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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-2024-BLT-APPROVED MINUTESCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Board of Library Trustees Civic Center Council Chambers 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach Meeting Minutes Monday, April 15, 2024 – 3:30 PM I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 3:30 PM Chair Paul Watkins called to order the regular meeting of the Newport Beach Board of Library Trustees. II. ROLL CALL – Roll call by Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome. Trustees Present: Chair Paul Watkins, Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, Trustee Antonella Castro, Secretary Lauren Kramer, Trustee Chase Rief Trustees Absent: None Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Andrew Kachaturian, Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator Erin Spivey, Adult Services Coordinator Staff Absent None III. CLOSED SESSION 1. Discuss the Library Services Director’s Appointment, Employment and Evaluation of Performance (Government Code § 54957). Chair Watkins called for public comments. Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident, commented regarding the evaluation of the Library Director. He has experienced three Directors since attending the meetings in 2009. The Director has two roles, the first working downward in the hierarchy with staff members and advocating for the library upwards in the overall City Administration with commissioners, city managers and council members. His hope had been that the Director would be a little more visionary. Director Hartson is an excellent director, if he had to provide room for improvement it would be to work a little more in the upward direction advocating the library. Lori Johnstone, Newport Beach resident, spoke regarding the two books in question and she is against censoring any books in the public library. Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 2 Chair Watkins stated the Board of Trustees would be moving into Closed Session with Assistant City Manager Tara Finnigan to review the performance of the Director of Library Services for the past year. The Regular meeting would begin at approximately 4:30. IV. RECESS - 3:42 P.M. V. RECONVENE AT 4:30 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING VI. ROLL CALL – Roll call by Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome. Trustees Present: Chair Paul Watkins, Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, Trustee Antonella Castro, Secretary Lauren Kramer, Trustee Chase Rief Trustees Absent: None Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Andrew Kachaturian, Circulation/Technical Processing Coordinator Erin Spivey, Adult Services Coordinator Staff Absent None VII. CLOSED SESSION REPORT Chair Watkins reported the Board met in Closed Session to review the past year’s performance of the Director of Library Services with the Assistant City Manager Tara Finnigan. VIII. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Trustee Chase Rief led the Pledge of Allegiance IX. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived X. PATRON APPEALS OF DIRECTOR’S DECISIONS Library Services Director Melissa Hartson introduced the Appeal Hearing. Chair Watkins provided the background history of when this process began, and the steps taken that brought the Board to this point for the two book decisions that are being appealed and explained the appeals process. He visited all of the branches to review the children’s section area of the library. The library defines the age range for the children’s section to be 0-6th grade. The teen section is 7th grade through 12th grade. He read both titles that are being appealed. He reviewed the Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2), including approximately 20 selection criteria included in the Policy. Included in the packet, beginning on page 77, is an outline of the selectors, their qualifications to be selectors, and what they generate by way of opinions. There are over 243,000 collection materials in the three Newport Beach branches. There have been 140 emails regarding the books Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 3 in the appeal, all of which have been read. The Board’s commitment is to keep an open mind regarding the appeals, to listen to both sides, offer input as Board members, and help craft a consensus/final resolution as per the Collection Development Policy. The Director’s decision was to retain each of the books in the children’s section. That decision has been appealed. Based upon the 20 criteria set forth in the Policy, the Board will either uphold or amend the Director’s decision for a final resolution for each title. Chair Watkins provided information regarding spectator rules. This is the first appeal, and the appellants were grandfathered in for the first book titled “Melissa”. Each appellant will be provided with three minutes to state their appeal. The order of speaking was according to the order in which the appeal was received by the Library. Members of the public were provided with two minutes each to speak during the public comment period during the meeting. 2. Appeal Hearing of “Melissa” by Alex Gino The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “Melissa” by Alex Gino Chair Watkins called for the first appellant. Haley Jenkins cited specific text from the book and noted that the Collection Development Policy doesn’t define “age appropriate” but does say that material for each age group will be judged differently. Viewpoint discrimination cannot be an argument when there are over 100 children and teen books in the LBGTQ category in the catalog. She hoped the Board would choose wisely. Debra Klein spoke her appeal and cited the Director’s decision was based on a children’s collection policy that does not exist; therefore, the decision was made based on the general Collection Development Policy. The organizations chosen to use reviews during the Director’s decision are biased and have their own agenda. Brave Books hosted a storytime at the Central Library last year, yet their books are not allowed on the shelves. There should be a collection development policy for the children’s collection. Sydni Webb provided her appeal stating any book that contains information regarding the process of transition, how to remove internet browsing history, reference to pornography, references to looking up girl’s skirts in a school setting, and details on how a child would remove undergarments, should not be found in the children’s section of a library. Ms. Webb read direct excerpts from the book and explained that if any of what she read was discussed in a work environment the person would be considered liable for sexual harassment. The policy states that material in the children section needs to be age appropriate, and parents and caregivers are responsible for the material their children read; however, two of the branches are open for elementary school use when parents and caregivers are not present. Director of Library Services Melissa Hartson provided information to support the original decision made for the book. Material for the library is selected based on their content as a whole. The children’s collection is intended through grade 6. The book was published by the largest distributor of children’s books in the world. Their suggested reader range is 8-12 years of age. The book has received favorable reviews from all the major professional review journals for children’s books. The reviews contain precise summaries that identify the book’s strengths and weaknesses and list the age per grade level suitability for books. Director Hartson provided the age suitability for “Melissa” per each resource review. The Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 4 book received a number of acknowledgements for literary merit. California Department of Education includes the book in its recommended book list for middle school grades. It received the Read Aloud Book Award which has never been awarded to a young adult or teen fiction book chosen for this award, but only children’s titles. Accelerated Reader is used by elementary schools is a student reading and achievement assessment tool that established the book as a Level 5.0. The companion book “Rick” remains in the children’s section of the library after the Director’s Decision was provided in December 2023 and addresses the same themes as “Melissa” and is intended for readers aged 8 to 12. The book has been checked out 98 times showing an interest and demand for the title. Sixty of those transactions occurred prior to September 2023, when the library received the first patron’s request for evaluation of resources form. Due to the reasons stated, the book meets the conditions as established by the Collection Development Policy for the children’s fiction collection. Chair Watkins called for public comments and requested all comments be limited to two minutes and focused on the pros and cons of the appeal and not extraneous arguments. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in support of the decisions made by the library staff. Parents have the right to make their own decisions for their children, all children should be allowed to grow up without prejudice. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in favor of the decision made by the professional staff that work for the library. [Unidentified Speaker] quoted the author of “Melissa” from an interview and spoke against the decision made by the Director. Tom Courtney (Newport Beach) addressed concerns relating to the book and age appropriateness, in support of the Director’s decision. Foz Meadows (Irvine) provided information about the history of transgender, in support of the Director’s decision. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke regarding bans as it pertains to censorship and its use to protect children from danger that they are too young to recognize; and not applying those same principles to printed material, in opposition to the Director’s decision. Vien Nguyen (Newport Beach) spoke in advocacy of the Director’s decision stating the book is about gender identity and is appropriate for the library. Whitney Gomez spoke in favor of the Director’s decision citing that her 8-year-old read the book which prompted Ms. Gomez to also read the book, and it was the opening to an important and impactful conversation, and she highly recommended reading the book. Beverly Betcher spoke against the Director’s decision and was surprised at the references in the book regarding a male child’s body during puberty in the children’s section of the library and found the topic of the book inappropriate. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke against the Director’s decision citing the library is funded by taxpayers, and they should have a say in what material is made available to their children. Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 5 CeCe spoke with her brother in favor of the Director’s decision as reading the book helped her understand her cousin’s transition from boy to girl. Pam Monroe spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision stating while looking for the book “Melissa” she ran across another book in the children’s section that was even more inappropriate in the library; all material should be G-rated. Chair Watkins stated the book referenced has also been appealed and is scheduled for a hearing later in the summer. Alex (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and about her own experience of being an avid child reader and all books she read led to other questions which is a natural process of learning. Julie Nance spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and found nothing in the book that represented age inappropriateness. Maggie Maser spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and stated as a law student the opposing side was singling out a few books about transgender and not all books regarding sexual education. [Unidentified Speaker] (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and spoke about the importance of the library being a source of education in a safe place. Thuy Vo Dang (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and how she found the public library a safe place to learn about inclusion and the importance of trusting the professionals to make the right choices in the library system. Francine Howard spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision, questioning the value of children’s innocence. It’s not a question of having the book available for families to read together rather a choice of making the book available to children without supervision. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision and believed the book is not developmentally appropriate for children and should be relocated to another section of the library. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and did not find anything inappropriate in the book. [Unidentified Speaker] (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and believes Newport Beach values should include tolerance, compassion, and empathy and the book should continue to be available for children who don’t have support anywhere else. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in opposition of the Director’s decision and about her professional experiences in child development and believes children are not developed enough emotionally to process that type of information. Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 6 Karen Clark (Corona del Mar) spoke in support of the Director’s decision and found nothing sexual in the book and was unable to find any negative reviews of the book in google and 99% of the reviews on Amazon were positive. Cindy Parker (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the director’s Decision and as a physician did not find anything pornographic or sexual about the book. [Unidentified Speaker] (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and believed the issue is that parents are not understanding the concept of the book, not that the book is inappropriate. Mari Riley spoke in support of the Director’s decision and transgender representation is important. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and as a teacher has found the book helpful in many children’s lives who have struggled with their gender identity and bullying. Carol Hacker (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and did not find the book pornographic, rather supported children struggling with these issues and helped teach them how to communicate how they are feeling. [Unidentified Speaker] (Costa Mesa) spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision solely for the Mariners branch because the local elementary school uses that branch without parental supervision during school hours. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and provided information about personal experiences of needing books to help open communication about difficult life situations with children and couldn’t find what she needed because adults were uncomfortable with the information in the book. Sarah Stock spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision as teaching young children the process of transitioning is not appropriate. [Unidentified Speaker] (Costa Mesa) spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision. She did not find the book offensive but did not feel the book was age appropriate for the children’s section. [Unidentified Speaker] (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and did not see how the book would harm young readers. Carly Wilkenson (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and removing the book would violate freedom of speech and would violate the fundamental right for parents to parent in the fashion they choose appropriate. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and in banning “Melissa” there are many other books that would need to be banned under the same guidelines, including “Charlotte’s Web” and quoted excerpts. Banning books is teaching the next generation exclusiveness, not inclusiveness. Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 7 Teesha Prudoux spoke in opposition of the Director’s decision and believed adult information should not be available in the children’s section of the library. Joni Nichols (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and stated relocating books sets a dangerous precedent, books that don’t align with people’s values is not a reason to set those books apart from others. Chair Watkins brought the discussion back to the Board and explained the Board’s professional experience for making the decision of final resolution, and he has respect for the library professionals who work in libraries. He provided his own history of visiting the library as a child and stated that moms and dads and caregivers are those responsible for what their children are exposed to. Reading to his grandchildren is an important part of his family’s lives. He reviewed the Collection Development Policy, including the suitability of the subject for the intended audience and that material for children may be judged differently than material for teens and adults. Chair Watkins is not a fan of book removal unless the title is clearly obscene or pornographic. He does not believe that “Melissa” is pornographic. The material in “Melissa” is a mature level subject matter, and based on the two policies previously cited, he believed that relocation of the book into the teen section of the Newport Beach Public Library branches would be appropriate. Other factors included in making his decision included the original request for evaluation, the Director’s decisions, the appeal forms, public input from the meeting, the presentations from the library and the appellants, and the review of the collection development policy. Emphasizing that the Board is subject to the Brown Act, and the Board has not discussed their personal views with each other, Chair Watkins requested other Trustee’s opinions. Secretary Lauren Kramer commented that it’s a public library, it is not necessary for her to agree with the content of material; if there is a desire of people to read the book it should be available for those interested. Freedom is an important concept; society has to make room for those that are different than what they believe. Material is not being forced on people; people choose what they want to read. She believed there were legitimate concerns with the material, but each person should be allowed to make the decision that’s best for them. Her only concern with the material is from a medical standpoint. When a child starts hormone therapy it stops the growth of the organs that allow a person to conceive a child. Elementary age children are not emotionally mature enough to make a choice that would permanently alter their ability to have children as adults. She leaned in the direction of upholding the Director’s decision. Trustee Antonella Castro appreciated everyone sharing their perspective and explained the book is an important resource to have available in the library, and gender identity is a very complex subject and should not necessarily be something a child should learn about without a conversation with an adult. She leaned towards the decision of the Chair to have the book relocated to the teen section for availability for the young adults and families who find the book beneficial. It’s a well written book about a very complex topic. Vice Chair Dorothy Larson believed children are underestimated in that adults believe they are not ready to be exposed to a particular point and view when they actually already have been exposed through friends and the internet. The library is a place where you can control what children are exposed to and it’s important for children to pick out their own books. It’s apparent by the public comments provided at this meeting that two different people can read material and come away with two very different perspectives on the subject of Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 8 that material. Some of those perspectives seem jaded; children do not become transgender or gay by reading a book, they become informed about such life issues. A friend communicated that this book could be lifesaving to a child that finds it on their own and whose parents don’t have knowledge of what their child was going through. Children who transition do not know what transgender is, all they know is they are uncomfortable in their own bodies. It is the parents’ responsibility to know when a child has visited the library and can ask what they read and answer any questions the child may have. It would be extremely inappropriate to undermine and usurp our librarians’ authority by putting this book anywhere other than where it is. It’s potentially lifesaving. Trustee Chase Rief stated he’s been thinking about this for several months and appreciated all of the comments. He has two elementary age children who visit the library weekly, and he doesn’t always know everything they review and check out. The hormone therapy information concerns him from a permanent unintended consequences standpoint. He does not believe in banning books completely. Relocating the book still allows parents to introduce the subject and open discussions with their children if they choose. Chair Watkins summarized the Boards opinions, noting three in favor of relocation and two who feel the book should be left where it is and requested a motion. Motion made by Trustee Castro, seconded by Trustee Chase Rief, and carried (3-2-0-0) in favor of relocating the book “Melissa” to the teen section of the Newport Beach Library branches. AYES: Watkins, Castro, Rief NOES: Larson, Kramer ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Chair Watkins called for a five-minute break to allow anyone to leave if they would like. The Board of Library Trustees resumed with all members present. 3. Appeal Hearing of “Prince & Knight” by Daniel Haack The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “Prince & Knight” by Daniel Haack. Chair Watkins opened the appeal for “Prince & Knight” and called for the appellant Bill Dunlap to present his appeal. Mr. Bill Dunlap stated that those opposing the Director’s decisions are not about banning books. The education of children should not be about how fast they can make them adults, but how they share the joy of learning throughout the rest of their lives. The subject matters should be incremental as their age increases. The appeal request for “Prince & Knight” is not about banning books but relocating it into another area of the library, and the appropriateness of subject matter for children ages 4 to 8. Parents should make the determination of what is appropriate for children of such young ages. The book does not comply with the Early Childhood Development Index. The Mariners branch is open to elementary aged children ages 4-8 without parental supervision, the book should not be Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 9 in the Children’s section of the library. The resources used to make the original determination are organizations that get paid by publishers of the book and are located in other areas of the country that do not necessarily reflect the local standards of Newport Beach. Director of Library Services Melissa Hartson provided information regarding the author’s intention of the book and the resources used in making the original determination and the transaction history of the book. It is a modern-day fairy tale that is a children’s picture book. The short phrases are set forth in rhyme which is often a characteristic of children’s picture books. The picture book collection is located in the children’s room which is separate from the school’s library. Children who attend Mariners Elementary School do not have access to that picture book collection. Twenty-one other libraries in the county have the book “Prince & Knight” in their collection and in their children’s picture book collection. Library Services Director Hartson reported publisher information, age appropriateness, and professional review information which provided both strengths and weaknesses of the book. It was found suitable for ages 4-8. Chair Watkins opened the appeal to public comments. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and trusts the librarians knowledge and professionalism for making the decision. Foz Meadows (Irvine) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and stated inappropriate judgment of the book is a smokescreen to saying “queerness” is a danger to children. [Unidentified Speaker] (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and explained she has several members of her church who grew up being forced to read only heterosexual material and it didn’t make them straight. Annie Vangrow (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision stating that trained Librarians should be trusted to select material based on their professional education. Vien Nguyen (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and appreciated the comments from Vice Chair Larson and Trustee Kramer regarding freedom rights and how children are often underestimated. The subject matter in “Prince & Knight” is far less complicated and should be allowed to stay in the children’s section of the library. Sydni Webb (Newport Beach) spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision stating the book is not appropriate for 4- to 8-year-old children. The book is a complex subject that should not be pushed on children. Janet Hadley (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and read part of the Newport Beach Library’s Children in the Library Policy regarding children under the age of 12. Francine Howard spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision since the library becomes a school library for part of the school week when parents are not available to monitor their children’s activities. Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 10 Lori Johnstone (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and appreciated Vice Chair Larson’s comments regarding “Melissa”, the concept of age appropriateness is a subjective decision. [Unidentified Speaker] (Newport Beach) spoke in disagreement of the appeal for the book and understands how difficult the decision process must be. Andra Broekelschen (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and is highly disappointed in the decision to remove any book from any section of the library. Cindy Parker spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and requested the Board not vote to pull the book; it is a wonderful love story. Tom Courtney spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and commented that the book is a sweet story and was surprised at the amount of time put into the appeal of the two books. It is not the best way to handle these types of issues. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision, all of the public comments represent a diversity of opinions, however, finds the book inappropriate. Debra Klein spoke in opposition to the Director’s decision based on the Mariners branch being used as a school library during the week. Joy Brenner (Newport Beach) thanked the Board for their work and spoke in favor of the Director’s judgment. She read the material and found the book age appropriate for the children’s section. Joni Nichols (Newport Beach) read a poem depicting the beliefs of inclusiveness and spoke in favor of the Director’s decision, as a midwife she now would like to give the book to every woman after having birth. Chair Watkins commented that it is a picture book that is relatively innocent and it’s sweet and the age of 4-8 is somewhat of a close call in terms of appropriateness and was inclined to uphold the Director’s decision. Trustee Rief commented that he read the book and there was no sexual content in the book, therefore would vote to uphold the Director’s decision. Vice Chair Larson believed that appellant mistakenly thought the book was available in the school library section of the Mariners branch and that is not the case according to library staff and would vote to uphold the Director’s decision. Secretary Kramer thanked everyone who provided comments during this process. Newport Beach is an incredible city with different viewpoints and believes all library material should be publicly accessible and her decision would be to uphold the Director’s decision. Trustee Castro commented she agreed with the Director’s decision that was made based on the Collection Development Policy. Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 11 Motion made by Trustee Castro, seconded by Trustee Chase Rief, and carried (5-0-0-0) in favor of upholding the Director’s Decision to keep the book “Prince & Knight” in the children’s section. AYES: Watkins, Castro, Rief, Larson, Kramer NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: XI. CONSENT CALENDAR Administrative Support Specialist Jacome read the Consent Calendar Notice to the public. A. Consent Calendar Items Chair Watkins inquired if any Trustees had requests to pull an item from the Consent Calendar. 4. Minutes of the March 18, 2024, Board of Library Trustees Meeting Chair Watkins noted Mr. Mosher’s changes to the minutes in the email included in the Agenda Packet and Chair found all the corrections acceptable. 5. Patron Comments Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests received from patrons. Chair Watkins noted Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator Andy Kachaturian exhibited good practice and manners when responding to a patron’s comments regarding the elevators, restrooms, and bistro café. 6. Library Activities Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics. 7. Expenditure Status Report Monthly expenditure status of the library’s operating expenses, services, salaries, and benefits by department. Chair Watkins reported they are 75% through the Fiscal Year (FY) and they are through 69.5% of expenditures and a little under 5% under budget. 8. Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library Trustees. Chair Watkins opened the item for public comments and there were none. Motion made by Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, seconded by Secretary Lauren Kramer, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the Consent Calendar Items 4-8 with the minor changes to the March 18, 2024, draft minutes. Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 12 AYES: Watkins, Kramer, Larson, Castro, Rief NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: XII. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review 9. Library Materials Selection Adult Services Coordinator Erin Spivey will provide an overview of materials selection. Chair Watkins commended Adult Services Coordinator Erin Spivey for the outstanding description of her selectors of how choices are made in the collections area. There are 243,000 items in the Library collection. Adult Services Coordinator Spivey reported on the Library materials selection process, explained the collection objectives, the goal of the Newport Beach Public Library as stated under the Objectives of Library Policy NBPL 2, the tools used for the selection process and the education of the individuals involved in making the selections, and the process by which the selections are made. Additionally, should any patrons have concerns regarding an item that has been selected, they may refer to the Collection Development Policy and submit a request for evaluation. Selection for weeding through or retiring material is based on condition of the material, demand of usage by patrons, and the meaning and process of Continuous Review Evaluation and Weeding (CREW). Adult Services Coordinator Spivey’s full report can be found in the Agenda packet for the meeting. Secretary Lauren Kramer questioned what they do to ensure they have a balanced collection. Adult Services Coordinator Spivey responded that the resources they use are from professional librarians or associated with publishing and writing. They also rely on Common Sense Media, which has staff that include teachers and librarians, in addition to community use and history of demand for the material. They are required by education to examine the bias of the material to ensure material is in place regardless of their personal opinions. Trustee Rief appreciated the update and inquired if staff selects every book that comes in or is there a service they subscribe to. Adult Services Coordinator Spivey answered they choose every title. The service they subscribe to provides recommendations. Vice Chair Larson thanked Adult Services Coordinator Spivey for the report and the detailed information. Chair Watkins opened the item for public comments. Jim Mosher (Newport Beach resident) commented that regardless of the demand for material, staff is limited by their budget for acquiring new material and was interested in the percentage of material they are able to turn over each year and if staff believed the library would be better if there was more turnover of items, how much turnover would be Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 13 ideal, and how long a book sits idle prior to being turned over, and if material is put on display so patrons are aware it is about to be turned over. Adult Services Coordinator Spivey, at the request of Chair Watkins, responded to Mr. Mosher stating that she was unaware of the percentage of material that is new each year but would look into it for him. They do feature books that are in low demand in a variety of displays in order to help get them in circulation. Haley Jenkins commented and thanked Adult Services Coordinator Spivey for the report and Secretary Kramer for asking how they determine a balance. She has found in recent years it is hard to find a balance of conservative material for adults and children in the libraries and has had to resort to ordering them online. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 10. Lecture Hall Update Report on activities related to the Library Lecture Hall project. Library Services Director Hartson reported construction has begun, they can feel the earth move and hear the noises. Pictures were included in the packet for the Board. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 11. Balboa Branch Replacement Update Report on the activities related to the Balboa Branch Replacement project. Chair Watkins stated the ad hoc subcommittee had nothing to report and opened the item up for public comment. Chair Watkins received and filed the non-report. 12. Library Services Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons, and staff. Library Services Director Hartson reported the new library app is available and ready for downloading and is available for Android and Apple devices. Trustee Castro inquired how the app is being advertised. Library Services Director Hartson explained they sent out an eblast that included information and links to download, it’s on the City’s website, and there’s a banner advertisement. Trustee Castro suggested seeing if they can put it out on the City’s Instagram account. Chair Watkins opened the item for public comment. Hearing none he received and filed the report. B. Monthly Reports 13. Library Foundation Liaison Reports A. Library Foundation Board Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 14 Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins stated that Jerry Kappel’s (Library Foundation CEO) Foundation update was excellent and included in the packet. There have been sell outs for both Library Live and Witte Lectures. His report provides great information on both the Library Foundation Board and the Library Live Lecture committee which Chair Watkins attended the Foundation Board meeting on April 8. Vice Chair Larson commented that she’s looking forward to the new Lecture Hall, every program in both series has sold out. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. B. Library Live Lectures Committee Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. C. Witte Lectures Committee Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 14. Friends of the Library Liaison Report Trustee update on the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting. Trustee Rief reported there will be a used cookbook sale coming soon. The Friends of the Library received 300 boxes of cookbooks donated from one patron. It would be worth an eblast. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 15. Pals4pal Liaison Report Trustee update of the Pals4pal Board meeting. Trustee Castro reported she attended the recent Board meeting in which they focused on taxes and administrative items. Literacy Coordinator Gabriela Leman had sent a request that was approved for the program, resulting in a couple of tutors attending a literacy conference. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS – Two Minutes per speaker Wendy Leece commented in appreciation to the Board for their due diligence on the appeal hearing items and spoke regarding mending fences and bridging the gaps between the opposing sides and the importance of being respectful during the process of material evaluations and inquired if the City or the Newport-Mesa Unified School District purchases Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 15 materials used for the school section of the Mariners branch. Ms. Leece encouraged use of additional local companies for material review. Library Services Director Hartson stated that the Newport Beach Public Library purchases the books for the public library which includes the elementary school library section. There is a mechanism between the City and the District that if the District would like to add to the collection, they must go through the Library’s process to add. If the District requests material be removed from the collection, the Library adheres to that request per the agreement. Dianne Wells inquired if the Trustees had considered amending the Board of Library Trustees by-laws. The last time they were amended was May 19, 2014, and provided examples of outdated information and requested including parents and community members in the review and selection process of acquiring material for the Children’s Collection; and Ms. Wells proposed a wide range of book review sources to be used for material reviews. Jim Mosher complimented the staff and the Foundation on the launch of the seed library at the Mariners branch and suggested there may be opportunities outside the branch to plant seeds under the oak tree as a demonstration for people of the seed collection, particularly showing off the native plants which grow. XIV. BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Secretary Kramer commended the new Seed Library at the Mariners branch and requested they add a review/approval item for the Summer Reading Program on the May agenda; additionally, an ad hoc subcommittee could be useful if started in July to review potential savings for the FY2025-26 budget and volunteered to serve on the committee. Trustee Rief stated he would serve if Vice Chair Larson declined. Vice Chair Larson agreed to serve on the ad hoc subcommittee currently but reserved the right to step away and let Trustee Rief serve. Director of Library Services Hartson responded they have already begun visiting the schools to advertise for the Summer Reading Program (SRP), she will be happy to provide an update at the May meeting. They start working on the SRP for the next year after the program ends. Everything is already in place for the 2024 SRP. The performance programs have already been booked since January. Chair Watkins suggested a report would help provide ideas for the 2025 SRP. Vice Chair Larson asked if there is a list already established for the SRP. Trustee Rief stated this is a non-discussion item and solely for the purpose of adding items to the agenda. Secretary Kramer requested the item be an approval item, not just an update. Board of Library Trustees Meeting April 15, 2024 Page 16 Trustee Castro hoped the Board would have some discretion of what items are made available for the SRP, and requested the update include if parents are allowed to opt out of certain books if desired. Trustee Rief reported his storytime experience for National Library Week was a great event. He invited other Trustees to also participate in the future, if possible. Chair Watkins requested there be a closed session prior to the regular May meeting to provide Library Services Director Hartson the results of her review. There are six books remaining for appeal: It Feels Good to be Yourself, Who Are You, Not My Idea, It’s Perfectly Normal, What is White Privilege, Alice Austin Lived Here. He would like to split them three on the May Agenda and three on the June Agenda. They will be chosen based on when the appeal request was received. XV. ADJOURNMENT – 7:45 P.M. The next meeting will be held in the Chambers on May 20, 2024, with the start time to be announced. Submitted by: Paul K. Watkins Chair Approval of Minutes