HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-2025-BLT-AGENDA PACKETCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES AGENDA
Civic Center Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Monday, March 17, 2025 - 5:00 PM
Board of Library Trustees Members:
Chase Rief, Chair
Antonella Castro, Vice Chair
Dorothy Larson, Secretary
Lauren Kramer, Trustee
Meghan Murray, 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, March 16, at 5:00
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.CHAIR'S WELCOME
V.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.
March 17, 2025
Page 2
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
VI.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and will all be
enacted by one motion in the form listed below. Board of Library Trustees have received
detailed staff reports on each of the items recommending an action. There will be no separate
discussion of these items prior to the time the Board of Library Trustees votes on the motion
unless members of the Board of Library Trustees request specific items to be discussed and/or
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Members of the public who wish to
discuss a Consent Calendar item should come forward upon invitation by the Chair.
A.Consent Calendar Items
Minutes of the Feb 24, 2025 Board of Library Trustees Meeting (pp. 5-12)1.
DRAFT OF MINUTES
Patron Comments (pp. 13-16)2.
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests
received from patrons.
PATRON COMMENTS
Expenditure Status Report (p. 17)3.
Monthly expenditure status of the library's operating expenses, services, salaries,
and benefits by department.
FEBRUARY EXPENDITURES
Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List (p. 18)4.
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library
Trustees.
MONITORING LIST
VII.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
Balboa Branch Update (pp. 19-23)5.
Staff presents an overview of Balboa Branch's activities and resources, and a
branch replacement update.
STAFF REPORT
March 17, 2025
Page 3
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Study Rooms/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy (NBPL 13)(PP. 24-30)6.
Staff requests that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve changes to
Library Policy NBPL 13, Study Rooms/Charles Sword Meeting Room.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENTS A-C
Acceptance of Donations (pp. 31-32)7.
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees review and accept two donations
from the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation and a donation to Project Adult
Literacy made by a patron in memory of Dr. Stephen Koffler.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT A
Children's Caregiver Collection Ad Hoc Subcommittee Update8.
The Ad Hoc Subcommittee will provide an update regarding the new collection for
children and their caregivers.
Library Activities (pp. 33-45)9.
Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics.
STAFF REPORT
B.Monthly Reports
Library Foundation Liaison Report (pp. 46-48)10.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Library Foundation Board Meeting.
FOUNDATION REPORT
Foundation Literacy Liaison Report11.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Foundation Literacy Committee
Meeting.
Friends of the Library Liaison Report12.
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board Meeting.
March 17, 2025
Page 4
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
VIII.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments are invited, and non-agenda items generally considered to be within the
subject matter jurisdiction of the Board of Library Trustees. Speakers must limit comments to
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.
IX.BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION
ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) OR RECONSIDERATION
X.ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Board of Library Trustees Civic Center Council Chambers 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA Meeting Minutes Monday, February 24, 2025 – 5:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Chase Rief called to order the Board of Library Trustees meeting for February 24, 2025.
II. ROLL CALL Trustees Present: Chair Chase Rief, Vice Chair Antonella Castro (arrived at
5:08 p.m.), Secretary Dorothy Larson, Trustee Lauren Kramer, Trustee Meghan Murray Trustees Absent: None Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager Andrew Kachaturian, Adult Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator
Camille Escareal-Garcia, Cultural Arts Assistant Staff Absent: Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Specialist III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Secretary Dorothy Larson led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. COMMENTS BY CHAIR
Chair Rief welcomed back all in attendance.
V. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR Cultural Arts Assistant Camille Escareal-Garcia read the Consent Calendar Notice
to the public. Chair Rief inquired whether any Trustees had requests to pull an item from the Consent Calendar. There were none. A. Consent Calendar Items
1. Minutes of the January 21, 2025 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting February 24, 2025
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2.Patron Comments
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests
received from patrons.
3.Expenditure Status Report
Monthly expenditure status of the library’s operating expenses, services, salaries, and
benefits by department.
4.Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library
Trustees.
Chair Rief opened the item to public comments, there were none.
Motion made by Secretary Dorothy Larson, seconded by Trustee Meghan Murray, and carried 4-0-0-1 to approve the Consent Calendar Items 1-4.
AYES: Rief, Kramer, Larson, Murray NOES:
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Castro
VII.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
5.Display and Distribution of Materials Policy (NBPL 8)
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees review Library Policy
NBPL 8, Display and Distribution of Materials.
Chair Rief reported there are no proposed changes and there is no need for the staff report.
Chair Rief opened the item for public comments, there were none.
Motion made by Trustee Lauren Kramer, seconded by Chair Chase Rief, and carried 4-0-0-1 to approve staff recommendations on Item 5.
AYES: Rief, Kramer, Larson, Murray
NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES: Castro
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting February 24, 2025
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6. Annual Budget – Preliminary Review
Staff requests that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the preliminary operating budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Trustee Kramer requested the staff report due to the overarching importance of the subject matter.
Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot reported the Public Works Department will be taking over the day-to-day maintenance of the four library locations for Fiscal Year 2025-26, leading to a reallocation of the Library’s Facilities
Maintenance Technician position. She stated this move would leave the libraries short-handed in covering the non-facility related duties of the previous technician, such as handling library materials deliveries, so staff is requesting two part-time
Library Clerk II positions to make up the difference. She noted that the Library is also requesting the reclassification of a Librarian III position to a paraprofessional position to serve as a Circulation Coordinator. She explained that this reclassification would create a better pool of candidates. She advised that staff has requested the savings in this position be transferred to the facilities and maintenance budget to cover costs not being transferred to Public Works. Library Services Manager Lightfoot reported that in November 2024, the City Council approved a three-year exhibition period for the Sculpture Exhibition changing the budgetary figures that were originally calculated using a two-year exhibition period. She reported the Library is seeing its passport and test proctoring
services continue to grow but is requesting to end its notary services due to infrequent use.
Chair Rief noted that the notary program generated only $45 in revenue. In response to Secretary Larson’s inquiry, Library Services Manager Lightfoot confirmed the Library’s revenue projection is only what they expect to receive directly in exchange for services offered and does not include any unanticipated grant or donation funds. In response to Trustee Kramer’s inquiry, Library Services Manager Lightfoot clarified the Library receives about $50,000 in annual funding from the State. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments, there were none. Motion made by Trustee Lauren Kramer, seconded by Secretary Dorothy Larson, and carried 5-0-0-0 to approve staff recommendations.
AYES: Rief, Castro, Kramer, Larson, Murray NOES:
ABSTENTIONS: ABSENCES:
7. Arts and Culture Update
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Staff will present the annual report on the activities of the Cultural Arts Division. Library Services Director Melissa Hartson reported the Cultural Arts Division’s
programming in 2024 included a series of Concerts on the Green, a concert in Marina Park, and the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. She reported on the work of the Newport Beach Arts Foundation which raises money to help support the arts in the community.
In response to Vice Chair Castro’s inquiry, Library Services Director Hartson stated the City has nothing to do with the art displayed at John Wayne Airport. Trustee Kramer noted
that the airport has its own Arts Commission. In response to Secretary Larson’s inquiries, Library Services Director Hartson confirmed Backhausdance has again been awarded a Cultural Arts Grant as approved by the City Arts Commission and it only needs to be approved by the City Council before being finalized. She explained that her understanding is that Backhausdance intends to put on a similar program this year as it did last year. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments, there were none. Chair Rief received and filed the report.
8. Children’s Summer Reading Program Update
Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth will provide an update of the Summer Reading Program for summer 2025.
Chair Rief noted there was no need for a staff report. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments, there were none.
Chair Rief received and filed the report.
9. Children’s Library Special Section Update
The Children’s Library Special Section Ad Hoc Subcommittee will provide
an update regarding their recommendations for creating a special section in the Children’s Library for sensitive materials. Chair Rief reported this is an Ad Hoc Subcommittee consisting of Secretary Larson and Trustee Murray established at last month’s meeting. Trustee Murray reported they discussed adding a special section for Caregiver Support where caregivers can find special subject materials covering sensitive subjects like cancer to specifically read with children. She advised that materials for situations like these that do not have their own area can get lost in the general volumes.
In response to Secretary Larson’s inquiry, Library Services Director Hartson reported staff has proactively researched special collections at libraries across Orange County. She noted that staff likes the concept of a caregiver’s collection for parents, grandparents,
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting February 24, 2025
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teachers, and others. She stated they are children’s books to be kept in the Children’s Room and intended to be read together with a caregiver to help children better understand difficult life situations. She reported that the collection the Library aims to build will cover
topics of health, development, life changes, behavior, interpersonal relationships, safety, and school readiness. She noted that Newport Beach’s collection will be in line with similar collections in the libraries of six other public library systems in Orange County.
Chair Rief commended the idea. He reported seeing a similar section in the City of Beverly Hills but theirs was more extensive including children’s books about bereavement and
losing a parent or pet. He agreed these books are not ones parents would want on a general shelf but are important resources in unfortunate situations. He lauded the creation of a special section. Trustee Murray advised that many of these books can also help in schools with Emotional Social Learning programs as they cover mental health issues and subjects like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), suicide, eating disorders, depression, and others. In response to Secretary Larson’s inquiry, Trustee Murray clarified that she is referring to Emotional Social Learning and not English as a Second Language in her use of the ESL abbreviation.
In response to Trustee Kramer’s inquiries, Library Services Director Hartson stated the Orange County Public Library has such a section along with the City of Yorba Linda, the
City of Huntington Beach, and others. Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth confirmed they could return with a full list. She could not confirm how long each city has had its special sections. Library Services Director Hartson clarified there have
been past iterations of parental resources within the Children’s Room, but they are planning to view this as the start of a new collection. She confirmed staff will follow the Library’s collection policies in selecting materials, reclassifying current materials, and ordering future materials. She confirmed it will be in the Children’s Room at all four locations. Trustee Kramer stated she prefers to avoid creating new rules, which make things more complicated, creating larger issues while attempting to solve a simpler one. She stated she is currently leaning against this concept but would like to hear more about it acknowledging her opinion could be swayed.
Secretary Larson noted only two trustees can serve on the ad hoc subcommittee. She commended Library Services Director Hartson’s comments to the ad hoc subcommittee about staff acting proactively on this matter. She stated when she was a parent to young
children she would have appreciated knowing books like these were available. She noted that she does have trepidation about the relocation of some books. She noted public emails have been against the idea but acknowledged that the public did not have the
benefit of a factual presentation. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments. Darla Magaña inquired if there would be any access boundaries to the collection adding it would concern her if this material was relatively inaccessible to idly browsing young readers. She expressed interest in hearing more about the potential book subjects. She
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expressed concerns about an inability for serendipitous access if the books are too far away from where someone may be naturally browsing.
Patty Gwin, a Newport Beach resident, stated books should remain where the American Library Association has recommended they be shelved, adding it inhibits intellectual freedom if certain books are removed from the children’s section. She called for the books
to be available for free access. Joni Nichols stated books dealing with issues like gender and race are the truly sensitive
ones and not those dealing with bereavement. She echoed the written public comments of Gialisa Gaffaney, Jim Mosher, and others expressing concerns about the direction of the Library and not making materials available to all. Linda Benner expressed her appreciation for the discussion. She noted that she loves the idea of having a way for caregivers to deal with difficult subjects and inquired if there is a list of online titles searchable by category as opposed to moving the physical books to a special place. Ann Lopour questioned if the use of the term “caregiver” is covering up an unseen motive allowing for subjects like gender and race to be stuck in this area with topics like cancer
and bereavement. She stated the library should not restrict access by designating books as sensitive in an Orwellian manner. She explained that having all books in the mainstream implies every person can be respected.
Chair Rief closed public comments.
Chair Rief stated no policy is being presented tonight. In response to Chair Rief’s inquiry, Secretary Larson stated the ad hoc subcommittee needs to further consider public comment. Trustee Murray explained that they need some clarification on the comments, noting they are attempting to make the books more prominent. Chair Rief noted this process opens the opportunity to bring even more books on wider topics to the Library. He agreed to maintain the ad hoc subcommittee, continuing its work, and present again to the Board in March if there is an update.
Chair Rief received and filed the report.
10. Library Activities
Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics.
Library Services Director Hartson reported there was a City-organized Welcome to the Neighborhood outreach event for people relocating to Newport Beach. She reported that the Library’s website has added a link for the “Newport Beach in the
Rearview Mirror” podcast for residents to learn more about the City’s history. She announced that there will be an upcoming modernization of both elevators, noting they will be updated one at a time so there is always one operational for patrons.
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She reported the building’s 30-year-old Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning units are set to be replaced. She noted that it will require a temporary closure of the building and staff is working with Public Works on a schedule for late August
or early September. In response to Vice Chair Castro’s inquiry, Library Services Director Hartson
clarified the website links to the Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror podcast files as opposed to hosting the files on the Library’s website per the advice of the City’s Information Technology staff because the City does not host the podcaster’s
website. Chair Reif stated he would rather add the material to the Library’s collection as opposed to hosting the website and requested reaching out to see if this donation is feasible. He compared it to adding past editions of The Daily Pilot to the Library’s archive so the podcast remains even if the self-hosting does not. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments, there were none. Chair Rief received and filed the report. B. Monthly Reports
11. Library Foundation Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Library Foundation Board meeting. Secretary Larson reported attending the February meeting. She explained that
they are somewhat between seasons for speakers but recently had an excellent event with USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan. She previewed an upcoming Spotlight on Science event with seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones.
Chair Rief reported the Foundation also has an item on the next City Council meeting Agenda to upgrade their screen size with a proposal for the City to split
the cost. He reported that both he and Secretary Larson will be attending the Council meeting. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments, there were none. Chair Rief received and filed the report.
12. Friends of the Library Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting. Trustee Murray reported she was unable to attend the meeting. Chair Rief noted the organization did have a recent book sale. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments, there were none.
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Chair Rief received and filed the report.
13. Pals4pal Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Pals4pal Board meeting. Vice Chair Castro reported the organization has been approved to dissolve.
Chair Rief reported that they have been absorbed by the Library Foundation. He stated Vice Chair Castro will remain as the liaison for consistency as it transitions.
Vice Chair Castro agreed and noted that the Foundation is looking at forming a Literacy Committee.
Jerold D. Kappel, Chief Executive Officer of the Library Foundation, reported that the Literacy Committee will be formally established at the next Board meeting and led by Paul Watkins. He noted that the existing Pals4pal funds will be transferred to a holding account this week before being transferred to a separate account subject to the Foundation’s Investment Management Policy. He reported that approximately $490,000 will be held in perpetuity to continually serve the needs of Pals4pal. Chair Rief opened the item for public comments, there were none. Chair Rief received and filed the report.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS – THREE MINUTES PER SPEAKER
None
IX. BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH
MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION
ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
None X. ADJOURNMENT – 5:45 P.M.
The next meeting will be March 17, 2025.
12
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS FEBRUARY 2025
Comment #Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
1
02/02/2025
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Adult Services Coordinator
02/03/2025
2
02/03/2025
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Adult Services Coordinator
02/03/2025
3
02/03/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
02/03/2025
4
02/04/2025
Email
Allison Sarnowski & Francine Jacome
Administrative Support Team
02/04/2025
5
02/05/2025
Phone
Allison Sarnowski
Administrative Support Technician
02/05/2025
6
02/08/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
02/10/2025
I was wondering if you guys offer sewing machine rentals!? I saw some libraries
offer this but wasn’t sure if Newport Beach offers this service. Thanks so much for your help!
While the Newport Beach Public Library does not offer sewing machines, several of
the nearby libraries in Orange County do. The Placentia Public Library offers sewing machines to rent as well as sewing machines in their Makerspace to use in the library ... Several of the Orange County Public Libraries have sewing machines for rent ... The Yorba Linda Public Library also has sewing machines to rent ... I
hope that helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Thank you.
I have some books due on Feb 1st, but I am out of town now. Could you give me an
extension for the return? Thank you for your consideration.
I checked your account and can see that these items have already been renewed
the maximum number of times. Can you please let me know when you will be back in town and I will do my best to help you? Thank you.
I would like to sign up for a library card. Do I need to go to the library or can I apply
online? Thank you.
The library does offer an online registration form that is intended to allow users to
place holds on physical items in the library and to use a select number of online
databases. In order to actually check any items out or use our full array of online resources (such as Libby for eBooks), we do require that you visit the library with a valid photo ID and proof off address. Cards are free to anyone in California and are $10 per year outside of California. I hope this answers your question, but if you
need any additional information, please let us know. Best regards.
We are interested in having a photoshoot on your facility grounds on February 20
and 21, 2025. The shoot would be from 8am-4pm, with some shut down each day until 5pm. We would be doing a still film and some video pick ups (short form), of models outside your facility, on the greens, in the cement walkways and the trail behind the facility. We would not be using any inside locations. We are a water bottle company based in Costa Mesa, CA. We will be shooting fitness models using
the water bottles and doing some light athletics in the area. We would not need to
shut down the areas, as we can pause to let traffic, the public through as needed.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you ... We visited the site earlier, and it seems like we are more interested in the lawn by civic center versus the library. Unfortunately, Felipe informed us we are unable to shoot there on Feb 20-21 due to voting taking place during that time. We appreciate in your
reply, but we will need to find a new location. Thanks!
Thank you for providing detailed information about your project. If not already,
please visit ... to review guidelines for filming in the City of Newport Beach. The Library has a special event scheduled for Friday, February 21. The setup will begin in the afternoon, so it may conflict with your photoshoot plans. Using the aerial diagram of the Library grounds shown below, can you please specify/circle exactly where you would like to work? ... Thank you for keeping us updated regarding your
request. We will notify our Library management that you have withdrawn your
request. Have a pleasant day.
We are the midst of an office remodel/move here in Newport Beach and my manager has a couple of boxes of books that we would like to donate. They are not specific to our company. They are mostly books pertaining to business, sales, finance, proposals, [and] writing. Do you have information on when to bring the
books by, if there is a specific person or area/department to bring the books to and
any other information needed? Thank you.
Thank you for thinking of us! Yes, the Friends of the Library are accepting donations on the Library’s behalf. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., but you may drop donations off at any location during normal business hours. If you would like to make an appointment for a larger
donation drop off, please call the Friends at 949-759-9667. You can find more
information about donations on their website here ...
The study room reservation policy should be made clearer by incorporating the words “same day” somewhere, perhaps at the beginning of the second paragraph …
Thank you for your feedback. I will pass your suggestion on to the Library Administration Team. The Reference Desk can assist you further with your plans to reserve a study room in the future.
13
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS FEBRUARY 2025
Comment #Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
7
02/11/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
02/11/2025
8
02/12/2025
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Adult Services Coordinator
02/12/2025
9
02/13/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
02/18/2025
10
02/14/2025
Email
Annika Helmuth
Branch & Youth Services Coordinator
02/14/2025
11
02/15/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
02/18/2025
12
02/17/2025
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Adult Services Coordinator
02/18/2025
I am a retired university professor living in Newport Beach. You may be familiar with the International Encyclopedia of Geography (IEG), published in 2016 by Wiley. I was one of the five General Editors (in my case responsible for physical
geography). The IEG is 15 volumes in size, taking about 17 inches of bookshelf
space. The printed version sells for $3450, but an online version also exists. I have
a set of the 15 volumes and am looking for a place to donate it where it will get used. Would the NB Library like to have my personal set of the 15 printed volumes? I will not be offended if you say no; I just want to find a place where they will be used. Thanks for considering my offer.
Thank you so much for your very generous offer. I’m afraid they really wouldn’t get much use here. We’ve been scaling back our print Reference materials over the last few years and concentrating more on online resources that are more easily
updated. I hate to even suggest it, since you said you wanted them to be used, but
if you’d like to donate them to the Friends of the Library, they will sell them and use
the profits to buy books for the library. But I completely understand if you would rather continue to look for a library that could use your books. Thank you.
I have Elizabeth Berg's “Once upon a time, there was you”, [but I] have [not]
finished it yet. May I extend the checkout for another couple of weeks? Thank you.
Good morning … Yes, this book was renewable. It is now due on March 11. Best
regards.
I am inquiring about the process for publishing an article in your newsletter. Please
advise!
I’m so sorry, I’m not sure which newsletter you are referring to. The library does not
put out a newsletter, but one of our support organizations does. The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation puts out the “Bookmark”. Is that the one you mean? ... Their contact information can also be found on that page. If there is a different newsletter you were referring to, please let me know. Thank you.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contact you. I visited your website and
found your great list of databases at ... Would it be possible to add our website to this page under "Lifelong Learning Tools"? We offer the #1 Excel tutorial on the net. Fully illustrated + 300 examples. It's 100% free. The URL is ... Microsoft Excel is an important skill in many jobs, as it is widely used for data analysis, financial projects,
and organizational tasks. I hope to hear from you.
Thank you for thinking of us, but we are not looking to add any content to our
website.
Looking into doing an information session for parents and children regarding speech therapy. This would be a play based session, where parents could have
toys and/or books to play with their kids as I guide them in ways that encourage
and support speech and language ... Looking forward to hearing back from you.
Please let me know if you have any questions. My contact information is below in the signature. You can also visit my website for more information. Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in the Newport Beach Public Library. The library hosts a variety of youth programs that complement or enhance the Library’s mission as the
cultural, educational, and informational heart of Newport Beach. Youth programs
are free, open to the public, and held during library hours. We are not currently
adding parenting workshops to our youth program schedule, however, I will reach out to you if an opportunity becomes available in the future. Below is a general outline for program proposal consideration ... Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
I have not finished The Nightingale book, but it will not allow me to renew. I will
finish this book by 2/16. Is there any way that I could get a renewal for a few days and then return by 2/16?
Unfortunately, renewals are not available on items that have waiting lists and this titles does have a waiting list at the moment. If you prefer to keep the book until you finish, the late fee is $0.25 per day. I have checked to see if the eBook is available for you, but that also has a waiting list. If you would like some help placing the eBook on hold, please let me know. You would be able to place the physical copy
back on hold and join that waiting list once your copy is returned. Thank you.
14
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS FEBRUARY 2025
Comment #Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
13
02/20/2025
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Adult Services Coordinator
02/20/2025
14
02/20/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
02/20/2025
15
02/20/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
02/20/2025
16
02/20/2025
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Adult Services Coordinator
02/20/2025
17
02/22/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
02/24/2025
18
02/21/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
02/21/2025
I would like the section in the teen area that provided advanced copies of books to return. This was my favorite part of this branch and I miss reviewing the books.Thank you for taking the time out of your day to fill out a comment form and share your interest in the Teen area and the program that we were participating in for the advanced reader books. We partnered with an organization called YALSA for this
and our term ended. I will keep this on our radar in case we are given the
opportunity again. It really helps to receive the feedback. Thank you again!
I have 2 books that are due in 3 days, but I am out of town. Am I able to renew
them without coming in to the library? I hoping to avoid a penalty for a late return. Thank you!
Yes, these items were renewable and are now due on March 13. I hope you enjoy
the rest of your time away! Best regards.
I'd hoped to stop by the desk and share this, but I had to run so quickly I wasn't able to. I was using the Sound Lab today (thank you for that, it's fantastic) and
noticed that several keys on the keyboard were not working. Just wanted to share
that so the staff knew. Thank you for your hard work in creating such a fantastic
space for the community. Thank you.
Thank you so much for letting us know about the keyboard. We will fix that as soon as possible. We appreciate you using the library!
I lived in Orange County for almost 20 years and am coming back to visit Friday-
Tuesday. Do you have a calendar or events on your account on your website? Or
can you please direct me to one? I'd like to do some outdoor activities. In Portland, Oregon, the libraries have what's called a 'cultural exchange' page on their websites where you can (with your library card) attend a lot of things for free. My friend has a library card but doesn't use a library a lot obviously. Can you help? Thank you.
I hope you enjoy your time here in Orange County! Here is a link to the library’s
calendar of events ... The Civic Center Park has a wonderful walking trail and
features the Cultural Arts’ Sculpture Exhibition. It’s an attraction many visitors enjoy. You can find more information here ... The library circulates State Parks Passes, which gives you free parking at parks and beaches throughout the state ... And finally, we have an organization called Visit Newport Beach that has a wealth
of information about things to do, places to shop and eat, and events ... I hope this
helps! Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Thank you.
I'm not sure if I'm writing to the correct place for this, but I am a soon-to-be graduate from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Newport is my hometown,
and where I'll be returning post grad (this summer) - and I was wondering if there
were any opportunities either in terms of job openings or volunteer work within the
Newport Beach Public Library branches? I am a huge fan of the libraries and would love to get involved, in any way possible. I looked for information regarding opportunities on the website, but couldn't find any. If I missed it, or should be directing this question elsewhere, I would greatly appreciate being pointed in the
right direction! Thank you so much for your time!
Thank you for your interest in working for the library! All our job openings are posted on the City’s website here ... We also have some volunteer opportunities for
adults, such as helping the Friends of the Library and Project Adult Literacy. You
can find more information about volunteer opportunities here ... I hope that helps!
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you.
I'm reaching out to try and find the person who maintains the resources on ... as I
have a great addition that I think Newport Beach residents would find helpful. At
Rehab.com we have been working with local governments and universities like
Clark County and UALR to reduce drug addiction and help connect those seeking treatment to find help in Newport Beach. Do you think you could share our link ... on your website as a helpful resource for those seeking treatment? If you have any questions you can schedule a call with our Partnership Coordinator ... Thanks for
your time.
Thank you for thinking of us, but we are not looking to add any content to our
website.
15
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS FEBRUARY 2025
Comment #Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
19
02/22/2025
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Adult Services Coordinator
02/24/2025
20
02/25/2025
Yelp
21
02/28/2025
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Adult Services Coordinator
02/28/2025
If you can please keep my hold on "Good Inside" until 2/23. Writing again, not sure
if the first email went to the right category. I will be able to pick up "Good Inside" on 2/23 if it is still available to me. Please hold if possible. Thank you.
Checking your account, I currently see that this title is on your waiting list but not
yet ready for you to pick up. It may be that a previous hold was canceled, and this hold replaced. I currently show that you are third in line for this and you will be notified by email when this is ready for you. Please let us know if we can be of any other assistance. Best regards.
I am an avid collector of library cards, with over 100 differently-designed cards from across about 60 library systems. I was wondering if you would mind mailing me a library card(s) (or one of each if you have different designs) for my collection? One day, I hope to visit at least one of your branches and officially activate my new
Newport Beach Public Library card. Thank you for your consideration. A grateful
patron and fellow library employee (up in Sacramento!).
What a fun collection. I would be happy to send you an inactive card to add to your collection. Unfortunately, to apply for an active card in our library system, we do require a visit to one of our locations, but I can definitely send you one of our library cards for you if you would like? If you ever are in the area, you could certainly bring
the card with you along with your photo ID and proof of California address and we
can activate the card for you for free. Would that work for you? Best regards.
Newport Beach Public Library has all the great quality in a library and so much
more. One of the gems of the library is the Passport Center on the upper floor. I
made an appointment and had such a nice employee assist me. I wish I remembered her name because her knowledge was so helpful. This is a great place to have your passport photo taken. Excellent quality. The library itself is a calm, elegant place with high quality books of all types. Easy to check out books at
the automated kiosks. Staff is friendly. Dropping off books is easy using the outdoor
drop box near the main entrance. There is a sweet used bookstore with nice finds.
The children's section is a friendly place filled with lively books. The outdoor grounds have tables and chairs for outdoor reading. And the sculptures are a must see throughout the Civic Center grounds. A great place to stay awhile and enjoy for all ages.
We are unable to respond since this comment was not sent directly to the Library
with contact information from the patron.
16
LIBRARY EXPENDITURES FY 2024-25
(March 3, 2025)
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
ORIGINAL
APPROP
REVISED
BUDGET
MONTHLY
EXPENDED
YTD 2024-25
EXPENDED
AVAILABLE
BUDGET
YTD 2-24-25
% EXPENDED
YTD 2023-24
EXPENDED
I SALARY & BENEFITS
SALARY FULL-TIME REGULAR 3,346,020 3,346,020 487,892 2,015,750 1,330,270 60.2%1,981,975
SALARY PART-TIME 1,419,780 1,459,640 68,614 622,491 837,148 42.6%572,350
BENEFITS 2,305,496 2,459,924 205,014 1,488,628 971,296 60.5%1,582,156
SALARY & BENEFITS TOTAL 7,071,297 7,265,584 761,521 4,126,869 3,138,714 56.8%4,136,480
II MAINT & OPERATION
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE*215,453 212,953 35,917 128,781 84,172 60.5%129,884
UTILITIES 383,009 383,009 39,540 217,020 165,990 56.7%250,750
PROGRAMMING 2,000 2,500 41 1,407 1,093 56.3%2,668
SUPPLIES**82,800 81,300 10,964 59,795 21,505 73.5%51,858
LIBRARY MATERIALS 669,740 690,424 55,569 628,136 62,288 91.0%590,848
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 248,450 270,681 39,034 150,843 119,838 55.7%147,861
TRAINING AND TRAVEL 10,681 10,681 125 2,994 7,687 28.0%2,885
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES***24,202 33,476 2,369 28,206 5,270 84.3%15,942
PERIPHERALS & SOFTWARE 5,000 5,000 151 151 4,849 3.0%28
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 1,849,173 1,704,825 159,228 1,136,550 568,275 66.7%1,270,047
OFFICE EQUIPMENT 2,000 2,000 64 64 1,936 3.2%379
MAINT & OPERATION TOTAL 3,492,508 3,396,849 343,003 2,353,946 1,042,902 69.3%2,463,151
LIBRARY BUDGET TOTAL 10,563,804 10,662,432 1,104,523 6,480,816 4,181,616 60.8%6,599,631
*PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - INCLUDE OUTSIDE PRINTING, JANITORIAL, WINDOW SERVICE
**INCLUDES OFFICE , PROCESSING AND JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
***INCLUDES, ADVERTISING, DUES, EVENT INSURANCE
17
Previous
Agenda Date
Scheduled
Agenda Date
Ongoing Ongoing
Mar 18, 2024 Mar 17, 2025
Apr 15, 2024 Apr 21, 2025
Apr 15, 2024 Apr 21, 2025
May 20, 2024 May 19, 2025
May 20, 2024 May 19, 2025
May 20, 2024 May 19, 2025
Jul 15, 2024 Jun 16, 2025
Jun 17, 2024 Jun 16, 2025
Jul 15, 2024 Jul 21, 2025
Jul 15, 2024 Jul 21, 2025
Aug 19, 2024 Aug 18, 2025
Aug 19, 2024 Aug 18, 2025
Sep 16, 2024 Sep 15, 2025
Oct 21, 2024 Oct 20, 2025
Oct 21, 2024 Oct 20, 2025
Nov 18, 2024 Nov 17, 2025
Jan 21, 2025 Jan 20, 2026
Feb 24, 2025 Feb 17, 2026
Feb 24, 2025 Feb 17, 2026
LAST
REVIEWED
Apr 17, 2023 NBPL 13 Study Rooms/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy Mar 17, 2025
Jun 19, 2023 NBPL 4 Children in the Library Policy Jun 16, 2025
Aug 21, 2023 NBPL 14 The Friends Meeting Room Aug 18, 2025
Dec 11, 2023 NBPL 10 Laptop Borrowing Policy Dec 15, 2025
Mar 18, 2024 NBPL 3 Library Gift and Donor Policy Mar 16, 2026
Jun 17, 2024 NBPL 2 Collection Development Policy Jun 15, 2026
Jul 15, 2024 CC I-1 Library Services Policy (Council Policy I -1)Jul 20, 2026
Sep 16, 2024 NBPL 9 Expressive Use Areas Sep 21, 2026
Nov 18, 2024 NBPL 1 Library Use Policy Nov 16, 2026
Nov 18, 2024 NBPL 6 Media Lab Use Policy Nov 16, 2026
Nov 18, 2024 NBPL 7 Sound Lab Use Policy Nov 16, 2026
Jan 21, 2025 NBPL 12 Circulation Policy Jan 19, 2027
Jan 21, 2025 NBPL 5 Internet Use Policy Jan 19, 2027
Jan 21, 2025 NBPL 11 Rules for Acceptable Use of Wireless Internet Connections Jan 19, 2027
Feb 24, 2025 NBPL 8 Display and Distribution of Materials Policy Feb 16, 2027
Election of Board of Library Trustees Officers/Trustee Liaisons
Arts & Cultural Update
Financial Report Comparison of Beginning Budget to End of the Year Amended Budget
Newport Beach Public Library eBranch, Database and Downloadable Services Review
Annual Budget - Approval
Library Material Selection
Branch Update - CDM
AGENDA ITEM
POLICY REVIEW
Adult and Reference Services Update
Branch Update - Balboa
Literacy Program Update
Youth Services Update
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MONITORING LIST
Policy Review (See List Below)
Branch Update - Mariners
Review Holidays / Meeting Schedule
Performance Review of Library Services Director (Closed Session)
Annual Budget - Preliminary Review
Information Technology Update
Marketing Update & Social Networking Update
Media Lab Update
Proposed Library Closures for Winter Holidays
18
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
March 17, 2025
Agenda Item No. 5
DISCUSSION:
Background
Balboa Branch (Balboa) is the founding branch of the Newport Beach Public Library (NBPL), established in
May 1929. The original building was constructed around existing public restrooms. Since then, the building
has been expanded two times. In 1952, the Spanish-style exterior was replaced with the present-day glass
front entrance. In 1962, the branch was expanded again to its current size. Fire Station #1 was added with
that expansion, being relocated from Washington Street and Bay Avenue. At that time, Balboa was still
the City’s main library. Today it is the third-largest branch in a four-branch library system.
Activity at the branch is very seasonal; summer is the busiest time of year. In addition to the usual
business, the branch will see a lot of foot traffic, computer and printer use by patrons, and children
participating in the Summer Reading Program.
Daily Operations
Balboa is open 54 hours per week, Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays.
The branch has a few special collections. One is its Nautical Collection, which consists of fiction, nonfiction,
and DVDs. The Nautical Nonfiction collection consists of practical books on boating and sailing, repair
manuals, narratives, and history. Another of Balboa’s special collections is the 3D Blu-ray collection for
adults and children.
For children’s programming, the branch presents two storytimes per week. New weekly program Toy Train
Thursday launched in January 2024. Daily Stay & Play numbers were also tracked this year.
Additionally, one special program per month, such as a craft program or performer, is presented along
with weekly special programs happening during the Summer Reading Program.
BARK Read to a Dog was added as a recurring program and presented several times this year.
Library visits with a story and tour are offered to first graders from the nearby Newport Elementary School.
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Evelyn Rogers, Balboa Branch Librarian
TITLE: Balboa Branch Update
19
Balboa Branch Update
March 17, 2025
Page 2
Personnel
Balboa is staffed by one full-time Librarian, one part-time Library Assistant, two part-time Library Clerks,
and one Library Page. Due to vacancies, this year saw a new Library Assistant and a new Library Clerk join
the team.
The staffing complement is comprised of Branch Librarian Evelyn Rogers, Library Assistant Mikaela Malsy,
Library Clerks Mike Payne and Priscilla Johnson, and Library Page Chloe Nelson.
Facility Maintenance
Current Project
Balboa is the oldest operating City building in Newport Beach. Currently the facility is scheduled to be
replaced with a new Balboa Branch Library and Fire Station #1 on the site of their present location.
Branch staff began preparing for this last year, but efforts have increased this year. Storage in the building
is being cleaned out. There were many years’ worth of items stored, and that task is now mostly complete.
A much bigger project consists of dealing with the Library’s collections, which are in the process of being
weeded or reassigned to another branch as appropriate. The goal with the collections is to reduce them
until only the newest and most popular items remain by the time the branch closes.
Collection Maintenance
Balboa’s collection consists of 22,540 items. This number is incrementally dropping as staff weeds
outdated, overstocked, grubby, and low circulating items. New items are still being purchased at this time.
Staff continues to weed and update the branch’s various collections, based on patron use and material
condition.
Popular Collections
Movies, Adult Fiction, Mystery (new and old), Lucky Day, cookbooks, and self-help all continue to be
popular. Children’s materials circulate very well, especially fiction series, picture books, and Children’s
Graphic Novels.
Public Service
Circulation and Reference Services
Balboa’s service population is 12,033 (the area of Newport Beach City Council District 1, which includes
Balboa Peninsula and Lido Isle). That number becomes significantly higher during summer with tourists
and visitors who rent houses on the peninsula, many of whom obtain NBPL Non-Resident library cards
when they visit.
20
Balboa Branch Update
March 17, 2025
Page 3
Approximately 31,242 Balboa items checked out in the period from March 2024 to February 2025:
For the same time period the branch saw a total of 4,720 walk-in and telephone reference questions:
0 1000 2000 3000 4000
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
Checkouts
Checkouts
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
Reference
Phone
In Person
21
Balboa Branch Update
March 17, 2025
Page 4
Children’s Services and Program Attendance
Balboa’s weekly programs are Preschool Storytime, Books & Babies Storytime, and Toy Train Thursday.
Numbers for storytimes were similar to last year. Toy Train Thursday had generally high numbers, except
during the summer. Attendance for that program increased in the fall following a new marketing campaign
and remains steady.
Special programs featuring crafts or performers are also offered for children each month. Some highlights
from this year were Outer Space Crafts, Spooky Stories, Fairy Tale Crafts, Winter Wonderland, and Hearts
& Hugs. Seasonal craft programs are a consistent draw at the branch.
BARK Read to a Dog, where children practice reading aloud to a friendly dog, began in August. This
program is mostly attended by children from Newport Elementary School.
This year, 1,789 people enjoyed educational toys and games at their own pace, logged as Stay & Play.
The graph below shows Children’s storytimes attended by 2,001 people and special afterschool programs,
attended by 642 people:
Outreach
In the fall, first graders from Newport Elementary School visited the branch for a tour and a brief talk
about the Library. They got their very own library cards, a chance to browse and check out a book.
In the spring, toward the end of the school year, staff visits elementary schools to present information
and promote enthusiasm for the Summer Reading Program.
0 100 200 300 400
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
Children's Programming
Storytime
Special/Family
Stay & Play
22
Balboa Branch Update
March 17, 2025
Page 5
Summary Comments
Children’s programming remains a strength for this branch, with consistent creative programming and a
staff that cares about presenting a quality experience.
Staff is preparing for closing the branch while maintaining high customer service. As physical preparation
is being done with the building and collections, staff maintains a positive attitude and are here to assure
patrons that the closure of their beloved Balboa Branch will only be temporary.
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).
23
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
March 17, 2025
Agenda Item No. 6
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve changes to Library Policy NBPL 13,
Study Room/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy.
DISCUSSION:
Newport Beach Public Library (NBPL) offers flexible meeting space at Central Library in the form of our
three study rooms and the Charles Sword Meeting Room (Sword Room).
The Library’s three study rooms at Central Library are a high demand resource. The policy is in place to
establish guidelines for the public’s use of the rooms and to assure equitable access.
Staff recommends a minor grammatical change to this part of the policy, changing the word “daily” to
“same day” to match verbal instructions given to patrons by staff.
The Sword Room was originally intended as a quiet reading room. In 2017, the NBPL made the Sword
Room available to the public for small group meetings (6 to 20 participants). The Sword Room can be
reserved through the Library Administration office during business hours. Staff recommends a minor
change to this part of the policy as there is no longer a need to stack extra chairs.
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: Study Room/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy (NBPL 13) - original
ATTACHMENT B: Study Room/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy (NBPL 13) - red-lined
ATTACHMENT C: Study Room/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy (NBPL 13) - final
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: Study Room/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy (NBPL 13)
24
1
NBPL 13
Study Rooms/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy
Study Rooms
There are three (3) study rooms available at the Central Library for individuals or groups of 2-5
people, depending on the size and requirements of each specific room.
The Library schedules these rooms daily on a first come, first serve basis. Patrons must request use
of a study room in person at the Reference Desk on the second floor of the Central Library. The
Library will not accept telephone or e-mail requests to use the study rooms. Patrons may only
schedule one study room session at a time and must wait until their current session is over before
scheduling a new session. Reservations for Study Rooms will be honored for 10 minutes past the
requested time. Failure to arrive within 10 minutes of the requested time will result in a forfeiture
of the reserved room.
Study rooms are available for use Monday through Sunday for up to two (2) hours during the
Library's hours of operation. Patrons can extend the length of their session for an additional two (2)
hour period if no other patrons are waiting to use a room. A patron, or a patron acting as the
representative of a group of patrons, must check in at the Reference Desk before their scheduled
session.
A patron, or at least one member of a group, requesting a study room must have a valid Newport
Beach Public Library card. Rooms are checked out to a Library cardholder in the Library’s circulation
system.
The Library will consider any study room left unattended for more than 10 minutes to be available
for use by others. The Library is not responsible for items left unattended. The Library will consider
items left unattended to be lost and will place them in the Library's Lost and Found located on the
first floor at the Circulation Desk.
Users of the study rooms are responsible for leaving the rooms in a neat and orderly condition.
Failure to do so may result in the denial of future requests to use a study room. Users may not
move tables and chairs into or remove them from a study room. Users cannot tape or tack materials
to study room walls or windows.
Charles Sword Meeting Room
The Charles Sword Meeting Room at the Central Library is reserved for larger groups. Use of the
room requires a minimum of six (6) people and a maximum of 20 people.
The Charles Sword Meeting Room is available for use Monday through Sunday for a maximum of
four (4) hours per group during the Library's hours of operation.
Room reservations can be made Monday through Thursday between 9AM - 5PM and Friday
between 9AM – 4PM, through the Library Administration office in person, or by telephone at (949)
717-3801. The room may be reserved no more than four (4) weeks in advance.
Patrons must have a NBPL card on file before reserving the Charles Sword Meeting Room. Student
ID is acceptable for school age applicants under age 18.
ATTACHMENT A
25
2
The members of the group scheduling use of the Charles Sword Meeting Room must be present
during the period of usage.
A representative of the group must check in at the Reference Desk before their scheduled
reservation.
The Reference staff will open the Charles Sword Meeting Room only for patrons who reserved the
room through the Administration office. The room reservation will be released if the patron does
not arrive within 10 minutes of their reservation time.
The Library is not responsible for items left unattended. The Library will consider items left
unattended to be lost and will place them in the Library's Lost and Found, located on the first floor
at the Circulation Desk.
No commercial activity is permitted in the room.
The room is located in a quiet area of the Library, so users must keep the door closed during
meetings.
Users of the Charles Sword Meeting Room are responsible for leaving the room in a neat and
orderly condition. Failure to do so may result in the denial of future requests to use the Charles
Sword Meeting Room. Tables and chairs may be rearranged during room use; however, all furniture
must be returned to its original configuration before vacating the room, which includes wooden
chairs stacked on the storage cart. Users cannot tape or tack materials to the room walls or
windows.
Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees on April 1, 2013
Amended and approved by the Board of Library Trustees on September 17, 2018
Amended and approved by the Board of Library Trustees on April 23, 2019
Amended and approved by the Board of Library Trustees on April 19, 2021
Amended and approved by the Board of Library Trustees on April 17, 2023
Formerly I-22
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 April 17, 2023.
26
1
NBPL 13
Study Rooms/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy
Study Rooms
There are three (3) study rooms available at the Central Library for individuals or groups of 2-5
people, depending on the size and requirements of each specific room.
The Library schedules these rooms daily same day on a first come, first serve basis. Patrons must
request use of a study room in person at the Reference Desk on the second floor of the Central
Library. The Library will not accept telephone or e-mail requests to use the study rooms. Patrons
may only schedule one study room session at a time and must wait until their current session is
over before scheduling a new session. Reservations for Study Rooms will be honored for 10 minutes
past the requested time. Failure to arrive within 10 minutes of the requested time will result in a
forfeiture of the reserved room.
Study rooms are available for use Monday through Sunday for up to two (2) hours during the
Library's hours of operation. Patrons can extend the length of their session for an additional two (2)
hour period if no other patrons are waiting to use a room. A patron, or a patron acting as the
representative of a group of patrons, must check in at the Reference Desk before their scheduled
session.
A patron, or at least one member of a group, requesting a study room must have a valid Newport
Beach Public Library card. Rooms are checked out to a Library cardholder in the Library’s circulation
system.
The Library will consider any study room left unattended for more than 10 minutes to be available
for use by others. The Library is not responsible for items left unattended. The Library will consider
items left unattended to be lost and will place them in the Library's Lost and Found located on the
first floor at the Circulation Desk.
Users of the study rooms are responsible for leaving the rooms in a neat and orderly condition.
Failure to do so may result in the denial of future requests to use a study room. Users may not
move tables and chairs into or remove them from a study room. Users cannot tape or tack materials
to study room walls or windows.
Charles Sword Meeting Room
The Charles Sword Meeting Room at the Central Library is reserved for larger groups. Use of the
room requires a minimum of six (6) people and a maximum of 20 people.
The Charles Sword Meeting Room is available for use Monday through Sunday for a maximum of
four (4) hours per group during the Library's hours of operation.
Room reservations can be made Monday through Thursday between 9AM - 5PM and Friday
between 9AM – 4PM, through the Library Administration office in person, or by telephone at (949)
717-3801. The room may be reserved no more than four (4) weeks in advance.
Patrons must have a NBPL card on file before reserving the Charles Sword Meeting Room. Student
ID is acceptable for school age applicants under age 18.
ATTACHMENT B
27
2
The members of the group scheduling use of the Charles Sword Meeting Room must be present
during the period of usage.
A representative of the group must check in at the Reference Desk before their scheduled
reservation.
The Reference staff will open the Charles Sword Meeting Room only for patrons who reserved the
room through the Administration office. The room reservation will be released if the patron does
not arrive within 10 minutes of their reservation time.
The Library is not responsible for items left unattended. The Library will consider items left
unattended to be lost and will place them in the Library's Lost and Found, located on the first floor
at the Circulation Desk.
No commercial activity is permitted in the room.
The room is located in a quiet area of the Library, so users must keep the door closed during
meetings.
Users of the Charles Sword Meeting Room are responsible for leaving the room in a neat and
orderly condition. Failure to do so may result in the denial of future requests to use the Charles
Sword Meeting Room. Tables and chairs may be rearranged during room use; however, all furniture
must be returned to its original configuration before vacating the room, which includes wooden
chairs stacked on the storage cart. Users cannot tape or tack materials to the room walls or
windows.
Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees on- April 1, 2013
Amended and approved by the Board of Library Trustees on- September 17, 2018
Amended and approved by the Board of Library Trustees on- April 23, 2019
Amended and approved by the Board of Library Trustees on- April 19, 2021
Amended and approved by the Board of Library Trustees on- April 17, 2023
Amended – March 17, 2025
Formerly I-22
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 April 17, 2023March 17, 2025.
28
1
NBPL 13
Study Rooms/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy
Study Rooms
There are three (3) study rooms available at the Central Library for individuals or groups of 2-5
people, depending on the size and requirements of each specific room.
The Library schedules these rooms same day on a first come, first serve basis. Patrons must request
use of a study room in person at the Reference Desk on the second floor of the Central Library. The
Library will not accept telephone or e-mail requests to use the study rooms. Patrons may only
schedule one study room session at a time and must wait until their current session is over before
scheduling a new session. Reservations for Study Rooms will be honored for 10 minutes past the
requested time. Failure to arrive within 10 minutes of the requested time will result in a forfeiture
of the reserved room.
Study rooms are available for use Monday through Sunday for up to two (2) hours during the
Library's hours of operation. Patrons can extend the length of their session for an additional two (2)
hour period if no other patrons are waiting to use a room. A patron, or a patron acting as the
representative of a group of patrons, must check in at the Reference Desk before their scheduled
session.
A patron, or at least one member of a group, requesting a study room must have a valid Newport
Beach Public Library card. Rooms are checked out to a Library cardholder in the Library’s circulation
system.
The Library will consider any study room left unattended for more than 10 minutes to be available
for use by others. The Library is not responsible for items left unattended. The Library will consider
items left unattended to be lost and will place them in the Library's Lost and Found located on the
first floor at the Circulation Desk.
Users of the study rooms are responsible for leaving the rooms in a neat and orderly condition.
Failure to do so may result in the denial of future requests to use a study room. Users may not
move tables and chairs into or remove them from a study room. Users cannot tape or tack materials
to study room walls or windows.
Charles Sword Meeting Room
The Charles Sword Meeting Room at the Central Library is reserved for larger groups. Use of the
room requires a minimum of six (6) people and a maximum of 20 people.
The Charles Sword Meeting Room is available for use Monday through Sunday for a maximum of
four (4) hours per group during the Library's hours of operation.
Room reservations can be made Monday through Thursday between 9AM - 5PM and Friday
between 9AM – 4PM, through the Library Administration office in person, or by telephone at (949)
717-3801. The room may be reserved no more than four (4) weeks in advance.
Patrons must have a NBPL card on file before reserving the Charles Sword Meeting Room. Student
ID is acceptable for school age applicants under age 18.
ATTACHMENT C
29
2
The members of the group scheduling use of the Charles Sword Meeting Room must be present
during the period of usage.
A representative of the group must check in at the Reference Desk before their scheduled
reservation.
The Reference staff will open the Charles Sword Meeting Room only for patrons who reserved the
room through the Administration office. The room reservation will be released if the patron does
not arrive within 10 minutes of their reservation time.
The Library is not responsible for items left unattended. The Library will consider items left
unattended to be lost and will place them in the Library's Lost and Found, located on the first floor
at the Circulation Desk.
No commercial activity is permitted in the room.
The room is located in a quiet area of the Library, so users must keep the door closed during
meetings.
Users of the Charles Sword Meeting Room are responsible for leaving the room in a neat and
orderly condition. Failure to do so may result in the denial of future requests to use the Charles
Sword Meeting Room. Tables and chairs may be rearranged during room use; however, all furniture
must be returned to its original configuration before vacating the room. Users cannot tape or tack
materials to the room walls or windows.
Adopted - April 1, 2013
Amended - September 17, 2018
Amended - April 23, 2019
Amended - April 19, 2021
Amended - April 17, 2023
Amended – March 17, 2025
Formerly I-22
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 March 17, 2025.
30
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
March 17, 2025
Agenda Item No. 7
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board of Library Trustees review and accept two donations from the Newport
Beach Public Library Foundation and a donation to Project Adult Literacy made by a patron in memory of
Stephen Koffler.
DISCUSSION:
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation funds valuable library resources and collections. This year
they raised money on Giving Tuesday to fund a new Children’s Tech Toy collection. If the Board of Library
Trustees accepts this donation in the amount of $2,500, the funds will be distributed into the Library
Materials budget.
The Foundation is also donating $3,000, from Haley and Michael Dahl, for the Mariners Books and Babies
and Toddler Storytime supplies. If the Board accepts this donation, the funds will be distributed into the
Mariners Children’s Programming budget.
Project Adult Literacy (PAL) provides free literacy instruction to adults who live or work in Newport Beach
and the surrounding areas. The program is volunteer based and has helped hundreds of people over the
years to improve their literacy skills. A patron has donated $1,000 to PAL in the memory of former Literacy
tutor Dr. Stephen Koffler. If the Board approves accepting this donation, the funds will be deposited into
the Literacy accounts to support programming and purchasing new materials.
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: Dr. Stephen Koffler Obituary
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
TITLE: Acceptance of Donations
31
OBITUARIES
Stephen Koffler
April 3, 1936 – December 18, 2022
Stephen Cyrus Koffler, M.D. passed away on Sunday, December
18th at home in Newport Beach, CA at the age of 86. Steve was
born to Edyth and Harry Koffler on April 3, 1936 in Philadelphia.
He lived most of his formative years in Bristol, PA where he met his
future wife Lynne when they were pre-teens. She attended his bar
mitzvah. Steve graduated from Gettysburg College in 1957 and
attended medical school in Iowa before completing his training in
Los Angeles. Prior to becoming a doctor, Steve had a variety of
part-time jobs including selling ice cream from a truck, working as
a shoe salesman, broadcasting college sporting events, and working
as a radio disc jockey playing music and taking phone calls. In
addition to income, such jobs provided a collection of stories to recount for the rest of his life.
After completing his pediatric training, Steve and Lynne moved with their daughter Sharon from
West Los Angeles to Newport Beach where they had their son Neil. From his office near Hoag
Hospital, Steve served the community for more than four decades including many children of his
former patients. In the 1980s, he developed a sub-specialty in children with learning differences.
Steve was an original resident of the Eastbluff development and was among a handful of founders
of Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot (now in Irvine). Steve enjoyed playing golf and tennis, attending
theater and dance performances, traveling extensively (resulting in numerous ‘sightings’ by
former patients around the country and globe), rooting for local sports teams (the Lakers in
particular), reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, walking on Balboa Island, and
nurturing a large collection of life-long friendships. If you left him alone for ten minutes, he would
start making a friend and liked to get the life story of anyone he encountered. After retirement,
Steve served as an adult literacy tutor at the Newport Beach Public Library. He particularly adored
his four granddaughters and thrilled at stealing bites of their ice cream cones, attending their
various graduations, and walking down the aisle at the wedding of the eldest in 2021. Despite
expectations to the contrary, Steve did not leave behind a folder of jokes to tell at his funeral, but a
celebration of his life will be held in early 2023. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lynne
Smith Koffler, daughter Sharon Corell (Roger), son Neil (Karen), and granddaughters Kaitlin
(Donald), Abigail, Hayley, and Leah. The family has designated Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot
(General Fund) (shmtemple.org) and Project Adult Literacy
(newportbeachlibrary.org/about/literacy-services) for any contributions in Steve’s memory.
ATTACHMENT A
32
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
March 17, 2025
Agenda Item No. 9
MELISSA HARTSON, LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
Central Library Children’s Room Upgrade
On February 4, in coordination with Public Works and City IT, a large projector screen was installed in the
Children’s Room. This, along with a new long throw, high lumen projector, completes the children’s room
audio/visual project and is an enhancement that opens opportunities to expand children’s events.
During a February Book Series Party, the projector and screen were put into action with a fun, patron-
focused Judy Moody-themed Mad Libs activity. Intended to engage families throughout the program, the
activity was a welcomed addition to a host of other activities. The newly installed projector is ideal for
adding passive activities to programs like this while also serving as a great tool for presentations during
future children’s author and illustrator visits.
Thank you to the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation for their generous donation in support of this
project.
City Council Planning Session
I attended the annual City Council Planning Session on Saturday, February 1. During this special meeting,
City staff presented updates regarding the City’s fiscal status, budget development and the Capital
Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2025-26, as well as updates on major initiatives related to services
and projects. Public Works briefly spoke on the status of Witte Hall and Balboa Branch Library and Fire
Station Replacement projects.
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949) 717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Report of February Library Activities – March 17, 2025 Meeting
33
Report of February Library Activities
March 17, 2025
Page 2
WHEELHOUSE LIST FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEES
•Medicine in Our Backyard: Colon Cancer
Monday, March 24, 7 p.m.
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library
•Sunday Musicale: Syrinx Reed Quintet
Sunday, April 13, 3 p.m.
Friends Room, Central Library
•Witte Lecture: Juliette Kayyem
Friday, March 28, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 29, 2 p.m.
Friends Room, Central Library
•Witte Lecture: M. Chris Fabricant
Friday, April 18, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 19, 2 p.m.
Friends Room, Central Library
•National Library Week: April 6 - 12
City Council Proclamation
Tuesday, March 25, 4 p.m.
City Council Chambers
•Library Closure: Easter Holiday
Sunday, April 20
All locations
•Meet the Author: Sophie Stava
Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Friends Room, Central Library
•Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Monday, April 21, 5 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Civic Center
•Digital Saturday
Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Central Library
REBECCA LIGHTFOOT, LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
Literacy
We held our first New Learner Orientation of 2025. We had 25 new learners complete their orientation
and assessments. The next step is for learners to meet one-on-one with Literacy Coordinator Christina
Smith to determine whether they are eligible for Project Adult Literacy (PAL).
Christina and Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot attended the California Library Literacy Services
two-day New Coordinator & Director Conference in Sacramento. It was a great opportunity to network
and meet other literacy coordinators as well as gain clarification about program goals, strategies, and
guidelines.
Christina held eight-week check-ins with new learner/tutor matches. Every match is going well.
PAL held a Writer to Writer (W2W) information session for learners who wish to participate in this annual
writing challenge. We had five learners attend. We also had four learners, so far, submit entries to the
W2W challenge. W2W entries are due on March 28.
Programming
In February, the Library presented The [M] Factor documentary film screening followed by Q&A with guest
expert and Cer�fied Menopause Prac��oner Dr. Shelly Coe.
34
Report of February Library Activities
March 17, 2025
Page 3
The [M] Factor is the first documentary to address this health issue faced by millions of women going
through menopause. It was very well-received with a full house. It was a highly informa�ve evening met
with enthusiasm and great conversa�on.
The Library also hosted Genealogy Uncovered. The first workshop in a 3-part series. The topic was Let’s
Take a Trip and covered how to plan and prepare for a physical research trip.
The Writers Group con�nued with its bi-weekly mee�ngs facilitated by Chris Ep�ng.
The Sunday Musicale for February featured Yuki Shibatmoto and Kaoru Enjoji, a duo playing the classical
recorder and piano. They were excep�onal and presented a unique program featuring four different
beau�fully carved wood recorders, each offering their own dis�nct sound. The audience so�ly sang along
to their rendi�ons of Bohemian Rhapsody and What a Wonderful World.
ANNIKA HELMUTH, BRANCH AND YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR
Branch Activities
The Mariners Branch (Mariners) Seed Library was popular this month with over 150 seed packets checking
out. Having seeds specific to the cooler months played an important role in the popularity of this resource.
Balboa Branch (Balboa) hosted a Hearts & Hugs Crafts program. Valentine’s Day is typically one of Balboa’s
most popular craft programs and this year was no exception.
On February 18, Corona del Mar Branch (CdM) held a BARK reading program. Susan Hoffman from the
Daily Pilot took photos and interviews of participants for an article published on February 22.
Youth Services
Central Library’s BARK; Makerspace; Crafternoon; Book Club; and STEAM Lab were all popular this month.
At STEAM Lab, participants tested the strength of spiderwebs made with different materials, one with
yarn and another with uncooked spaghetti noodles. Spiderweb strength was then put to the test by
placing rocks on them to see if they would break. The format of working on a project and then testing it
out generated excitement as participants took turns testing out their spiderwebs.
A Book Series Party at the end of the month celebrated some of our most popular series for kids including
Elephant and Piggy, Dog Man, and Judy Moody. There were also activities like a Judy Moody treasure hunt
around the children's room, Mad Libs on the newly installed projector screen, and instructions for how to
draw various characters from Dog Man.
Outreach
Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Annika Helmuth presented at a Mayor’s Youth Council meeting to
highlight key roles within the department and share about her own professional journey. It was an
opportunity to give advice on workplace skills and share notable experiences to inspire the high school
students as they start to think about their own career paths.
Personnel
Mariners Branch Librarian Alex Johnkins attended the virtual LibraryCon Live conference put on by Library
Journal & School Library Journal. It focused on collection development for comics and other visual
materials. CdM Library Assistant Christina Miramontes completed the NoveList Crash Course in Historical
Fiction training. Also at Mariners, part-time Library Assistant Tom Rusconi resigned.
35
Report of February Library Activities
March 17, 2025
Page 4
ANDREW KACHATURIAN, ADULT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Teen Services
Twelve members of the Young Adult Advisory Council met on a rainy February 12. In addition to books
and movies that they are currently enjoying, they brainstormed on ideas to assist those affected by the
Los Angeles Fires such as collecting school items and books to offer to support organizations. They also
discussed ideas for this year’s Summer Reading Program and played book title charades for team building.
Staffing
Part-time Library Assistant Cristina Belardi started work at the Central Library in February. She is assigned
to the Reference department. There is a vacant part-time Library Assistant position and a vacant part-
time Library Clerk position at Mariners Branch (Mariners). There are also four vacant Library Page
positions, with three candidates in background and expected to start soon. Interviews for the other
vacancies are expected to take place in March.
Facilities
The February, rain brought some minor leaks at Mariners, which Public Works were able to assist with
resolving. Staff were able to quickly dry out affected areas and keep service uninterrupted.
36
NEWS
Dogs lend their ears to help kids practice reading during special
program at the library
Lila Rose Miller, 4, reads to Zoe as pet parent Karen Coyne looks on during the Feb. 18 BARK reading event at Corona del Mar Branch of the Newport Beach Public Library. (Susan Hoffman)
BY SUSAN HOFFMAN
Feb. 21, 2025 4:44 PM PT
A handful of children gathered Tuesday afternoon at the Corona del Mar branch of the Newport
Beach Library to brush up on their reading skills by sharing a good book aloud to a friendly canine.
They were there under the auspices of Long Beach-based BARK, an all-volunteer program
designed to encourage children to build reading skills — and boost their self-confidence — by
reading to certified therapy dogs.
“It can change a child’s life by helping them change their attitude toward reading, said Josie
Gavieres, founder and director of BARK. “Dogs don’t judge, and when kids see dogs at a reading
event, they want to be involved.” 37
The three therapy dogs lending an ear during Wednesday’s gathering were Zoe, a chihuahua,
Harlow, a golden retriever, and Ripley, a sheepadoodle.
Zoe, who is about to turn 13, has a unique gait with a right leg twisted at a 90-degree angle.
“She’s a gentle soul,” said
owner and handler Karen
Coyne. She refers to Zoe as
her “little ballerina,” because
the leg never slows her down.
Coyne explained that Zoe,
who responded well to the
special training involved, has
been a therapy dog for almost
four years. “She loves the
kids, and they love her.”
Newport Beach resident
Summer Wentz brought her
6-year-old daughter, Fynlee,
to the library for Tuesday’s
event and is enthusiastic
about the program.
“I just think this is incredibly
amazing reading with the
dogs,” Wentz said. “It makes
them want to read.”
Annika Helmuth, branch and youth services coordinator Newport Beach Public Library, reported
that they have had nothing but positive responses since they began holding BARK events in
December 2022.
“It’s a great program and we have kept [it] rolling,” Helmuth said. “And each month we offer one
at Central Library, beginning with the first Tuesday of the school year, which is intended for
school-aged children. The other branches offer quarterly BARK events.”
The one-on-one reading sessions typically include a combination of small and large dogs, with
priority given to making sure that the reader is comfortable.
“We give the child the opportunity to choose the dogs,” explained Helmuth. “Sometimes the
children want to read to all of the dogs and between the staff and volunteer handlers we do our
best to make that happen.
“The program really does offer a nice environment to increase reading skills,” she continued. “We
had a family share that their child has been working hard on their reading skills and this program
has been a great support in encouraging them to stay motivated.”
Fynlee Wentz reads to Harlow during the BARK event Tuesday at the Corona del Mar Branch of the Newport Beach Public Library. (Susan Hoffman)
38
Corona del Mar Branch Library manager Nadia Dallstream, who hosted the handful of kids this
week said, “We usually get a small turnout, and it’s perfect because we have enough time for all
the children to get to read to every dog.”
A study conducted by UC Davis in 2010
showed students increased reading skills
by 12% to 20% after 15 to 20 minutes
reading one time per week to animals for
eight weeks. Teachers also reported
seeing more self-confidence and
participation from students in class.
Tuesday’s positive parent feedback
reflected the benefits such as individual
attention that a small group event
brings.
“They were happy that their children
were able to spend as much time as they
wanted with each dog, they had so much
fun practicing their reading,” said Dallstream. “Some kids and adults don’t find reading fun, but
reading to the dog that’s there makes it fun.”
Susan Hoffman
Susan Hoffman is a contributor to the Daily Pilot.
Laura Burrows reads to both son Milo, 4, and Sheepadoodle
Ripley during Tuesday’s BARK event at the library in Corona del Mar. (Susan Hoffman)
39
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025
Tracked by #searches
A to Z Databases 684 644 411 436 972 419 1396 3207 8169
Alexander Street 730 168 478 664 93 296 79 1591 4099
Ancestry 588 514 290 249 201 453 331 158 2784
AskART 14 18 15 12 11 8 13 12 103
Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow 158 79 15 55 13 10 29 6 365
Britannica School Edition 1 119 1979 50 57 8 174 95 2483
Exploring Race in Society 2 5 29 32 30 4 12 23 137
Gale Archives Unbound 23 2 154 312 33 11 6 44 585
Gale Directory Library 16 36 78 75 16 8 9 16 254
Gale in Context: Biography 14 5 316 286 56 71 100 240 1088
Gale in Context: Elementary 3 3 63 2 2 8 2 1 84
Gale in Context: Environmental 0 0 20 74 12 2 2 0 110
Gale in Context: Opposing View 1 2 343 233 765 40 73 4 1461
Gale Interactive: Science 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gale Literature Resource Center 20 18 50 89 64 67 7 70 385
Gale eBooks 19 29 51 154 186 18 81 235 773
HeritageQuest 150 50 121 55 114 58 64 20 632
Legal Information Ref Center 103 86 68 44 39 12 49 110 511
National Geographic 14 26 60 143 60 42 56 32 433
National Geographic Kids 8 13 30 150 35 43 38 16 333
NewsBank 770 1638 1939 1159 1092 1137 1988 4169 13892
NoveList Plus 81 23 64 31 45 30 54 90 418
NoveList K-8 Plus 41 6 22 26 22 41 17 4 179
ProQuest 3058 3526 4107 4074 4783 19420 4186 3984 47138
Proquest eLibrary 4 34 39 18 8 10 9 4 126
Reference Solutions Business 325 359 366 211 274 294 483 352 2664
Reference Solutions Residential 33 9 17 5 37 15 22 6 144
SIRS Discoverer 2 16 120 283 410 180 292 91 1394
SIRS Issues Researcher 856 740 1317 1884 549 1646 665 653 8310
World Book Online 34 19 187 90 99 29 39 39 536
Tracked by #page views
Artist Works 3 4 2 1 5 1 7 2 25
Consumer Reports 2442 2585 1928 2089 2527 2319 1894 1897 17681
CultureGrams 23 48 183 12 108 78 31 38 521
Morningstar 5545 4471 3207 9879 5902 7052 3816 4098 43970
RealQuest 57 29 12 32 38 59 90 255 572
Tumblebooks 3 126 7 10 5 38 30 14 233
Value Line 12179 10816 12942 14370 11729 13208 9544 8713 93501
Tracked by courses
LinkedIn Learning 291 257 332 405 312 252 240 323 2412
Tracked by books logged
Beanstack 9161 3189 3875 3256 2728 1731 2713 1772 28425
Tracked by Hours Used
ABC Mouse 45.00 46.23 42.58 12.72 16.93 7.75 7.25 4.83 183.29
Beanstack 5385 445 280 265 144 163 163 140 6985
Rosetta Stone 58.01 53.38 63.06 25.70 7.23 27.50 32.97 29.67 297.52
Notes:
Database FY Comparisons YTD
24/25
Proquest Articles Retrieved 2024-2025
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun AVG.
Business Databases 1279 1530 1636 1740 1907 4548 1849 1901 2049
Newspapers--Current 1285 1161 1426 1277 1671 1266 1170 1426 1335
Newspapers--Historical 3576 2019 1982 2675 2151 1601 2099 1972 2259
Magazines 17 56 44 82 18 13 27 36 37
40
NBPL Website Usage 2024-2025
Metric Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Total Users 31175 32341 28123 25891 24631 24092 29972 27717 27993 223942
New Users 23890 24747 20174 17388 16099 14804 18764 16901 19096 152767
Sessions 49426 50616 47008 44470 40519 39329 49749 45862 45872 366979
Pageviews 106254 111503 106163 105742 92678 98196 114563 105037 105017 840136
Sessions Per User 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 --
Pages Per Session 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 --
Avg. Session Dur. (min)5 6 6 6 6 8 7 7 6 --
Bounce Rate (%)60 62 59 56 61 61 61 61 60 --
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Total Data Transferred (GB) 2024-2025
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 152 125 155 147 132 186 133 137 146 1166
CdM 190 131 160 245 132 181 256 339 204 1633
Mariners 2000 1640 1900 1870 1570 1780 1730 1540 1754 14030
Central 12550 13050 12600 13180 10860 11340 11940 12930 12306 98450
Total 14892 14946 14815 15442 12694 13486 14058 14946 14410 115279
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Total Unique Patrons 2024-2025
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 385 323 280 292 262 330 272 273 302 2417
CdM 406 308 320 403 279 321 398 418 357 2853
Mariners 1343 1286 1420 1464 1333 1404 1406 1424 1385 11080
Central 8624 8913 9314 9920 8539 9091 9896 10325 9328 74622
Total 10758 10830 11334 12079 10413 11146 11972 12440 11372 90972
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Average Number of Patrons Per Day 2024-2025
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 36 28 25 26 24 24 26 27 27 216
CdM 24 20 20 26 19 22 27 30 24 188
Mariners 110 102 124 138 107 108 110 106 113 905
Central 665 628 673 692 549 590 611 684 637 5092
Total 835 778 842 882 699 744 774 847 800 6401
Today's Business Solutions Wireless (TBS): Average Usage Per Patron (MB) 2024-2025
Location Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Average Total
Balboa 404 397 566 514 516 576 500 514 498 3987
CdM 479 436 513 623 483 577 658 830 575 4598
Mariners 1520 1300 1370 1310 1200 1300 1260 1110 1296 10370
Central 1490 1500 1380 1360 1300 1280 1240 1280 1354 10830
Total 3893 3632 3829 3807 3499 3733 3657 3734 3723 29785
41
FEB 25 YTD 24/25 YTD 23/24
BALBOA 2,552 20,856 18,465
CdM 3,295 29,085 29,338
MARINERS 18,784 163,355 169,005
CENTRAL 43,664 386,115 421,334
eBooks 7,901 64,337 62,500
eMagazines 6,251 44,767 36,396
eAudiobooks 7,144 60,294 51,229
Streaming Films 3,523 28,041 18,266
TOTAL 93,114 796,850 806,533
MAR 24 104,354
APR 24 100,244
MAY 24 98,839
JUN 24 103,516
JUL 24 107,857
AUG 24 103,800
SEP 24 100,426
OCT 24 101,444
NOV 24 97,545
DEC 24 93,571
JAN 25 99,093
FEB 25 93,114
TOTAL 1,203,803
12 Month Comparison
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - FEBRUARY 2025
CIRCULATION
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
eBooks
eMagazines
eAudiobooks
Streaming Films
90,000
95,000
100,000
105,000
110,000
MAR 24 APR 24 MAY 24 JUN 24 JUL 24 AUG 24 SEP 24 OCT 24 NOV 24 DEC 24 JAN 25 FEB 25
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
1,213,486
1,000,000
1,125,000
1,250,000
1,375,000
1,500,000
1,625,000
1,750,000
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 FY 23/24
CIRCULATION
42
FEB 25 YTD 24/25 YTD 23/24
BALBOA 338 3,036 3,019
CdM 607 5,562 4,552
MARINERS 1,740 15,885 15,912
CENTRAL 6,203 51,813 51,434
TOTAL 8,888 76,296 74,917
12 Month Comparison
MAR 24 10,057
APR 24 9,704
MAY 24 9,602
JUN 24 11,485
JUL 24 11,228
AUG 24 10,703
SEP 24 9,943
OCT 24 10,276
NOV 24 8,252
DEC 24 7,381
JAN 25 9,625
FEB 25 8,888
TOTAL 117,144
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - FEBRUARY 2025
REFERENCE
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
MAR 24 APR 24 MAY 24 JUN 24 JUL 24 AUG 24 SEP 24 OCT 24 NOV 24 DEC 24 JAN 25 FEB 25
168,496
162,510
157,149 156,521 163,392
131,445
78,088
105,958
108,242
115,765
70,000
90,000
110,000
130,000
150,000
170,000
190,000
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 FY 23/24
REFERENCE
43
FEB 25 YTD 24/25 YTD 23/24
BALBOA 1,929 17,309 16,381
CdM 3,008 25,456 23,980
MARINERS 11,675 97,079 105,652
CENTRAL 36,333 294,642 288,745
TOTAL 52,945 434,486 434,758
12 Month Comparison
MAR 24 54,930
APR 24 56,328
MAY 24 52,357
JUN 24 55,294
JUL 24 58,932
AUG 24 57,210
SEP 24 56,673
OCT 24 59,271
NOV 24 47,388
DEC 24 46,860
JAN 25 55,207
FEB 25 52,945
TOTAL 653,395
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - FEBRUARY 2025
PATRONS SERVED
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
45,000
50,000
55,000
60,000
65,000
MAR 24 APR 24 MAY 24 JUN 24 JUL 24 AUG 24 SEP 24 OCT 24 NOV 24 DEC 24 JAN 25 FEB 25
1,256,238
1,209,719
1,102,106
1,158,344
935,953
636,072
145,463
512,178 623,295
653,667
100,000
300,000
500,000
700,000
900,000
1,100,000
1,300,000
1,500,000
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 FY 23/24
PATRONS SERVED IN LIBRARY
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FEB 25 YTD 24/25 YTD 23/24
BALBOA 555 3,300 1,677
CdM 1,373 10,450 7,583
MARINERS 1,957 16,406 9,752
CENTRAL 6,090 58,583 47,140
TOTAL 9,975 88,739 66,152
12 Month Comparison
MAR 24 10,506
APR 24 9,632
MAY 24 12,893
JUN 24 10,546
JUL 24 14,436
AUG 24 12,885
SEP 24 13,203
OCT 24 14,313
NOV 24 7,689
DEC 24 6,265
JAN 25 9,973
FEB 25 9,975
TOTAL 132,316
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - FEBRUARY 2025
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
2,500
5,000
7,500
10,000
12,500
15,000
17,500
MAR 24 APR 24 MAY 24 JUN 24 JUL 24 AUG 24 SEP 24 OCT 24 NOV 24 DEC 24 JAN 25 FEB 25
64,473
67,646
69,922
70,430
68,241 68,078
52,678 64,397
78,293
109,729
45,000
55,000
65,000
75,000
85,000
95,000
105,000
115,000
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 FY 23/24
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
45
Jerold D Kappel, CEO
Newport Beach Public Library Foundation
Memo
To: Library Trustees
From: Jerold D Kappel, CEO
Date: March 11, 2025
Re: Library Foundation Report
1. The March 2025 Board Meeting was held on Monday March 10. The Friends of the
Library were invited to attend the opening of the Board meeting and gave an overview of
its activities and library funding. The Foundation has recently highlighted the Friends in
its magazine Bookmark and the Friends book sale events in its eblasts to the Foundation
email list.
a. Bookmark is mailed to 1500 Foundation donors, former Board members, City
officials, and key community opinion leaders. It is also distributed throughout the four
Library branches and Newport Beach community centers.
b. The Foundation’s has over 18,500 active emails on its email list.
2. The Foundation Board elected Dev Ghose to the Board and for service on the Finance
Committee.
3. The next Foundation Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025.
4. The Foundation created a Literacy Committee of the Board as agreed to in the
agreement with the former Pals4pal.
a. Paul Watkins, former Chair of the Trustees and now a Foundation Board member,
will chair the committee. Committee members include Antonella Castro, a Library
Trustee, and former Pals4pal Board member, Ronnie Watkins.
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b.The Foundation will notify former Pals4pal donors that this transition has taken place.
Working with Paul Watkins, a notice will be sent to donors that have contributed in
the past 5 years as recorded on the Pals4pal donor spreadsheet.
c.The Foundation Board voted to approve an investment portfolio for the Pals4pal
Reserve that is comparable to the Foundation’s endowment investment portfolio. The
objective is to retain principal to assure long-term funding for special Project Adult
Literacy projects requested by the Library.
d.The Foundation received the Pals4pal reserve of $469,000 and proceeded with the
approved investment mix.
5.After the City Council meeting of February 25, and the Council declining to share in the
support of the larger LED screen, the Foundation Board approved by email vote on
February 26 to fully fund the added expense of the larger screen. The Board formally
approved that decision at its March 11 meeting. The Foundation has already provided
the funds for the larger screen to the City.
6. Programming
a.The Witte Lecture Series presentations with Christine Brennan on February 21 and
22 was sold out for Friday night and nearly sold out Saturday afternoon. The next
Witte Lecture with Juliette Kayyem on March 28 and 29 are sold out.
b.The Spring Library Live lecture by Javier Zamora sold out, and Viet Thanh Nguyen
has very few tickets remaining.
c.The next free Medicine in Our Backyard lecture is a presentation on When Does
Colon Cancer Spreads to the Liver? By Zeljka Jutric, MD on Monday March 24,
2025. Average attendance is +/- 70.
d.The six Spring free Finance Literacy Workshops that focus on estate planning return
on March 24. The Foundation’s finance workshops are the most highly attended of
any site that presents these workshops.
e.The free Book Discussion Group has over 40 readers attending. The March book
was The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. Nguyen is the final Library Live
speaker on April 24.
f.The free Spotlight on Science with Dr. Grant MacGregor explaining CRISPR (gene
editing) had over 230 registrations. We fully anticipate the lecture by renowned
seismologist Lucy Jones on California tectonic activity (earthquakes) will attract an
overflow audience on April 30.
i.The Spotlight on Science committee is considering whether to program
science films for Witte Hall now that the screen will be larger.
g.Programs scheduled for May--Medicine in Our Backyard and the Finance
Workshops, which average about 70 people each—will be moved to the Community
Room as construction will start on the courtyard. Next season’s September and early
October programs will also be moved due to the renovation of the Library HVAC
system and other maintenance issues.
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h. There are critical programming issues regarding the move to Witte Hall that need to
be decided upon within the next 30 days, including pricing, reserved seating,
ticketing software, etc. Reminder that only Library Live, Witte Lectures, and Spotlight
on Science will be moving to Witte Hall.
7. Advocacy Issues to monitor: libraries across the nation are reporting deep concerns over
the loss of tax-revenue funding on the federal, state, and local level. There have already
been reports of 20% budget reductions and staff layoffs. In Orange County, social
service organizations are reporting loss of funding for key programs.
a. 20% of all state and local funding is supported by federal pass-through or direct
grants. Nonprofits are often the delivery organizations for direct expenses, whether
for healthcare, homelessness, environmental issues, even police, fire, and other first
responders. Philanthropy has not kept up with inflation for five years, and there is no
expectation that philanthropy can offset the loss of tax-revenue funding. This will
directly impact Foundation fundraising in the next year.
b. DEI: Libraries and library foundations are expressing a growing concern about
attacks over DEI-type value statements and programs. The National Endowment for
the Arts no longer will fund programs that have an expressed “gender ideology” and I
anticipate that IMLS will follow suit.
8. Beyond Books capital campaign has raised cash and future gifts of $11,172,670 as of
2/28/2025. This includes interest on the account.
9. Witte Hall Grand Opening: There is a sub-committee working on the donor appreciation
event which will be the Thursday of Grand Opening weekend.
10. The Grand Opening weekend events need to be scheduled within the next 30 days to
allow the Foundation time to seek corporate sponsorships for the weekend. There will
need to be a committee of Parks & Senior Service, the Library, and the Foundation for
its planning.
11. Orange County Business Journal Giving Guide: The OCBJ solicited an anonymous
donor to fund half of the cost of a two-page spread in the Giving Guide. We are focusing
on the Beyond Books campaign.
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