HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-17-2024-BLT-AGENDA PACKETCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES AGENDA
Civic Center Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Monday, June 17, 2024 - 4:30 PM
Board of Library Trustees Members:
Paul Watkins, Chair
Dorothy Larson, Vice Chair
Lauren Kramer, Secretary
Antonella Castro, Trustee
Chase Rief, 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 two (2) 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, June 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 two (2) 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.
June 17, 2024
Page 2
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
V.PATRON APPEALS OF DIRECTOR'S DECISIONS
Appeal Hearing of "Alice Austen Lived Here" by Alex Gino (pp. 6-22)1.
The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director's
Decision of "Alice Austen Lived Here" by Alex Gino.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENTS A-C
Appeal Hearing of "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie H. Harris (pp. 23-31)2.
The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director's
Decision of "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie H. Harris.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENTS A-C
Appeal Hearing of "What Is White Privilege?" by LeighAnn Erickson (pp.
32-55)
3.
The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director's
Decision of "What Is White Privilege?" by Leigh Ann Erickson.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENTS A-C
VI.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and will all be
enacted by one motion in the form listed below. Board of Library Trustees have received
detailed staff reports on each of the items recommending an action. There will be no separate
discussion of these items prior to the time the Board of Library Trustees votes on the motion
unless members of the Board of Library Trustees request specific items to be discussed and/or
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Members of the public who wish to
discuss a Consent Calendar item should come forward upon invitation by the Chair.
A.Consent Calendar Items
Minutes of the May 20, 2024, Board of Library Trustees Meeting (pp. 56-78)4.
DRAFT OF MINUTES
Patron Comments (pp. 79-81)5.
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests
received from patrons.
PATRON COMMENTS
June 17, 2024
Page 3
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Patron's Request for Evaluation of Library Resources (pp. 82-86)6.
Monthly review of evaluations of library resources as requested by patrons, with
corresponding staff responses.
PATRON REQUESTS
Library Activities (pp. 87-96)7.
Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics.
MAY ACTIVITIES
Expenditure Status Report (p. 97)8.
Monthly expenditure status of the library's operating expenses, services, salaries,
and benefits by department.
MAY EXPENDITURES
Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List (p. 98)9.
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library
Trustees.
MONITORING LIST
VII.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
Children's Collection Development Policy Review (pp. 99-112)10.
The Children's Collection Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee will present its
recommended amendments to Library Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development
Policy, for the Board of Library Trustees to review and approve.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENTS A-C
Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2023-24 (pp. 113-115)11.
Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot will report on Budget Amendments for
FY 2023-24.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT A
June 17, 2024
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Approval of Site Placement for Sister City Donation (pp. 116-117)12.
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees approve the Passport Office at the
Central Library as the site placement for the mixed media artwork piece, Indivisible
by artist Pierce Meehan.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT A
Acceptance of Donations (p. 118)13.
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees approve the acceptance of
donations from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation and from Harbor View
Elementary Associated Student Body.
STAFF REPORT
Friends of the Library Wish List and Acceptance of Donation (pp. 119-120)14.
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees approve the acceptance of the
donation and annual wish list request for funding from the Newport Beach Friends of
the Library.
STAFF REPORT
Newport Beach Public Library Foundation Wish List (pp. 121-122)15.
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees approve the annual wish list
request for funding from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation.
STAFF REPORT
Lecture Hall Update16.
Report on activities related to the Witte Hall project.
Library Services (pp. 87-96)17.
Report of library issues regarding services, patrons, and staff.
June 17, 2024
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
B.Monthly Reports
Library Foundation Liaison Reports (pp. 123-124)18.
A. Library Foundation Board - Report of the most recently attended meeting.
B. Library Live Lecture Committee - Report of the most recently attended meeting.
C. Witte Lecture Committee - Report of the most recently attended meeting.
FOUNDATION REPORT
Friends of the Library Liaison Report19.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting.
Pals4pal Liaison Report20.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Pals4pal Board meeting.
VIII.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments are invited, and non-agenda items generally considered to be within the
subject matter jurisdiction of the Board of Library Trustees. Speakers must limit comments to
two (2) minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the
record. The Board of Library Trustees has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’
time limit on agenda or non-agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally
to all speakers. As a courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
IX.BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION
ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) OR RECONSIDERATION
X.ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 1
ABSTRACT:
The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “Alice Austen Lived
Here” by Alex Gino.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees determine and approve a final resolution to either uphold
or modify the Director’s Decision of “Alice Austen Lived Here” by Alex Gino.
DISCUSSION:
Library Policy NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy, allows patrons with concerns about a specific title in the
collection to submit a “Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources” form. Staff evaluate the
material, based on the Collection Development Policy and a recommendation is forwarded to the Director
who responds in writing to the patron (“Director’s Decision”). The Library received six “Patron’s Request for
Evaluation of Library Resources” forms for “Alice Austen Lived Here” by Alex Gino, and the associated
Director’s Decision resulted in “Alice Austen Lived Here” moving to the teen fiction collection.
If a patron disagrees with the Director’s Decision, the patron may appeal to the Board of Library Trustees
(Board) for final resolution. The Library received two “Application[s] for Appeal of Evaluation of Library
Resources to the Board of Library Trustees” for the Director’s Decision of “Alice Austen Lived Here.”
The Board will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “Alice Austen Lived Here” by Alex
Gino and provide final resolution of the matter.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which
the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: Applications for Appeal of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of Library Trustees
ATTACHMENT B: Director’s Decision
ATTACHMENT C: Patrons’ Requests for Evaluation of Library Resources
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Appeal Hearing of “Alice Austen Lived Here” by Alex Gino
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ATTACHMENT A
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ATTACHMENT B
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ATTACHMENT C
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 2
ABSTRACT:
The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “It’s Perfectly
Normal” by Robie H. Harris.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees determine and approve a final resolution to either uphold
or modify the Director’s Decision of “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robie H. Harris.
DISCUSSION:
Library Policy NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy, allows patrons with concerns about a specific title in the
collection to submit a “Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources” form. Staff evaluate the
material, based on the Collection Development Policy and a recommendation is forwarded to the Director
who responds in writing to the patron (“Director’s Decision”). The Library received three “Patron’s Request
for Evaluation of Library Resources” forms for “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robie H. Harris, and the associated
Director’s Decision resulted in “It’s Perfectly Normal” remaining in the children’s nonfiction collection.
If a patron disagrees with the Director’s Decision, the patron may appeal to the Board of Library Trustees
(Board) for final resolution. The Library received one “Application for Appeal of Evaluation of Library
Resources to the Board of Library Trustees” for the Director’s Decision of “It’s Perfectly Normal.”
The Board will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robie H.
Harris and provide final resolution of the matter.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which
the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: Application for Appeal of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of Library Trustees
ATTACHMENT B: Director’s Decision
ATTACHMENT C: Patrons’ Requests for Evaluation of Library Resources
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Appeal Hearing of “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robie H. Harris
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ATTACHMENT A
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ATTACHMENT B
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ATTACHMENT C
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 3
ABSTRACT:
The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “What is White
Privilege” by Leigh Ann Erickson.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees determine and approve a final resolution to either uphold
or modify the Director’s Decision of “What is White Privilege?” by Leigh Ann Erickson.
DISCUSSION:
Library Policy NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy, allows patrons with concerns about a specific title in the
collection to submit a “Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources” form. Staff evaluate the
material, based on the Collection Development Policy and a recommendation is forwarded to the Director
who responds in writing to the patron (“Director’s Decision”). The Library received nine “Patron’s Request
for Evaluation of Library Resources” forms for “What is White Privilege?” by Leigh Ann Erickson, and the
associated Director’s Decision resulted in “What is White Privilege?” remaining in the children’s nonfiction
collection.
If a patron disagrees with the Director’s Decision, the patron may appeal to the Board of Library Trustees
(Board) for final resolution. The Library received two “Application[s] for Appeal of Evaluation of Library
Resources to the Board of Library Trustees” for the Director’s Decision of “What is White Privilege?”.
The Board will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “What is White Privilege?” by Leigh
Ann Erickson and provide final resolution of the matter.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which
the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: Applications for Appeal of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of Library Trustees
ATTACHMENT B: Director’s Decision
ATTACHMENT C: Patrons’ Requests for Evaluation of Library Resources
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Appeal Hearing of “What is White Privilege” by Leigh Ann Erickson
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ATTACHMENT A
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ATTACHMENT B
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ATTACHMENT C
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Board of Library Trustees Civic Center Council Chambers 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach Meeting Minutes Monday, May 20, 2024 – 3:30 PM CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 3:31 PM Chair Paul Watkins called to order the regular meeting of the Newport Beach Board of Library Trustees. I. ROLL CALL – Roll call by Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia. 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
Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Andrew Kachaturian, Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant
Maria Nicklin, Marketing Specialist Staff Absent Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist (excused) II. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Mosher (Newport Beach) complimented the Board on the scheduling of the Closed
Session item to share the evaluation results with the director, however expressed concern
that during the closed session they may have set goals for the Library as well as Director
goals, and the goals for the Library should be discussed in an open forum that allows for
public input. In addition, the time allotted for public comments is the shortest allotted in
any public meeting and he wasn’t sure where that derived from.
Marian Bretts (Newport Beach) commented that banning books is the same as burning
books and it denies the parent the opportunity to share with their children what their
opinions are towards any book. That is a basic principle of raising children. Reading a
book doesn’t change the gender of a child; Newport Beach has great libraries; her hope
was they remain so.
Jan Lansing (Newport Beach) expressed gratitude for the professionalism and experience
of the experts who manage and run the public library and who make decisions for the
better of the public within the community. Her hope is that the Board will trust and support
the decisions that were made by the Director to educate the entire community.
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[Unidentified Speaker] spoke regarding the changes being made with the education
director and quoted from different books to show how context can be misrepresented. The
choice regarding book evaluations should not be up to the Director alone, it should also
involve staff.
III.CLOSED SESSION
1.Discuss the Library Services Director’s Appointment, Employment andEvaluation of Performance (Government Code § 54957).
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 reconvene at approximately 4:30.
IV. RECESS - 4:24 P.M.
V.RECONVENE AT 4:30 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
VI.ROLL CALL – Roll call by Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia.
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 Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Andrew Kachaturian, Circulation/Technical Processing Coordinator Maria Nicklin, Marketing Specialist
Staff Absent Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist (excused)
VII.CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Chair Watkins reported the Board along with the Assistant City Manager Tara Finnigan,and Assistant City Attorney Yolanda Summerhill met in Closed Session to review the pastyear’s performance of Library Services Director Melissa Hartson.
VIII.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Chair Dorothy Larson led the Pledge of Allegiance
IX.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived
X.PATRON APPEALS OF DIRECTOR’S DECISIONS
Chair Watkins introduced the Appeal Hearing.
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Chair Watkins provided the background history of when this process began, and the steps taken that brought the Board to this point for the three book decisions that are being appealed and explained the appeals process. The Library defines the age range for the
children’s section to be age 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, including approximately 20 selection-criteria included in the policy. 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. 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. Each appellant will be provided with five minutes to state their appeal. 2. Appeal Hearing of “It Feels Good to Be Yourself” by Theresa Thorn The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “It Feels Good to Be Yourself” by Theresa Thorn. Chair Watkins called for the first appellant. Haley Jenkins cited her reason for the appeal of the Director’s original decision to leave
the book in the Children’s section, which was submitted in the Agenda Packet on Handwritten pages 7 through 10. Moving a book to a different section of the Library is not the same as banning a book. Ms. Jenkins told the story of her 7-year-old daughter finding
the book in the Children’s collection and continued by reading excerpts from the book. Instead of purchasing books about children being proud of who they are, the Library has invested in 37 books with a message of self-hatred, and they are located in the Children’s
collection. Ms. Jenkins compared the non-gender topic books to books endorsing body image shaming that encourages eating disorders. In the evaluation of the book, it was determined that it was appropriate for children ages 5 to 8 years. It is not appropriate to tell a 5-year-old that they can be a different gender or a non-binary gender. Small children do not have the capability to understand the consequences of making that type of life changing decision. Ms. Jenkins called the appeal to request the book be relocated into the adult section of the library, it can still be available for those parents who wish to share the book with their children. Director of Library Services Melissa Hartson provided information regarding how the evaluation result was decided. The author’s intent for the book was to be for elementary
aged children. The book has received favorable reviews from all five of the main professional review journals for children’s books. These reviews identify the book’s strengths and weaknesses and list the age-appropriate level suitability per book. The
California Department of Education included the book in its 2022 Recommended Literature List for students in grades K-2. It received star reviews from four professional review journals and was a School Library Journal Best Book selection in 2019. The
Newport-Mesa Unified School District uses Accelerated Reader as student reading achievement and assessment tool and established the book as a level 3.5, meaning it is written in a way that it is understandable to individuals that have reading comprehension skills typical of a student in the middle of the third grade. Accelerated Reader also takes into account factors that produces an interest level. The interest level relates to content and age appropriateness and is based on the student's ability to comprehend the purpose
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and context of the text as a whole. “It Feels Good to be Yourself” is rated for lower grades, or for students in K-3rd grade.
Chair Watkins called for public comment and requested all comments be limited to two minutes and adhere to the pros and cons of the appeal and not extraneous arguments.
[Unidentified Speaker] spoke regarding a parent’s right to filter what their children read. Removing a book based on one’s personal views is against the First Amendment. Relocating the book to the adult section will ultimately expose kids to more books that are
not appropriate for children. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke in favor of removing the book from the Library as it is not safe for children. Additional resources in the book direct children to The Trevor Project. Seeking the book online exposes children to various aspects of the internet, and children are not required to pass an age requirement guarantee to enter chat rooms and speak to strangers about inappropriate content. Another condition listed by The Trevor Project is that a user must agree that they are not a registered sex offender. How does The Trevor Project ensure registered sex offenders are not accessing the platform? “It Feels Good to be Yourself” endorses The Trevor Project social media chatroom. It is reckless for the Library to put the book in the Children’s collection. She urged the Board to protect children
and remove the book from the Children’s collection. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke regarding parents monitoring their children’s internet use
and commented that saying gender identity doesn’t exist is false according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and according to the state of California. Moving the book to a spot in the adult section is unconstitutional and discrimination, and a form of colonizing
people’s minds. Sydni Webb provided comment on the effects of the book on young children who are still learning the basics like brushing their teeth and making friends and do not yet have the capacity to understand choices of gender identity. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke regarding her concern regarding book review groups that tend to have a slant in their opinion and expressed an interest in a wider range of review groups. As a teacher she saw very few small children with gender questions or challenges and believes current society is pushing to normalize what generally is and has never been the case for the majority.
Annie Vangrow (Corona del Mar) commented about psychology professionals who have found that gender orientation is not affected by external information such as reading
material, and accepting and supporting children who do have questions regarding gender identity has proven to help their mental and emotional growth and wellbeing. Limiting information and reading material can contribute to harmful stereotypes and discrimination
and prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke about a search on the ability of parents to know their child’s sex during the 10th week of gestation. There is no transgender or binary test, and while professionals say they can identify it by a distinguishing characteristic, they aren’t able to back it up with hard science.
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Libby Hike spoke regarding percentages of people in the binary category and expressed concern that it’s being depicted as more than what it is. There is no reason to have this type of book in schools. People have the right to have it in their home, it’s inappropriate
for libraries and schools. Wendy Leece (Costa Mesa) spoke about the book planting seeds in the minds of children
that could lead to surgery later in their lives. One teacher can’t possibly watch all the children in a classroom that is visiting the library. The book should not be in the library. Right leaning reviewers should be utilized to create a more fair review.
Bill Dunlap (Newport Beach) spoke as a teacher who believed the book should be relocated to another section of the library for access by parents and adults who can have the opportunity to give the book to their child. Offering the book to 5-year-olds and telling them they can be whatever gender they want is outrageous. Joni Nichols spoke about her experience teaching over the years; and, after listening to all the comments, concluded that the children who are confused by the book are so because the parents are confused. The book should also be made available in the adult section so the parents can become more informed. She has seen an intersex person at birth, it does physiologically exist. It was quite common in the 50’s and 60’s to assign
gender to those children and many children suffered because of that. [Unidentified Speaker] quoted excerpts from the Bible and was opposed to the dialogue
in the room regarding children. Feasibility studies should be conducted for an evaluation in order to make decisions on these books.
Debra Klein spoke regarding the lack of ability for parents to monitor their children at the Mariners Branch and was told by a friend that she was not allowed in the Children’s section of Mariners during the week who was trying to better understand the situation going on. They may want to reconsider that policy if they expect the parents to monitor what’s being offered. Ruth Hargis questioned many of the commenters who geared their comments to school libraries. Most of the people are commenting about their own fears and confusion and are not realizing they are projecting those onto their children. Ruth Kobayashi (Corona del Mar) requested that as the Board makes their decision, they
look through the lens of how to respect parents who wish the content would continue to be available for their children and equally respectful to those who wish to control whether it be available to their children.
Ann Lapour (Newport Beach) commented that the issue is not about hiding the material but learning to respect the difference in people’s choices. The book is not an instruction
manual, it’s about learning that other people may feel differently. Kids need to learn that other kids may be different, and that should be respected. Chair Watkins brought the discussion back to the Board, and explained the Board is not allowed to discuss the book with each other outside of the meeting, so the comments will be based on first impressions of having read the material and heard the arguments made by the appellant and Director Hartson. As a father and a grandfather, Chair Watkins feels
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this book seems mature for a Kindergartener. He appreciated the lesson of the book, which is regardless of your gender identity, be yourself. He tried to look at the selection criteria, and some applied, and some did not. His inclination would be to uphold the
Director’s decision, but wanted to also hear what the other Board member views were. Vice Chair Dorothy Larson commented that the Board isn’t able to have this discussion
until they are in front of the public and reserved the right to circle back around. She believed that everyone making a stand is reading the book through the eyes of an adult with critical thinking skills of an adult. Children lack that ability. They look at the pictures
and see that some kids feel differently. She believed the book deserved to stay where it is located because libraries are supposed to be resources that are free and open to the public for everybody to access the materials that they are interested in. Moving the book to an area that is less accessible to its intended audience is restrictive. Trustee Chase Rief commented that he feels the book deals with the complicated subject of gender identity, a topic requiring understanding and maturity that surpasses that of their youngest readers, particularly age 6. Given the sensitive nature of the contents, he believed it is better discussed under the guidance of parents or educators within an older age group. He believed it should be relocated out of the general collection so that those conversations can be put into context in a more appropriate and supportive area.
Secretary Lauren Kramer stated that her position has been consistent since she’s been hearing about these issues since last July. Not dealing with situations in which things are
forced upon people. The Library is free and open to the public. If each went through and read all the books in the library there would likely be many that offended every sensibility they had. A library is the place where you can go and pick out a book you like, and the
safest place for a book to be is a place where you must have a parent to go in there. The idea of being able to let children wander without their parents is good in theory, however, kids can’t wander without their parents anywhere in society. Parents need to know what they are doing. Sometimes the ball is dropped, and they get ahold of something parents don’t approve of, but that’s on the parents. The best place in the library to have the book is where they must have a parent, thus her inclination is to uphold the Director’s decision. Trustee Antonella Castro questioned if there’s a way to have a section within the Children’s collection that’s appropriately titled for gender identity/progressive reading material. Possibly titled sensitive topics, with some type of notice that they are recommended with adult supervision. She agreed the topic is complex and could be confusing, but the
resource is important if a parent wants to read it with their child. Library Services Director Hartson answered there is not currently a separate Children’s
nonfiction collection, there is a young adult/teen nonfiction collection, and an adult nonfiction collection. This book is at the Mariners Branch in the Children’s Nonfiction collection.
Trustee Castro proposed to move it from Mariners to Central Library in the Children’s collection and potentially consider categorizing sensitive reading material. Vice Chair Larson stated she felt that was reasonable to have it located at the Central Library, where parents are required to be with their children.
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Motion made by Chair Paul Watkins, seconded by Secretary Lauren Kramer, and carried (5-0-0-0) in favor of upholding the Director’s decision as well as relocating the book “It Feels Good To Be Yourself” from the Mariners Branch to the Central Library and keep the
book in the Children’s nonfiction section. AYES: Watkins, Larson, Kramer, Castro, Rief
NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES:
3. Appeal Hearing of “Who Are You?” by Brook Pessin-Whedbee The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “Who Are You?” by Brook Pessin-Whedbee. Chair Watkins opened the appeal for “Who Are You?” and called for the appellant Debra Klein to prove her appeal. Debra Klein thanked the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to speak and began by reading excerpts from the book “Who Are You?” about how parents guess the gender of babies because the babies are not yet able to talk. Nobody guesses the gender of their
children. Parents and doctors always know if a baby is a boy or a girl. The book is categorized as a nonfiction children’s book. If there is no science to back up the data that babies are born anything other than a boy or girl, the book should be classified as fiction.
The book also references instructions for parents that would make this more of a parenting book and should be placed in the parenting section of the library. The book is rated for readers ages 3-6. The California Department of Education pulled the book from the
California Health Education Initiatives on May 8, 2019, because it was not age-appropriate and inquired if they would rather listen to a publishing company that only deals with liberal books or the California Department of Education. Ms. Klein cited several gender terms and questioned how those are supposed to be comprehended by 3-year-olds, or even 6-year-olds. The author even instructs parents to read the book first. The book should be placed in the adult section where a parent can check it out for themselves or their children. Planting the idea into a very young child about changing their gender confuses them into a dangerous ideology. The book does not teach children empathy as some have claimed. It teaches them to not trust adults because only a child knows who they are, and adults just guess. There is even a toy spinner in the back of the book that allows the child to spin and change genders from day to day. Gender change in young children often leads to
suicide attempts, hormone therapy, and possible surgery that forever alters their bodies. There were over a dozen lawsuits filed in the United States in 2023 and are moving forward, by de-transitioners who are suing the adults who led them astray when they were
minors. This book should not be put on display or easily visible to children, particularly preschoolers.
Library Services Director Melissa Hartson provided information regarding her original decision for the book titled “Who Are You?” The Children’s collection is intended through grade six. The vendor review gave the book favorable reviews and School Library Journal profiled the book as appropriate for students from preschool through second grade. The publisher dates to 1987, and there are 15 other libraries in Orange County that include this book in their Children’s Nonfiction collections. However, upon evaluation, staff found
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that the copy at the Mariners Branch had not been actively checked out, so that item was removed from the collection per the Collection Development Policy.
Chair Watkins summarized the original decision, which is included on Handwritten Pages 11-24, the book remains in the Central Library and was withdrawn from the Mariners Branch and opened the appeal to public comments.
Wendy Leece (Costa Mesa) spoke against the Director’s decision and requested the policy be clear regarding parental supervision at Central Library. It seemed that before
and during COVID, all these books started infiltrating the libraries unnoticed after having been reviewed by progressive companies. Parents are at a disadvantage because the de-transitioners have not yet told their stories. Haley Jenkins commented that her concerns for this book are similar to the previous, only this one was more worrisome because it targets preschoolers with the same very serious topics, and confirmed the book she checked out last year did have the spinner in the back of the book. It is using fun pictures and little games to draw the child in and then uses the various gender titles available for choosing, with words that preschoolers have no ability to comprehend.
[Unidentified Speaker] spoke against the professional reviews of the books and noted that none of the books have ever received a bad review, which is questionable in terms of a balanced opinion on the subject matter. They are the same reviewers that are used for all
evaluations, perhaps the Library should broaden their choice of reviewers. The Board was urged to think of what age their own children and grandchildren would need to be to make gender identity decisions.
Sydni Webb spoke regarding the option to relocate the book from Mariners Branch to Central Library due to parents being with their children at Central and noted from her experience there are unattended children in the Central Library often, particularly during school field trips. If they were attended by a teacher, that teacher may not display the same values as some of the children’s parents. The Board was urged to remove the book from all branches, and it is impossible for librarians to be held accountable for those who are not watching their children. [Unidentified Speaker] spoke regarding the disrespect in the room among adults and cautioned that adults need to act like adults and take accountability for decisions made
today and how it may affect the life of children in years to come. Jan Ferris spoke about truth versus theory and the age when children are in their why?
phase. There are only so many ways in which to explain gender identity and all of them are over the comprehension level of preschoolers and kindergarteners.
[Unidentified Speaker] spoke regarding the children who need protecting, which are the children who are bullied, neglected, or treated like they don’t belong. Those are the children who would benefit from the books. She has experience with Christian organizations and youth organizations. Transgender not being in the Bible has no bearing on being respectful and supportive to people who feel differently about themselves and their lifestyles. Tolerance and understanding leads to acceptance and kindness.
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[Unidentified Speaker] questioned the origin of narratives being voiced from the public commenters and the Board. The Board needs to reveal a biased answer to questions that are being asked.
Ann Lapour (Newport Beach) read a review of the book and spoke in favor of keeping the book in the public library. Librarians should not be made responsible to ensure the parents
are upholding their responsibilities. The best way to protect children is to educate them regardless of gender or sex.
Joni Nichols read excerpts from a book and commented regarding the many individuals who have navigated the gender challenge with the help of books. Greg Partridge commented regarding the complex literature that is available to small children and it is the parents’ job to guide them in the right direction. They are not capable of reading a book like this with the full understanding that they can change their gender preferences daily. Vendor data regarding age appropriateness has become a societal issue when those vendors suggest telling little girls and boys that they can transition to another gender when that should be an adult decision. He expressed concern regarding the number of children who visit the Central Library without parental supervision.
Chair Watkins brought the discussion back to the Board, and explained the original decision made from evaluation was for the title to remain in the Central Library and withdrawn from the Mariners Branch, and thanked Ms. Jenkins and Ms. Klein for the time
spent on their well written appeals. Chair Watkins commented he felt “It Feels Good to be
Yourself” was different from “Who Are You?” because of the intended target audience. In his opinion, the complexity of the varying gender definitions is beyond the comprehension
level of a 3-year-old. In looking at the criteria of the Collection Development Policy, with suitability of the subject matter to intended audience and specific age groups, and how each group is judged differently, he believed they should uphold the Director’s decision to withdraw the book from the Mariners Branch. In addition, Chair Watkins felt the book would be better suited for the Teen Collection in the Central Library. Trustee Chase Rief stated he echoed what he said in the previous book, this is a complex issue that should be introduced, as the author noted in the back of the book, to an adult prior introducing it to a child. He too agreed it should remain in the Central Library and be moved to the Teen Collection.
Secretary Lauren Kramer believed that the public library is for everyone, she comes across things every day that need to be explained to her young children. There are people who want to read the book, she is against authoritarianism. Everyone must find a way to
live amongst each other, sometimes that includes having books in the public library that some may think are ridiculous. It’s in the Children’s section where the parents are supposed to monitor their children.
Vice Chair Dorothy Larson commented that sometimes people expect a lot from small children, she recalled reading books as a child that she didn’t always understand most of the words. She couldn’t picture 3-year-olds reading the big words let alone looking up the definitions. More likely they are looking at the pictures. If they get anything, maybe it’s that society has been confusing sex with gender for quite some time. The book is saying that gender identity can change from one day to the next in the sense that a girl that’s a tomboy
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might feel like a boy one day. That doesn’t mean they are going to have surgery. It may be that everyone needs to think more about what the children are getting from the books and answer their questions. Her recollection was that parents must sign permission slips
for children to go on field trips. That’s another part of parental responsibility and if there is a concern regarding reading materials while unsupervised in the Library, parents are able and carry the responsibility for choosing to not sign the slip. Vice Chair Larson noted that
at the beginning of the Director’s comments on the first book, five of the reviewing sources were mentioned and when she looked up one of them, it was listed as a highly respected resource worldwide. There are many more books in the library that are just as conservative
as the minority of left leaning books. There seems to be more bias on the idea of these books than there really is. Trustee Antonella Castro commented that this book is slightly different in the age group it was intended for and on the cover, and the back, there is a guide for grownups which indicates adults should read it to their children and with their children. In an effort to have consensus she would agree that this book should be moved from the Children’s section to the Teen section. Motion made by Chair Paul Watkins, seconded by Trustee Rief, and carried (3-2-0-0) in favor of upholding the decision of withdrawing the book “Who Are You?” from the Mariners
Branch, and relocate and re-catalog from the Children’s Nonfiction Section to the Teen’s Nonfiction Section.
AYES: Watkins, Castro, Rief NOES: Larson, Kramer ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: 4. Appeal Hearing of “Not My Idea” by Anastasia Higginbotham The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s Decision of “Not My Idea” by Anastasia Higginbotham. Chair Watkins opened the appeal for “Not My Idea” and called for the appellant Haley Jenkins to make her appeal. Haley Jenkins stated this book is about ‘whiteness’ and read excerpts from the book. The author states the book is appropriate for 5- to 12-year-olds and a particularly high value.
Ms. Jenkins described several of the pictures in book. The goal of the Library is to seek breadth and depth, she questioned the intended audience for the subject matter. There are college courses for Critical Race Theories, this is a children’s book for 5- to 12-year-
old children. As a collector of vintage children’s books, she read an excerpt from “The Nature’s Hour” from 1934 and questioned how society has gone from encouraging children to respect and love nature to reading how they can be white without signing on to
‘whiteness’. Her understanding was society moved past the challenges of racism. It’s not okay to tell small children that the color of their skin makes them bad. The same theme of self-hatred keeps coming up in all these books. Taking into consideration the effect of the book on nonwhite children, the book could make them angry toward white children. This book is at Mariners Branch in the student section. It could lead to bullying. Ms. Jenkins urged the Board to move the book out of the children’s section.
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Library Services Director Melissa Hartson provided information regarding the original evaluation decision for “Not My Idea” which can be found on Handwritten Pages 25-41 of the Agenda Packet. The collection is intended for ages birth through grade six. “Not My
Idea” is intended for elementary school aged children. The Library’s book vendor rated the book for children up to third grade. The book received favorable reviews from their professional review journals. The professional reviews are timely and contain a concise
summary and critical appraisal of the book as a whole, identified strengths and weaknesses and listed the grade/age level suitability for books. School Library Journal and others profiled the book for students grades 4-6. In recognition of its literary merit, the
title has received many acknowledgements: the California Department of Education has included it in its recommended literature list for the current school year for grade level span of third through fifth grade. In 2018, the book received a starred review from School Library Journal and was named to the publications Best Book List for that year. Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s accelerated readers, student reading achievement and assessment tool established the as a level 2.8, meaning it is written in a way that is understandable to individuals who have a reading comprehension skill typical of a student nearing third grade. Director Hartson spoke about the interest level of the book and stated that for all the reasons explained above, and because the book meets the conditions established by the Collection Development Policy for the Children’s Nonfiction Collection, the book was deemed to remain in both the Mariners Branch and Central Library.
Chair Watkins opened the appeal to public comment.
J.T. Gear quoted from the book and spoke regarding photos and the message of the book and the negative impacts on healthy diverse relationships by using guilt and shame, at levels that a small white child would not understand.
[Unidentified Speaker] requested the Board remove the book from the Children’s collection as the message reduces one’s character based on the color of one’s skin and read excerpts from the book. The Library experience is supposed to be a positive one for kids. This book violates the Fourth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. The book does not achieve the Library’s goal of creating an inclusive environment for the community. Isiah Wheeler spoke against the Director’s decision and expressed concern for racial thoughts being taught to small children. Children should not be taught to hate one another and themselves based on the color of their skin.
Sydni Webb encouraged the Board to remove the book from the Children’s section as it is racist and prejudice and quoted from the book excerpts and compared them to the definition of prejudice.
[Unidentified Speaker] spoke regarding the history of American racism and the book is not helpful and needs to be removed from the Library.
[Unidentified Speaker] commented that she read the book, and the missing element were the lessons that Martin Luther King, Jr. taught which was that it’s the content of one’s character that matters, not the color of one’s skin, which includes whites.
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Bill Dunlap stated that if the contents were reversed and the book were about black people it would not be allowed, it should not be allowed with the prejudices’ being towards whites, and requested the book be moved from the Library.
Wendy Leece commented that the conversations at the meeting are discussions that are happening across the country about how this type of literature found its way in the library
and requested the book be removed. [Unidentified Speaker] stated that she checked the book out and didn’t particularly like
how the book was written, however, it does not state what the public commenters are saying that it says. It’s a book stating that people should stand up against exclusive behavior for the entire community. The book should not be removed. [Unidentified Speaker] commented that we are not in a post racist society and the things depicted in the book do exist and there was a history of it, thus why wouldn’t anyone discuss it with a child to teach them how not to treat people. It’s concerning that people try to deny that stereotyping does occur. The wording of the book isn’t as child friendly as it could be, but the message remains the same and should remain available to children to create opportunities to have those conversations.
[Unidentified Speaker] spoke against the Director’s decision and stated that there should be a section in the library titled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It should not be located in the Children’s section of the library.
Ann Lapour (Newport Beach) spoke in favor of the Director’s decision, and it should be used as an opportunity to learn how not to treat people. Racism does exist and stating
that it doesn’t isn’t being realistic. Wendy Boyd (Newport Beach) spoke against the Director’s decision and expressed concern at the types of books being allowed in the Library. The book is racist and does not align with the Diversity Equity and Inclusive character of the Newport Beach community. Joni Nichols wished the author had written a book about her having been comfortable and of her knowing everything was going to be okay. A quote from the book states “you can’t hide what’s right in front of me.” Her suggestion was to keep the book in Children’s section and talk about the subject matter regardless of personal opinion and explain the
importance of compassion. Chair Watkins brought the discussion back to the Board and provided information about
the Director’s original decision to have the book remain in the Children’s collection at Central and Mariners, but the copy at Corona del Mar Branch was withdrawn due to the Collection Development Policy regarding inactivity.
Chair Watkins commented that he appreciated all the public input and presentations from the appellant and the Director. Some of the quotes are troubling particularly for children ages 5-12, which is the target audience. Part of the criteria for book material is the suitability of the information to the intended target audience. This book is meant to influence values to release more so than to teach. It has more of a preaching component than a teaching component. For that reason and based on the criteria, he was inclined to
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uphold the Director’s decision for Corona del Mar Branch and re-catalog and relocate the book to the Teen section in the Mariners Branch and Central Library.
Trustee Castro commented that she read the book several times because the first time she read it she was taken back that it was in the Children’s section. She also saw the value the book added to teach people about racial profiling but continued to question the
suitability for small children. She didn’t understand how it was helping children to have positive conversations. She would not relocate the book to the Teen section, she believed it should be moved to the Adult section and also removed from the Mariners Branch.
Secretary Kramer agreed with Trustee Castro’s thoughts on placement and the difference for her in this book is it aims to make a person feel bad about themselves based on something they cannot change. The other books may have been misguided on making people feel good, that’s what they were trying to do. They weren’t looking to make someone feel bad. Children who come to the Newport Beach Libraries should never leave feeling bad about themselves, and that’s 18 and under. Trustee Rief commented he agreed with the sentiments of all previous Trustees and the vast majority of the speakers and was shocked the book was in the collection. His preference would be to remove it altogether from the Collection; however, his tendency is
to not be a book banner. Vice Chair Larson commented she did not like the book, and it made her feel
uncomfortable, but it did point out that it would be nice to have books that were able to grab people’s attention and educate the history that many people have denied. This book does not say that you’re bad if your skin is white. It talks about whiteness as a concept.
What caused many issues historically was white people thinking they were superior. This book holds an important value, and it does make the reader and she believed it should not be moved. Motion made by Trustee Lauren Kramer, seconded by Trustee Antonella Castro, and carried (4-1-0-0) in favor of Director Hartson’s decision to withdraw the book from the Corona del Mar Branch, but to also relocate and re-catalog the book “Not My Idea” to the Adult Nonfiction section at the Central Library and Mariners Branch. AYES: Watkins, Castro, Rief, Kramer NOES: Larson
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES:
The Board Took a 10-Minute Break and resumed with all members present. XI. CONSENT CALENDAR Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia 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.
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5. Minutes of the April 15, 2024, Board of Library Trustees Meeting Chair Watkins noted Mr. Mosher’s written comments about the minutes seemed fine.
6. Patron Comments Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests
received from patrons. 7. Library Activities
Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics. Chair Watkins noted the Wheelhouse List for Library Trustees is located on Handwritten Page 63 of the Staff Report which includes the Library Foundation’s Summer Solstice on Wednesday June 12, 5-7 p.m. in the Friend’s Room. The Board was encouraged to attend if possible. 8. Expenditure Status Report Monthly expenditure status of the library’s operating expenses, services, salaries, and benefits by department.
Chair Watkins reported they are 83% through the budgeted Fiscal Year (FY) and 77% through the allotted expenditure which leaves them currently at 6% underbudget. 9. 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 comment and there were none. Motion made by Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, seconded by Trustee Chase Rief, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the Consent Calendar Items 1-9 with the minor changes to the April 15, 2024, draft minutes. AYES: Watkins, Kramer, Larson, Castro, Rief NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES:
XII. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review 10. Children’s Collection Development Policy Review
Review and discuss the Children’s Collection Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s proposed amendments to Library Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development Policy and provide direction to staff.
Trustee Castro reported that she and Vice Chair Larson crafted the draft after having met with Library Services Director Hartson and researching both public school and other public library policies for the Collection Development Policy NBPL2. A draft was presented and
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revised and had now been in review by the Assistant City Attorney, who also provided input. This is not 100% final, but it is close to being final for the majority of the substance. Community input was much appreciated.
Vice Chair Larson added that the subcommittee was very appreciative of the input from the curator from the School Board regarding their point of view on the material in the
Mariners Branch School Library. The challenges that prompted a different collection policy for the Children’s Collection at the Mariners Branch seem to be resolved with the input from the School Board Liaison. They now have new procedures for their review process
as well. The Newport Beach policy proposes a curator, but it is not a new staff position, as there is already a Children’s Collection Coordinator staff member that reviews the Children’s Collection books. Secretary Kramer commented that early on she didn’t believe a separate policy for the Children’s Collection was necessary, so she was very pleased to see this inserted into the Collection Development Policy. All the redlines seemed reasonable to her, because most of it she thought was already part of the process. For that reason, she doesn’t believe it will add to the workload of the current coordinator staff member. They just need to make sure there is a review of the controversial topics by Director Hartson. It’s good to make it clear and add it to the policy. She supported the direction of revisions.
Trustee Rief appreciated the time put into this project and after reading through it he did not have any comments. He agreed that these were steps that were already taking place
and with the coordinator position already in place, there is someone available to answer questions should they arise in the future.
Chair Watkins asked Director Hartson if this was doable. Library Services Director Hartson responded they could definitely implement something along these lines, but she was not yet aware of how labor intensive it would be. They also have an Adult Services Coordinator who reviews book selections prior to placing the orders. A lot of these materials are limited in scope, and it would not be reading every single children’s book that comes in, but based on the Board’s direction, they would be focusing on specific topics to review. Chair Watkins commented that he had a lawyer review the document and passed those comments on to the subcommittee and opened the item for public comment.
Wendy Leece commented that it’s a good start to a good policy. Under Collection Objectives it referred to collection development and appeared quite vague, they may want
to consider defining development more clearly. Under the Guidelines for Materials selection, bullet three, there may be more conservative professional journals or publications that have not yet risen to national repute. Stated on Handwritten Page 81,
they adhere to the ALA’s Freedom to Read, that clearly means everything. She disagreed with the American Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and believed the community is seeking for the local Board of Trustees to make the review decisions. She urged the Board to evaluate the consultants that are currently used. When a book is on appeal, it should be removed from circulation until the final decision has been made.
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Haley Jenkins appreciated that the prizes section was added for the summer reading program and stated regarding this as similar to what is already in place. A review of the books that have been recently added since 2020 would show most are controversial
books. Her hope was that they would not continue doing what they’ve been doing. That is what the problem has been, and she inquired who would determine what third party vendors would be used and how that decision would be made for choosing review sites.
Jim Mosher (Newport Beach) commented that he had submitted public comments in writing but wanted to be clear those comments were not in favor or against the revisions
to the current policy. There seemed to be a theme and it’s good to have a Children’s Collection. The specific additions don’t clarify what they mean by “age-appropriate” yet the changes acknowledge there’s a wide range of maturity among children of any age. He believed the Board will likely have different opinions regarding views from third-party vendors. Adding these pieces about contracting and Trustees overseeing displays and prizes seems to be an outlier in comparison to the public library collection development policies. Gialisa Gaffaney inquired if there was a time she could meet with someone to ask questions about the policy amendments and expressed concerns about the sensitive materials to mean human anatomy, sexual relationships, and/or divisive social or political
issues. There are many well-known art forms that include human anatomy that could be a fun way to introduce children to fine arts and it would be a shame to exclude them based on the policy. Sexual relationships could be better defined based on the public comments
of misconception regarding gender. Any book about history is divisive, that shouldn’t be a reason to remove them from the library.
[Unidentified Speaker] commented regarding the guidelines for materials selection and expressed an interest in the resources for book reviews being expanded beyond the current resources that are used. Under Patron Rights section she would like to see a local Newport Beach policy regarding a bill of rights that is tailored to the community, not from the American Library Association policy. That is a national association that doesn’t take into consideration the values of local communities. Chair Watkins brought the item back to the Board. Trustee Castro responded regarding Responsibility of Selection the subcommittee did address the reviews and added additional criteria to be used. Their goal in amending the
draft was to provide clarity and transparency to the community about how decisions are made. Next steps are to meet with the Assistant City Attorney with the additional comments and see how the different requests might be incorporated.
Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 11. FY 2024–25 Library Services Budget (pp. 89-92) Staff requests that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the FY 2024-25 operating budget for the Library. Staff are requesting the Board approve the operating Budget for the Library provided in Attachment A, which can be found on Handwritten Page 91. Finance created the budget, the asterisk notation at the bottom of the page was a misprint and carry over from the
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previous year and can be ignored. General operating expenses decreased and was explained as a change in the sewer use fee at Balboa Branch.
Secretary Kramer inquired about the timeline of the process and internal service funds. Library Services Manager Lightfoot explained those funds are monies that the City sets aside to replace outdated equipment such as computers.
Trustee Rief commented on a community member who had noticed the Library Materials budget remaining the same when the cost of goods has increased and inquired if the
Library expects to receive less materials this year. Library Services Manager Lightfoot answered they have wonderful support groups in the Foundation and Friends, and they are able to give enough in donations that the Library was able to continue the level of buying that they have done in the past. Vice Chair Larson commented she appreciated the input and noted in previous Board meetings they have not had the chance to dig into the details of the budget, so an ad hoc committee will be formed to review the next budget when discussions begin. Going forward they should revisit the materials budget and perhaps not rely solely on outside funding resources.
Chair Watkins opened the item for public comments. Jim Mosher (Newport Beach) commented that on the back of the budget it should show
what the internal funds included, much of which covers the support and overhead in the different departments. It might also be prudent to ask City Council for a cost-of-living increase as well as Vice Chair Larson’s suggestion for more funds for the materials fund,
particularly since the Library went 10 years with no increase at all. Motion made by Secretary Lauren Kramer, seconded by Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the FY 2024-25 Library Services Budget. AYES: Watkins, Kramer, Larson, Castro, Rief NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: 12. Marketing and Social Networking Update (pp. 93-108)
Marketing Specialist Maria Nicklin will provide the annual briefing on Library marketing and social media activities.
Chair Watkins introduced Marketing Specialist Maria Nicklin who presented the annual report on marketing strategies found on Handwritten Page 94, beginning with the goals to increase awareness of Library offerings, fill the library events and programs, reach new
audiences, build the NBPL brand, and educate the community on why libraries matter. The Library’s marketing strategy focuses on a combination of tactics working together to produce significant results. These tactics include digital marketing, media relations, printed collateral materials, purchased ads, email marketing, social media, digital signage, website banner ads/news, and more. Marketing Specialist Nicklin provided samples of the new branding for the Library and talked about the case study findings of new programs such as Special Delivery, a program created to bring the library services to patrons who
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are unable to visit the library in person, Writer’s Workshop which is a follow-up to the popular Storytellers series, Seed Library, marketing to families, and Sunday Musicales. The report included marketing strategies and statistics for the last four years and next
steps for 2024/2025 using tools to continue refining the brands, identifying what engages audiences while identifying measurable results, and implementing surveys to help them keep a finger on the pulse of the interests of the community.
Chair Watkins commented he really enjoys using the website and likes the colorful input.
Vice Chair Larson commented about the remarkable open rate on the email strategies. Trustee Castro inquired if Marketing Specialist Nicklin had considered doing podcasts or joint podcasts with Newport History or other partners. Marketing Specialist Nicklin responded they had not considered that but were open to suggestions. Trustee Rief suggested one local podcast they might consider is “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror”. Trustee Castro added that is one that has a lot of followers it might be one to check into.
Trustee Rief commented he appreciated the work of her team and the numbers looked good. He had reached out to Director Hartson and has enjoyed seeing the outreach from the Community magazine Stroll each month.
Chair Watkins opened the item to public comment.
Jim Mosher (Newport Beach) commented that the statistic section of the Consent Calendar is showing that in-person attendance for daily use of the library has been falling; since COVID, the Mariners Branch no longer has a line waiting for the computers, an outreach marketing effort for that may be useful, as well as one for the literacy program. Marketing Specialist Nicklin responded that the Foundation and Literacy have their own marketing efforts. Mr. Mosher also expressed interest in who oversees the marketing for the Sunday Musicale program as it seems to be booming. Marketing Specialist Nicklin explained they have a program coordinator who oversees the marketing efforts of that program. Mr. Mosher suggested the City Arts Commission might be a good resource in having a say about marketing efforts for the library programming.
Library Services Director Hartson responded that the City Arts Commission does not oversee the marketing for the Library programming.
Jerold Kappel (Foundation CEO) commented that the library branches are being accessed in different ways, and last year the Library did a deep dive into how many people actually access one way or the other. They looked at Patron Touches, how many times patrons
contacted the branches via phone calls, website, programs. There were 3 million patron touches in a year. It may be that the people accessing the Library in person is decreasing, however, in many ways the Library is more relevant than ever… something the Library and the Board should be very proud of.
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Secretary Kramer inquired if texting is used as a tool and if not, it may be something to consider. Marketing Specialist Nicklin and Trustee Rief both stated that text marketing is highly controversial.
Library Services Director Hartson added they use text notifications for basic library account information, such as hold notifications.
Chair Watkins thanked Marketing Specialist Nicklin and received and filed the report. 13. Summer Reading Program Update (pp. 109-112) Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth will provide an update of the Summer Reading Program for summer 2024. Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth reported the Summer Reading Program (SRP) is a community and patron focused program that spans several weeks throughout each summer that draws many patrons who anticipate and take part in it each year. It encompasses a reading challenge, fun family events, a large marketing and outreach campaign and a robust teen volunteer program. SRP begins this year on June 8, the day after the Newport-Mesa Unified School District ends their school year and ends on July 27. The purpose is to promote early literary skills, foster a love of reading, support
the foundations of school readiness and academic performance, help keep students engaged throughout the summer, and promote family unity time. There is a children’s challenge for grades six and under, a teen’s program for 7th through 12th graders, and an
adult reading challenge. Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Helmuth provided details of the iRead programming, differences in the three age group challenges, the tools used, and prizes and rewards, using Beanstack, a valuable tool that streamlines summer
reading programs. Currently over 5,000 NPBL patrons are registered on Beanstack. To help spread the word and get students excited about SRP, Youth Services staff visit local schools and present to students, parents, and teachers during special events and flag deck ceremonies. SRP also supports a robust teen volunteer program. Teen SRP volunteers help with Children’s SRP and are recruited starting in late Spring through volunteer orientations. After orientation, Teen SRP volunteers must also attend a thorough small group training with staff. During their training, the teens go through test scenarios to make sure they understand how to help participants with registration and prize redemption. The typical teen SRP volunteer will work a 2-3 hour shift the same time every week. Last year 112 teens volunteered during the SRP and clocked 745 volunteer hours. Library staff are continuously evaluating and reimagining SRP to ensure community needs
are being met. This comprehensive approach ensures we are meeting SRP goals and patron expectations, while maximizing impact and relevance within the community.
Trustee Castro asked if the books used in each group are predetermined, Ms. Helmuth stated that there is no required reading for the SRP; participants can choose a book from the Library or from home.
Vice Chair Larson inquired where the free paperbacks come from. Ms. Helmuth replied they use the library policy to select those and purchase them. Chair Watkins opened the item to public comment and there were none. Chair Watkins received and filed the report.
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14. Media Lab Update (pp. 113-114) Staff will update the Board of Library Trustees on the Media and Sound Lab at
Central Library. Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot reported the Media Lab, which is comprised
of computer workstations and the Sound Lab, provides specialized software and equipment. The age range of the primary users is 15- to 35-years-old. The Media Lab introduces a segment of the population to public libraries that are generally less inclined
to rely on library services. The use of the Media Lab resources is free, thanks to generous funding from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation. This year, the Library, with help from City IT, was able to restore the popular vinyl and cassette digital converter station, purchasing new software and hardware. The microphone in the Sound Lab was replaced after the original started to fail. A keyboard stand and bench were also added to the Sound Lab. Children’s staff offered a very popular Coding For Kids program in April and utilized the Media Lab to teach the classes. Project Adult Literacy also utilized the space in March to train tutors on their new data gathering software, America Learns. Patrons also have access to multiple graphics, editing, and publishing software. The Tech Toys collection of circulating equipment, launched in May 2016, continues to circulate well. The Library recently added some sound recording and lighting equipment for checkout.
The digital camera was upgraded to a newer model. Chair Watkins opened the item to public comment and there were none.
Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 15. Approval of Site Placement for A Novel Idea by Craig Gray (pp. 115-117) Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees approve the new Balboa Branch Library as the site placement for the sculpture, A Novel Idea, by Craig Gray. Library Services Director Hartson reported that A Novel Idea, by Craig Gray, is one of the works featured in Phase VII of the Newport Beach Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park. Newport Beach resident Nancy Gardner has acquired the piece and is offering it on permanent loan to the City of Newport Beach. The City Arts Commission approved the permanent loan of the sculpture at its April 11, 2024, meeting. At their May 9, 2024, meeting, the City Arts Commission approved to recommend that the sculpture be placed at the new Balboa Branch Library location. Staff have coordinated with the City’s Public
Works Department to store the sculpture during the construction project. Storing the piece will reduce costs and prevent risk of damage by decreasing the amount of times the sculpture must be disassembled, relocated, and assembled. Staff recommends the Board
of Library Trustees approve the new Balboa Branch Library as the site placement for the sculpture, A Novel Idea, by Craig Gray.
Secretary Kramer believed the sculpture belongs in the Sculpture Garden rather than at such a small footprint of a Library. Vice Chair Larson asked if Public Works had any input about the site placement and where the piece would be stored during the Balboa Branch construction.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting May 20, 2024
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Library Services Director Hartson responded staff has been in contact with Public Works and they have agreed to store the piece during construction of Balboa.
Trustee Rief stated it would look lovely in the sculpture garden and since Secretary Kramer is passionate about that he would support her.
Vice Chair Larson commented that since Public Works agreed to store the piece, she felt that a sculpture location did not need to be rushed.
Trustee Castro stated that she approved the location of the sculpture in front of the Balboa Branch, as it was appropriate for a library, but also didn’t mind waiting to decide on a location. Trustee Rief suggested including their comments with the item for City Council. Chair Watkins opened the item for public comment. Jim Mosher commented believed the Balboa Branch Library is an appropriate location for the donation regardless of the style. It helps identify the Branch as a Library. Motion made by Secretary Lauren Kramer, seconded by Trustee Chase Rief, and carried (4-1-0-0) to reconsider the Balboa Branch as the location of A Novel Idea.
AYES: Watkins, Kramer, Larson, Rief NOES: Castro ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: 16. Acceptance of Donation (p. 118) Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees approve the acceptance of donations from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation and from Harbor View Elementary Associated Student Body. Chair Watkins reported The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation fundraised for donations on behalf of the Newport Beach Public Library to pay for the popular Parks Pass program. Currently this program is funded through the California State Library, but staff
anticipates the funding will not continue. The Foundation donated $10,000 to buy 50 passes so the Library can continue this program; $5,000 was donated by the public and $5,000 was a matching gift from the Foundation. Staff recommends the Board of Library
Trustees accept this donation. If accepted, the money will go into the Library Materials Budget to purchase new Park Passes when the state program ends.
Chair Watkins opened the item for public comment. Jim Mosher believed this program was part of the state budget however the budget had not yet been passed. Should it happen that the State decides to continue funding the program, how will that affect the donation?
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting May 20, 2024
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Jerold Kappel’s (Foundation CEO) provided comment that according to the State Librarian, it is not included in the California Budget for 2025. The Foundation wishes to continue the program because it was so well used.
The Board voted (5-0-0-0) to approve the donation, however there was no motion put forward.
AYES: Watkins, Kramer, Larson, Castro, Rief NOES:
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: 17. Lecture Hall Update Report on activities related to the Library Lecture Hall project. Chair Watkins stated the reported was located on Handwritten page 122 of the staff report. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 18. Balboa Branch Replacement Update
Report on the activities related to the Balboa Branch Replacement project. Chair Watkins reported Council approved design Option 1A on May 14, 2024, which did
not include the Public Works storage facility. Chair Watkins opened the item for public comment and there was none.
Chair Watkins received and filed the update and sunsetted the subcommittee and updates. 19. Library Services Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons, and staff. Library Services Director Hartson reported there is emergency repair work that will need to be handled Tuesday, May 28 through Friday, May 31 at Mariners Branch. Only curbside service only will be available to the public.
Chair Watkins opened the item for public comment and there was none. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. B. Monthly Reports 20. Library Foundation Liaison Reports A. Library Foundation Board
Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins stated that Jerry Kappel’s (Foundation CEO) report was excellent and was included in the Packet.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting May 20, 2024
Page 23
Chair Watkins opened the item for public comment and there was none.
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. 21. Friends of the Library Liaison Report Trustee update on the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting. Trustee Rief reported they had a successful book sale with another sale coming up. He
will be attending their Volunteer luncheon. Chair Watkins opened the item for public comment and there was none.
Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 22. PALS4pal Liaison Report Trustee update of the PALS4pal Board meeting. Trustee Castro stated there was nothing to report. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS – Two Minutes per speaker Jim Mosher reminded the Chair that his goal was that the meetings would not last longer than one hour and noted that two minutes for public comments is the most stringent in the City for all the meetings and urged the Board to reconsider that time limit. 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 stated that she will be absent from the June 17, meeting. XV. ADJOURNMENT – 8:20 P.M. The next meeting will be held in City Council Chambers on June 17, 2024.
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NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS MAY 2024
Comment # Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
1
05/02/2024
Email
Gabriela Leman
Literacy Program Coordinator
05/02/2024
2
05/02/2024
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
05/03/2024
3
05/07/2024
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
05/07/2024
4
05/10/2024
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Circ. & Tech. Processing Coordinator
05/10/2024
On Instagram, there’s a post about a special delivery service for primary caregivers
and parents, but I can’t find it on the website?
It is under the Services tab on our website. You can find out more about it here ... I
hope that helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you.
In my search to find online access to ValueLine, it appears that would be possible
with this library. I see the cost of an out of state library card is $10, but I don't see
anywhere to apply for it online. I guess I would like to confirm that the out of state
library card holder would have access to the online ValueLine? If so, is there a way
to apply online? Thank you.
While we do require an in-person visit to apply for even an out of state library card
for an annual fee of $10, we do have another option available to people interested
in making use of many of our databases including ValueLine. You can apply for a
temporary card that will remain active for 30 days and that card can be used for
ValueLine. You can apply for that card here ... Once you complete this application,
you will be issued a temporary number such as 123456. To make use of ValueLine
and other databases listed with a double asterisk on our database page, you just
need to enter “NBPL” preceding the temporary barcode. For example,
“NBPL123456.” If you are even visiting in Newport Beach, please feel free to stop
in and apply for an annual out of state library card to gain access to more, but
hopefully the temporary card access will help you make use of ValueLine for now. I
hope this helps!
I'd like to know if I could study English there or someone can teach an adult
English? How can [I] do it for the next steps? Thanks.
Thank you for your interest in our Project Adult Literacy Program! We provide free
one-on-one tutoring and classes to adult learners who are working on advancing
their reading and writing skills. Please note, not all of our learners get one-on-one
tutoring as we have a limited number of tutors available, but we have classes
available for all of our learners once they have been accepted into the program.
The first step to becoming a part of our program is to complete the following
prospective learner questionnaire: click here. Once you complete this step, please
schedule an office appointment where our staff will meet with you and discuss your
eligibility for our program. In the meantime, you can visit our website to find out
more: Literacy Services | Newport Beach Library or read the attached brochure.
Does the Library accept donations of used CDs? Thank you for thinking of us! Yes, the Friends of the Newport Beach Public Library
do take donations of used CDs. You can find out more about the donation process
here on their website … Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you.
79
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS MAY 2024
Comment # Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
5
05/15/2024
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
05/15/2024
6
05/17/2024
Email
Melissa Hartson
Library Services Director
05/28/2024
7
05/20/2024
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
05/20/2024
8
05/20/2024
Email
Annika Helmuth
Branch & Youth Services Coordinator
05/21/2024
9
05/21/2024
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Circ. & Tech. Processing Coordinator
05/21/2024
I wanted to ask if your facility happens to be looking for volunteers for IT support or
digital literacy programs? I am hoping to not only gain experience and learn new
concepts in my field of study, but I am also hoping to support my local community
through a field I am passionate about and hope to work in. I currently work full time
with the State, but I am willing to volunteer on Fridays and Saturdays. Hope to hear
from you soon. Warm regards ... Thanks for getting back to me, Annika. I greatly
appreciate your guidance! Warm regards.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Newport Beach Public Library.
Unfortunately, we aren’t looking for volunteers in IT support or digital literacy. A
complete list of volunteer positions can be found on our website at ... You might
consider reaching out to the City to see if they are offering any internships or
volunteer opportunities that better match your needs. A link to current recruitments
and contact information is available on their website at ... I wish you the best of
luck!
Can you please tell me what the MERV filtration level is of your building? I would
like to serve as a literacy tutor, and the required training (two sessions, each one 3-
1/2 hours) is in the Friends Meeting Room. I am immunocompromised and
concerned about virus transmission. I will wear an N95 mask the entire time, but I
would also like to know what the MERV filtration level inside the building is so that I
know how long I can stay inside. The training is September 12 and September 19.
Many thanks!
That is wonderful that you are interested in becoming a literacy volunteer for the
Library. Thank you for checking with us. The filter rating at the Central Library is
MERV 10. I hope this information helps you in weighing your options. Best regards.
I am an event and live show photographer. I am reaching out today because I
wanted to offer my services. I saw that you have Sunday Musicale events. I am a
lover of music and libraries, and wondered if the musicians and the library wanted
photos of the shows and events. I typically take photos of live improv comedy and
stand up shows in Los Angeles, but I live and work in Orange County, so I would
love to offer my services to somewhere a little more local. Thank you for your time
and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for contacting the Library to offer your photography services for our
Sunday Musicale programs. The Library has a Marketing Specialist to take
photographs at Library programs and events. I thank you again for reaching out to
the Library.
I’m looking for a job at the Newport Beach Central Library. I don’t see a listing on
the website. I’m very eager if there’s a good fit to work there. Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in working for the Library! All of our job openings are
posted on the City’s website here ... You can also fill out a job interest card on the
City’s website to be notified by email whenever a new job in the Library is posted ...
I hope that helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you.
May I donate books at this location? Thank you for thinking of us! Yes, the Friends of the Library are accepting book
donations on the Library’s behalf. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from
10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., but you may drop donations off at any location during
normal business hours. If you would like to make an appointment for a larger
donation drop off, please call the Friends at 949-759-9667. You can find more
information about donations on their website here ... Thank you.
80
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS MAY 2024
Comment # Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
10
05/23/2024
Comment Card
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
05/24/2024
11
05/28/2024 & 05/31/2024
Email
Allison Sarnowski
Administrative Support Technician
05/29/2024 & 05/31/2024
12
05/29/2024
Email
Terry Sanchez
Programs Specialist
05/31/2024
I’m a vocalist in the Los Angeles area! I am really interested in performing at the
Newport Beach Public Library some time and was wondering if there were any
opportunities to do so! I would love to know how to make it possible! Looking
forward to hearing from you!
Thank you for your interest in performing at the Newport Beach Public Library.
Unfortunately, the program committee is not scheduling vocalists for our upcoming
Musicale season. The decision was recently made to schedule instrumental
performances only for our upcoming season. Thank you again for your interest and
best of luck in all endeavors.
I’m reaching out because your website shows you have some preschool and
toddler Storytime and CdM Songs & Stories events scheduled in the following
weeks. We would like to ask if you could allow us to attend your event[s] and share
flyers with some families who might not know about the preschool program
Newport Mesa USD offers. Please let me know if this is possible. Thank you so
much in advance for your consideration ... Thank you so much for the information.
I do have a question. Do we have to inform you in advance of the days we plan to
attend the event? ... Thank you for the clarification. We will strictly adhere to the
instructions you have provided. We will use only the outside area and check in at
the Library Administration Office to inform them about our setup outside. Thank
you so much for your help.
[I would like] to let you know about our Expressive Use Policy ... Although you may
not promote the preschool or hand out flyers inside the Library at any of our
children’s programs, you may utilize the designated spaces outside the library.
Please review the policy guidelines and let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks! ... Please note our policy states, “Adults unaccompanied by a child may
not use the Children’s Room or its restroom at the Central Library or the Children’s
areas at the branches, unless accompanying or assisting a child, or with the
express advance permission of Library staff (for example, to locate and obtain
children’s materials).” Unless you have a child along, you should not actually
attend a children’s event ... As for setting up outside on the same day as a
scheduled children’s event, you do not need to let us know in advance. On the
same day though, we do ask that you check in at the Library Administration office
to let us know you would like to use the expressive area space(s). Thanks!
Jasmin Avila of Passport was so efficient, helpful, friendly, sweet, pleasant,
welcoming, and even FINISHED my application process!! I'm so blessed because
of your efficiency and carefully attentive details. Thank you Jasmin. Love you …
Jeremy Librarian was unexpectedly helpful - even got my cell phone to work faster!
I wish you have time to even mentor my 13 year old son to be prompt, full of
integrity, trustworthy, diligent, and responsible like you guys here are at the
wonderful library of N.B.
Thank you so much for taking the time to fill out the comment cards at the Central
Library and for your kind words of praise regarding Jeremy and Jasmin. I’m so glad
to hear that you found them to be helpful and pleasant. I have passed along your
compliments to them as well as their supervisors. Please don’t hesitate to reach
out if you have any other comments or concerns. Thank you.
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86
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 7
MELISSA HARTSON, LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
Board of Library Trustee Chair Paul Watkins
Chair Paul Watkins ends eight years of service on the Board of Library Trustees at the end of June. Chair
Watkins has been an engaged Trustee during his tenure on the Board. He has been unwavering in his
recognition and support of the Newport Beach Public Library as a 4-Star Library. He has held leadership
positions on the Board during his entire duration as a Trustee. As Chair for four years, he has governed
meetings with efficiency. His thoughtful contributions to shaping Library policy will leave a lasting mark.
He repeatedly served as the Trustee Liaison for the Library’s support organizations, successfully
connecting with these organizations. Chair Watkins’ guidance and support will be missed. Thank you, Chair
Watkins, for your steadfast commitment to the City of Newport Beach and its Library Services over the
past eight years.
Distinguished Citizen Program and Leadership Tomorrow
In May, I had the opportunity to speak to both the Newport Beach Foundation’s Distinguished Citizen
Program and Leadership Tomorrow participants. My presentations to both groups concentrated on a high-
level overview of the Newport Beach Public Library, including the Cultural Arts Division, and the Library’s
mission and role in serving the community.
WHEELHOUSE LIST FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEES
•57th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition
Saturday, June 29, 1 – 6 p.m.
Community Room and Upper Lawn
•Central Library 30th Anniversary Open House
Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Central Library
•Library Closure: Fourth of July
Thursday, July 4
All locations
•Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Monday, July 15, 5 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Civic Center
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Report of May Library Activities – June 17, 2024 Meeting
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Report of May Library Activities
June 17, 2024
Page 2
REBECCA LIGHTFOOT, LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
Training
Staff was able to attend a live training session on Understanding Addiction with Dr. Nicholaus Christian.
Dr. Christian provided valuable tools and resources to help patrons struggling with different types of
addiction.
Programming
In May, the Library hosted its final Sunday Musicale of the program season featuring Folias Duo, a
Michigan-based flute and guitar duo. They performed all original compositions, and our audience seemed
to really enjoy them. Monthly Sunday Musicales will resume in September.
Literacy
Project Adult Literacy currently has 74 active volunteers and 90 active learners. Nine tutors and learners
were matched in May from the waitlist. Ten new volunteers attended America Learns training on May 10.
Twenty-nine volunteers attended the May 17 in-service training.
ANNIKA HELMUTH, BRANCH AND YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR
Branch Activities
Staff at the branches worked hard readying for Summer Reading by preparing craft programs and
storytimes, posting new bulletin boards and displays, and setting up Summer Reading Program (SRP)
materials and prizes. The Mariners Branch Seed Library’s circulation continues to grow with 82 seed
packet checkouts for the month. And test proctoring requests at the Corona del Mar Branch (CdM) picked
up with end of school year exams.
Youth Services
Youth services took a programming break at the end of the month to prepare for the launch of SRP.
Special Programs
A special Star Wars themed LEGO Saturday program at the Central Library was a hit. Friendships emerged
through the building process with some great collaboration in play. Parents noted that it was fun to hear
the conversation between friends emerge from the collaborative play. The Central Library also hosted the
last BARK: Read-to-a-Dog of the season. Overall enthusiasm and support for the program highlights the
program’s success as a space that helped participants build confidence as new readers; create memorable
moments with family through reading; and provide struggling readers with a relaxed environment to focus
on their reading practice.
Class Visits
CdM Branch Librarian Nadia Dallstream and CdM Library Assistant Christina Miramontes led the Harbor
Day first grade classes for a tour of the CdM branch on May 7. The two classes also toured Fire Station 5
and then performed songs about Community Helpers to the City staff. Everyone enjoyed the tours and
performance. Students left with library cards, borrowed books, and firefighter hats and badge stickers.
First graders from Newport Elementary visited the Balboa Branch on Thursday, May 30. They were treated
to an informational tour of the children’s area, a story, and a gift bag with a Pete the Cat book and
bookmark. The students also had time to browse and check out one book.
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Report of May Library Activities
June 17, 2024
Page 3
Training
On May 2, Children’s Librarian Jasmin Avila attended the webinar Support Young Children’s Language
Learning and Pre-Literacy Skills with Music. The webinar was engaging and supported early literacy
practices while emphasizing how music heightens and advances language development.
On May 22, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Helmuth attended a California State Library: Student
Success Listening Session. During the session, State Library and local representatives discussed the Student
Success initiative which comes from new California legislation – Senate Bill (SB) 321 (Ashby). SB 321 adds
Article 5 (commencing with Section 19340) to Chapter 7 of Part 11 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education
Code, and establishes the Local Public Library Partnership Program, under the administration of the State
Librarian, for purposes of ensuring that all pupils have access to a local public library by third grade. The
listening session provided Coordinator Helmuth the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback
to the State Library regarding this initiative.
Teen Services
Teen Volunteer orientations were held on May 1 and May 18. These orientations are an opportunity for
teens and parents to learn about the volunteer application process, ask questions, complete necessary
paperwork, and sign up for small group trainings. At the busy May Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC)
meeting, teens put together Teen SRP goodie bags, completed an exit survey for the YAAC 2023-2024
season, planned a May book display for the Teen Center, and completed SRP Volunteer training. Teen
Services also hosted a college prep workshop, College Essay Writing, on May 22 that took a valuable look
at the college essay writing process and expanded the understanding of how college admissions use them.
Collegewise, the presenting organization, provided great examples, common mistakes, tips, and guiding
principles for supporting applicants.
Outreach
May is historically the busiest month for outreach in promotion of SRP, and this year was no exception,
with 17 total outreach visits and events. Youth Services staff from Central, Mariners, Balboa, and CdM
visited elementary schools in their respective services areas to promote the Library’s SRP. Reception at
each of these visits was positive as students listened with eagerness and excitement to participate. After
the presentations, many parents familiar with Library children’s programs kindly expressed their
appreciation for our library’s services. Staff also visited both Ensign Intermediate’s Art Expo and Sage Hill
School. At both events, staff offered information about summer programming (the new teen book club,
volunteer opportunities, and SRP), and Library promotional items.
In addition to elementary, middle, and high school visits, the Library was invited to present to an Adult
ESL (English as a Second Language) class that meets at CdM Middle School. Staff presented information
on the Summer Reading Program, library services, and dropped off several library brochures for the
students. Students in attendance were very interested in what the library had to offer for adults, children,
and teens along with particular interest in the Sound Lab.
Coordinator Helmuth and Mariners part-time Library Clerk Nicole Osterman also attended Public Works’
annual Touch-a-Truck event on May 18. In the Library’s first year attending the event, 985 community
members visited the Library’s table to learn more about SRP, pick up free library-branded items and spin
the prize wheel. Staff answered questions about 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, how to get a library
card, and other general inquires. Many expressed their love for the Library as they walked by.
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Report of May Library Activities
June 17, 2024
Page 4
Staff reached over 5,500 community members through outreach events in May. These events are a great
opportunity for staff to connect with the public and promote Library services.
ANDREW KACHATURIAN, CIRCULATION AND TECHNICAL PROCESSING COORDINATOR
Staffing
The Circulation Department is still working to fill some vacancies. There are two open part-time Library
Clerk positions with one candidate in background and three open Library Page positions also with one
candidate in background. Interviews will resume in June for the remaining vacancies.
Facilities
The planned closure at Mariners branch was from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, May 31, for
emergency fire sprinkler repairs, but reopened one day early as repairs went smoothly. Staff offered
curbside service, which patrons welcomed. Public Works plans to have the entire branch surveyed to
ensure there are no further issues with the fire sprinkler system.
The Mariners parking lot was slurried during the Memorial Day closure on Monday, May 27.
90
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024
Tracked by #searches
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Alexander Street ** ** ** ** ** 82 37 119 559 238 0 1035
Ancestry 976 937 881 451 789 91 183 296 290 168 152 5214
AskART 55 22 71 17 18 9 171612 712 256
Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow 82 48 43 21 37 20 21 25 94 281 160 832
Britannica School Edition 23 4 126 613 50 357 49 23 103 395 4344 6087
Exploring Race in Society 2 0 14 7 2 0 10 10 10 5 6 66
Gale Archives Unbound 1977 7446 1971 2410 7450 2190 3506 1318 1533 2409 13359 45569
Gale Directory Library 17 2 0 77 9 17 5 52 33 10 16 238
Gale in Context: Biography 9 7 21 64 18 4 23 7 43 22 106 324
Gale in Context: Elementary 10 23 10 30 12 5 2 11 10 4 0 117
Gale in Context: Environmental * * * 12 21 1 86200 50
Gale in Context: Opposing View 8 1 33 54 1078 76 129 68 27 34 62 1570
Gale Interactive: Science * * * 1 0 0 201013 17
Gale Literature Resource Center 8 2 14 53 15 8 42 1306 1330 291 38 3107
Gale Virtual Reference Library 46 28 12 33 209 21 33 34 65 58 56 595
HeritageQuest 224 241 140 92 233 95 118 50 284 368 0 1845
Legal Information Ref Center 72 65 25 28 33 23 75 118 80 108 54 681
National Geographic 24 14 62 38 28 21 32 26 46 24 298 613
National Geographic Kids 23 13 45 53 21 3 17 20 28 14 150 387
NewsBank 1292 1211 1634 1190 1092 1084 1992 1250 1048 1350 1254 14397
NoveList Plus 48 84 37 423 225 112 65 150 63 50 40 1297
NoveList K-8 Plus 22 44 22 72 36 0 8 24 14 8 10 260
ProQuest 2587 2605 2748 3262 3259 3073 5157 3937 3188 2696 3463 35975
Proquest eLibrary 2 4 1 7 1 0 18 5 10 24 4 76
Reference Solutions Business 1883 614 389 481 337 159 202 445 470 530 480 5990
Reference Solutions Residential 91 32 34 866 19 156 14 17 30 25 26 1310
SIRS Discoverer 0 3 15 260 454 0 83 99 1620 921 276 3731
SIRS Issues Researcher 192 3 4 675 2331 1692 5034 6284 7920 6194 2244 32573
World Book Online 4 8 99 225 49 6 11 261 22 13 126 824
Tracked by #page views
Artist Works 4 3 3 1 6 5 34836 46
Consumer Reports 3496 2508 2216 2099 3030 2099 3005 1826 1774 2051 2104 26208
CultureGrams 26 45 22 224 30 34 32 22 11 52 215 713
Morningstar 5899 5543 3825 4267 4883 4093 3998 3894 3115 3239 3616 46372
RealQuest 11 0 403 5 2 0 0 43 130 825 1 1420
Tumblebooks 12 24 16 89 19 13 5 27 10 5 19 239
Value Line 13295 11823 13609 15082 16193 12548 9703 11421 13572 14804 16133 148183
Tracked by courses
LinkedIn Learning 349 190 200 235 162 151 264 185 191 200 172
2299
Tracked by books logged
Beanstack 10374 4111 3584 3762 3903 1765 3535 2548 2720 2822 2525 41649
Tracked by Hours Used
ABC Mouse 27.68 30.40 18.77 20.53 25.83 43.01 56.18 52.95 19.83 13.42 9.53 318.13
Beanstack 4603 199 103 153 142 119 129 108.5 161 116 830 6664
Rosetta Stone 16.12 47.18 23.15 37.60 24.80 17.23 25.51 21.68 32.80 42.30 49.05 337.42
Notes:
* Began October 2023
** Began December 2023
*** Information unavailable at this time. Will add when received.
Database FY Comparisons YTD 23/24
Proquest Articles Retrieved 2023-2024
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun AVG.
Business Databases 1322 943 1235 1568 1498 1756 2099 1719 1600 1425 1274 1494
Newspapers--Current 656 1022 919 941 580 805 1578 1518 1077 956 1583 1058
Newspapers--Historical 1966 3410 1962 2116 2144 2078 1914 1523 1922 1966 2181 2107
Magazines 19 22 12 36 49 25 38 23 18 2 18 24
91
NBPL Website Usage 2023-24
Metric Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Total Users 23559 23192 20322 20852 19689 19396 22873 21750 21802 23637 31515 22599 248587
New Users 22806 22634 19381 19876 18796 18098 21385 20253 19617 19584 26452 20807 228882
Sessions 44852 41809 38321 39420 36151 35900 43569 41485 40363 42232 57911 42001 462013
Pageviews 97997 72390 67543 67569 62349 57142 74055 71726 70921 82803 89557 74005 814052
Sessions Per User 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 --
Pages Per Session 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 --
Avg. Session Dur. (min)3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 5 3 --
Bounce Rate (%)54 58 56 58 57 60 58 58 57 57 52 57 --
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Total Data Transferred (GB) 2023-24
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 240 157 342 257 478 206 503 594 165 152 146 294 3239
CdM 220 242 144 153 108 124 175 163 170 139 99 158 1737
Mariners 1710 1500 1660 1900 1830 2810 2380 2070 1890 1960 1480 1926 21190
Central 11410 12170 12450 11900 10690 10040 11170 10640 11450 11090 13060 11461 126070
Total 13580 14069 14596 14210 13106 13180 14228 13467 13675 13341 14786 13840 152236
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Total Unique Patrons 2023-24
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 518 445 401 377 331 333 284 293 303 270 293 350 3848
CdM 470 449 392 409 330 322 321 329 375 335 296 366 4028
Mariners 1575 1578 1679 1789 1541 1279 1267 1209 1388 1288 1258 1441 15851
Central 8775 9524 9451 9593 8811 8795 8136 7983 8929 8715 9220 8903 97932
Total 11338 11996 11923 12168 11013 10729 10008 9814 10995 10608 11067 11060 121659
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Average Number of Patrons Per Day 2023-24
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 44 41 40 37 33 31 31 28 26 27 29 33 367
CdM 30 30 26 25 21 21 22 23 25 20 17 24 260
Mariners 124 125 139 151 128 109 112 112 122 121 104 122 1347
Central 654 661 651 684 604 583 563 608 599 641 641 626 6889
Total 852 857 856 897 786 744 728 771 772 809 791 806 8863
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Average Usage Per Patron (MB) 2023-24
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 474 361 874 698 1440 632 1770 2030 558 576 511 902 9924
CdM 480 552 376 382 336 394 558 509 463 424 344 438 4817
Mariners 1110 999 1010 1090 1210 2250 1920 1750 1390 1560 1210 1409 15499
Central 1330 1310 1350 1270 1240 1170 1410 1360 1310 1300 1450 1318 14500
Total 3394 3222 3610 3440 4226 4446 5658 5649 3721 3860 3515 4067 44740
92
MAY 24 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 2,842 26,070 28,006
CdM 4,102 41,487 34,965
MARINERS 20,037 233,565 225,959
CENTRAL 47,979 569,635 609,775
eBooks 7,924 86,816 79,515
eMagazines 5,439 51,932 22,100
eAudiobooks 7,074 72,057 66,377
Streaming Films 3,442 28,408 8,081
TOTAL 98,839 1,109,970 1,074,778
JUN 23 98,173
JUL 23 104,890
AUG 23 102,859
SEP 23 100,092
OCT 23 102,739
NOV 23 98,850
DEC 23 95,713
JAN 24 104,644
FEB 24 96,746
MAR 24 104,354
APR 24 100,244
MAY 24 98,839
TOTAL 1,208,143
12 Month Comparison
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - MAY 2024
CIRCULATION
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
eBooks
eMagazines
eAudiobooks
Streaming Films
92,000
94,000
96,000
98,000
100,000
102,000
104,000
106,000
108,000
JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23 SEP 23 OCT 23 NOV 23 DEC 23 JAN 24 FEB 24 MAR 24 APR 24 MAY 24
1,598,265
1,610,818
1,529,391
1,464,640
1,424,594
1,376,041
1,084,526
1,043,629
1,195,151 1,172,951
1,000,000
1,125,000
1,250,000
1,375,000
1,500,000
1,625,000
1,750,000
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 FY 22/23
CIRCULATION
93
MAY 24 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 368 4,193 3,627
CdM 458 6,144 7,113
MARINERS 1,771 21,923 19,965
CENTRAL 7,005 72,020 66,837
TOTAL 9,602 104,280 97,542
12 Month Comparison
JUN 23 10,700
JUL 23 10,933
AUG 23 10,069
SEP 23 9,437
OCT 23 8,984
NOV 23 8,384
DEC 23 7,645
JAN 24 9,811
FEB 24 9,654
MAR 24 10,057
APR 24 9,704
MAY 24 9,602
TOTAL 114,980
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - MAY 2024
REFERENCE
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23 SEP 23 OCT 23 NOV 23 DEC 23 JAN 24 FEB 24 MAR 24 APR 24 MAY 24
190,391 168,496
162,510
157,149
156,521
163,392
131,445
78,088
105,958
108,242
70,000
90,000
110,000
130,000
150,000
170,000
190,000
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 FY 22/23
REFERENCE
94
MAY 24 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 2,220 22,701 23,251
CdM 2,697 32,622 28,658
MARINERS 12,645 145,496 130,103
CENTRAL 34,795 397,554 388,603
TOTAL 52,357 598,373 570,615
12 Month Comparison
JUN 23 52,680
JUL 23 55,882
AUG 23 56,811
SEP 23 54,320
OCT 23 56,126
NOV 23 48,061
DEC 23 47,392
JAN 24 63,061
FEB 24 53,105
MAR 24 54,930
APR 24 56,328
MAY 24 52,357
TOTAL 651,053
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - MAY 2024
PATRONS SERVED
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
46,000
48,000
50,000
52,000
54,000
56,000
58,000
60,000
62,000
64,000
JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23 SEP 23 OCT 23 NOV 23 DEC 23 JAN 24 FEB 24 MAR 24 APR 24 MAY 24
1,399,841
1,256,238 1,209,719
1,102,106
1,158,344
935,953
636,072
145,463
512,178 623,295
100,000
300,000
500,000
700,000
900,000
1,100,000
1,300,000
1,500,000
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 FY 22/23
PATRONS SERVED IN LIBRARY
95
MAY 24 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 680 2,982 1,864
CdM 1,520 11,496 7,275
MARINERS 2,528 15,850 9,700
CENTRAL 8,165 68,855 51,784
TOTAL 12,893 99,183 70,623
12 Month Comparison
JUN 23 7,670
JUL 23 9,541
AUG 23 3,725
SEP 23 9,851
OCT 23 10,526
NOV 23 7,448
DEC 23 7,204
JAN 24 8,800
FEB 24 9,057
MAR 24 10,506
APR 24 9,632
MAY 24 12,893
TOTAL 106,853
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - MAY 2024
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
14,000
JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23 SEP 23 OCT 23 NOV 23 DEC 23 JAN 24 FEB 24 MAR 24 APR 24 MAY 24
49,977
64,473
67,646 69,922
70,430
68,241
68,078
52,678
64,397
78,293
45,000
55,000
65,000
75,000
85,000
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 FY 22/23
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
96
LIBRARY EXPENDITURES FY 2023-24
(June 3, 2024)
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
ORIGINAL
APPROP
REVISED
BUDGET
YTD
EXPENDED
MONTHLY
EXPENDED
AVAILABLE
BUDGET
I SALARY & BENEFITS
SALARY FULL-TIME REGULAR 3,156,337 3,156,337 2,716,473 241,247 439,864
SALARY PART-TIME 1,279,860 1,324,256 791,390 72,884 532,867
BENEFITS 2,247,901 2,371,705 2,033,411 174,558 338,295
SALARY & BENEFITS TOTAL 6,684,098 6,852,299 5,541,273 488,689 1,311,026
II MAINT & OPERATION
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE*207,488 207,488 184,357 1,965 23,131
UTILITIES 372,933 372,933 323,769 24,825 49,164
PROGRAMMING 2,000 5,800 2,966 150 2,834
SUPPLIES**82,800 84,186 79,097 8,735 5,090
LIBRARY MATERIALS 669,740 676,603 636,538 11,274 40,065
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 250,275 260,864 215,171 41,541 45,693
TRAINING AND TRAVEL 10,681 10,681 9,947 1,062 734
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES***24,202 25,920 22,885 774 3,036
PERIPHERALS & SOFTWARE 5,000 3,960 2,269 2,155 1,691
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 1,693,396 1,693,396 1,552,280 141,116 141,116
OFFICE EQUIPMENT 2,000 2,000 379 0 1,621
MAINT & OPERATION TOTAL 3,320,516 3,343,833 3,029,659 233,596 314,174
LIBRARY BUDGET TOTAL 10,004,613 10,196,132 8,570,932 722,286 1,625,200
*PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - INCLUDE OUTSIDE PRINTING, JANITORIAL, WINDOW SERVICE
**INCLUDES OFFICE , PROCESSING AND JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
***INCLUDES, ADVERTISING, DUES, EVENT INSURANCE
97
Previous
Agenda Date AGENDA ITEM Scheduled
Agenda Date
Ongoing Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing
Jun 19, 2023 Jun 17, 2024
Jul 17, 2023 Jul 15, 2024
Jul 17, 2023 Jul 15, 2024
Jun 19, 2023 Jul 15, 2024
Aug 21, 2023 Aug 19, 2024
Aug 21, 2023 Aug 19, 2024
Sep 18, 2023 Sep 16, 2024
Oct 16, 2023 Oct 21, 2024
Oct 16, 2023 Oct 21, 2024
Dec 11, 2023 Dec 16, 2024
Jan 16, 2024 Jan 21, 2025
Feb 26, 2024 Feb 18, 2025
Feb 26, 2024 Feb 18, 2025
Mar 18, 2024 Mar 17, 2025
Apr 15, 2024 Apr 21, 2025
Apr 15, 2024 Apr 21, 2025
May 20, 2024 May 19, 2025
May 20, 2024 May 19, 2025
May 20, 2024 May 19, 2025
LAST
REVIEWED POLICY REVIEW
May 20, 2024 NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy Jun 17, 2024
Jul 18, 2022 CC I-1 Library Services Policy (Council Policy I -1)Jul 15, 2024
Sep 19, 2022 NBPL 9 Expressive Use Areas Sep 16, 2024
Nov 21, 2022 NBPL 6 Media Lab Use Policy Nov 18, 2024
Nov 21, 2022 NBPL 7 Sound Lab Use Policy Nov 18, 2024
Jan 17, 2023 NBPL 12 Circulation Policy Jan 21, 2025
Jan 17, 2023 NBPL 5 Internet Use Policy Jan 21, 2025
Jan 17, 2023 NBPL 11 Rules for Acceptable Use of Wireless Internet Connections Jan 21, 2025
Feb 21, 2023 NBPL 8 Display and Distribution of Materials Policy Feb 18, 2025
Apr 17, 2023 NBPL 1 Library Use Policy Apr 21, 2025
Apr 17, 2023 NBPL 13 Study Rooms/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy Apr 21, 2025
Jun 19, 2023 NBPL 4 Children in the Library Policy Jun 16, 2025
Aug 21, 2023 NBPL 14 The Friends Meeting Room Aug 18, 2025
Dec 11, 2023 NBPL 10 Laptop Borrowing Policy Dec 15, 2025
Mar 18, 2024 NBPL 3 Library Gift and Donor Policy Mar 16, 2026
Marketing Update & Social Networking Update
Media Lab Update
Proposed Library Closures for Winter Holidays
Youth Services Update
Election of Board of Library Trustees Officers/Trustee Liaisons
Arts & Cultural Update
Newport Beach Public Library eBranch, Database and Downloadable Services Review
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MONITORING LIST
Lecture Hall Update
Policy Review (See List Below)
Branch Update - Mariners
Review Holidays / Meeting Schedule
Performance Review of Library Services Director (Closed Session)
Annual Budget - Approval
Branch Update - CDM
Financial Report Comparison of Beginning Budget to End of the Year Amended Budget
Literacy Program Update
Library Material Selection
Information Technology Update
Adult and Reference Services Update
Branch Update - Balboa
Annual Budget - Preliminary Review
98
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 10
RECOMMENDATION:
The Children’s Collection Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee will present its recommended amendments
to Library Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development Policy, for the Board of Library Trustees to review and
approve.
DISCUSSION:
At the November 11, 2023, Board of Library Trustees (Board) meeting, Chair Paul Watkins appointed Vice
Chair Dorothy Larson and Trustee Antonella Castro to serve on the Children’s Collection Development Ad
Hoc Subcommittee. The ad hoc subcommittee was formed to determine whether a Children’s Collection
Development Policy is necessary and, if the policy is needed whether it should be a separate policy or
incorporated into the existing Library Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development Policy.
At the May 20, 2024, Board meeting, the Subcommittee presented its draft recommendations to the
Board. Their recommendations were to incorporate amendments regarding children’s collection
development within the existing Collection Development Policy. The proposed amendments were
presented to the Board for their review and discussion at the May meeting. The Subcommittee
reconvened after the May meeting to further refine its recommendations and receive input from the City
Attorney’s Office resulting in the Subcommittee’s currently proposed amendments to the Collection
Development Policy.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2) - original
ATTACHMENT B: Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2) - redline
ATTACHMENT C: Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2) - revised
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Children’s Collection Development Policy
99
1
NBPL 2
Collection Development Policy
The Library seeks to provide breadth and depth within the collection, various points of view, and
differing formats. The Library endeavors to balance materials of permanent value with those of
current interest. Materials are selected based on their content as a whole, not on selected excerpts.
Race, nationality, or political, social, moral, or religious views of an author will not affect the
selection of materials.
Collection Objectives
It is the intent of the Board of Library Trustees (“Board”) that the Newport Beach Public Library
provides a contemporary, relevant collection of resources in order to meet the informational,
educational and recreational needs of the entire community. The Library strives to meet these
needs within the limitations of space, budget and availability of items.
Selection is based on merit of the work; value of the work within the collection; and the needs and
interests of the community. Consideration is given to specific types of material; to materials for
specific age groups; to materials for special interests of patrons; and to differing formats of
materials. These selection criteria will apply equally to materials purchased and to those accepted
as gifts.
Responsibility of Selection
Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Services Director (“Director”),
who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The Director
delegates the major responsibility of materials selection to the Librarians on staff.
Guidelines for Materials Selection
Collection Development is based on these specific criteria:
•Community needs, interests and demands
•Significance and compatibility of the work to the collection
•Recommendations of reviews from professional journals or publications of national repute
•Reputation and qualifications of the author, illustrator, publisher or producer
•Availability of other information on the subject
•Literary, artistic, historical, scientific or intellectual merit
•Suitability of format
•Author or creator already has popular works in the collection
•Significance of the author’s work to the Newport Beach area
•Suitability of subject and style to intended audience
The importance or weight of each of these factors will vary from one acquisition to another, others
may be considered, and materials for adults, teens and children will each be judged differently.
Patrons making requests that items be added to the permanent collection will be referred to the
“Suggest a Title” form located on the Library’s website. Suggestions from Library patrons are
encouraged and receive serious consideration.
ATTACHMENT A
100
2
Reciprocal Lending
Many items which are not in the collection are available to Library patrons, through established
interlibrary loan practices. Concurrently, the Library participates in universal borrowing, established
by the California Library Services Act, Article 4, California Education Code Section 18731, which
states, “A California public library may participate in universal borrowing. A public library
participating in universal borrowing shall not exclude the residents of any jurisdiction maintaining a
public library.” This allows Newport Beach Public Library patrons direct access to materials housed
in other participating public libraries in Orange County and throughout the State of California.
Patron Rights
The Library believes that the use of library materials is an individual and private matter. Parents and
caregivers have the primary responsibility to guide and direct the use of library materials by the
minor children under their care and supervision.
In support of the above principles, in general the Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and The
Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association Council.
Library patrons with concerns about a specific title in the collection shall be provided with a copy of
this Policy and asked to complete the "Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources" form,
Attachment I to this Policy.
Library staff shall evaluate the material, based on this Policy. A recommendation shall be forwarded
to the Director who shall respond in writing to the patron (“Director’s Decision”). Once the Director
has made the Director’s Decision, copies of the Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources
and the Director’s Decision shall be provided to the Board at its subsequent regular meeting.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Policy, any materials in the Children’s
Collection or Teen Collection considered not age appropriate by the Director will be relocated to
another Library location or the Director may take other actions pursuant to the Collection
Maintenance section in this Policy. If a patron disagrees with the Director’s Decision, the patron
may appeal to the Board for final resolution. The appeal shall be filed on the “Application for Appeal
of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of Library Trustees” (“Appeal Application”), and the
Board’s final resolution shall be determined in accordance with the “Procedures for Patron’s Appeal
of Evaluation to the Board of Library Trustees” (“Procedures”). The Appeal Application and the
Procedures are set forth in Attachment II to this Policy.
Donations
The Library only accepts materials in useable condition. All donations become the sole property of
the Newport Beach Public Library upon receipt and cannot be returned. The Library reserves the
right to decide whether donated items are added to the collection and to determine the conditions
of display, storage and access.
All donated materials added to the collection must meet the same collection criteria as purchased
materials. Donated items not added to the collection are given to the Friends of the Newport Beach
Public Library for sale in their bookstore. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library Bookstore
directly benefit the Library.
101
3
Collection Maintenance
The Library and the Director are continually evaluating the collection and, on their own initiative,
may take actions with respect to the collection based on this Policy.
To maintain the quality and relevance of the collection, the Library regularly withdraws materials
that are worn, outdated, superseded or obsolete. Space limitations require that duplicate copies no
longer in demand also be withdrawn.
As materials become worn, damaged, or lost, replacement will be based on whether or not:
•The item is still available
•There is an ongoing demand or need
•Another item or format might better serve the same purpose
•Updated, newer, or revised materials would better replace a given item
•Another library system could better provide the item or a comparable item in the future
[Attachment I – Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources]
[Attachment II – Application for Appeal of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of Library
Trustees and Procedures for Patron’s Appeal of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of
Library Trustees]
Adopted - October 22, 1990
Amended - October 28, 1991
Amended - January 24, 1994
Reassigned - April 8, 2003
Corrected (Att. II) – October 10, 2006
Revisions Approved – November 16, 2010
Amendments Approved by City Council – September 27, 2011
Amended – August 20, 2018
Formerly I-16
Amended – August 17, 2020
Amended – August 15, 2022
Amended – September 18, 2023
Amended – October 16, 2023
Amended – January 16, 2024
This Policy will be periodically reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees on the first to occur of (i) as
circumstances may require or (ii) every two years from the date of adoption, last amendment, or last
review. Adopted, last amended, or last reviewed on January 16, 2024.
102
1
NBPL 2
Collection Development Policy
The Library seeks to provide breadth and depth within the collection, various points of view, and
differing formats. The Library endeavors to balance materials of permanent value with those of
current interest. Materials are selected based on their content as a whole, not on selected excerpts.
Race, nationality, or political, social, moral, or religious views of an author will not affect the
selection of materials. Inclusion of an item in the Library’s collection does not mean the Library
staff, Board of Library Trustees, or the City of Newport Beach endorses the contents, views, or
objectives expressed in that item.
Collection Objectives
It is the intent of the Board of Library Trustees (“Board”) that the Newport Beach Public Library
provides a contemporary, relevant collection of resources in order to meet the informational,
educational and recreational needs of the entire community. The Library strives to meet these
needs within the limitations of space, budget, and availability of items.
Selection is based on merit of the work; value of the work within the collection; and the needs and
interests of the community. Consideration is given to specific types of material; to materials for
specific age groups; to materials for special interests of patrons; and to differing formats of
materials. These selection criteria will apply equally to materials purchased and to those accepted
as gifts.
With respect to the Library’s children’s collection (the “Children’s Collection”), the desire of the
Board and Library staff is to curate a Children’s Collection that serves the informational,
educational, social, spiritual, and emotional learning needs, development, and recreational reading
requirements appropriate for child patrons (through sixth grade) within the City of Newport Beach.
Responsibility of Selection
Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Services Director (“Director”),
who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The Director
delegates the major responsibility of materials selection to the Librarians on staff.
The responsibility for material selection for the Children’s Collection ultimately rests with the
Director, however, it is the desire of the Board that there be a staff member appointed as the
Children’s Collection Coordinator (the “Coordinator”). The Coordinator is responsible for
developing proposed lists of materials for procurement for the Children’s prior to acquiring any
materials for the Children’s Collection. Each Proposed List will be provided to the Director for
review and approval. Material that is on controversial topics must be read by the Director or
Coordinator to determine whether or not they belong in the Children’s Collection prior to being put
into circulation. In addition to the Director’s objective professional opinion and the criteria in this
Policy, the Director will also take into account independent book reviews (i.e. non-paid reviews),
literary awards and patron demand and interest. Once the Director approves items on a Proposed
List, the Coordinator may proceed with procuring the Approved Materials.
For purposes of the Children’s Collection, the term “controversial topics” means material that
addresses (either in written or illustrative form) material that may not be considered age
appropriate, such as: violence, sexual relationships, and/or gender identity.
ATTACHMENT B
103
2
Guidelines for Materials Selection
Collection Development is based on these specific criteria:
•Community needs, interests and demands
•Significance and compatibility of the work to the collection
•Recommendations of reviews from professional journals or publications of national repute
•Reputation and qualifications of the author, illustrator, publisher or producer
•Availability of other information on the subject
•Literary, artistic, historical, scientific or intellectual merit
•Suitability of format
•Author or creator already has popular works in the collection
•Significance of the author’s work to the Newport Beach area
•Suitability of subject and style to intended audience
The importance or weight of each of these factors will vary from one acquisition to another, others
may be considered, and materials for adults, teens and children will each be judged differently.
Additional guidelines for selection of children’s materials include the following:
•Subject matter is age appropriate, which is defined as material that is suitable to particular
ages or age groups of children and adolescents, based on developing cognitive, emotion,
and behavioral capacity typical for the age or age group. Further, for purposes of the
Children’s Collection, the determination of whether or not material is “age appropriate” will
not be based solely on reading level (e.g. whether a third party review has determined it
appropriate for third through eighth grades) as such a broad age range does not take into
account the fact that children have reached varied social and emotional maturity levels at
different stages, nor does it take into consideration whether there is an alternative work on
the same subject matter that may be more consistent with this Policy.
•Illustrations (visual literacy) should be age appropriate and evaluated just like the written
word. Moreover, children’s books containing sexually graphic or violent pictures should be
closely evaluated to determine whether there is a better alternative on the same subject
matter absent such illustrations.
•Consideration is given to the need, contribution, and suitability of the material with regard
to the informational, educational, social, spiritual, and emotional development of children.
•Take into consideration the varied interests, abilities and maturity levels of the children
served.
•The Children’s Collection should reflect diverse points of view and the materials purchased
should create a balanced approach. For controversial topics, effort should be made to select
material that is most age appropriate and the Coordinator along with the Director should
review these materials prior to purchase or in the case of pre-purchase ordering once the
material is received prior to placing it in circulation to determine whether or not it is
consistent with the current Policy.
Patrons making requests that items be added to the permanent collection will be referred to the
“Suggest a Title” form located on the Library’s website. Suggestions from Library patrons are
encouraged and receive serious consideration.
104
3
Third Party Vendors
There is a preference for independent objective vendors. Any third party vendor contracted by the
Library must be provided a copy of this Policy and contractually required to abide by the terms
herein (meaning, this Policy will be attached to and incorporated into any contract for the provision
of collection materials). Further, the Director will provide the Board with drafts of the staff’s
request for proposals prior to them being sent out as well as copies of all responses. No binding
contracts will be executed without the Board’s review of the vendor being contracted and the terms
and conditions contained in such agreement. Notwithstanding anything the contrary contained
herein with respect to third party contracting, contracting with third party vendors shall comply
with all laws applicable to local public agencies related to contracting for services including Newport
Beach City Council’s Policy F-14.
Library Displays, Programming, and Prizes
Children’s displays, programming, and prizes will follow the guidelines in this Policy. If the Director
wants to deviate from this Policy they will first present any such proposed deviation to the Board
for approval.
Reciprocal Lending
Many items which are not in the collection are available to Library patrons, through established
interlibrary loan practices. Concurrently, the Library participates in universal borrowing, established
by the California Library Services Act, Article 4, California Education Code Section 18731, which
states, “A California public library may participate in universal borrowing. A public library
participating in universal borrowing shall not exclude the residents of any jurisdiction maintaining a
public library.” This allows Newport Beach Public Library patrons direct access to materials housed
in other participating public libraries in Orange County and throughout the State of California.
Patron Rights
The Library believes that the use of library materials is an individual and private matter. Parents and
caregivers have the primary responsibility to guide and direct the use of library materials by the
minor children under their care and supervision.
In support of the above principles, in general the Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and The
Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association Council.
Library patrons with concerns about a specific title in the collection shall be provided with a copy of
this Policy and asked to complete the "Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources" form,
Attachment I to this Policy.
Library staff shall evaluate the material, based on this Policy. A recommendation shall be forwarded
to the Director who shall respond in writing to the patron (“Director’s Decision”). Once the Director
has made the Director’s Decision, copies of the Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources
and the Director’s Decision shall be provided to the Board at its subsequent regular meeting.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Policy, any materials in the Children’s
Collection or Teen Collection considered not age appropriate by the Director will be relocated to
another Library location or the Director may take other actions pursuant to the Collection
Maintenance section in this Policy. If a patron disagrees with the Director’s Decision, the patron
may appeal to the Board for final resolution. The appeal shall be filed on the “Application for Appeal
of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of Library Trustees” (“Appeal Application”), and the
Board’s final resolution shall be determined in accordance with the “Procedures for Patron’s Appeal
105
4
of Evaluation to the Board of Library Trustees” (“Procedures”). The Appeal Application and the
Procedures are set forth in Attachment II to this Policy.
The Board also has the right to call for review any material contained in the Library and request the
Director and/or any staff member to participate in its review.
Donations
The Library only accepts materials in useable condition. All donations become the sole property of
the Newport Beach Public Library upon receipt and cannot be returned. The Library reserves the
right to decide whether donated items are added to the collection and to determine the conditions
of display, storage, and access.
All donated materials added to the collection must meet the same collection criteria as purchased
materials. Donated items not added to the collection are given to the Friends of the Newport Beach
Public Library for sale in their bookstore. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library Bookstore
directly benefit the Library.
Collection Maintenance
The Library and the Director are continually evaluating the collection and, on their own initiative,
may take actions with respect to the collection based on this Policy.
To maintain the quality and relevance of the collection, the Library regularly withdraws materials
that are worn, outdated, superseded or obsolete. Space limitations require that duplicate copies no
longer in demand also be withdrawn.
As materials become worn, damaged, or lost, replacement will be based on whether or not:
•The item is still available
•There is an ongoing demand or need
•Another item or format might better serve the same purpose
•Updated, newer, or revised materials would better replace a given item
•Another library system could better provide the item or a comparable item in the future
[Attachment I – Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources]
[Attachment II – Application for Appeal of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of Library
Trustees and Procedures for Patron’s Appeal of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of
Library Trustees]
Adopted - October 22, 1990
Amended - October 28, 1991
Amended - January 24, 1994
Reassigned - April 8, 2003
Corrected (Att. II) – October 10, 2006
Revisions Approved – November 16, 2010
Amendments Approved by City Council – September 27, 2011
Amended – August 20, 2018
106
5
Formerly I-16
Amended – August 17, 2020
Amended – August 15, 2022
Amended – September 18, 2023
Amended – October 16, 2023
Amended – January 16, 2024
Reviewed – May 20, 2024
Amended – June 17, 2024
This Policy will be periodically reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees on the first to occur of (i) as
circumstances may require or (ii) every two years from the date of adoption, last amendment, or last
review. Adopted, last amended, or last reviewed on January 16June 17, 2024.
107
1
NBPL 2
Collection Development Policy
The Library seeks to provide breadth and depth within the collection, various points of view, and
differing formats. The Library endeavors to balance materials of permanent value with those of
current interest. Materials are selected based on their content as a whole, not on selected excerpts.
Race, nationality, or political, social, moral, or religious views of an author will not affect the
selection of materials. Inclusion of an item in the Library’s collection does not mean the Library
staff, Board of Library Trustees, or the City of Newport Beach endorses the contents, views, or
objectives expressed in that item.
Collection Objectives
It is the intent of the Board of Library Trustees (“Board”) that the Newport Beach Public Library
provides a contemporary, relevant collection of resources in order to meet the informational,
educational and recreational needs of the entire community. The Library strives to meet these
needs within the limitations of space, budget, and availability of items.
Selection is based on merit of the work; value of the work within the collection; and the needs and
interests of the community. Consideration is given to specific types of material; to materials for
specific age groups; to materials for special interests of patrons; and to differing formats of
materials. These selection criteria will apply equally to materials purchased and to those accepted
as gifts.
With respect to the Library’s children’s collection (the “Children’s Collection”), the desire of the
Board and Library staff is to curate a Children’s Collection that serves the informational,
educational, social, spiritual, and emotional learning needs, development, and recreational reading
requirements appropriate for child patrons (through sixth grade) within the City of Newport Beach.
Responsibility of Selection
Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Services Director (“Director”),
who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Board. The Director delegates
the major responsibility of materials selection to the Librarians on staff.
The responsibility for material selection for the Children’s Collection ultimately rests with the
Director, however, it is the desire of the Board that there be a staff member appointed as the
Children’s Collection Coordinator (the “Coordinator”). The Coordinator is responsible for
developing proposed lists of materials for procurement for the Children’s prior to acquiring any
materials for the Children’s Collection. Each Proposed List will be provided to the Director for
review and approval. Material that is on controversial topics must be read by the Director or
Coordinator to determine whether or not they belong in the Children’s Collection prior to being put
into circulation. In addition to the Director’s objective professional opinion and the criteria in this
Policy, the Director will also take into account independent book reviews (i.e. non-paid reviews),
literary awards and patron demand and interest. Once the Director approves items on a Proposed
List, the Coordinator may proceed with procuring the Approved Materials.
For purposes of the Children’s Collection, the term “controversial topics” means material that
addresses (either in written or illustrative form) material that may not be considered age
appropriate, such as: violence, sexual relationships, and/or gender identity.
ATTACHMENT C
108
2
Guidelines for Materials Selection
Collection Development is based on these specific criteria:
• Community needs, interests and demands
• Significance and compatibility of the work to the collection
• Recommendations of reviews from professional journals or publications of national repute
• Reputation and qualifications of the author, illustrator, publisher or producer
• Availability of other information on the subject
• Literary, artistic, historical, scientific or intellectual merit
• Suitability of format
• Author or creator already has popular works in the collection
• Significance of the author’s work to the Newport Beach area
• Suitability of subject and style to intended audience
The importance or weight of each of these factors will vary from one acquisition to another, others
may be considered, and materials for adults, teens and children will each be judged differently.
Additional guidelines for selection of children’s materials include the following:
• Subject matter is age appropriate, which is defined as material that is suitable to particular
ages or age groups of children and adolescents, based on developing cognitive, emotion,
and behavioral capacity typical for the age or age group. Further, for purposes of the
Children’s Collection, the determination of whether or not material is “age appropriate” will
not be based solely on reading level (e.g. whether a third party review has determined it
appropriate for third through eighth grades) as such a broad age range does not take into
account the fact that children have reached varied social and emotional maturity levels at
different stages, nor does it take into consideration whether there is an alternative work on
the same subject matter that may be more consistent with this Policy.
• Illustrations (visual literacy) should be age appropriate and evaluated just like the written
word. Moreover, children’s books containing sexually graphic or violent pictures should be
closely evaluated to determine whether there is a better alternative on the same subject
matter absent such illustrations.
• Consideration is given to the need, contribution, and suitability of the material with regard
to the informational, educational, social, spiritual, and emotional development of children.
• Take into consideration the varied interests, abilities and maturity levels of the children
served.
• The Children’s Collection should reflect diverse points of view and the materials purchased
should create a balanced approach. For controversial topics, effort should be made to select
material that is most age appropriate and the Coordinator along with the Director should
review these materials prior to purchase or in the case of pre-purchase ordering once the
material is received prior to placing it in circulation to determine whether or not it is
consistent with the current Policy.
Patrons making requests that items be added to the permanent collection will be referred to the
“Suggest a Title” form located on the Library’s website. Suggestions from Library patrons are
encouraged and receive serious consideration.
109
3
Third Party Vendors
There is a preference for independent objective vendors. Any third party vendor contracted by the
Library must be provided a copy of this Policy and contractually required to abide by the terms
herein (meaning, this Policy will be attached to and incorporated into any contract for the provision
of collection materials). Further, the Director will provide the Board with drafts of the staff’s
request for proposals prior to them being sent out as well as copies of all responses. No binding
contracts will be executed without the Board’s review of the vendor being contracted and the terms
and conditions contained in such agreement. Notwithstanding anything the contrary contained
herein with respect to third party contracting, contracting with third party vendors shall comply
with all laws applicable to local public agencies related to contracting for services including Newport
Beach City Council’s Policy F-14.
Library Displays, Programming, and Prizes
Children’s displays, programming, and prizes will follow the guidelines in this Policy. If the Director
wants to deviate from this Policy they will first present any such proposed deviation to the Board
for approval.
Reciprocal Lending
Many items which are not in the collection are available to Library patrons, through established
interlibrary loan practices. Concurrently, the Library participates in universal borrowing, established
by the California Library Services Act, Article 4, California Education Code Section 18731, which
states, “A California public library may participate in universal borrowing. A public library
participating in universal borrowing shall not exclude the residents of any jurisdiction maintaining a
public library.” This allows Newport Beach Public Library patrons direct access to materials housed
in other participating public libraries in Orange County and throughout the State of California.
Patron Rights
The Library believes that the use of library materials is an individual and private matter. Parents and
caregivers have the primary responsibility to guide and direct the use of library materials by the
minor children under their care and supervision.
In support of the above principles, in general the Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and The
Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association Council.
Library patrons with concerns about a specific title in the collection shall be provided with a copy of
this Policy and asked to complete the "Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources" form,
Attachment I to this Policy.
Library staff shall evaluate the material, based on this Policy. A recommendation shall be forwarded
to the Director who shall respond in writing to the patron (“Director’s Decision”). Once the Director
has made the Director’s Decision, copies of the Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources
and the Director’s Decision shall be provided to the Board at its subsequent regular meeting.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Policy, any materials in the Children’s
Collection or Teen Collection considered not age appropriate by the Director will be relocated to
another Library location or the Director may take other actions pursuant to the Collection
Maintenance section in this Policy. If a patron disagrees with the Director’s Decision, the patron
may appeal to the Board for final resolution. The appeal shall be filed on the “Application for Appeal
of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of Library Trustees” (“Appeal Application”), and the
Board’s final resolution shall be determined in accordance with the “Procedures for Patron’s Appeal
110
4
of Evaluation to the Board of Library Trustees” (“Procedures”). The Appeal Application and the
Procedures are set forth in Attachment II to this Policy.
The Board also has the right to call for review any material contained in the Library and request the
Director and/or any staff member to participate in its review.
Donations
The Library only accepts materials in useable condition. All donations become the sole property of
the Newport Beach Public Library upon receipt and cannot be returned. The Library reserves the
right to decide whether donated items are added to the collection and to determine the conditions
of display, storage, and access.
All donated materials added to the collection must meet the same collection criteria as purchased
materials. Donated items not added to the collection are given to the Friends of the Newport Beach
Public Library for sale in their bookstore. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library Bookstore
directly benefit the Library.
Collection Maintenance
The Library and the Director are continually evaluating the collection and, on their own initiative,
may take actions with respect to the collection based on this Policy.
To maintain the quality and relevance of the collection, the Library regularly withdraws materials
that are worn, outdated, superseded or obsolete. Space limitations require that duplicate copies no
longer in demand also be withdrawn.
As materials become worn, damaged, or lost, replacement will be based on whether or not:
• The item is still available
• There is an ongoing demand or need
• Another item or format might better serve the same purpose
• Updated, newer, or revised materials would better replace a given item
• Another library system could better provide the item or a comparable item in the future
[Attachment I – Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources]
[Attachment II – Application for Appeal of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of Library
Trustees and Procedures for Patron’s Appeal of Evaluation of Library Resources to the Board of
Library Trustees]
Adopted - October 22, 1990
Amended - October 28, 1991
Amended - January 24, 1994
Reassigned - April 8, 2003
Corrected (Att. II) – October 10, 2006
Revisions Approved – November 16, 2010
Amendments Approved by City Council – September 27, 2011
Amended – August 20, 2018
111
5
Formerly I-16
Amended – August 17, 2020
Amended – August 15, 2022
Amended – September 18, 2023
Amended – October 16, 2023
Amended – January 16, 2024
Reviewed – May 20, 2024
Amended – June 17, 2024
This Policy will be periodically reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees on the first to occur of (i) as
circumstances may require or (ii) every two years from the date of adoption, last amendment, or last
review. Adopted, last amended, or last reviewed on June 17, 2024.
112
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 11
ABSTRACT:
The Library’s City Council approved budget for fiscal year 2023-24 was $10,004,613. Throughout the year,
the original appropriation has increased through budget amendments due to the addition of donations
and grants to the Library. These funds increased the Library’s budget by $299,690 to a total of
$10,304,303.
DISCUSSION:
The Library’s Maintenance and Operations Budget is amended when we receive funds from grants,
donations, and gifts. Most of the additional funding is received from the Newport Beach Public Library
Foundation and the Friends of the Newport Beach Library. In this fiscal year, the Foundation added
$23,000 for new chairs and umbrellas at Central, $34,360 for materials database subscriptions, and $5,000
for a new Seed Library at Mariners. The Friends of the Library added $200,000 to fund a wide range of
materials and programming.
Another area of the Library’s budget that is substantially altered from the initial budget to the year-end is
in Project Adult Literacy (PAL). The initial 2023-24 budget allocation for the program was $77,017, which
covers approximately 60% of the cost to operate the Program. The balance of the funding comes from the
California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) Grant and donations to PAL. The CLLS Grant for 2023-24 totaled
$51,771 and other donations to the Program totaled $7,200.
This year, the Library also received a $4,516 Santiago Library System reimbursement to purchase
eResource content.
The attached spreadsheet shows the accounts into which these additional funds were allocated to cover
expenditures.
Note that the figures in this report do not include the annual budget for the Cultural Arts division nor do
they include donated funds or encumbrances rolled over from the previous year.
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949) 717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2023-24
113
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
2 of 2
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: FY 2023-24 Amended Budget
114
ATTACHMENT A
FY 2023-24 Amended Budget
FUND SOURCE OF DONATION ORIGINAL
GENERAL FUND
APPROPRIATE
AMOUNT
ADDED
REVISED
BUDGET
LIBRARY MATERIALS 669,740
Foundation 34,360
Friends 150,000
SLS Grant 4,516
Total 858,616
LIBRARY PROGRAMMING 2,000
Foundation 5,000
Friends 50,000
Total 57,000
LIBRARY FURNISHINGS 0
Foundation 23,000
Total 23,000
LITERACY P/T SALARIES*37,204
CLLS Grant 44,396
Total 81,600
LITERACY P/T BENEFITS 1,935
CLLS Grant 21,198
Total 23,132
LITERACY PROGRAMMING 0
Pals4Pal 2,000
Targeted donation from Foundation 1,800
Total 3,800
LITERACY MATERIALS 0
Pals4Pal 700
Targeted donation from Foundation 1,400
Total 2,100
LITERACY ADVERTISING 0
Pals4Pal 1,000
Total 1,000
LITERACY OFFICE SUPPLIES 0
Pals4Pal 300
Total 300
TOTAL 339,670
*Please note that grant funds may not be used for certain salary costs, and therefore those budget lines are not reported on this sheet
and do not reflect the total amount of salaries allocated to Literacy.115
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 12
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees approve the Passport Office at the Central Library as the
site placement for the mixed media artwork piece, Indivisible by artist Pierce Meehan.
DISCUSSION:
In honor of the 40th anniversary celebrating the Sister City Friendship with Okazaki, Japan, the Newport
Beach Sister City Association (NBSCA) commissioned artist Pierce Meehan to create two Indivisible
companion pieces of mixed media artwork. One piece will reside in Newport Beach and the other in
Okazaki. Each piece of artwork measures 40” x 40”. They are white and red representing both the
American flag and the Japanese flag seen together in unity.
The NBSCA delegation and City Council Members Robyn Grant and Erik Weigand visited Okazaki to meet
with members of the Okazaki City Council and Mayor, where they presented their Indivisible gift to
Okazaki city representatives. The companion Indivisible art piece will be presented to City Council by the
NBSCA at the Tuesday, July 9 City Council meeting when the Okazaki delegation visits Newport Beach.
At the June 13, 2024, City Arts Commission meeting, the Art in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee of the
City Arts Commission is recommending the Commissioners accept Indivisible into the City’s Art Inventory
and for the piece to be installed in the Passport Office at the Central Library. Staff recommends the Board
of Library Trustees approve this site placement for Indivisible.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: Indivisible by Pierce Meehan
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Approval of Site Placement for Indivisible by Pierce Meehan
116
"Indivisible" by Pierce MeehanATTACHMENT A
11
7
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 13
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees approve the acceptance of donations from the Newport
Beach Public Library Foundation and from Harbor View Elementary Associated Student Body.
DISCUSSION:
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation fundraised for donations on behalf of the Newport Beach
Public Library in order to pay for the popular Parks Pass program. Currently this program is funded through
the California State Library, but staff anticipates the funding will not continue. The Foundation donated
$10,000 to buy 50 passes so the Library can continue this program; $5,000 was donated by the public and
$5,000 was a matching gift from the Foundation. Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees accept
this donation. If accepted, the money will go into the Library Materials Budget to purchase new Park
Passes when the state program ends.
Each year, the students in the Harbor View Elementary Associated Student Body organize two candygram
fundraisers for the school. Any funds raised over their targeted amount are then donated to an
organization chosen by the students. This year, the group selected the Newport Beach Public Library to
receive the donation. The students presented the Library with a check for $1,200. This gift will be used to
augment the Library’s children’s collections. Staff recommends the acceptance of this donation by the
Board of Library Trustees. If accepted, the donation will be allocated into Library Materials operating
account.
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).
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Acceptance of Donations
118
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 14
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees approve the acceptance of the donation and annual
wish list request for funding from the Newport Beach Friends of the Library.
DISCUSSION:
Founded in 1957 by a small group of volunteers, the Friends of the Library takes pride in helping to
maintain the excellence of the library system. Annually, staff makes a “wish list” request for funds to
supplement the Library’s materials and programming budgets.
The Library has requested funds for general materials, including new print releases, Children’s and YA
materials, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs.
The Friends of the Library have always provided support for Library programming. These funds are used
to present the Summer Reading Program, author lectures, Sunday Musicales, National Library Week
programming, monthly craft programs, First Grade Class Visits, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, CdM
Christmas Walk, Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) activities, Teen Volunteer Supplies and Training,
and Teen programs.
FRIENDS WISH LIST FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
General Materials - $150,000
Library patrons continue to expect the latest fiction, mysteries, biographies, and nonfiction in a variety of
formats. These funds will allow for purchasing multiple copies of high demand newly released titles,
which help maintain our hold queues. In addition, Children’s classics, favorites, and newly released books,
and expanding the recently introduced and extremely popular Playaway read-along collection, will be
purchased. This funding will also support adding movies, music, audiobooks, and video games for all
audiences.
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Friends of the Library Wish List and Acceptance of Donation
119
Friends of the Library Wishlist
June 17, 2024
Page 2
Programming - $50,000
Staff continues to develop and host a myriad of programs for the community. The Library wants to sustain
its current program offerings as well as introduce new programs as demand continues to
increase. Children’s staff have created new programs aimed for elementary school-age children. Funding
will also continue to support storytimes, craft programs, special performances, and children’s author
visits. Adult Services staff are adding a new Writer’s Workshop in response to the success of the Friends’
supported Storyteller’s Workshop. Meet the Author and the Sunday Musicale series will continue. Funds
will also provide for the teen college-prep workshops, the Young Adult Advisory Council, and other
targeted programming for this age group. Program attendance is strong at all locations. The requested
funds will allow staff to support new ideas as well as traditional programs.
TOTAL - $200,000
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).
120
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
June 17, 2024
Agenda Item No. 15
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees approve the annual wish list request for funding from
the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation.
DISCUSSION:
Through the wish list process, the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation funds valuable library
resources and collections. This year’s wish list includes requests for funding for several databases
currently being paid for by the California State Library, including LinkedIn Learning and VetNow/HelpNow.
With impending budget cuts at the State level, the California State Library will no longer provide financial
support for these resources. The Library is also requesting funds for a new catalog stand in the Popular
Library at Central and a portable projector and mounted screen for the Children’s Room at the Central
Library.
This year’s request totals $40,000.
FOUNDATION WISH LIST FY 2024-25
Databases - $19,000
LinkedIn Learning allows patrons to choose from thousands of online courses to learn business,
technology, and creative skills. VetNow provides valuable resources and help to veterans navigating the
Veterans Affairs system. HelpNow provides help for all ages, from live tutoring, writing labs, flash cards,
and information regarding college majors and applying for grants.
Computer Catalog Stand for Popular Library - $6,000
The Library is requesting $6,000 for a custom-built library catalog stand in the Popular Library at the
Central Library. The current arrangement does not provide adequate support for using a keyboard and
mouse at these catalog stations. A fixed stand will give patrons the ability to conduct catalog searches
while also providing space to write the necessary information resulting from their catalog searches. The
stand would complement the existing furniture in the Popular Library.
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Newport Beach Public Library Foundation Wish List
121
Newport Beach Public Library Foundation Wish List
June 17, 2024
Page 2
Portable Projector and Mounted Screen - $15,000
The Library hosts a myriad of programs for children and will often host these audience specific events in
the Children’s Room at the Central Library. While the Library has a sound set up for audio, the ability to
provide visuals in the space is absent. Presenters have brought their own equipment to serve as a
backdrop. Adding this necessary equipment expands the opportunities and flexibility for hosting programs
in the Children’s Room.
TOTAL - $40,000
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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Jerold D Kappel, CEO
Newport Beach Public Library Foundation
Memo
To: Paul Watkins, Chair, Library Trustees
From: Jerold D Kappel, CEO
cc: Library Board of Trustees
Date: June 12, 2024
Re: Library Foundation Report
1. The Foundation’s programming ended May 15 with Spotlight on Science featuring Dr.
Brett Sanders speaking on Tools for Projecting Coastal Erosion and Flooding. Spotlight
on Science will add another presentation next season. There will be two in the Fall and
two in the Spring.
2. The Foundation presented 47 programs in 2023-2024, 33 of which were free to the public. Two were invitation only events, the Library Leadership Reception in October 2023, and the Summer Solstice Celebration on June 12, 2024. Total attendance for all
Foundation programs exceeded 5,700.
3. The 2025 season Witte Lectures and Library Live will be announced in the June edition
of Bookmark Magazine.
4. The video recordings of this season’s Witte Lectures and Library Live are available for
Foundation members for three months starting June 15. Note that the authors’ contracts
now stipulate that video recordings should be behind a paywall. Having the recordings
available for Foundation members satisfies that restriction.
5. Season passes for both Witte Lectures and Library Live go on sale July 1 for Foundation
members. Over half of the house for both Witte and Library Live this past season were
season passes.
6. All Medicine in Our Backyard and Spotlight on Science video recordings are always
available for free on the Foundation’s website.
7. The Book Discussion Group continues to grow in attendance, exceeding pre-pandemic
levels. The group averages over 40 attendees.
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8.The Foundation has now raised $9.2 million in gifts and gift commitments toward its $12
million goal, which is 50% of the cost of the construction of Witte Hall. The Foundation
deposited $7.1 million into an escrow account to initiate the construction of the Hall.
a.Due to the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Newport Beach, The
Foundation will need to raise and deposit to the City the additional $2.9 million by the
opening of the Hall.
b.I have access to the construction camera, and every two weeks I update the
construction video on the Witte Hall webpage on our website.
https://nbplf.foundation/witte-hall/
c.The Foundation is underwriting the cost of the capital campaign for Witte Hall. By the
end of this fiscal year, the Foundation will have spent over $100,000 to fund the
campaign.
9. The June Board Meeting of the Library Foundation was on Monday, June 10. The fiscal
2024 financials were reviewed and the proposed budget for FY2025 was approved.
a.The Foundation is funding the capital campaign—salaries, campaign advisors,printing, social media, events, from its own budget. This is a significant expensefunded by Foundation contributors and will negatively impact the Foundation’sFY2024 expenses.
b.The Board also approved a grant of $40,000 to the Library for database, Children’sRoom a/v, and a computer catalog stand for the Popular Library. The Foundation haspreviously funded the Mariners’ Seed Library and free State Park Passes. That is atotal of $55,000.
c.The Foundation will also spend over $240,000 for programming this fiscal year.
10.The Foundation is continuing to promote legacy giving to the Foundation. The
Foundation established The Elizabeth and John Stahr Legacy Society to honor thosewho have left an Estate Gift to the Foundation and those who have stated the intent toprovide one in the future. The goal of this campaign is to build the endowment to $5
million, assuring an annual contribution to the Library of over $200,000.
11.The Summer Solstice Celebration was held on June 12 in the Courtyard and FriendsRoom. This event is for Library Leadership contributors ($1,000 plus), new members of
the Foundation and those that have not contributed in the past ten years, FoundationBoard and Library Trustees, Library staff leadership, and City officials.
a.Jene Witte, founder of the Witte Lecture Series and its continuing supporter, washonored at the event. A special fund for gifts in her honor will be established tosupport the Witte Lectures.
b.Guest speakers were wildfire photographer Stuart Palley in conversation with ClareFrank, the first female fire commander for CalFire and author of Burnt.
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