HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-2023-BLT-AGENDA PACKETCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES AGENDA
Civic Center Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Monday, September 18, 2023 - 5:00 PM
Board of Library Trustees Members:
Paul Watkins, Chair
Dorothy Larson, Vice Chair
Lauren Kramer, Secretary
Antonella Castro, Trustee
Douglas Coulter, Trustee
Staff Members:
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist
The Board of Library Trustees meeting is subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Among other things, the Brown Act requires that the
Board of Library Trustees agenda be posted at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of each regular meeting and that the public
be allowed to comment on agenda items before the Commission and items not on the agenda but are within the subject matter
jurisdiction of the Board of Library Trustees. The Chair may limit public comments to a reasonable amount of time, generally three
(3) minutes per person.
The public can submit questions and comments in writing for the Board of Library Trustees to consider. Please send them by
email to the Library Services Department at LibraryBoard@newportbeachca.gov by Sunday, September 17, at 4:00 p.m. to give the
Board of Library Trustees time to consider your comments. All emails will be made part of the record.
The City of Newport Beach’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a
participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, we will attempt to accommodate
you in every reasonable manner. Please contact Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director, at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to
the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible at (949) 717-3801 or
mhartson@newportbeachca.gov.
NOTICE REGARDING PRESENTATIONS REQUIRING USE OF CITY EQUIPMENT
Any presentation requiring the use of the City of Newport Beach’s equipment must be submitted to the Library Services
Department 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
II.ROLL CALL
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The City provides a yellow sign-in card to assist in the preparation of the minutes. The
completion of the card is not required in order to address the Board of Library Trustees. If the
optional sign-in card has been completed, it should be placed in the tray provided.
The Board of Library Trustees of Newport Beach welcomes and encourages community
participation. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes per person to allow
everyone to speak. Written comments are encouraged as well. The Board of Library Trustees
has the discretion to extend or shorten the time limit on agenda or non-agenda items. As a
courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
September 18, 2023
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
V.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and will all be
enacted by one motion in the form listed below. Board of Library Trustees have received
detailed staff reports on each of the items recommending an action. There will be no separate
discussion of these items prior to the time the Board of Library Trustees votes on the motion
unless members of the Board of Library Trustees request specific items to be discussed and/or
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Members of the public who wish to
discuss a Consent Calendar item should come forward upon invitation by the Chair.
A.Consent Calendar Items
Minutes of the August 21, 2023 Board of Library Trustees Meeting (pp. 5-14)1.
DRAFT MINUTES
Patron Comments (pp. 15-17)2.
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and
requests received from patrons.
PATRON COMMENTS
Library Activities (pp. 18-27)3.
Monthly update of library events, services and statistics.
AUGUST ACTIVITIES
Expenditure Status Report (p. 28)4.
Monthly expenditure status of the library's operating expenses, services, salaries
and benefits by department.
AUGUST EXPENDITURES
Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List (p. 29)5.
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of
Library Trustees.
MONITORING LIST
September 18, 2023
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
VI.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
Literacy Services Update (p. 30)6.
Literacy Coordinator Gabriela Leman will provide an update on the Literacy
program and events.
STAFF REPORT
Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2)(pp. 31-42)7.
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the
proposed amendments to Library Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development Policy,
made by the Collection Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENTS A-D
Acceptance of Donations (p. 43)8.
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees approve the acceptance of
two donations from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation.
STAFF REPORT
Lecture Hall Update9.
Report on activities related to the Library Lecture Hall project.
Balboa Branch Replacement Update10.
Report on activities related to the Balboa Branch Replacement project.
Library Services (pp. 18-27)11.
Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons and staff.
B.Monthly Reports
Library Foundation Liaison Reports12.
A. Library Foundation Board - Report of the most recently attended meeting.
B. Library Live Lectures Committee - Report of the most recently attended
meeting.
C. Witte Lectures Committee - Report of the most recently attended meeting.
September 18, 2023
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Friends of the Library Liaison Report13.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board
meeting.
Literacy Services Liaison Report14.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Literacy Services Advisory Board
meeting.
VII.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments are invited and non-agenda items generally considered to be within the
subject matter jurisdiction of the Board of Library Trustees. Speakers must limit comments to
three (3) minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for
the record. The Board of Library Trustees has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’
time limit on agenda or non-agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally
to all speakers. As a courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode.
VIII.BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION
ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
IX.ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Board of Library Trustees Newport Beach Central Library 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Meeting Minutes Monday, August 21, 2023 – 5:00 p.m.
I.CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:00 P.M.
Chair Paul Watkins called to order the regular meeting.
II.ROLL CALL – Roll call by Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome.
Trustees Present: Chair Paul Watkins, Vice Chair Dorothy Larson, Secretary Lauren
Kramer, Trustee Doug Coulter
Trustees Absent: None
Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Andrew Kachaturian, Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator Erin Spivey, Adult Services Coordinator Gabriela Leman, Literacy Services Coordinator Avery Maglinti, I.T. Manager Tara Finnigan, Assistant City Manager
Staff Absent None
III.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Secretary Lauren Kramer led the Pledge of Allegiance
Library Services Director Melissa Hartson introduced Literacy Services CoordinatorGabriela Leman and Adult Services Coordinator Erin Spivey.
Literacy Services Coordinator Gabriela Leman spoke a few words and provided a brief
history of her background and experience in Library services.
Adult Services Coordinator Erin Spivey provided a brief history of her background and
experience in Library services.
IV.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived
V.CONSENT CALENDARAdministrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome read the Consent Calendar Notice tothe Public.
Chair Paul Watkins called for any requested items to be pulled for separate action ordiscussion.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting August 21, 2023 Page 2
A. Consent Calendar Items 1. Minutes of the July 17, 2023 Board of Library Trustees Meeting Vice Chair Dorothy Larson referenced page one of the July draft minutes and asked that her reasoning for declining the nomination for the position of Chair be included in the record. Her preference is to service under an existing Chair before accepting that type of position. 2. Patron Comments
Chair Watkins referenced Handwritten page 13 under patron comments: and reported that Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator Andy Kachaturian did a great job indicating how someone could return borrowed material by mail. Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot provided good information about book club opportunities, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth was very polite in indicating that they don’t
have chess availability but there are other puzzle and game opportunities, and Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia’s comment about The Sully Band and response to the rhythm and blues comment was well done. Thank you to Adult Services Manager Lightfoot in comment #8 regarding addressing the Sound Lab. 3. Library Activities Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics. Library Services Director Hartson provided a written update that was submitted in the meeting packet.
4. Expenditure Status Report Monthly expenditure status of the library’s operating expenses, services, salaries, and benefits by department.
Chair Watkins noted that on page 24, the Library expenditures for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 were 7% under budget, and they are getting off to a good start for the
2023-2024 fiscal year, which can be found on page 25. The budget for the year is $10 million dollars which he had expected to reach next year and instead reached that goal this year. 5. Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library Trustees. Motion made by Vice Chair Larson, seconded by Secretary Kramer, and carried (4-0-0-0) to approve the Consent Calendar with the minor change to the July draft minutes.
AYES: Watkins, Kramer, Coulter, Larson NOES: ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES:
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting August 21, 2023 Page 3
VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review 6. Information Technology Update Information Technology (IT) Manager Avery Maglinti reported the projects IT has done for the Library throughout the past year, in addition to the 900 help desk tickets that were resolved. Some of those projects included replacing all the PC’s in the media lab and installing new software, replacing all public laptops, a security camera upgrade at the
Central Library, with additional cameras added, installing dedicated video conferencing hardware in the Staff Conference Room, installing a new projector in the Friends Meeting Room, adding a wireless access point to the Friends Bookstore, and replacing all barcode scanners at all branches, which are higher quality and interact with smartphones. They added features to the Library website that allows ADA accessibility for people that are visually impaired. The City as a whole has focused seriously on cyber security for the past
year. A cyber security vulnerability assessment was conducted, along with training for new tactics of prevention. The Library sits on the City’s network, so anything done for the City also benefits the Library, who has a lot of internet traffic. They worked on adding Multi-Factor Authentication for City emails, which allows for authentication from outside the city while adding another layer of security for the City. They are in the process of rolling out an enterprise password manager that is an optional tool for staff to easily manage their passwords or generate complex passwords. The City’s password requirements keep getting stricter. Upcoming projects include replacing all the public copiers, upgrading the Library ILS and catalog system in the spring, and the City is updating their data system this next year. All the Library systems sit in the Civic Center’s data center and all of that hardware will be upgraded.
7. Review of The Friends Meeting Room Policy (NBPL 14) Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve revisions to
Library Policy NBPL 14, The Friends Meeting Room. Library Services Director Hartson directed everyone to Handwritten page 27 for the policy
and reported that this policy assists staff in managing outside reservations for the Friends Meeting Room. The Library hosts a number of events in the Room throughout the year, and the policy states priorities for use, beginning with the Library and its support groups, which include the Library Foundation, and Friends of the Library. The Room is available for cultural arts programing, and it has three other levels of priority reservations. Library Services Director Hartson explained that there are a few minor grammatical edits and updates, and changes for consistency throughout the policy. There was an addition to the policy to include a requirement that completed applications should be submitted at least fourteen days in advance of an event date, which is intended to provide staff with the opportunity to review the documentation to ensure all required documents are included; and allow leeway for additional time that may be needed for any missing information.
Vice Chair Lawson referenced item F on Handwritten page 30 regarding the attendee limitation of 187 persons, she understood the room capacity was closer to 220 persons.
Library Services Director Hartson responded that she would need to provide a follow-up for that after doing some research.
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Jerry Kappel, NBPLF CEO, stated the Fire Marshal’s documentation on the wall shows a room capacity of 200 persons. Chair Watkins commented that is a change that can be added. Motion made by Trustee Coulter, seconded by Vice Chair Kramer, and carried (4-0-0-0) to approve Library Policy NBPL 14 with the minor change to the room capacity in Item F. AYES: Watkins, Coulter, Kramer, Larson NOES:
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: 8. Adult Services Update Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot will provide the annual update on reference services, and collections and programming for adult patrons.
Library Services Manager Lightfoot reported the Library service staff at all locations is the first point of contact for patrons, and they provide instruction on use of databases, downloadable services and can be reached at the reference desk in person, by telephone or through email. There have been many staff changes this year, the biggest being her own promotion and hiring Erin Spivey as her replacement as the Adult Services Coordinator. Jeremy Rodriguez was promoted to Librarian II at the Central Library. Alex Johnkins was promoted to Mariners Branch Librarian II, filling the vacancy left by Circulation and Technical Processing Coordinator Andy Kachaturian’s promotion. Leah Duffy was hired as a Librarian I to replace Jeremy at the Mariners Branch. There is a current vacancy for Librarian I at the Central Library that is in the recruitment process, in
addition to four part-time Library Assistant vacancies. They had a very successful year in adult programming. The spring Storyteller’s Writing Workshop was extremely popular. The program continues to sell out and reaches capacity within minutes of registration opening.
They hosted several very popular authors such as Dr. Michael Roizen, Dr. Christine LePort, Nabil Ayers, and California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick. All the Meet the Author events were well attended along with many other events such as Sunday Musicales, the
Zine program, and Digital Saturday. There were outreach events as well, in which visits were made to the OASIS Senior Center and the City Employee Health Fair. Staff development and training continues to be a priority for Newport Beach Public Library and as a result, has invested in a year of online training hosted by Ryan Dowd, an advocate for the homeless and other vulnerable populations. Two staff members attended the California Library Association Conference and gained valuable ideas and network opportunities. Library Services Manager Lightfoot and Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth attended a Design Institute hosted by Library Journal. The Library has added a collection of 4K Blu-rays based on patron suggestions and over 100 of those items have collectively circulated over 1,800 times. The Library is actively participating in what used to be Lynda.com and has since been bought out by LinkedIn
and renamed LinkedIn Learning. The database provides thousands of classes on a variety of topics such as finance, computers, leadership skills, programming languages, and many more.
Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 9. Collection Development for Children’s Books
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Staff will provide a report on the process by which books are evaluated for age appropriateness and placement in the Children’s Room within the framework of the Library’s Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2). Library Services Director Hartson reported that this item is in response to the questions and comments regarding the conversation from the July meeting regarding the process by which books are evaluated for age appropriateness and placement in the Children’s Room within the framework of the Library’s Collection Development Policy. The children’s collection has over 80,000 items. It primarily serves children from birth through sixth grade, as well as parents and caregivers who work with the children. It is a continuous process
of rotating books in and out of the collection. Staff follows the Collection Development
Policy NBPL 2. It is a statement of guidelines for staff to follow when developing and maintaining the Library’s collection of materials. Staff uses these guidelines to determine which books end up in the Children’s collection. Often, selection starts at the book vendor level, which is Brodart. Within the Brodart website, a number of tools are available to help staff decide which books they select. Information for each listing may include the author
and illustrator, if applicable, the publisher, age range, grade level, subject headings, series, annotations, reviews, book format, and physical description. Reviews in professional journals are a widely held standard resource used within the profession for assisting staff members in their evaluations. They are designed to present information needed for selection decisions. Generally, they are timely, contain a concise summary and critical appraisal of the book as a whole, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and list the age or grade level suitability for children’s books. Staff often looks to publishers and standards set by third-party reading achievement and assessment tools such as Accelerated Reader, when available. These additional resources establish reading comprehension and interest-level ratings for each book. During this process, items are evaluated according to the difficulty or readability of the text, the content and age
appropriateness of a book, and the book’s classification. Staff relies on well-established publishers of children’s materials, such as Scholastic, Candlewick, Dial Books for Young Readers, and Puffin. Staff also rely on the Library’s existing collection as a guide and
evaluation in terms of demand for an author’s previous works. Significance is given to award-winning books. Purchase suggestions from Library patrons are encouraged and receive serious considerations. Some materials may be judged primarily in terms of artistic
merit, scholarship, or their value as individual documents; others are selected to satisfy the recreational and entertainment requests of the community. The Policy was last amended by the Board of Library Trustees at the August 15, 2022 regular meeting. Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees review the policy (NBPL 2) and provide direction regarding possible amendments to the policy, which would be prepared and returned to the Board’s consideration at a future meeting, or the Board could create an ad hoc committee to work with staff to prepare proposed amendments for the Board’s future consideration. Vice Chair Larson appreciated the report and noted that anyone interested can find a
written version in the Agenda Packet. Vice Chair Larson suggested forming an ad hoc committee as this process won’t be decided in an hours’ time. It needs to be carefully considered and will take time.
Secretary Kramer agreed and was glad to see it agendized for transparency and to give the community an opportunity to be heard.
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Chair Watkins opened the meeting to public comments. Public Comments Dianne Wells provided comment regarding the Policy having not been updated since 1990 and believes it should be, as there appears to be a lack of community missing from the policy. Parents, community, and taxpayers should be involved in evaluating books. Chair Watkins clarified the policy has been updated ten times since 1990. The most current Policy can be provided via email if Ms. Wells is interested.
Trustee Doug Coulter said she could have his and provided her with his copy. Sydni Webb provided comments regarding not being able to allow her children to browse content in the library due to inappropriateness, which results in conversations they should not have to be exposed to. She provided reference to the book “T’was the Night Before
Pride” as an example and stated the Library should be a safe place as children’s brains are still developing and they should not be exposed to adult topics. Chris Webb provided public comment and thanked the Board and staff for all they do. This is a tough topic and referenced material he was reviewing that was inappropriate for his work environment, it should not be in the Children’s Department of the library. Rebeka Sinclair provided comment and thanked the Board for their commitment to the community and believes the current challenge is a symptom of a larger problem. She participated in the Summer Reading Program with her children and believed that this isn’t a problem just within Newport Beach libraries, it’s happening across the country. One of
the resources listed in the report has been taken over by liberal ideology and should be reviewed as to whether they are adequate resources for children’s materials.
Janice Horn provided comments regarding her trust in the Library staff for selecting reading materials and is appalled at the backlash the Library has been receiving. Books provide knowledge and experiences that may otherwise be missed. Book bans prevent
cultural experiences, and Ms. Horn provided statistics regarding children’s reading materials. Haley Jenkins provided comments regarding the ALA’s Bill of Rights and the Freedom to
Read statement and stated that in regard to children’s literature, their statements go against common sense, Ms. Jenkins urged the Board to seriously consider what the freedom to read anything means in regard to children. Josh Zeyak provided comment and believed that an ad hoc committee would be appropriate for this item. The current guidelines leave wiggle-room for error and in an environment where the reading materials are rotated in and out, third-party resources
should not be used for evaluations. The community should be involved in that process. Karen Clark provided comment regarding her discouragement from what she’s heard thus
far. She would hate to see Newport Beach get the notoriety for book banning that Huntington Beach received. She has great respect and trust in the Library staff.
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Joni Nichols provided comment regarding children and teens having the right to information of their choosing. The Library has the responsibility to provide that variety of information. It is the parent’s responsibility to determine what is appropriate for their children without imposing on the rights of others. Secretary Kramer agrees that an ad hoc committee would be beneficial, and it’s important for people to be allowed to express their opinions, and there will always be a wide variety of opinions. This is a public library and, while she may personally feel a particular way about the topic, the Library is an extension of the public square.
Vice Chair Larson stated she would be happy to serve on an ad hoc committee. She agrees that all of the children’s books should be physically reviewed and believes that they are already reviewed once an issue has been pointed out by a member of the public. Chair Watkins agreed and appointed himself and Vice Chair Larson the members of the ad hoc committee. There are certain rules pertaining to ad hoc committees: there will be
no set meeting schedule, there will be monthly reports provided to the Board, and the ad hoc makes recommendations, there is less than a quorum, it sunsets in one year, it will not be subject to the Brown Act, and it will be advisory in nature. Vice Chair Larson stated they would appreciate as much written feedback as possible and encouraged the public to submit their comments in writing as well. Motion made by Trustee Coulter, seconded by Secretary Kramer, and carried (4-0-0-0) to create an ad hoc committee to review and make recommendation on amendments to NBPL 2 Policy.
AYES: Watkins, Coulter, Kramer, Larson NOES: ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: 10. Draft Joint Use Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and Newport-Mesa Unified School District Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees approve the draft Joint Use Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and Newport-Mesa Unified School District. Library Services Director Hartson directed their attention to Handwritten page 54 for the draft of the Joint Use Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and Newport-Mesa Unified School District for the use of the Mariners Branch Library. A cooperative agreement was entered into by the City and District in 2002. The agreement was to share a portion of the Children’s Room for joint use. Since the opening of Mariners Branch in 2006, there has been an established area that is reserved for Mariners Elementary School
library use during school hours. There is a separation in the middle of the room, one side is for secure use by the school and the other side is available and open to the public. The District has its own staffing to administer their library instruction to their students, the City
has staffing on the public Library side to serve the public that visit during school hours. The agreement calls for the continued joint use of a portion of the Children’s room at the Mariners Branch for a term of 20 years, with another 20-year extension. It formulates a
school library advisory committee which will meet on an annual basis to designate the
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school library’s hours for the year and to discuss joint use throughout the year. There is a section that addresses the Library collection as proposed. The Library does make the selections for the public library, the school will be responsible for reviewing those selections that are on the school side. Anything deemed not supportive of their curriculum, age inappropriate, or not relevant will be moved to another section of the joint use library or to another City library. This partnership has worked well since 2006. There are some exhibits mentioned in the Agreement that were not finalized in time for this staff report. Staff will be taking the Agreement before City Council at an upcoming meeting on September 12, 2023. The District will also take the agreement before the School Board of Education meeting.
Chair Watkins opened the item to public comment. Public Comment Dianne Wells commented about her concerns for the length of the term of the Agreement
and believes given the community input in the previous item, this agreement should be given the same time and consideration as the inappropriate material in the children’s area of the libraries because the parents will not be present for the children who use the library during school hours. A member of the public provided comment that she would like to get a definition of what the school would consider as age appropriate or not supportive of their curriculum. Haley Jenkins expressed a concern for the length of time of this agreement and the process of forming the committees will take and the material that the children will be exposed to during the interim.
Trustee Coulter inquired if they should wait until they have resolved the children’s collection matter prior to approving this agreement.
Vice Chair Larson responded that this is essentially a real estate agreement, and the result of the Collection Development Policy will cover all libraries once it is resolved. This is an
operating agreement for use of public resources and can be determined as it is. Secretary Kramer suggested the consideration of having a one-year option to terminate by either party. Motion made by Vice Chair Larson, seconded by Secretary Kramer, and carried (3-1-0-0) to approve the draft Joint Use Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and Newport-Mesa Unified School District. Trustee Coulter commented he is against moving forward with the Agreement because it eliminates any possibility of some corrective action that would be advantageous to the
community. Chair Watkins requested the comments for this item be shared with Council during their
review. AYES: Watkins, Kramer, Larson
NOES: Coulter
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ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: 11. Lecture Hall Update NBPLF CEO Mr. Kappel provided a written report and made copies available for attendees of the meeting. All of their programming kicks off in September. 12. Balboa Branch Replacement Update
Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Helmuth reported that she attended the Design Institute Conference and presented a report to the ad hoc committee. They helped to provide clarity on how they define flexibility for specific projects and how it relates to future programs offered through the Library. They are not yet into the specific of material, but rather the areas used for programming. They have been working with Corona del Mar Branch with what has been working well for them during their reconstruction process and
ways in which they can make improvements, such as adding windows that open, or having outdoor programming space. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. 13. Library Services Report of Library issues regarding services, patrons and staff Library Services Director Hartson reported that the International Literacy Day Celebration will take place on September 14, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The August 20, Concert on the Green featuring Tijuana Dogs was canceled yesterday because of the tropical
storm. They are looking to reschedule. Public Works is beginning a Capital Improvement project at the Mariners Branch. They are doing major work on the HVAC system that will begin on August 22. The air conditioning may be out for up to three weeks. Last month
they had a very successful Summer Reading Program for children and adults. There were over 1900 participants in the combined age groups and read for a combined 516,515 minutes.
Vice Chair Larson commented that the Literacy event conflicts with the Witte meeting schedule. Chair Watkins received and filed the report. B. Monthly Reports 14. Library Foundation Liaison Reports A. Library Foundation Board Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins reported that Mr. Kappel’s monthly report was so complete they don’t need
a recap. The next meeting will be Monday September 11, 2023 at 5 p.m. B. Library Live Lectures Committee Report on the most recently attended meeting.
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Chair Watkins stated that Library Live will kick off in September. C. Witte Lectures Committee Report on the most recently attended meeting. Chair Watkins reported that Witte Lectures will kick off next month. 15. Friends of the Library Liaison Report Trustee update on the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board
meeting. Trustee Coulter reported that the Friends of the Library continues to pursue opportunities for sales in the Library. The donations are collected, the week ending August 19, all Children’s books were 50% off. Hardback Fiction regularly starts at a dollar, Gift books were on sale for two for a dollar the week ending August 12, large paperback book fictions
regularly start at a dollar, and oversized book sales are two for a dollar but were on sale the week ending August 26 at five for a dollar. Last year’s profits were $203,668, and that was a 9.2% increase over the prior year. There are 843 members and eight were new and twenty-six renewed their membership. The volunteer appreciation luncheon will be held Tuesday November 28, 2023. More details will be forthcoming. July 2023 book sales were $15,605.95. That is up about $465.66 from the prior year. The new book sale will be on October 6 for members only, three books for a dollar from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is open to the public on Saturday October 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at $3 per bag and the bags are supplied. Chair Watkins received and filed the report.
16. Literacy Services Liaison Report Trustee update of the most recently attended Literacy Services Advisory Board.
Chair Watkins stated this was covered in a prior item.
Chair Watkins received and filed the report. VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None VIII. BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) None IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:38 p.m.
The next meeting will be September 18 at 5 p.m.
14
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS AUGUST 2023
Comment #Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
1
08/02/2023
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
08/03/2023
2
08/11/2023
Email
Melissa Hartson
Library Services Director
08/11/2023
3
08/12/2023
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Circ. & Tech. Processing Coordinator
08/14/2023
4
08/15/2023
Email
Melissa Hartson
Library Services Director
08/16/2023
5
08/17/2023
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
08/17/2023
Do you accept/want book donations? We are moving and have a wide range of
books. Thank you!
Thank you for thinking of the library with your books. The Friends of the Library
bookstore at the Central Library handles the majority of donations. They raise
money to help support the Library. They have some information on the following webpage regarding what they are able to accept and the best way to drop items off... They will be open today from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. if you would like to reach them via the phone at 949-759-9667, or you can email them at nblibfriend@gmail.com.
Thank you for thinking of us!
On the California state park website, it mentions that you can check out a California parking pass at your local library. How does that work, and what steps would I take
in order to do that? Let me know if you could give me some more information,
please. Thank you.
Yes, the Library has California Parks Passes available for checkout at all four locations. They check out for one week and are available on a first come, first
served basis, and cannot be renewed or placed on hold. All you need is a valid
NBPL card to check them out. For current availability, please check our catalog
here... Please let me know if you have any questions! Thank you.
I'm currently an incoming fourth year at UCI studying Sociology and International Studies, and was looking to see if the library is hiring. If there are any opportunities available, can you please help me with how the application process would work? 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.
I am an advocate of Newport Beach Library. Impeccable customer service. I notice
many times, individuals make time to write comments about a not-positive experience, customer service, and not making time to write an excellent review about outstanding customer service. I do make the time, always to express my appreciation. For this reason, I would like to please recognize and express my gratitude to the employees at the Newport Beach Library. Each one provides
excellent assistance with a great attitude and smile. Smiles go away nowadays.
Each one is always professional and extremely focused on customer advocacy.
Please express my gratitude for each one, starting with Rosemary, Eric, Jeremy, Victoria, Christian, Laurie, Greg, Chris, Danielle, everyone! Forgive me if I overlooked anyone's name. This is a reflection of excellent leadership. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about the Library and our staff.
I am pleased to hear that our team continues to provide you with a welcoming experience and the assistance you are looking for when you visit the Library.
I was told you're the one in charge to reach out to about the safety of our kids. I've observed a lot of people, mainly men, going up and down these stairs. I'm not talking about the librarians or maintenance crew. For the safety of our kids, we shouldn't have visitors or regulars of the Library walking through with access to the
kid zone. I've been spending a lot of hours studying at Main Branch Library on 2nd
floor, top of the stairway, over the past month and there are people who have no
business using this stairway. Maybe the Library could consider another method of blocking these stairs. The sign does not work. Thanks for your time and consideration.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your experience at the Central Library. We appreciate and value your feedback on Library services. The Children's Room is reserved for children ages 12 and under and their caregivers only. To ensure this, staff remains vigilant in keeping the stairwell clear at all times. Please
don’t hesitate to let Library staff know so that they can address the issue if it
happens again.15
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS AUGUST 2023
Comment #Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
6
08/20/2023
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
08/21/2023
7
08/20/2023
Email
Laurie Sanders
Reference Librarian
08/21/2023
8
08/22/2023
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
08/22/2023
9
08/22/2023
Comment Card
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
08/22/2023
Please send me a PIN. I need to verify my account on the Libby e-reading app. Thank you! Logging into Libby does not require a PIN. When you install the app on your device, make sure you are choosing the Newport Beach Public Library from the list of
libraries. Then you should get a box that asks for your card number... If you run into
any trouble, you can call the reference desk at 949-717-3860, or stop by any of our
locations during business hours and someone will help you get set up. Thank you.
Could the library subscribe to a variety of reviews that publish contemporary authors
(Granta , Alaska Quarterly, RiverView, etc.) and display the current issues in a spot
where we could access them (like a Writer's Reading Room)? Thank you!
Thank you for your recent comment card at the Central Library. We appreciate you
taking the time to share your feedback and thoughts with us. We don't have the
space to create a designated writer’s reading room at this time, but we do subscribe
to “Writer’s Digest” in print at our Central Library. The newest issue is available to browse, and older issues can be checked out. We also subscribe to a database called ProQuest. ProQuest collects thousands of journal, magazine, and newspaper articles. You can access ProQuest with your library card from our Databases page,
under “Magazines and Newspapers”... Once you log into ProQuest, click on
“Publications” and in the search bar, type “Literary and Political Reviews” (in
quotations) and change “Title” to “In Subject” in the second dropdown, then click on search. While we don’t have access to the “Alaska Quarterly”, we do have digital access to “American Quarterly”, “The Arizona Quarterly”, “Hudson Review”, “Madison Literary Review”, and many others. Hopefully this helps! Please don’t
hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions or comments. Thank you.
I am a peer mentor specialist for CalHOPE. I work under NAMI (National Alliance on
Mental Illness) of Orange County, which is a nonprofit organization that promotes
mental health awareness. I was wondering if the library lets nonprofits set up a table
outside of it to pass out resources to individuals? All of the programs that we offer are at no cost and I believe that it would help many people learn more about how to help themselves or their loved ones who struggle with a mental health condition. You can reach me at my email... Please let me know. Thank you so much for your
time!
Yes, all four of our library locations provide areas outside for Expressive Use.
Complete details and maps for each location are available on our website... Please
feel free to call Library Administration at 949-717-3801 if you have any other
questions. Thank you.
My husband was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Please let me know
if you have books, articles, etc. that would be informative, even helpful? Thank you... Thank you so very much! Your kind and informative response will help my husband and me to more thoroughly understand what is happening and, perhaps, will provide a suggestion or two to handle some of it. For instance, the drug "deprenyl" is noted in the ProQuest document, stating that it "may slow the rate at
which disability progresses in patients with early Parkinson's disease." My husband
will ask his doctor about this drug. Also, we look forward to reading the material that
you have placed on hold for us at the library (as soon as it arrives) AND the two Amazon titles that you sent the links for. Your helpful and compassionate response has helped my husband and me. Thank you.
We have received your request for books, articles, etc. regarding Parkinson’s
Disease. I have placed a few titles on hold for you that I think may be helpful. You will receive email notifications when they are available for pickup at the Mariners branch. I have also attached a couple of articles that I found through our ProQuest magazine database. Finally, here are links to some additional titles I found on Amazon that you might look into... I hope this is helpful to start. Please let me know
if I can be of any further assistance.16
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS AUGUST 2023
Comment #Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
10
08/22/2023
Email
Annika Helmuth
Branch & Youth Services Coordinator
08/23/2023
11
08/25/2023
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Circ. & Tech. Processing Coordinator
08/25/2023
12
08/25/2023
Email
Annika Helmuth
Branch & Youth Services Coordinator
08/30/2023
13
08/31/2023
Comment Card
Erin Spivey
Adult Services Coordinator
09/01/2023
I like the location, safety, parking, and spaciousness of the Library. Please bring
back the courtesy wipes for the public computers. They get too gross.
Thank you for taking the time to fill out a comment card and share your thoughts
with us, we truly appreciate it. If you notice that a computer station is dirty, please
alert staff so we can clean it. We continue to offer sanitizing stations at a few points throughout the library. Additionally, hand sanitizing wipes are available for purchase at the Reference desk if you would like one. Eating and drinking at the public computer areas is prohibited, so please inform a staff member if you witness this
behavior. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other concerns or
questions. Thank you.
I hope this email finds you well! I am contacting you about an exciting new children's book called R is for Rice. This colorful alphabet book celebrates Asian and Asian
American foods while teaching the ABCs in a fun and engaging way. Some of the
foods highlighted include banh mi, curry, orange chicken, dumplings, and more. R is
for Rice would be a great addition to your library as it provides representation of
Asian cultures and foods, which are often underrepresented in children's literature.
The book was written by co-authors, Nithin Jilla, Joanna Kong and Susan Lew, who
wanted to create a book to help more children learn and appreciate how Asian-American foods and traditions are an important part of American culture today. Turning the pages is a tasty way to learn the alphabet while discovering just how delicious diversity of food can be! R is for Rice is a wonderful teaching tool and we
have worksheets and some fun activities that go with the book which we’re happy to
share with you as well. I am writing to you today to ask if you would be interested in
bringing R is for Rice to your library. I believe that R is for Rice would be a great
addition and would help kids learn about Asian American culture in a fun and engaging way. We have a code “EDUCATOR” that will help provide a discount. I’ve attached a deck for more information if you would like to take a look! In addition, we would love to see if there’s an opportunity to conduct a book reading with kids, or any events/activities to spread word and interest in the book. Thank you for your
time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Thank you for your suggestion. Unfortunately, R is for Rice is not available from our vendor for purchase and we are unable to add the title to our collection at this time. In addition, the library hosts a variety of children’s authors to discuss their work and
interact with families for children's author events. Youth program staff consider
several different factors when selecting featured authors for events. In the coming
months, we will begin our spring program planning and program staff will reach out if an opportunity to host an event becomes available. If you have a program proposal prepared, please email it to me. This will better assist youth program staff in making their determination.
I am trying to access the Udemy website through Gale with my Newport Beach
Library card and I am getting blocked. How can I access Udemy with my library card?
The Newport Beach Public Library is no longer subscribed to the Udemy database.
Our subscription ended in March 2023. We are currently subscribing to LinkedIn Learning (formerly known as Lynda.com), which offers a wider variety of online learning classes. You can learn more about LinkedIn Learning on our database page under the Lifelong Learning category... Thank you.
I’m part of the Community Outreach Coordinators at New York Life in Newport Beach. I am emailing regarding the family events that are being hosted. I wanted to see if you’re still taking vendor applications and who I could ask questions to. Also, I
am interested in future events as well. If speaking by phone is easier, please see my
contact information below and feel free to reach out anytime. I look forward to
hearing from your team soon. Thank you.
During a phone conversation, we discussed a variety of outreach opportunities throughout the City that may be of benefit to her needs. The patron was thankful for the call and has our contact information in case she has any further questions.17
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
September 18, 2023
Agenda Item No. 3
MELISSA HARTSON, LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
Author Under the Stars
I attended the Orange County Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma’s “Author Under the Stars”
event at the beginning of August. It is the organization’s annual fundraising event to support and raise
awareness regarding the importance of literacy. I was able to speak to the group about the Library’s
Project Adult Literacy Program and share a tangible story of one learner’s journey in the program. The
featured speaker of the evening was Mike Stockstill, author of the recently published “Transforming the
Irvine Ranch.” Mr. Stockstill discussed the history of the Irvine Company, its leaders, and how its master
plan came to fruition.
WHEELHOUSE LIST FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEES
•Meet the Author: Nicola Harrison,
“Hotel Laguna”
Wednesday, September 20, 7 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
•Friends Used Book Sale
Fri, Oct 6, 1 – 4 p.m. (members only)
Sat, Oct 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
•Art in the Park: Fine Arts and Artisan Fair
Newport Beach Arts Foundation
Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Newport Beach Civic Center
•Concert at Marina Park:
Tiffany Dennis and Cruise Control
Sunday, October 15, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Marina Park
•Concerts on the Green: Tijuana Dogs
(Rescheduled from August 20)
Sunday, September 24, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Newport Beach Civic Center
•Sunday Musicale: Ambroise Aubrun and
Steven Vanhauwaert, piano/violin duo
Sunday, October 15, 3 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
•Medicine in Our Backyard: Managing Pain
Monday, September 25, 7 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
•Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Monday, October 16, 5 p.m.
Crean Mariners Branch Library
TO:
FROM:
PREPARED BY:
TITLE:
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Report of August Library Activities – September 18, 2023 Meeting
18
Report of August Library Activities
September 18, 2023
Page 2
REBECCA LIGHTFOOT, LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
Intern
The Library was happy to host an intern in our Marketing department. Lianna Reyrao worked with
Marketing Specialist Maria Nicklin on print materials, social media posts, and adding to our photography
library.
Training
Several staff attended a live training on August 3 on the role of social workers in libraries. Adult Services
Coordinator Erin Spivey and Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot met with a vendor to discuss
upcoming enhancements to A-Z Databases.
ANNIKA HELMUTH, BRANCH AND YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR
Branches
The return of storytimes following the end of the Summer Reading Program break were greatly welcomed.
At Mariners Branch, storytimes were held both outdoors and indoors, depending on the weather. Classes
have also resumed at Mariners Elementary School, and students were excited to visit and check out books
from the joint-use collection. Children enjoyed a fun afternoon of crafts and activities based on the world
of Super Mario at Balboa on August 16. Attendees made a Mario paper doll puppet and clay power-up
mushroom and decorated little wooden cars then raced them as in Mario Kart. Test proctoring remains
popular at Corona del Mar Branch with 31 scheduled tests in the month of August. Also, at Corona del
Mar Branch, Sensory Play returned with ice cream cone toys with pom poms and shredded paper filler.
Children enjoyed scooping it up and serving it to each other. It was a great opportunity to meet new
friends and practice sharing toys. Recruitment is ongoing for a vacancy left by Corona del Mar part-time
Library Assistant Erika Aguilar.
Youth Services
Youth services took a customary two-week programming break early in the month to prepare for the
robust upcoming fall program schedule. Patrons were eager for programs to return and children’s
program participation across all locations totaled over 2,500 attendees in August. Of note, Central Library
and Mariners Branch hosted an ongoing scavenger hunt for visitors from August 13-26. This scavenger
hunt focused on finding different types of books in the Children's area ranging from books about science,
to graphic novels, biographies, and the newest books in the Library. With 311 participants overall, this
program was a fun way for families to feel empowered on how to navigate the area and even motivated
some participants to ask for tutorials on how to use the catalog.
Teen Services
On Saturday, August 5, Teen Services hosted a new program, Dare to Prepare, a free workshop for pre-
permitted teens 14-17 years old that helps parents and teens navigate the learning-to-drive process. The
program saw a total of 47 attendees including whole families visiting with younger siblings and even a few
grandparents attending with their teen almost-driver. The program was interactive, parents played games
with their teens and earned “driving dollars” for participation, and at the end of the program teens were
given movie tickets as prizes.
19
Report of August Library Activities
September 18, 2023
Page 3
Outreach
On August 8, Children’s Librarian Jasmin Avila and Library Assistant Danielle Doi gave a tour of the Central
Library to Sage High School Librarian and Library Assistant. As Sage High School prepares for another year,
it was a great time to connect and share how teens use library spaces and the various volunteer
opportunities available. Points of interest included the Media Lab, Local History Collection, the Young
Adult Advisory Council, study areas, and meeting rooms.
At the end of the month, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth and Adult Services
Coordinator Erin Spivey attended the Newport Beach Country Club (NBCC) Wellness and Lifestyle Expo
for NBCC employees. During the event, staff issued 25 library cards and passed out information about
Library programs and services to almost 50 people.
Training
August was a busy professional development month for Branch and Youth Services staff. Children’s
Librarian Christine Lefter attended “Public Service Customer Service: The Importance of Public Service and
What it Means to be a Public Employee” on August 10. The online seminar was presented by Liebert
Cassidy Whitmore. Mariners Branch’s Children’s Librarian Christine Chapel and Library Assistant Janice
Nikula attended the City’s Human Resources “DISC” workshop on August 17. Offered in partnership with
the Centre for Organization Effectiveness, “DISC” provides a framework to help reduce conflict and
improve working relationships. And on August 29, Children’s Librarian Jasmin Avila attended a workshop
on “Early Literacy Development with Neurodivergent Learners and Dual Language Learners” presented by
Dr. Catherine Ailey at the Mission Viejo Library. The training detailed how libraries can provide
accommodations, support and learning rich environments to support a variety of learners.
ANDREW KACHATURIAN, CIRCULATION AND TECHNICAL PROCESSING COORDINATOR
Staffing
The Library is conducting interviews for four part-time Library Clerk positions throughout the system. Two
candidates are currently in background. There will soon be a recruitment for one vacant Library Page
position.
Facilities
New emergency exit signs have been installed at both the Central Library and Mariners Branch. This will
help the libraries remain safe during power outages and other situations.
The Capital Improvement Project to replace the HVAC equipment in the Mariners Branch chiller yard is
nearly complete with startup and final inspection planned for the first week of September. This will be a
necessary and appreciated improvement for the Branch.
After much searching, we have located a domestic source for the LED lighting along the Central Library
staircase that was added in 2013 as part of the Library expansion. The replacement units should be
installed in early September.
20
Report of August Library Activities
September 18, 2023
Page 4
ERIN SPIVEY, ADULT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Collection
Our librarians worked diligently on weeding and evaluating the Adult collection, reviewing hundreds of
books. The department continues to add a variety of items to our collection, including the newest in video
games and 4K Blu-rays.
Training
Several staff members participated in trainings this month on a number of topics. Librarians Laurie
Sanders and Rosemary Hammock joined several virtual workshops through our Ryan Dowd Niche
Academy. Librarian Jeremy Rodriguez and Library Assistant Chris Hennigan both attended the Lunch and
Learn program offered by the City. This program focused on community resources, such as CalFresh,
mental health support, Veterans outreach – among others – that are available to residents.
Library Assistant Greg Johnson attended a special training hosted jointly by the Newport Beach Fire and
Police Departments. As the opioid epidemic has grown, so have accidental overdoses. Training attendees
were instructed on the use of the medication Naloxone (Narcan), an easy-to-use nasal spray that
counteracts the effects of the overdose and has the ability to save lives.
Hiring
We interviewed and identified several candidates to assume Library Assistant vacancies; offers were made
to three. Candidates are working their way through the HR process.
Our librarians continue to support peer library systems by assisting in their hiring processes.
21
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
A to Z Databases 1740 1695 3435
Ancestry 976 937 1913
AskART 55 22 77
Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow 82 48 130
Britannica School Edition 23 4 27
Exploring Race in Society 2 0 2
Gale Archives Unbound 1977 7446 9423
Gale Directory Library 17 2 19
Gale in Context: Biography 9 7 16
Gale in Context: Elementary 10 23 33
Gale in Context: Opposing View 8 1 9
Gale Literature Resource Center 8 2 10
Gale Virtual Reference Library 46 28 74
HeritageQuest 224 241 465
Legal Information Ref Center 72 65 137
National Geographic 24 14 38
National Geographic Kids 23 13 36
NewsBank 1292 1211 2503
NoveList Plus 48 84 132
NoveList K-8 Plus 22 44 66
ProQuest 2587 2605 5192
Proquest eLibrary 2 4 6
Reference Solutions Business 1883 614 2497
Reference Solutions Residential 91 32 123
SIRS Discoverer 0 3 3
SIRS Issues Researcher 192 3 195
World Book Online 4 8 12
Tracked by #page views
Artist Works 4 3 7
Consumer Reports 3496 2508 6004
CultureGrams 26 45 71
Morningstar 5899 5543 11442
RealQuest 11 0 11
Tumblebooks 12 24 36
Value Line 13295 11823 25118
Tracked by courses
LinkedIn Learning 349 190 539
Tracked by Hours Used
ABC Mouse 27.68 30.40 58.08
Rosetta Stone 16.12 47.18 63.30
Notes:
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 1133
Newspapers--Current 656 1022 839
Newspapers--Historical 1966 3410 2688
Magazines 19 22 21
22
NBPL Website Usage 2023-24
Metric Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Total Users 23559 23192 23376 46751
New Users 22806 22634 22720 45440
Sessions 44852 41809 43331 86661
Pageviews 97997 72390 85194 170387
Sessions Per User 2 2 2 --
Pages Per Session 2 2 2 --
Avg. Session Dur. (min)3 3 3 --
Bounce Rate (%)54 58 56 --
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 240 157 198 397
CdM 220 242 231 462
Mariners 1710 1500 1605 3210
Central 11410 12170 11790 23580
Total 13580 14069 13825 27649
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 518 445 482 963
CdM 470 449 460 919
Mariners 1575 1578 1577 3153
Central 8775 9524 9150 18299
Total 11338 11996 11667 23334
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 43 85
CdM 30 30 30 60
Mariners 124 125 125 249
Central 654 661 658 1315
Total 852 857 855 1709
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 474 361 418 836
CdM 480 552 516 1032
Mariners 1110 999 1055 2109
Central 1330 1310 1320 2640
Total 3394 3222 3308 6616
23
AUG 23 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 2,594 5,069 6,052
CdM 3,626 7,702 6,689
MARINERS 21,885 43,780 42,361
CENTRAL 57,539 115,856 121,785
eBooks 7,931 16,452 15,611
eMagazines 1,815 3,772 4,256
eAudiobooks 6,297 12,829 12,046
Streaming Films 1,172 2,289 1,487
TOTAL 102,859 207,749 210,287
SEP 22 100,025
OCT 22 100,128
NOV 22 93,338
DEC 22 90,480
JAN 23 97,351
FEB 23 89,534
MAR 23 102,817
APR 23 94,662
MAY 23 96,156
JUN 23 98,173
JUL 23 104,890
AUG 23 102,859
TOTAL 1,170,413
12 Month Comparison
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - AUGUST 2023
CIRCULATION
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
eBooks
eMagazines
eAudiobooks
Streaming Films
85,000
90,000
95,000
100,000
105,000
110,000
SEP 22 OCT 22 NOV 22 DEC 22 JAN 23 FEB 23 MAR 23 APR 23 MAY 23 JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23
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
24
AUG 23 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 413 837 863
CdM 741 1,658 1,362
MARINERS 1,967 4,217 3,681
CENTRAL 6,948 14,290 13,806
TOTAL 10,069 21,002 19,712
12 Month Comparison
SEP 22 8,793
OCT 22 8,944
NOV 22 7,898
DEC 22 7,081
JAN 23 8,577
FEB 23 8,486
MAR 23 10,508
APR 23 8,626
MAY 23 8,917
JUN 23 10,700
JUL 23 10,933
AUG 23 10,069
TOTAL 109,532
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - AUGUST 2023
REFERENCE
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
6,500
7,500
8,500
9,500
10,500
11,500
SEP 22 OCT 22 NOV 22 DEC 22 JAN 23 FEB 23 MAR 23 APR 23 MAY 23 JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23
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
25
AUG 23 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 2,333 4,509 4,866
CdM 3,179 6,477 5,228
MARINERS 11,961 23,258 19,973
CENTRAL 39,338 78,449 69,129
TOTAL 56,811 112,693 99,196
12 Month Comparison
SEP 22 55,489
OCT 22 52,173
NOV 22 44,903
DEC 22 45,996
JAN 23 50,627
FEB 23 50,358
MAR 23 59,398
APR 23 59,010
MAY 23 53,465
JUN 23 52,680
JUL 23 55,882
AUG 23 56,811
TOTAL 636,792
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - AUGUST 2023
PATRONS SERVED
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
40,000
45,000
50,000
55,000
60,000
65,000
SEP 22 OCT 22 NOV 22 DEC 22 JAN 23 FEB 23 MAR 23 APR 23 MAY 23 JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23
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
26
AUG 23 YTD 23/24 YTD 22/23
BALBOA 146 342 253
CdM 456 1,133 945
MARINERS 531 1,322 981
CENTRAL 2,410 8,847 12,082
TOTAL 3,543 11,644 14,261
12 Month Comparison
SEP 22 7,860
OCT 22 8,647
NOV 22 5,232
DEC 22 4,915
JAN 23 4,244
FEB 23 5,328
MAR 23 6,022
APR 23 6,001
MAY 23 8,113
JUN 23 7,670
JUL 23 8,101
AUG 23 3,543
TOTAL 75,676
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - AUGUST 2023
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
SEP 22 OCT 22 NOV 22 DEC 22 JAN 23 FEB 23 MAR 23 APR 23 MAY 23 JUN 23 JUL 23 AUG 23
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
27
LIBRARY EXPENDITURES FY 2023-24
(September 1, 2023)
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
ORIGINAL
APPROP
REVISED
BUDGET
YTD
EXPENDED
MONTHLY
EXPENDED
AVAILABLE
BUDGET
I SALARY & BENEFITS
SALARY FULL-TIME REGULAR 3,156,337 3,156,337 451,050 227,643 2,705,287
SALARY PART-TIME 1,279,860 1,279,860 134,831 70,195 1,145,028
BENEFITS 2,247,901 2,369,508 356,328 217,923 2,013,180
SALARY & BENEFITS TOTAL 6,684,098 6,805,705 942,209 515,761 5,863,496
II MAINT & OPERATION
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE*207,488 207,488 35,786 17,827 171,702
UTILITIES 372,933 372,933 87,728 43,103 285,205
PROGRAMMING 2,000 2,000 1,636 1,311 364
SUPPLIES**82,800 82,846 10,846 6,620 72,001
LIBRARY MATERIALS 669,740 669,787 198,675 163,488 471,113
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 250,275 260,864 16,916 12,665 243,949
TRAINING AND TRAVEL 10,681 10,681 47 47 10,634
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES***24,202 24,920 2,790 2,324 22,130
PERIPHERALS & SOFTWARE 5,000 5,000 0 0 5,000
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 1,693,396 1,693,396 282,233 0 1,411,164
OFFICE EQUIPMENT 2,000 2,000 0 0 2,000
MAINT & OPERATION TOTAL 3,320,516 3,331,917 636,655 247,384 2,695,262
LIBRARY BUDGET TOTAL 10,004,613 10,137,622 1,578,864 763,145 8,558,758
*PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - INCLUDE OUTSIDE PRINTING, JANITORIAL, WINDOW SERVICE
**INCLUDES OFFICE , PROCESSING AND JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
***INCLUDES, ADVERTISING, DUES, EVENT INSURANCE
28
Previous
Agenda Date AGENDA ITEM Scheduled
Agenda Date
Ongoing Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing
Sep 19, 2022 Sep 18, 2023
Oct 17, 2022 Oct 16, 2023
Oct 17, 2022 Oct 16, 2023
Dec 19, 2022 Dec 11, 2023
Dec 11, 2023
Jan 17, 2023 Jan 16, 2024
Feb 21, 2023 Feb 20, 2024
Feb 21, 2023 Feb 20, 2024
Mar 20, 2023 Mar 18, 2024
Apr 17, 2023 Apr 15, 2024
Apr 17, 2023 Apr 15, 2024
May 15, 2023 May 20, 2024
May 15, 2023 May 20, 2024
May 15, 2023 May 20, 2024
Jun 19, 2023 Jun 17, 2024
Jun 19, 2023 Jun 17, 2024
Jul 17, 2023 Jul 15, 2024
Jul 17, 2023 Jul 15, 2024
Aug 21, 2023 Aug 19, 2024
Aug 21, 2023 Aug 19, 2024
LAST
REVIEWED POLICY REVIEW
Nov 15, 2021 NBPL 15 The Library Lecture Hall Nov 20, 2023
Dec 20, 2021 NBPL 10 Laptop Borrowing Policy Dec 11, 2023
Feb 22, 2022 NBPL 3 Library Gift and Donor Policy Feb 20, 2024
Jul 18, 2022 CC I-1 Library Services Policy (Council Policy I -1)Jul 15, 2024
Aug 15, 2022 NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy Aug 19, 2024
Sep 19, 2022 NBPL 9 Expressive Use Areas Sep 16, 2024
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, 2022 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
Election of Board of Library Trustees Officers/Trustee Liaisons
Financial Report Comparison of Beginning Budget to End of the Year Amended Budget (Every June)
Arts & Cultural Update
Newport Beach Public Library eBranch, Database and Downloadable Services Review
Information Technology Update
Adult and Reference Services Update
Branch Update - Mariners
Branch Update - Balboa
Library Material Selection
Marketing Update & Social Networking Update
Media Lab Update
Proposed Library Closures for Winter Holidays
Annual Budget - Approval
Youth Services Update
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MONITORING LIST
Lecture Hall Update
Balboa Branch Replacement Update
Annual Budget - Preliminary Review
Branch Update - CDM
Performance Review of Library Services Director (Closed Session)
Policy Review (See List Below)
Review Holidays / Meeting Schedule
December 2023 Regular Meeting Rescheduled
Literacy Program Update
29
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
September 18, 2023
Agenda Item No. 6
DISCUSSION:
The Library’s Project Adult Literacy (PAL) began in 1988 and has had a significant impact in the Newport
Beach community and beyond. Our program offers no-cost, one-on-one tutoring and small group classes
for adults who are interested in improving their reading, writing, or communication skills.
Here are some of the program highlights from the past year:
•There were 86 adult learners served and 4,433 volunteer hours completed from July 2022 through
June 2023.
•In March of 2023, learners participated in the Writer to Writer 22nd annual writer contest. PAL
learners represented a fourth of all winners and runners up for the contest. Entries were chosen
from all southern Californian libraries in the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN).
•Gabriela Leman began the position as the new Literacy Coordinator on July 10, 2023. She has
worked closely with the outgoing, retired coordinator Cherall Weiss as well as administration and
the Literacy Advisory Board in order to maintain a successful delivery of program services.
•Immediately following this, recruitment planning efforts for new learners and tutors began. New
Learner Orientations and Tutor Trainings resumed in September 2023 after a half year hiatus.
•There is currently a recruitment to fill the part-time Literacy Department Assistant position.
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: Gabriela Leman, Literacy Coordinator
TITLE: Literacy Services Update
30
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
September 18, 2023
Agenda Item No. 7
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the proposed amendments to Library
Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development Policy, made by the Collection Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
DISCUSSION:
A Collection Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee was formed at the Board of Library Trustees’ August 21, 2023
meeting for the purpose of preparing proposed amendments to Library Policy NBPL 2, Collection Development
Policy. The ad hoc subcommittee met at the end of August to discuss and determine proposed amendments
in response to the August 21 Board of Library Trustees’ agenda item regarding Collection Development for
Children’s Books.
The ad hoc subcommittee recommends adding the following language to the Patron Rights section of the
existing policy:
•Along with parents, include “caregivers” as a responsible party for minor children and add the language
“under their care and supervision” in that same sentence.
•Add the following clause to address age appropriateness and placement of materials:
o “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 Library Services
Director will be relocated to another Library location.”
The Office of the City Attorney has reviewed the draft amendments to the 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) – red-lined
ATTACHMENT C: Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2) – final
ATTACHMENT D: Patron’s Request 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: Collection Development Policy (NBPL 2)
31
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 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, who operates
within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The Library Services 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
32
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
have the primary responsibility to guide and direct the use of library materials by their own minor
children.
In support of the above principles, 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
the Library's "Collection Development Policy" and asked to complete the "Patron’s Request for
Evaluation of Library Resources" form, Attachment I of the Collection Development Policy.
Library staff shall evaluate the material, based on the "Collection Development Policy" established
by the Board of Library Trustees. A recommendation shall be forwarded to the Library Services
Director who shall respond in writing to the patron. Any unresolved concerns shall be referred to
the Board of Library Trustees for final decision.
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
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
33
3
[Attachment I – Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources]
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
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 August 15, 2022.
34
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 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, who operates
within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The Library Services 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 B
35
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 their
ownthe 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
the Library's "Collection Development Policy" and asked to complete the "Patron’s Request for
Evaluation of Library Resources" form, Attachment I of the Collection Development Policy.
Library staff shall evaluate the material, based on the "Collection Development Policy" established
by the Board of Library Trustees. A recommendation shall be forwarded to the Library Services
Director who shall respond in writing to the patron. 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 Library Services Director will be relocated to another Library location. Any
unresolved concerns shall be referred to the Board of Library Trustees for final decision.
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
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
36
3
[Attachment I – Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources]
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
Reviewed and Amended – September 18, 2023
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 August 15, 2022September 18, 2023.
37
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 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, who operates
within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The Library Services 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 C
38
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
the Library's "Collection Development Policy" and asked to complete the "Patron’s Request for
Evaluation of Library Resources" form, Attachment I of the Collection Development Policy.
Library staff shall evaluate the material, based on the "Collection Development Policy" established
by the Board of Library Trustees. A recommendation shall be forwarded to the Library Services
Director who shall respond in writing to the patron. 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 Library Services Director will be relocated to another Library location. Any
unresolved concerns shall be referred to the Board of Library Trustees for final decision.
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
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
39
3
[Attachment I – Patron’s Request for Evaluation of Library Resources]
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
Reviewed and Amended – September 18, 2023
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 September 18, 2023.
40
ATTACHMENT I
PATRON’S REQUEST FOR EVALUATION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES
We appreciate your interest in the materials which have been selected for inclusion in
the collection of the Newport Beach Public Library. If you have a concern about a
specific item, we would appreciate your assistance in addressing the matter. Please fill
out this form and return it to the Site Manager. The staff will evaluate the material
and forward a recommendation to the Library Services Director.
Name Date
Address
City State Zip Phone
Resources on which you were commenting:
Book Audiovisual Resource
Magazine Content of Library Program
Newspaper Other
1.Title
2.Author/Producer
3.What brought this title to your attention?
4.Have you seen or heard reviews of this material?
5.Please comment on the resource as a whole.
6.Please note your specific objections.
III-C
ATTACHMENT D
41
7. What resource(s) would you suggest, to provide additional
information on this topic?
Please use the back of this form if additional space is needed. Thank you for
taking the additional time to complete this form. Your request for evaluation
will be given careful consideration and a response provided.
Newport Beach Public Library
Newport Beach, California
Corrected - October 10, 2006
Revised – November 16, 2010
Revised – August 20, 2018
Revised – August 17, 2020
Reviewed – August 15, 2022
42
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
September 18, 2023
Agenda Item No. 8
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board of Library Trustees approve the acceptance of two donations from the
Newport Beach Public Library Foundation.
DISCUSSION:
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation accepts donations on behalf of the Newport Beach Public
Library. Recently, the Foundation received a $200 donation specifically for the Balboa Branch Library. The
Foundation also received donations totaling $2,050 for Literacy Services. Staff recommends that the Board
of Library Trustees accept these donations. If accepted, the $200 for Balboa will go into the Library
Materials Budget and be spent on materials in all formats and for all age groups. If accepted, the $2,050
will go into the Literacy Services’ Programming and Materials budgets.
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 Donation
43