmember Grant was expressing the abstract in the staff report, said the architect was being contracted to conduct the public outreach. He stated that as Chair Watkins read, they are obligated to support any outreach that the City does, but they themselves are not the ones that are conducting the outreach. He said that there is no obligation as to how many meetings to participate in, how many to provide material for, so that was the lack of specificity Councilmember Grant was concerned about. The architect will be supporting the public outreach with drawings, simulations, and so forth, but it is unclear who will be conducting it and how rigorous it will be. He also asked about the Library Services Manager position, an executive position between the director and coordinators and said that went into limbo when Natalie Basmaciyan became the City’s homeless coordinator. He asked if that's still a budgeted position and if the position was still in the model of rotating among the coordinators or would that be coming back as a full-time, dedicated position. He asked if it is currently budgeted but not permanently filled. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 10 Library Services Director Hartson said staff is currently working with the City Manager's Office to fill that role as a permanent position again. She stated that Rebecca Lightfoot is acting in that role in the time being, but we are working with the City Manager's Office and Human Resources currently to move forward on that. She stated that she's been in discussions with the City Manager's Office in terms of moving forward on filling that position and does not want to speak because she does not know the exact answer on that. Chair Watkins asked if Library Services Director Hartson could find out and let him know the answer and then it would be shared with Mr. Mosher if it's public. Library Services Director Hartson agreed. Chair Watkins called for comments on Library Services Director Hartson's report but heard none. B. Monthly Reports 14. Library Foundation Liaison Reports A. Library Foundation Board – Report on the most recently attended meeting. Vice Chair Ray said that was covered earlier when the Lecture Hall was discussed. She asked Mr. Kappel if there's something else that should be mentioned. Mr. Kappel said the only thing is the Foundation is actively seeking new board members. Chair Watkins called for Trustee and public comments but heard none, so he received and filed the report. B. Library Live Lectures Committee – Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins said he would give a quick report in Trustee Kumra's absence. Because the February 23 Library Live presentation by Mr. El-Akkad had only sold 48 tickets they are reaching out to others to try to get more sold. 187 is the capacity. Min Jin Lee is on April 20 at 7 p.m. and 115 tickets had sold. C. Witte Lectures Committee – Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins reported that Anne Applebaum sold 138 tickets for February 10 and 141 tickets for February 11. Dr. Arthur Caplan sold 87 tickets for March 3 and 94 tickets for March 4. Cristina Mittermeir sold 93 tickets for March 31 and 98 tickets for April 1. Dr. Jill Lepore sold 106 tickets for April 28 and 112 tickets for the 29. We are at 100 tickets with Mr. Greg MacGillivray on January 28. Chair Watkins received and filed the Library Live and Witte Lectures reports. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 11 15. Friends of the Library Liaison Report Trustee update on the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting. Secretary Coulter reported that the December sales were $15,010, plus the online Amazon sales brought it up to $16,275. Donations were $11,175 and membership was 135. This total in December was $27,586, which is very, very nice and the best he had ever seen. He reported that that compares to only $13,000 in 2021. He said one person gave $10,000 and that they would not be announcing any name that he was aware of. He said the staff was hoping to get 600 boxes for the sale in here January 14 and 15 and they exceeded that number of boxes. He mentioned that in the month of December, if $5 was spent, then a $1 certificate could be used towards anything in January. At the end of January, the certificates cannot be used. He said the book sale was great on January 13 and 14. The total sales were $2,876. The bookstore sold $1,886 that weekend, for a combined total of $4,762. Trustee Glabman asked Secretary Coulter if the Friends of the Library notifies people when their membership is expiring. Secretary Coulter said he would find out the answer and report it back. Chair Watkins reminded the Board that for $200 one can become a lifetime member. Chair Watkins called for comments from the Board for Library Live, Witte Lectures or Friends of the Library. Ms. Rhonda Watkins, Newport Beach resident, asked if Witte Lectures offered a discount when you buy the whole series. Mr. Kappel said yes, it was started this year for the first time with a season pass. Trustee Glabman asked about what kind of marketing is done and said it would be embarrassing to not fill the auditorium. Mr. Kappel said it's very hard to do media because there's no real media headquartered in Orange County except for a couple of small radio stations and that to purchase on any of the major media stations in Los Angeles is something that the Library cannot really do. Trustee Glabman said she was thinking more Instagram, Facebook, friends telling friends. Mr. Kappel said we do Instagram and Facebook, all of that. We've expanded that in the last six months. Mr. Kappel said the only thing they are not on is TikTok or Twitter. We have canceled Twitter because of the controversies surrounding the platform. We do all the local newspapers. We have press releases that go out on almost a weekly basis now. He marketed in this community since 2006, and it is an issue because the Los Angeles Times no longer has an office in Orange County. The Orange County Register has some impact, but their reach is about 50% of the Los Angeles Times, even in Orange County. He said a couple of years ago they did billboards, but no one does billboards anymore. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 12 Trustee Glabman asked if there was some way to eblast to all the Library cardholders. Mr. Kappel stated that their e-mail blast goes to 16,000 people, and if it is something coming up, like Medicine in Our Backyard or Financial Literacy, which are free, Marketing Specialist Maria Nicklin can also do that to the library, because they're absolutely free. Chair Watkins said that as Witte Hall has started, the Library will need to be focused on that aggressively. Trustee Glabman asked about the budget for the speakers to get more high-profile speakers. Mr. Kappel said no, that it was in terms of the budget for marketing. He said most speakers make their money when they speak, not on the sale of books. Speaking prices over the last three years have almost doubled. Ms. Rhonda Watkins, Newport Beach resident, asked if it would be possible to reach out to UCI to see if there's any people in their Graduate School of Business that are in marketing that might want to do internships for a reduced rate? Mr. Kappel said they already did that. Chair Watkins called for further questions, but heard none, and he received and filed the Library Live, Witte Lectures, and Friends reports. 16. Literacy Services Liaison Report Trustee update on the most recently attended Literacy Services Advisory Board meeting. Trustee Glabman said the January 10 Project Adult Literacy meeting started with the Treasurer's Report. The income for November/December was $26,272. The expenses were $22,693. The balance total in all the accounts was $476,717. PAL was $14,351 under budget for the FY. Donations were received from the David Williams Upham Foundation for $10,000, and the funds of $43,000 were received from the California Library Literacy Services, which is an annual gift. Programing, currently there are 61 active tutors, 12 waiting, 92 active learners, 14 waiting. On January 18 there will be a New Learner Orientation. January 25 is tutor training. There was much discussion on the process for tutors and learners and the assessment process for learners and is a work in progress. The classes being offered are Idioms in Everyday Life, Media Literacy, Morning and Evening Book Club, Speaking with Others, Exploring California, Conversation Circles, and American Sitcoms. There was a proposed seminar for online job skills. Trustee Glabman asked if she should only include new classes in future reports. She said she wasn't sure if everyone wants to hear them over and over or if you just want new ones. Trustee Glabman said the California Library Services ESL program was brought to the PAL Advisory Board. It was talked about incorporating it into PAL. It will be discussed at their Board Retreat on February 4 to see if it is a fit for the program. Funding would be provided by the California Literacy Services ESL. There is a difference in what is provided to learners and ESL because the English skills of people applying for ESL are not up to Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 13 par with the programs that we offer. That's something that they will consider. It would be funded by California Library Literacy Services, but it may not be a fit with the programming that we have. There are open board positions. They are looking to recruit specific skillsets. She said it's a hard working, bright, articulate, thoughtful, and thought-provoking group with great heart. Chair Watkins called for comments from the Board on Project Adult Literacy. Chair Watkins said he was a little concerned that PAL was starting to focus on issues outside its core purpose, which is literacy. PAL should not consider new programs before PAL can sustain the solid, successful programs that have been award-winning for a long period of time. Trustee Glabman said it seemed like it was a concern to the PAL members, as well. Chair Watkins called for comments from the Board of Project Adult Literacy or members of the public, heard none, and received and filed the report. VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Trustee Glabman asked Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome if the printout of policies should be taken from the packet and put it into their BLT binders. Ms. Jacome said she would always send out the new updated policies via e-mail the day after the meeting and would also provide a hard copy if requested. She said there is no need to remove the updated policies from the packet. Chair Watkins said his view for Trustee Glabman on continued Project Adult Literacy classes is for PAL to continue to keep the BLT posted on their activities. 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) Vice Chair Ray asked about how the passport business is going. Library Services Director Hartson said the passport business is doing very well. People are traveling again. Passport appointments are continuously booked out about two weeks. People are starting to gear up for spring break, and then there will be a summer push, as well. It has been nonstop. Vice Chair Ray asked if it is publicized so the high schoolers or people in the community are aware that they can get their passport here. Library Services Director Hartson said with the business and the staffing hours offered, the passport office does not need additional publicity. She said she believed firmly that it's word of mouth. She said they get a lot of repeat patrons who have passports that are expiring. Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 Page 14 Chair Watkins said that is an important aspect of the services that are offered by the Library office. Chair Watkins asked if there were more announcements other than that and heard none. Chair Watkins said the next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 21 at the Central Library, which is the day after President's Day. It's a Tuesday instead of a Monday. IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:05 P.M. Submitted by: Paul K. Watkins Chair Approval of Minutes