HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-2024-BLT-APPROVED MINUTESCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Board of Library Trustees Civic Center Council Chambers 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach Meeting Minutes Monday, July 15, 2024 – 5:00 PM I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:00 PM Vice Chair Dorothy Larson called to order the regular meeting of the Newport Beach Board of Library Trustees. II. ROLL CALL – Roll call by Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome. Trustees Present: Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, Trustee Antonella Castro, Secretary Lauren Kramer, Trustee Chase Rief, Trustee Meghan Murray Trustees Absent: None
Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Andrew Kachaturian, Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator
Nadia Dallstream, Corona del Mar Branch Librarian Staff Absent None III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Trustee Meghan Murray led the Pledge of Allegiance
IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Board of Library Trustees nominated and elected trustees to serve as Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Vice Chair Dorothy Larson opened the nominations for Chair. Trustee Antonella Castro nominated Trustee Chase Rief; Trustee Meghan Murray seconded. Motion made by Secretary Lauren Kramer, seconded by Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, to close the nominations for Chair and carried (5-0-0-0). With no other nominations, Vice Chair Larson called for a vote to approve Trustee Rief as Chair.
AYES: Larson, Kramer, Castro, Rief, Murray NOES:
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES:
Chair Rief opened the nominations for Vice Chair.
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Chair Rief nominated Trustee Antonella Castro, Trustee Meghan Murray seconded. Motion made by Secretary Lauren Kramer, seconded by Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, to close the nominations for Vice Chair and carried (5-0-0-0). With no other nominations, Chair Rief called for a vote to approve Trustee Castro as Vice Chair.
AYES: Larson, Kramer, Castro, Rief, Murray NOES:
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Chair Rief opened the nominations for Secretary. Seeing none, Trustee Larson nominated herself for Secretary, Trustee Rief seconded. Motion made by Secretary Lauren Kramer, seconded by Trustee Dorothy Larson, to close the nominations for Secretary and carried (5-0-0-0). With no other nominations, Chair Rief called for a vote to approve Trustee Larson as Secretary.
AYES: Larson, Kramer, Castro, Rief, Murray NOES: ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: Final results: Chase Rief, Chair; Antonella Castro, Vice Chair; Dorothy Larson, Secretary.
V. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived VI. PATRON APPEAL OF DIRECTOR’S DECISIONS Chair Rief introduced the Appeal Hearing. Chair Rief explained the appeal process and called for the appellant. Each side will be provided with five minutes to state their appeal. The information pertaining to each appeal is located in the Agenda Packet pages 5-12. 1. Appeal Hearing of “Flamer” by Mike Curato The Board of Library Trustees will conduct an appeal hearing for the Director’s
Decision of “Flamer” by Mike Curato
Chair Rief introduced the book and called for the appellant.
Haley Jenkins cited her reason for the appeal was when a local elementary librarian was
seen to have nine copies of the book and was lending them out to students at Wilson
Elementary School. When the parents found out, the librarian packed up his supplies and
quit before staff could investigate or reprimand him. She checked the book out because
she was curious about why a librarian would quit so abruptly unless he knew he was acting
inappropriately. The book is designated for the teen section, and at times pulls on heart
strings. Teenagers already struggle with peer pressure, anxiety, and depression and there
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is a section in the book where the character is holding a knife up to his wrists to cut himself
and wincing with pain. Ms. Jenkins read excerpts from the book and described the
pictures. The book normalizes pornography with images that children under the age of
eighteen are not allowed to purchase.
Director of Library Services Melissa Hartson provided information about the book, the
intended age of the reader, the author and the multiple accolades he has received as
justification for the Director’s decision to keep the book in the teen section of the Library.
It is a semi-autobiographical memoir based on Mr. Curato’s own experiences when he
was a young boy. The title meets several of the criteria found in the Library’s Collection
Development Policy. The author had several other titles in the Library when Flamer was
released. It is intended for readers from grades 7-12 and was published by Henry Holt
Publishers under its Books for Young Readers in print. Twenty-five libraries in Orange
County include this book in their teen collections and the title has been checked out
numerous times demonstrating an interest and demand from the community.
Chair Rief called for public comments and requested all comments be limited to two
minutes and subjective to the pros and cons of the appeal and not extraneous arguments.
Sydni Webb, Newport Beach resident, commented against the Director’s decision as it is
pornography for teens. Ms. Webb commented on a recent research study on how
pornography hijacks the male brain.
Linda Benner, Irvine resident, spoke in favor of the Director’s decision as this book weaves
together the main reasons adolescents commit suicide and could help teens with mental
health struggles. The Library should create a section specific to the reasons teens commit
suicide.
Wendy Leece, Costa Mesa resident, spoke against the Director’s decision and finds the
book pornographic and questioned the common sense of choosing what books are
available in public libraries.
Dianne Wells spoke against the Director’s decision due to the content of the book being
crude and sexually graphic. Ms. Wells read the California Penal Code 311 for obscene
material and believes this book meets that standard and should be moved to the adult
section.
Patty Gwin, Newport Beach resident, spoke in support of the Director’s decision and
believed the book depicts accurately how teenage boys interact with each other and the
struggles they go through during those formative years.
Darla Magaña, is a school librarian and spoke in support of the Director’s decision and
believed the book is appropriate for the teen section of the library because it is
semiautobiographical, and there are many teens who face the same struggles.
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Karen Clark, Newport Beach resident, spoke in support of the Director’s decision and as
a former Library Trustee, believes it is up to the parents to decide what is appropriate for
their families.
Joni Nichols, Newport Beach resident, spoke in support of the Director’s decision and the
need for inclusion in the community by those who feel there is only a singular image of
what is appropriate. Cultural understanding and empathy are important attributes of a
diverse community.
Bill Dunlap, Newport Beach resident, spoke against the Director’s decision and suggested
the Library is acting in competition with the internet in the material children are able to
access. The book should be moved to the adult section of the Library.
Ann Lopour, Irvine resident, spoke in favor of the Director’s decision and read the book
from the mindset of a confused young adult and not a judgmental adult. The book
addresses several topics such as suicide that can’t be addressed enough and needs to
be found easily by teens without relying on an adult for help.
Chair Rief brought the appeal back to the Board for discussion and commented that if the
book was in the children’s collection it would be an easy decision to move upstairs.
Instead, it is upstairs in the teens’ collection and has never been available in elementary
school aged sections of the Library. He used some of the review sites after reading the
book and found over 10,000 positive reviews. Many reviews were from adults who stated
they were able to see themselves in the book and found it helpful. Moving the book to a
different section doesn’t prevent a teen from checking it out. Some of the content may not
be to his personal liking, but he doesn’t see a compelling argument to move “Flamer” at
this current time.
Secretary Larson commented that some of content is not her choice in reading material.
Regarding the comments about the book being pornographic, she believed some of the
excerpts read were totally out of context and suggested anyone believing otherwise should
read the book. The pictures are not explicit in ways that anatomy illustrations would be.
The artist did a great job of covering areas that would make the book inappropriate had
they not been covered. There are young people out there who would find this book
beneficial for the struggles they may be going through. The final section about suicide is
very important. There may be uncomfortable pictures, but it also shows the character
Aiden finds out he is not alone in how he feels about himself. The book needs to remain
in the teens’ collection.
Trustee Murray read the book and found the content to be inappropriate, crass, and
perverted. There are graphic sexual themes and illustrations, child abuse, racism,
homophobia, among others. She doesn’t understand why it was written in such a manner
that caters to a young audience. Teens are smarter and don’t need comic books for topics
that are serious. It is a totally inappropriate book for the Library.
Trustee Lauren Kramer commented she did not view the book as pornographic, however
it is related sexually, but also addresses very important themes. There are other authors
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who address these themes in much better ways. She is not a fan of the book, but she
does value freedom of choice and isn’t a fan of censorship.
Vice Chair Antonella Castro commented she believes that teens do discuss these topics,
and having a diverse collection of books is important. When looking at the merit of having
a diverse collection that addresses bullying, there are better alternatives. After having
visited the Central Library, she found several books that were required reading in high
school that were located in the adults’ collection, specifically the book “The Pearl”. If “The
Pearl” is located in the adults’ collection, the book “Flamer” should be as well. She would
advocate moving it to the adults’ collection.
Motion made by Trustee Lauren Kramer, seconded by Chair Chase Rief, and carried (3-2-0-0) in favor of upholding the Director’s decision to keep the book in the teens’ collection and not on display. AYES: Larson, Rief, Kramer NOES: Castro, Murray ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES:
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
Administrative Support Specialist Jacome read the Consent Calendar Notice to the public. A. Consent Calendar Items Chair Rief inquired if any Trustees had requests to pull an item from the Consent Calendar. 2. Minutes of the June 17, 2024 Board of Library Trustees Meeting Vice Chair Castro suggested Mr. Mosher’s written modifications to the minutes be accepted, and referred to Handwritten Page 19, top paragraph, the word “fashionable” should be factual. On Handwritten Page 20, “Appellant Beverly Betcher did not attend the meeting” because she was given the wrong time and was not able to make it at 5 p.m.
3. Patron Comments Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests received from patrons. 4. Library Activities Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics. 5. Expenditure Status Report Monthly expenditure status of the library’s operating expenses, services, salaries, and benefits by department.
6. Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library Trustees. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments and there were none.
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Motion made by Chair Chase Rief, seconded by Trustee Lauren Kramer, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the Consent Calendar Items 1-6 with the minor changes to the June 17,
2024 draft minutes. AYES: Rief, Castro, Larson, Kramer, Murray
NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES:
VIII. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review 7. Corona del Mar Branch Update Branch Librarian Nadia Dallstream presents an overview of Corona del Mar Branch’s activities and resources. Corona del Mar Branch Librarian Nadia Dallstream provided her professional experience and staffing information for the Corona del Mar (CdM) Branch Library, in addition to the history of the Library and last year’s stats, not including June 2024, as this report was intended for the June Board of Library Trustees’ (Board) meeting and was postponed. The Library has a collection of 12,161 total items. Over the last year 41,487 items were
checked between the different collections, which is an 18% increase in circulation from the prior year. Over the last three years, there has been an increase in circulation of 31%. While the branch is small, it offers many of the same services as the larger libraries
including media equipment, printing/scanning/fax services, digital catalog service, a self-check-out station, and is the only library in Newport Beach that offers test proctoring services. Between July 2023 and May 2024, the branch proctored 161 tests. This service continues to grow. Staff answered more than 6,144 reference questions in the past year, an average of 560 answers per month. During the last year, 32,601 patrons visited the branch as it serves an area with a population of 12,546. Children’s services include weekly storytimes, monthly sensory play, annual Fire Station Storytime, daily drop-in crafts and a Find Sisi the Snail game, and many more. There are programs for adults as well, and total program attendance for the year was 11,490 patrons. In 2023, the CdM Branch Open House was held in conjunction with the CdM Christmas Walk, and over 800 patrons attended the program. There was a 117% increase in adults who participated in the 2023 Summer Reading program. The Library has partnered with Newport-Mesa Unified schools on several successful events. The CdM branch provides the community with a great collection of materials, an inviting space, a variety of services and programming for all
ages. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments and there were none.
Chair Rief stated he had a great visit during National Library Week and loved seeing the program attendance up and system wide. Secretary Larson thanked Branch Librarian Dallstream for her report.
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Trustee Castro inquired about reader strategies being implemented and what would be on her wish list for the Branch.
Branch Librarian Dallstream explained the reader advisory strategies are when patrons are looking for tips on good books to read for a particular topic, she has brief summaries from others who have read various topics with a couple of sentences from other readers
and suggested picks. She had to get back to them with the wish list, but they have not had any suggestions from patrons for anything lacking from the Branch.
Chair Rief received and filed the report. 8. Approval of Site Placement for A Novel Idea by Craig Gray 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 Melissa Hartson provided a quick report and summary of the item which was returned for reconsideration. The piece is being offered for permanent loan to be displayed, the City Arts Commission approved the acquisition and a permanent location at the New Balboa Branch Library, per Council Policy, all governing Boards and
Commissions must consider any overlapping decision, so it is now before the Board since the Balboa Branch falls within the purview of this Board.
Trustee Kramer commented it was nice to have a say and inquired about the Council Policy of including the Board in the decision and if that was directed by the City Attorney.
Library Services Director Hartson explained that is written in City Council Policy. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments. Nancy Gardner, Newport Beach resident, provided information about her father and the importance of him to the City and felt this was a wonderful way to honor him since his book was the top book on the sculpture. It was even better when the Arts Commission suggested the Balboa Branch because of his history in Balboa. Trustee Kramer commented that it’s a nice piece and had envisioned it in a park, but the Balboa Branch is a great location as well given the history and personal information Ms.
Gardner shared. Secretary Larson commented that in the prior meeting she felt they didn’t have enough
information to make the decision, particularly given the renovation won’t be completed for two years, but really appreciated Ms. Gardner’s comments and agreed with Trustee Kramer’s comments.
Motion made by Vice Chair Antonella Castro, seconded by Secretary Dorothy Larson, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the placement of “A Novel Idea” at the new Balboa Branch AYES: Rief, Castro, Larson, Kramer, Murray NOES: ABSTENTIONS:
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ABSENCES: 9. Library Service Policy (Council Policy I-1) Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees review Council Policy I-1,
Library Service Policy, and suggests no revisions be brought forth to City Council.
Library Services Director Hartson provided a brief summary of the policy and the
procedures for policies, including staff working with the City Attorney’s office to ensure any policy newly created for the Library is in compliance with all City policies and procedures. This policy has been approved for several iterations and has not been changed, staff
recommends the policy not be changed again, the submittal does not need to go before City Council. Chair Rief opened the item for public comment and there was none. Vice Chair Castro inquired about policies that have to go before City Council for approval. Trustee Kramer commented that in looking at Mr. Mosher’s comments, this policy does not require City Council approval. Secretary Larson reiterated that public comment is allowed for all items, but that doesn’t
mean that action has to be taken based on that public comment. Library Services Director Hartson explained that Council requests that all Boards and
Commissions review Council policies as they pertain to each Board for potential revision. If the Board wanted to make a revision to Council Policy I-1, staff would submit it to Council for review, if there are no changes to the policy it does not have to be submitted to Council
for review because it is a policy that is already in place. Motion made by Trustee Lauren Kramer, seconded by Chair Chase Rief Larson, and carried (4-0-1-0) to approve making no changes to the Library Services Policy. AYES: Rief, Kramer, Larson, Murray NOES: ABSTENTIONS: Castro ABSENCES: 10. Proposed Holiday Schedule
Staff recommends a proposed Library holiday schedule for the Board of Library
Trustees approval.
Library Services Director Hartson produced the holiday schedule for review. Chair Rief opened the item for public comment, there were none. Chair Rief received and filed the report.
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Motion made by Secretary Dorothy Larson, seconded by Trustee Lauren Kramer, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the holiday schedule.
AYES: Rief, Castro, Kramer, Larson, Murray NOES: ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: 11. Lecture hall Update
Report on activities related to the Lecture Hall project. Library Services Director Hartson reported construction is progressing. They are trenching on the backside of the building. It’s slow, steady, noisy, and dirty. Chair Rief opened the item for public comment, and there was none. Chair Rief received and filed the report. 12. Library Services Report on library issues regarding services, patrons, and staff.
Library Services Director Hartson reported that the Summer Reading Program is going gang busters in all locations and for all ages. It will be wrapping up over the next couple
of weeks. In June, several employees hit big milestones. The list is on Handwritten Page 33, along with upcoming program events. Concert on the Green’s first concert is Sunday, July 21, at the Civic Center Lawn, followed by another on August 11.
In answer to Vice Chair Castro’s inquiry, Library Services Director Hartson stated she had 28 years of service with the Newport Beach Public Library. Chair Rief inquired what the prizes will be awarded for the adult Summer Reading Program. Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot replied they receive a free paperback book of their choice, just like the Children’s program as well as a gift card for Fashion Island. Chair Rief opened the item for public comment, and there was none.
Chair Rief received and filed the report. B. Monthly Reports 13. Library Foundation Liaison Reports A. Library Foundation Board Report on the most recently attended meeting.
Secretary Larson reported she attended the meeting in place of former Chair Watkins, and as a former Foundation Board member, she would like to be appointed as the Liaison for
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the Foundation for the upcoming year. Jerry submitted great notes that can be found on Handwritten Page 60. B. Library Live Lectures Committee Report on the most recently attended meeting.
Secretary Larson reported that both lecture committees have their schedules online on the Foundation’s website, and season tickets are now on sale for members of the Foundation. Library Live is planning to have a fabulous opening event on October 4.
C. Witte Lectures Committee Report on the most recently attended meeting. Update provided in previous report. 14. Friends of the Library Liaison Report Trustee update on the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting.
Chair Rief reported he attended the meeting, and they are ahead of schedule on the number of boxes they have of donated books. They are planning for their volunteer luncheon, which is scheduled for November.
Chair Rief received and filed the report. 15. Pals4pal Liaison Report Trustee update of the Pals4pal Board meeting. Trustee Castro stated there was nothing to report. Chair Rief called for public comment on the Liaison reports, and there were none. Chair Rief received and filed the report. 16. Board of Library Trustees Liaison Assignments The Board of Library Trustees Chair will appoint trustees to the five liaison
assignments. Chair Rief postponed this item to the August 19, 2024 meeting.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS – Two Minutes per speaker
Haley Jenkins thanked the Library and Board for ordering the Tuttle Twin series and commented that when you go to suggest a title on the website it states that the library considers books that were published in the last 12 months, which may prevent people
from suggesting titles that aren’t new. Newer aren’t always better, and suggested changing the wording so people aren’t limited in their suggestions; additionally, Ms. Jenkins requested consideration for placing a display in the teens’ and children’s section with a suggestion box. If there is one already, she hasn’t seen it. Possibly make it more
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visible and well known that they are open to suggestions. It would make teens and children feel like it is truly their library and that they are contributing to what they get to read. VIII. BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
None IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:24 p.m. The next meeting will be held in the Civic Center Council Chambers on August 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by: Chase Rief
Chair Approval of Minutes