HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-19 Board of Library Trustees - Amended Agenda PacketAMENDED AGENDA – REMOVAL OF CLOSED SESSION
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES AGENDA
Civic Center Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Monday, May 19, 2025 –– CLOSED SESSION IS REMOVED FROM TONIGHT’S AGENDA. THE CLOSED SESSION WILL BE RENOTICED AND AGENDIZED FOR A FUTURE MEETING / THE REGULAR MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 5:45 PM
Board of Library Trustees:
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, May 18, 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.ROLL CALL – 5:00 P.M. THE CLOSED SESSION IS REMOVED FROM TONIGHT’S AGENDA. IT WILL BEAGENDIZED AND RENOTICED AT A FUTURE MEETING. THE REGULAR MEETING WILL BEGIN AT5:45 PM.
II.PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are invited on agenda items. 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 items, provided the time limit
adjustment is applied equally to all speakers. As a courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in silent
mode.
III.CLOSED SESSION
1.Discuss the Library Services Director’s Appointment, Employment and Evaluation of
Performance (Government Code § 54957).
IV.RECESS
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting May 19, 2025 Page 2
V.RECONVENE AT 5:45 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
VI.ROLL CALL
VII.CLOSED SESSION REPORT
VIII.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IX.CHAIR’S WELCOME
X.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 silent mode.
XI.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. The Board of Library Trustees has 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
2.Minutes of the April 21, 2025 Board of Library Trustees Meeting (pp. 5-9)
3.Patron Comments (pp. 10-11)
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests received from
patrons.
4.Expenditure Status Report (p. 12)
Monthly expenditure status of the library’s operating expenses, services, salaries, and benefits by
department.
5.Board of Library Trustees Monitoring List (p. 13)
List of agenda items and dates for monthly review of projects by the Board of Library Trustees.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting May 19, 2025 Page 3
XII.CURRENT BUSINESS
A.Items for Review
6.Fiscal Year 2025-26 Library Services Budget (pp. 14-16)
Staff requests that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26
operating budget for the Library.
7.Marketing and Social Networking Update (pp. 17-34)
Staff will provide the annual briefing on Library marketing and social media activities.
8.Library Activities (pp. 35-47)
Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics.
B.Monthly Reports
9.Library Foundation Liaison Report (pp. 48-49)
Trustee update of the most recently attended Library Foundation Board Meeting.
10.Foundation Literacy Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Foundation Literacy Committee Meeting.
11.Friends of the Library Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board Meeting.
XIII.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 silent mode.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting May 19, 2025 Page 4
XIV.BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD
LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION ACTION OR REPORT (NON-
DISCUSSION ITEM) OR RECONSIDERATION
XV.ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Board of Library Trustees
Civic Center Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA
Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 21, 2025 – 5:00 PM
I.CALL TO ORDER
Chair Chase Rief called to order the Board of Library Trustees meeting for April 21, 2025.
II. ROLL CALL
Trustees Present: Chair Chase Rief, Vice Chair Antonella Castro, Secretary Dorothy
Larson, Trustee Meghan Murray
Trustees Absent: Trustee Lauren Kramer (excused)
Staff Present: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
Rebecca Lightfoot, Library Services Manager
Andrew Kachaturian, Adult Services Coordinator
Annika Helmuth, Branch and Youth Services Coordinator
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Secretary Dorothy Larson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. CHAIR’S WELCOME
Chair Chase Rief congratulated staff on a successful National Library Week celebration,
noting that several City Council Members came to read to children and enjoyed their
experience.
V.NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - Waived
VI.CONSENT CALENDAR
Administrative Support Specialist Francine Jacome read the Consent Calendar Notice to
the public.
Chair Rief reported Library Services Director Melissa Hartson’s annual performance
review will occur at the May meeting in a Closed Session period beginning at 5:00 p.m.
with the Regular Meeting to commence at 5:45 p.m.
A. Consent Calendar Items
1.Minutes of the March 17, 2025 Board of Library Trustees Meeting
2. Patron Comments
Monthly review of evaluations of library services through suggestions and requests received
from patrons.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
April 21, 2025
Page 2
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 Item Nos. 1-4.
AYES: Rief, Castro Larson, Murray
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENCES: Kramer
VII. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Items for Review
5. Library Materials Selection
Staff will provide the Board of Library Trustees with an overview of materials
selection.
Library Services Manager Rebecca Lightfoot reported staff members are tasked with
maintaining assigned areas of the collection, relying heavily on the Collection Development
Policy approved by the Board. She noted that staff uses Collection HQ as an assistance tool but
cautioned it is not the sole source of input to assess areas where the Library may be either
understocked or overstocked. She added staff checks for items not circulating for at least four
years for a more focused assessment. She noted items in the collection not circulating in the
past four years are below the recommended 10% threshold.
Library Services Manager Lightfoot expressed an affinity for Collection HQ’s “dead on arrival”
statistic measuring if an item circulates no more than one time in its first year. She added
Newport Beach’s collection is below 10% dead on arrival, an indication staff is purchasing
materials relevant to residents. She added Collection HQ considers items circulating over 40
times to be “grubby” but noted patrons have been careful with items and the City’s are in much
better condition than national averages considering their usage volume. She reported that
“grubby” items are regularly checked to assess their condition and replaced if necessary.
Library Services Manager Lightfoot presented a chart comparing Newport Beach to peer
libraries regionally and nationally reflecting a strong performance by the City using Collection
HQ’s metrics. She added Collection HQ uses Newport Beach as a positive national example.
She commended her staff for how well collections are built.
Chair Rief commended staff for their work and expressed appreciation for the data, adding he
has presented it to the Library Foundation.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
April 21, 2025
Page 3
In response to Chair Rief’s inquiry, Library Services Manager Lightfoot confirmed the updated
Collection Development Policy has not impeded staff’s work.
In response to Vice Chair Castro’s inquiries, Library Services Manager Lightfoot clarified the
timeline they use in assessing under-circulated materials varies by individual collection, citing
variances between children’s and adult collections for circulation levels. She confirmed Newport
Beach exceeds the national average by having 72.7% of its items being more than five years
since publication date. She noted the statistic is a guideline but added sometimes the item
remains relevant and should not be removed despite its age because it remains useful. She
confirmed staff would replace an item if there was an updated version.
Chair Rief noted most of the books in the nautical collection are over five years old but still
relevant.
Chair Rief opened the item to public comments, there were none.
Chair Rief received and filed the report.
6. Media Lab Update
Staff will update the Board of Library Trustees on the Media and Sound Labs at
Central Library.
Library Services Manager Lightfoot reported the Media Lab will have been open for 12 years in
November with generous funding received by the Foundation. She advised that the staff is
hoping to add more specialized podcast and video equipment based on the Foundation’s
generosity. She reported the Media Lab tends to bring in a user group that does not otherwise
use the Library often, mainly a 15- to 35-year-old male demographic. She noted that they often
work to include this group’s suggestions in Media Lab purchases. She announced that the photo
scanner has been so popular that staff are looking into purchasing a second one based upon
patron suggestions.
Library Services Manager Lightfoot cited AutoCAD as an example of an expensive piece of
software drawing multiple regular and appreciative users. She noted that the Media Lab hosts a
popular regular Coding for Kids program. She advised that Project Adult Literacy also uses the
Media Lab for training and orientations. She reported staff are regularly looking for ways to
increase the Media Lab’s traffic, including the well-attended April 12, Digital Saturday open
house. She noted that the Media Lab was recently featured in the Daily Pilot.
Library Services Manager Lightfoot reported the Tech Toys collection has circulated well since
its addition in 2016. She noted that staff have recently added new GoPro cameras and Nintendo
Switch gaming consoles.
In response to Vice Chair Castro’s inquiry, Library Services Manager Lightfoot reported on a
variety of methods staff used to promote the recent open house ranging from social media to
newsletter inclusion.
Chair Rief commended the Daily Pilot article. He reported that former Chair Paul Watkins
messaged the Board impressed by its rare inclusion of three photographs. He remarked that he
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
April 21, 2025
Page 4
has used the Tech Toys. He thanked staff, with Foundation support, for keeping up with the
times as media technology evolves, noting the increasing popularity of podcasts.
Chair Rief opened the item to public comments, there were none.
Chair Rief received and filed the report.
7. Library Activities
Monthly update of library events, services, and statistics.
Library Services Director Hartson reported that the City Council has approved a Tenant
Agreement with KIT Coffee. She advised that there will be improvements made to the
tenant’s indoor space and both the outdoor and second floor lobby seating areas. She
noted that the Agreement stipulates occupancy could take up to a year, but staff hopes it
will be sooner.
Library Services Director Hartson reported the annual butterfly metamorphosis has
returned to the Children’s Room with a release date set for April 29. She announced that
there will be both morning and afternoon release events this year to capture different
audiences.
Chair Rief opened the item to public comments, there were none.
Chair Rief received and filed the report.
B. Monthly Reports
8. Library Foundation Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Library Foundation Board meeting.
Secretary Larson reported that the Foundation’s Summer Solstice donor event on June
18 includes a lecture by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Hiltzik from the Los
Angeles Times. She noted that there are ongoing discussions about an event for the grand
opening of Witte Hall with the date pending due to construction progress. She announced
that a ribbon-cutting has been scheduled for December 9, with the formal grand opening
event to occur in March 2026. She encouraged the Board to read the comprehensive
report from Foundation Chief Executive Officer Jerold D. Kappel included in the Agenda
packet.
Chair Rief announced that the last major program in the Friends Room before construction
begins will be a free April 30 Spotlight on Science event with noted seismologist Dr. Lucy
Jones.
9. Foundation Literacy Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Foundation Literacy Committee
Meeting.
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Board of Library Trustees Meeting
April 21, 2025
Page 5
Vice Chair Castro reported the new Literacy Committee had its first meeting on March 25.
She advised that the Project Adult Literacy currently has 50 tutors and 59 learners. She
noted that they are awaiting word on a grant funding request.
10. Friends of the Library Liaison Report
Trustee update of the most recently attended Friends of the Library Board meeting.
Trustee Meghan Murray reported that the Friends of the Library are contemplating
methods to hold their June book sale due to the construction of Witte Hall.
Chair Rief opened the items to public comments, there were none.
Chair Rief received and filed the monthly reports.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS – THREE MINUTES PER SPEAKER
Jim Mosher encouraged the Board to seek updates on the status of the Coastal
Development Permit appeal to the California Coastal Commission as it relates to the
Balboa Branch’s construction, expressing concerns over the Commission not yet hearing
the matter and its potential impacts to the anticipated construction schedule.
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 – 5:25 P.M.
The next meeting will be May 19, 2025.
9
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS APRIL 2025
Comment #Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
1
04/01/2025
Phone
Allison Sarnowski
Administrative Support Technician
04/01/2025
2
04/09/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
04/09/2025
3
04/09/2025
Greeting Card
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
04/10/2025
4
04/14/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
04/14/2025
5
04/15/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
04/15/2025
6
04/17/2025
Email
Allison Sarnowski
Administrative Support Technician
04/25/2025
Thank you, Laurie Sanders, for your most unexpected immediate attention (in a
good way). Had no idea a simple question/short conversation would be considered
and acted on in less than 24 hours. I have never experienced anything like that.
Please also thank the librarian who passed my request. He mentioned the library users actually are listened to, but I wrongly took as library PR. He wasn't kidding. Yours and his professional attention (and I should also include all the night staff as well) probably all have answered a question or two, over the times I've visited.
Should be the standard of service at all civic government and businesses.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We appreciate it, and I’ve shared it with
my staff as well as the rest of the Administration Team. Please don’t hesitate to
reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns you might have. Thank you
for using the library!
Thank you so much for speaking with me on the phone earlier today! Here is some
more information about our research group. The Child Studies Collaborative is a
shared database with 13 UCI faculty across the schools of Education, Social
Ecology, Social Sciences, and Pediatrics. We are hoping to improve developmental science by connecting UC Irvine faculty with families who are interested in participating in ongoing studies ... We currently partner with the Discovery Cube museum, and would love to establish a similar partnership with the Newport Beach Public Library. At the Cube, we have a table where we play fun games with the
children and tell parents about the database and ongoing studies. We also sign
parents up for the database and studies using our iPads, and hand out flyers. We
would love to set up something similar at your location ...
Thank you for reaching out to the Newport Beach Public Library. Although our
Youth Services department is not interested in establishing a partnership at this
time, here is a link to our Expressive Use Area policy ... You may want to consider
using these designated spaces to spread the word about your research group and the Child Studies Collaborative ... I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again!
Free adventure pass or free museum pass[?] Do you have free passes to anything
for Library card holders? P.S. You all do a WONDERFUL job to make our libraries the absolute BEST! Thank you.
We do offer California State Library Parks Passes to our patrons. The passes allow
you to park at a wide variety of state parks throughout California for free. Here’s a link to the pass in our catalog, along with some additional information regarding the passes ... Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with, and thank you for using the library!
Our group would like a better Wi-Fi signal in the Sword Room. We have hybrid
meetings there every week, and we’ve been having a lot of connection trouble …
Thank you for promptly attending to this request. Although the news about the hard-wire broadband connection was disappointing, it was not unexpected. We can always hope. I look forward to the feedback from City IT ...
I shared your concerns with our Library Services Manager, Rebecca Lightfoot. She
reached out to City IT with a request to boost the Wi-Fi signal in the Sword Room. If
approved, I’m not sure how long the upgrade would take. If I receive any updates, I will let you know. Regarding a wire connection to broadband for patrons using the room, I was told that City IT would not allow that. Thank you for your feedback!
Dear Library Staff ... On the occasion of National Library Week, we wanted to recognize you for your passion for serving our community each and every day. Thank you for your commitment and hard work. With admiration …
On behalf of the Newport Beach Public Library, I would like to thank you for the beautiful greeting card and kind gift. Library staff are enjoying the delicious chocolates, and we all appreciate the kind words you shared. Your ongoing support means a lot to us. We applaud you for your recognition of National Library Week,
and we hope to see you again soon at the Library.
Do any of your libraries have a space dedicated to crafting, specifically with sewing machines? If not, is there a space where I can bring and operate a sewing machine? Thank you.
While the Newport Beach Public Library does not have a dedicated crafting space or a room for you to use a sewing machine, a few nearby libraries do offer makerspaces with sewing machines: The Placentia Public Library offers sewing machines to rent as well as sewing machines in their Makerspace to use in the
library ... The Huntington Beach Public Library has a makerspace with sewing
machines ... I hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you.
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NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENTS APRIL 2025
Comment #Comment Response
Date Received
Source of Comment
Staff Member
Staff Member Title
Date Responded to Patron
7
04/23/2025
Email
Andy Kachaturian
Adult Services Coordinator
04/23/2025
8
04/24/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
04/28/2025
9
04/29/2025
Email
Annika Helmuth
Branch & Youth Services Coordinator
04/29/2025
10
04/30/2025
Email
Rebecca Lightfoot
Library Services Manager
04/30/2025
Could the library use old college textbooks? Math, science, computer science, general ed. Circa 1980s, 1990s.Thank you for thinking of us for your donations. The Friends of the Library accept donations on our behalf. You can find a list of items they accept on our website ... Here is an excerpt from that page ... I hope that helps! If you have any questions regarding the donation process, you can reach the Friends at 949-759-9667. Thank
you.
I run Youth in Autoimmunity, an organization which helps foster a sense of comfort and familiarity around autoimmune diseases among elementary-aged children. With lupus awareness month approaching in May, I wanted to see if it be possible for Youth In Autoimmunity to host a small read-out-loud (completely free of charge)
for children who regularly visit the library. So far Youth in Autoimmunity has hosted
book readings (for my book "Larry the Lobster Has Lupus"), Q&As, and educational
coloring activities at the Boys and Girls Scouts of America and Gaowa Elementary. I have attached my website, which includes my book below ... Please let me know if it would be possible for me to set up a workshop with your library. Thank you for your time.
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. Youth programs are
currently planned with a six- to eight-month lead time and program schedules have
been established through the beginning of Fall 2025. Unfortunately, we are unable
to add any new programs prior to that time. If you are interested in hosting an afterschool program at later date, here are some general recommendations for youth program consideration. We do not offer opportunities for authors to host at storytime. Storytimes are reserved for library staff ... Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Newport Beach Library Team, I hope this message finds you well. I am currently in
the process of applying to a university program and am working on my Statement of
Purpose. I would greatly appreciate any assistance you might be able to offer in reviewing and refining my document. In particular, I am looking for help with reading through my statement, suggesting rephrasing where needed, and providing feedback to help improve the clarity and effectiveness of the content. Please let me
know if there are any services or resources available for this type of support, and if I
would need to make an appointment in advance. Thank you very much for your
time and assistance. Best regards
Thank you for thinking of the library in your efforts to complete you statement of
purpose. While library staff are not able to provide direct feedback, we do have
several resources that I think would be helpful to you in this. We provide access to the Brainfuse and HelpNow databases. Both provide writing development resources and even offer live tutoring. You will just need your library card to access these. We also have been hosting College Preparation workshops. There is a College Essay
Writing workshop coming up on May 21 from 7pm – 8pm that is free to attend and
hosted at the Central Library in the Friends Meeting Room. You can read more
about this and register here ... The library of course also carries many books on the topic of college application writing. Feel free to speak with a librarian on your next visit and we can help you select some books that will help. Or feel free to call the Reference Desk at 949-717-3800, option 2 and we would be happy to place items
on hold for you or provide any other help. We hope this helps—and good luck in
your application process! Best regards.
I’m reaching out on behalf of Little Roots Pediatric Dentistry in Costa Mesa. We’re a women-owned, mom-run dental office passionate about making oral health fun and educational for kids and families in our community. We’d love to explore opportunities to partner with your library, whether that’s participating in an upcoming
story time, handing out fun dental-themed goodie bags, or joining any family events
or community programming you may have planned. If you offer any advertising or
sponsorship opportunities as well, we’d be excited to learn more about how we can support the library and stay connected to local families. Thank you so much for your time, we’d love to collaborate in any way that’s helpful and aligned with your programming. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Thank you for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we do not currently have any opportunities for a partnership, advertising, or sponsorship for our events. We appreciate you reaching out. Thank you for everything that you do for the community. Take care.
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LIBRARY EXPENDITURES FY 2024‐25
(May 2, 2025)
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
ORIGINAL
APPROP
REVISED
BUDGET
MONTHLY
EXPENDED
YTD 2024‐25
EXPENDED
AVAILABLE
BUDGET
YTD 2024‐25
% EXPENDED
YTD 2023‐24
EXPENDED
I SALARY & BENEFITS
SALARY FULL‐TIME REGULAR 3,346,020 3,346,020 251,835 2,521,405 824,616 75.4%2,475,225
SALARY PART‐TIME 1,419,780 1,424,882 75,497 738,630 686,252 51.8%718,506
BENEFITS 2,305,496 2,459,924 269,921 1,953,670 506,254 79.4%1,858,852
SALARY & BENEFITS TOTAL 7,071,297 7,230,826 597,253 5,213,705 2,017,121 72.1%5,052,584
II MAINT & OPERATION
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE*215,453 247,111 5,707 214,596 32,515 86.8%182,393
UTILITIES 383,009 383,009 23,087 284,368 98,641 74.2%298,944
PROGRAMMING 2,000 3,100 401 2,059 1,041 66.4%2,816
SUPPLIES**82,800 81,500 6,682 76,262 5,238 93.6%70,362
LIBRARY MATERIALS 669,740 692,767 (10,417) 641,863 50,904 92.7%625,264
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 248,450 270,681 10,567 177,399 93,281 65.5%173,630
TRAINING AND TRAVEL 10,681 7,681 100 3,745 3,936 48.8%8,885
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES***24,202 37,076 1,399 33,032 4,044 89.1%22,111
PERIPHERALS & SOFTWARE 5,000 4,500 ‐1,306 3,194 29.0%115
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 1,849,173 1,704,825 ‐1,420,687 284,137 83.3%1,411,164
OFFICE EQUIPMENT 2,000 2,000 172 236 1,764 11.8%379
MAINT & OPERATION TOTAL 3,492,508 3,434,249 37,698 2,855,554 578,696 83.1%2,796,062
LIBRARY BUDGET TOTAL 10,563,804 10,665,075 634,951 8,069,258 2,595,817 75.7%7,848,646
*PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ‐ INCLUDE OUTSIDE PRINTING, JANITORIAL, WINDOW SERVICE
**INCLUDES OFFICE , PROCESSING AND JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
***INCLUDES, ADVERTISING, DUES, EVENT INSURANCE
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Previous
Agenda Date
Scheduled
Agenda Date
Ongoing Ongoing
Apr 15, 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
Mar 17, 2025 Mar 16, 2026
Apr 21, 2025 Apr 20, 2026
Apr 21, 2025 Apr 20, 2026
LAST
REVIEWED
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
Mar 17, 2025 NBPL 13 Study Rooms/Charles Sword Meeting Room Policy Mar 15, 2027
Annual Budget - Approval
Library Material Selection
Branch Update - Corona del Mar
Media Lab Update
Proposed Library Closures for Winter Holidays
AGENDA ITEM
POLICY REVIEW
Adult and Reference Services Update
Branch Update - Balboa
Literacy Program Update
Youth Services Update
Election of Board of Library Trustees Officers/Trustee Liaisons
Arts & Cultural 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
Financial Report Comparison of Beginning Budget to End of the Year Amended Budget
Newport Beach Public Library eBranch, Database and Downloadable Services Review
13
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
May 19, 2025
Agenda Item No. 6
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the Board of Library Trustees review and approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating
budget for the Library.
DISCUSSION:
Section 708. Board of Library Trustees. Powers and Duties.
There shall be a Board of Library Trustees consisting of five members which shall have the power and duty
to:
(c)Consider the annual budget for library purposes during the process of its preparation and make
recommendations with respect thereto to the City Council and City Manager.
In accordance with the above statement, staff have prepared the Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating budget
for the Library Services Department. The Library met with Assistant City Manager Tara Finnigan, Assistant
City Manager Seimone Jurjis, and Finance Budget Staff on Monday, February 24, 2025. Three program
enhancement requests were submitted. The Library asked to reclassify a current Librarian III position to a
paraprofessional position and to reallocate the salary savings to the Maintenance and Repair budgets.
The City determined additional research on this subject is needed before moving forward with this
request. The other two requests, for two new part-time Library Clerk II positions to take over the non-
building related duties of the current Facilities Maintenance Technician and the additional funding for the
Sculpture Exhibition, have been approved by City Manager Grace Leung.
The Library’s overall budget declined due to several factors. Starting July 1, 2025, Facilities Maintenance
will be transferred to the Public Works department. In addition, Public Works is also taking over all
Janitorial services, decreasing the Professional Services and Supplies budgets.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item).
ATTACHMENT A: FY 2025-26 City Manager Approved Budget
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: Fiscal Year 2025-26 Library Services Budget
14
ATTACHMENT A APPROVED BUDGET FY 2025-26
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
FY 2025-26
CITY MANAGER
APPROVED
BUDGET
FY 2024-25
ORIGINAL
APPROPRIATION
SALARY & BENEFITS
SALARY FULL-TIME REGULAR 3,359,526 3,346,020
SALARY PART-TIME 1,510,834 1,419,780
BENEFITS 2,265,515 2,305,496
SALARY & BENEFITS TOTAL 7,135,875 7,071,297
MAINT & OPERATION
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE*6,488 215,453
UTILITIES 391,004 383,009
PROGRAMMING 2,000 2,000
SUPPLIES**53,750 82,800
LIBRARY MATERIALS 669,740 669,740
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 8,263 209,698
TRAINING AND TRAVEL 10,681 10,681
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES***61,666 59,953
PERIPHERALS 4,500 5,000
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS 1,815,075 1,852,173
OFFICE EQUIPMENT 2,000 2,000
MAINT & OPERATION TOTAL 3,025,167 3,492,508
LIBRARY BUDGET TOTAL 10,161,042 10,563,804
*PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - INCLUDE OUTSIDE PRINTING, JANITORIAL, WINDOW SERVICE
**INCLUDES OFFICE , PROCESSING AND JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
***INCLUDES, ADVERTISING, DUES, EVENT INSURANCE
1 15
ATTACHMENT A APPROVED BUDGET FY 2025-26
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION
FY 2025-26
CITY MANAGER
APPROVED
BUDGET
FY 2024-25
ORIGINAL
APPROPRIATION
CULTURAL ARTS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 237,080 158,000
CITY GRANTS 30,000 30,000
PROGRAMMING 60,500 60,500
MAINTENANCE 4,248 4,248
GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,340 2,340
CULTURAL ARTS BUDGET TOTAL 334,168 255,088
2 16
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
May 19, 2025
Agenda Item No. 7
DISCUSSION:
Staff will provide the annual briefing on Library marketing and social media activities.
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: NBPL Marketing Overview
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Maria Nicklin, Marketing Specialist
TITLE: Marketing and Social Networking Update
17
N B P L M A R K E T I N G O V E R V I E W 2 0 2 5
AT
T
A
C
H
M
E
N
T
A
18
INCREASE awareness of library offerings
FILL library events and programs
REACH new audiences
BUILD the NBPL brand
EDUCATE the community on why libraries matter
GOALS
M A R K E T I N G
1
22
3
4
5
19
But first, a quick overview of what library marketing
looks like across the country.
Library marketing departments vary in size, driven by the goals and budget of the library — from a
single librarian pinch hitting as a marketer when that’s all the budget will allow; to a team of six
professionals encompassing a marketing manager, graphic designer, email marketing specialist,
social media specialist, copywriter, digital marketing specialist; to a team of 30 marketing
professionals at the New York Public Library.
At the Newport Beach Public Library, our marketing efforts are led by a dedicated team of one,
managing a wide range of responsibilities – from marketing strategy to graphic design, copywriting
to email marketing, social media, photography, media relations, and more.
L I B R A R Y M A R K E T I N G
COMPARISON
20
L I B R A R Y M A R K E T I N G
Developing strong programming is only part of a
successful library equation. Filling those programs,
(events, workshops, and lecture hall) is the other part.
And that’s where effective library marketing comes in.
DRIVING TRAFFIC
After a program is created, it’s the job of the marketing department to effectively reach the target audience.
That’s the focus of this year’s marketing overview: what we’re doing to reach our audiences and how.
21
THE [M] FACTOR
C A S E S T U D Y
A documentary screening highlighting an m-
related topic that as evidenced by the number of
participants, women were eager to discuss.
Mostly women (and one man) between the ages
of mid 40s to 60s
Getting the word out to the exact audience we
wanted to reach had us starting with a word of
mouth/text campaign that included a small pass-
along graphic with all of the relevant
information. Within 48 hours, we had more than
150 women registered. Within days, the event
was full and had a wait list.
Overview:
Audience:
Marketing:
A successful event, full house, with the added bonus
of reaching a new audience and in turn, creating
new patrons.
Outcome:
22
LIES, LIES, LIES
C A S E S T U D Y
Overview:
A Meet the Author event featuring a local, first-time author whose novel hit it big.
Our Programming Library Assistant, Terry Sanchez, booked the author shortly
before the novel was chosen as the Good Morning America book pick for March,
providing an exceptional marketing angle for the event.
Mostly women between the ages of 40 to 60. Many in the audience were first-time
NBPL patrons.
We looked beyond the typical tactics and employed a similar guerilla marketing
approach to the one we used for The M Factor. We also marketed to book clubs
and aspiring writers. And because it focused on a local author, we were able to
secure a front page feature in the Daily Pilot, which generated even more interest.
Again we reached a group of women – many of whom were attending their second-
ever NBPL event in a matter of weeks.
Audience:
Marketing:
A full room, a lot of positive feedback, and a slew of new library fans.
Outcome:
23
SOCIAL MEDIA
C A S E S T U D Y
Overview:
In an effort to strategically and efficiently use our
time on social media, we focus on Instagram,
which automatically gets posted to Facebook. Our
Instagram efforts include posts, stories and reels.
Our Instagram audience tends to be mostly
women in their 30s to 50s. This is also an
audience of moms who have young children
participating in NBPL programs, so you’ll notice
a particular focus on children’s events. At the
same time, we’re focused on providing a balanced
view of our offerings.
In the coming months we’re planning targeted
Instagram promotions to increase engagement
and in turn, followers. We’ve also been
selectively boosting posts to increase exposure
and followers.
Audience:
Marketing:
24
FIND YOUR NEXT GREAT READ
C A S E S T U D Y
Overview:
A home page treasure trove of book recommendations. Instead of
another bestseller list, “Find Your Next Great Read” is a NBPL-
curated list that focuses on all-time favorites with contributions
from library staff.
Anyone and everyone looking for that next great read.
To get patrons and non patrons alike coming back to our website,
engaged with the library, and reading.
Audience:
Goal:
A marketing opportunity that can be talked about on all NBPL
platforms – from social media to digital signs, magazines, e-blasts
and more.
Marketing:
25
FIRE STATION STORYTIME
C A S E S T U D Y
Overview:
A fun-filled morning consisting of stories read by
firefighters, fire-fighter themed songs and dances,
and tours of the next door CdM fire station.
Kids, babies, toddlers, moms, dads, caregivers,
grandparents, sisters, brothers.
Audience:
Let’s be clear – this program, that was created,
organized, and staffed by the CdM branch – is an
automatic home run. Add to that some strategic
marketing in the form of branding, design, and
getting the word out, and you have 500% growth in
the last four years – with 51 people attending the
event in 2021 and 239 people attending in 2024. This
event is a goldmine of happy images and pre and
post event marketing opportunities.
Marketing’s role:
26
BUTTERFLIES
C A S E S T U D Y
Overview:
A yearly program created by the Children’s Department where kids are
invited to the library over a three-week period to watch caterpillars become
chrysalis, and chrysalis become butterflies. The end event is a butterfly-
release party which this year, went even bigger with the program broken
down into two age categories: 0-5 and 6-11.
Babies, toddlers, kids, moms, dads, caregivers, grandparents, sisters,
brothers, interested passers-by.
More than 300 patrons participated in the two events and we were able to
take advantage of the very visual nature of the program, increasing our
Instagram followers by more than 100 in a 48-hour period. This program
provided pre-event marketing opportunities and post event follower growth
as well as a slew of happy images.
Audience:
Outcome:
We stepped up the marketing effort to help drive traffic and fill these two
time slots through tactics including a website banner ad, digital signs, media
relations, posters, flyers, social media, and the always-effective e-blast.
Marketing’s role:
27
STORYTELLERS EXTENDED
C A S E S T U D Y
Overview:
What started as a memoir-writing class was rebranded as
Storytellers, which became so popular it grew into
Storytellers 2, then the The Writers Workshop and the latest
iteration debuting this fall is Storytellers Extended — a
program designed specifically for writers who want to get
published, and created based on demand from patrons who
wanted more in the Storyteller writing space.
Audience:
Marketing’s role:
The age ranges from 18 to 80 and includes both men and
women.
Marketing spearheaded the rebranding of Memoir Writing
to Storytellers and created the design and messaging for
the program. Marketing continues to get the word out for
each workshop, helping to fill each one to capacity.
28
NUMBERS
E M A I L O P E N R A T E
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 20250%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Our e-mail open rate has grown from 15% in 2020 to 51% today. Our goal is to keep every e-blast we send out interesting,
relevant, well designed and critically, hitting that sweet spot of not too little, not too much, but just the right frequency.
The strength of this list — and open rate — enables us to fill programs when we hit send.
29
2022 2023 2024 20250
10000
20000
30000
40000
NUMBERS
E M A I L M A R K E T I N G
The strength of our e-mail marketing efforts lie in the strength and size of our lists. We use a variety of marketing tactics to get
people to sign up such as in-library postcards, online, when new patrons are signing up for a library card, digital signage, etc.
30
2021 2022 2023 2024 20250
1000
2000
3000
4000
NUMBERS
S O C I A L M E D I A
From 1250 in 2021 to 4,000 today, our social media efforts continue with steady growth. We focus on Instagram, which
automatically gets posted to Facebook. Our Instagram efforts include posts, stories and reels — and in the coming months,
targeted promotions to increase engagement and followers.31
BRAND STYLE
T H E I M P O R T A N C E O F B R A N D I N G
Strong branding gives the Newport Beach Public Library an identity. It helps to make us immediately
recognizable as NBPL and create lasting relationships with our patrons. My goal is always clean,
simple, and eye catching – both in messaging and design.
32
BRAND STYLE
A S T O R Y I N I M A G E S
Inviting our patrons into the NBPL brand is our goal – a space of curiosity, adventure, learning, community — and books.
A space you want to be a part of, a space you want to join.
33
NEXT STEPS
G O A L S F O R 2 0 2 5 / 2 0 2 6
Focus on INCREASING TRAFFIC TO THE NBPL WEBSITE, which is the
core of our marketing efforts.
Continue to identify, engage, and WIN OVER NEW AUDIENCES.
Continue to SUPPORT the LIBRARY in all of its GOALS.
Continue to BUILD and refine the NBPL BRAND.
Identify measurable RESULTS.
34
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES STAFF REPORT
May 19, 2025
Agenda Item No. 8
MELISSA HARTSON, LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Stahr, 1933-2025
The Stahr Children’s Room is the heart of the Central Library. It’s where hundreds of kids engage in
storytimes, attend programs, and participate in activities. It is a place where families gather, community
grows, and where children are empowered to become lifelong learners. It’s also where Mrs. Stahr found
incredible joy, seeing firsthand the results of her commitment to fostering a deep love of reading.
Along with her husband John, Mrs. Stahr was an integral figure in the creation of the Newport Beach
Central Library. In 1989, Mr. and Mrs. Stahr initiated a fundraising campaign that was significant to see
the project come to fruition. With that effort, the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation was created.
The campaign successfully raised over $2M and the Central Library opened its doors in July 1994.
Mrs. Stahr believed in the power of books and the public library’s ability to change lives. She leaves behind
a legacy for today’s library patrons and generations that follow. The Newport Beach Public Library honors
Mrs. Stahr for her significance to Newport Beach and the surrounding communities. Our sincerest
condolences go to the Stahr family.
WHEELHOUSE LIST FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEES
•Library Closure: Memorial Day
Monday, May 26
All locations
•Summer Reading Program
Saturday, June 7 – Saturday, August 2
All locations
•Friends Used Book Sale
Friday, June 6, 1 – 4 p.m. (Members Only)
Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friends Room and Lobby, Central Library
•Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Monday, June 16, 5 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Civic Center
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
(949)717-3801, mhartson@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hartson, Library Services Director
TITLE: Report of April Library Activities – May 19, 2025 Meeting
35
Report of April Library Activities
May 19, 2025
Page 2
REBECCA LIGHTFOOT, LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
Literacy
Project Adult Literacy’s (PAL) first annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration was held on Saturday, April
26. Thirty-three volunteers were honored at this event, which included a catered lunch, appreciation
certificates, recognition, and thank you gifts. Each volunteer received a handwritten note from their
learner, expressing their gratitude.
PAL hosted a tour for a group of ESL students from Mariners Church, the third such tour conducted in
recent months. The students learned about the program, the Library, and signed up for library cards. Some
of the students signed up to join PAL.
Nine new volunteers completed Tutor Training and will be joining the program.
Programming
We hosted Digital Saturday on April 12. One hundred fifty-eight patrons stopped by the information table
to ask about our digital services and headed to the Media and Sound Lab where staff were on hand to
answer questions, give demonstrations, and provide one-on-one help. Many patrons remarked at how
impressed they were with the resources we offer and expressed enthusiasm over using the Media and
Sound Lab.
The Library hosted its final Sunday Musicale of the program season on Sunday, April 13. We welcomed
back Syrinx Reed Quintet, a dynamic quintet that features an oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bass clarinet and
bassoon. Syrinx Quintet last performed at the Library in 2021. The program was well received with 167 in
attendance. They gave a very fun performance, which included composers of the Americas, and received
a standing ovation.
Our Meet the Author event on April 8, featured Sophie Stava in conversation with Liz Gazin and was well
received with 153 in attendance. Her debut novel, Count My Lies, a domestic thriller as she describes it,
was recently named a Good Morning America book club pick and is in development for a TV series.
Their conversation revealed the 15-year journey Sophie took to get her first novel published. Sophie
fielded many questions from the audience and was very charismatic in her responses. Our audience
enjoyed hearing her story, which included Liz Gazin as part of the inspiration of the storyline in Count My
Lies.
The Daily Pilot interviewed and featured a story on Sophie, and our marketing strategy brought in several
new attendees to the Library who commented that it was their first event at NBPL.
ANNIKA HELMUTH, BRANCH AND YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR
Branch Activities
In April, Mariners Branch (Mariners) offered two special events, Black Out Poetry, and Spring Planting.
National Library Week (NLW) guest readers included Councilmember Erik Weigand, Councilmember
Robyn Grant, and Police Sergeant Steve Oberon. Also, the Mariners’ Seed Library continues to grow with
242 seed packets loaned throughout the month.
36
Report of April Library Activities
May 19, 2025
Page 3
Balboa Branch (Balboa) hosted NLW guest readers Board of Library Trustees Chair Chase Rief and
Councilmember Michelle Barto. Also offered at Balboa in April were spring-themed crafts and BARK Read
to a Dog. Spring Make & Take launched with drop-in crafts continuing through May.
At Corona del Mar Branch (CdM), children and caregivers enjoyed fun and educational programs including
storytimes, crafts, a Dinosaur Magic Show, and NLW storytime guests Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman,
Trustee Dorothy Larson, and Trustee Meghan Murray. On Thursday, April 17, CdM participated in the first
CdM Village Third Thursday community celebration by offering refreshments, crafts, and games for all
ages.
Youth Services
April featured a variety of enriching programs for children and families at Central Library (Central)
including Read to a Dog, Makerspace, and Crafternoon, as well as an engaging STEAM Lab on electricity.
The Spring Coding for Kids series welcomed 70 participants. Additional offerings included a lively Middle
Grade Book Club discussion, a well-attended BINGO event, and a popular Butterfly and Ladybug release
program that drew 340 attendees. Central also welcomed NLW guest readers Councilmember Sara
Weber, Mayor Joe Stapleton, and City Manager Grace Leung.
Special Programs
NLW was celebrated with a variety of engaging programs across the branches and Central. Throughout
the week, families connected through joyful experiences that supported early literacy, STEAM learning,
and creativity, reinforcing the Library’s role as a vibrant community hub.
Highlights included special guest reader storytime sessions at all locations, the launch of our Butterfly and
Ladybug Habitats at Central and craft programs at both Central and Balboa. At Mariners, over 130 children
and families participated in the I Spy Book Scavenger Hunt and the week concluded with a Dinosaur Magic
Show at CdM, which captivated over 150 attendees with illusions, humor, and audience participation.
Class Visits
On Friday, April 11, 62 first-grade students and chaperones from Our Lady Queen of Angels visited the
Library for a tour supporting their family history projects. The students received a storytime that sparked
discussion about family traditions then explored the children's area, viewed the caterpillars and ladybugs,
and received a behind-the-scenes look at book returns. Every student checked out a book and received
an NBPL sticker in celebration of NLW.
Outreach
Children’s Library staff visited two local elementary schools to promote the upcoming Summer Reading
Program, reaching almost 1,200 students, parents, and staff. The theme, Level Up at Your Library,
generated enthusiasm across all campuses, especially around the grand prize and free weekly events.
Children’s Library staff also participated in three community outreach events in April, engaging with
approximately 823 individuals. Events included Big Newport’s Family Day, the 2025 Mayor’s Egg Roll—
one of the larger outreach events of the year – and the YMCA Healthy Kids Day, a national event focused
on youth development and healthy living. The prize wheel attracted families at each event and provided
a fun and effective way to share information about library services, promote storytimes and the Summer
Reading Program, and strengthen community connections.
37
Report of April Library Activities
May 19, 2025
Page 4
Personnel
Elyssa Coon joined Mariners as a Library Page. Branch and Youth Service Coordinator Annika Helmuth,
along with Branch Librarians Nadia Dallstream and Alex Johnkins, participated in the City-sponsored
training Advanced Coaching and Influencing Others with SBI Model.
ANDREW KACHATURIAN, ADULT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Teen Services
The Young Adult Advisory Council was not due to meet in April, but we did have two events this month
aimed at teens. On April 16, the Central Library hosted CollegeWise, who presented College Admissions
101 on the topic of college preparedness. There were 12 in attendance. On April 29, staff from the Central
Library attended an annual volunteer fair at Newport Harbor High School to advertise volunteer
opportunities within the Library. We had 66 teens stop by our booth. They were most interested in the
Children’s Summer Reading Program and the Book Reviewer role.
Staffing
We are currently recruiting to fill one vacant part-time Library Assistant position. Lucero Tamayo was
promoted from Library Page to part-time Library Clerk, and one more candidate is in background to fill a
second vacant part-time Library Clerk position. We have three candidates also moving through the hiring
process to fill remaining Library Page positions.
Facilities
The elevator modernization project has begun at the Central Library. Contractors are currently working
on updating fire equipment and have begun work on the staff elevator. When the staff elevator is
complete, it will be made available to the public and then work will begin on the public elevator. Public
Works has been dutiful in monitoring progress and ensuring public service is not affected.
RAM Air has identified two condenser fan motors that need replacement in the Central Library chiller.
Public Works will be overseeing these repairs in early May with no expected downtime.
38
NEWS
Creatives lock in at Newport Beach Library sound lab, donations
sought to upgrade into podcast friendly space
BY ERIC LICAS | STAFF WRITER
APR. 2, 2025 6:51 PM PT
The sound lab, tucked just down the hall from the elevators on the first floor, might be one of the
only places in the Newport Beach Library where staff actually encourage patrons to make noise.
A computer loaded with editing software and a pair of microphones sat on a plain white table
within the lab’s thickly padded walls Wednesday afternoon, along with two keyboards, a Fender
Champ 12” guitar amplifier, sheet music stands, and a handful of mismatched chairs taken from
different parts of the library. The humble space was part of a major expansion to the public
building in 2013, and has become one of its most popular amenities, Library Assistant Greg
Johnson told the Daily Pilot.
Greg Johnson adjusts a mic stand at the Newport Beach Public Library’s Sound Lab Wednesday. The Library Foundation
is raising money to upgrade the lab with modern podcasting equipment. (Eric Licas)
39
The lab is open every day except holidays and is typically booked solid at least a week in
advance, Johnson said. He has spotted people dancing, singing, recording voice-overs or
audiobooks, and creating all kinds of music while peering through a square window in the lab’s
heavy, soundproof door to occasionally check in while it’s in use.
Lately, a growing number of those reserving the space have been coming in with cameras, lights
and stands to shoot podcasts. They include one who dives into Newport Beach history, and
another who conducts guided meditation, Johnson said.
He and others who support making content creation more accessible want to update the sound
lab into a podcast-friendly space. The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation is reaching out
to the public in hope of raising $4,000 for the necessary equipment.
“This is basically us recognizing a need among our patrons and trying to grow with them to meet
that,” Johnson said.
He has been talking to people who use the sound lab and other members of the community to
find out what kind of gear might help them create better content. Some of the items that have
been mentioned include a green-screen, cameras, lighting, additional microphones, a video
switcher and more.
Greg Johnson leans on a desk in the Newport Beach Public Library’s Sound Lab Wednesday. The Library Foundation is
raising money to upgrade the lab with modern podcasting equipment. (Eric Licas)
40
Johnson said libraries have always been a place where people can “lock in” and get productive,
making the sound lab an ideal environment for podcasters. It’s also within arm’s reach of a near
limitless collection of books, films, recordings, and other resources to draw inspiration from.
In addition, library staff are on hand to help troubleshoot glitches or bounce ideas back and
forth with content creators. They often get personally invested when they help patrons with their
projects, Johnson said.
He said that can be bittersweet at times and
recalled noticing when one of their regulars
stopped visiting.
“I thought of them and was like, ‘oh, I haven’t seen
them; that means they must be done,’” Johnson
said. “And I was happy for them because I know
finishing a project is one of the best feelings in the
world.”
The sound lab is just one of many multimedia
resources available to patrons. Others include
Kanopy, a free video streaming service with over
30,000 titles, numerous digital databases as well
as audio-visual equipment and even vintage
gaming consoles available for library cardholders
to borrow. These and much more will be featured
for patrons to discover during Digital Saturday at
the library on April 12.
Eric Licas
Staff Writer
Licas covers Newport Beach for the Daily Pilot. He previously was a crime and public
safety reporter and, before that, spent four years as a staff writer with the Orange County
Register and the Southern California News Group. He has been on the ground to cover
active wildfires, civil unrest, and mass shootings. He was born in the Philippines, raised
in the San Fernando Valley and is a Cal State Northridge alumnus.
Greg Johnson poses for a photo at the Newport Beach
Public Library’s Media Lab Wednesday. The Library
Foundation is raising money to upgrade the lab with
modern podcasting equipment. (Eric Licas)
41
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 547 383 9099
Alexander Street 730 168 478 664 93 296 79 1591 0 33 4132
Ancestry 588 514 290 249 201 453 331 158 180 420 3384
AskART 14 18 15 12 11 8 13 12 7 5 115
Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow 158 79 15 55 13 10 29 6 27 36 428
Britannica School Edition 1 119 1979 50 57 8 174 95 56 45 2584
Exploring Race in Society 2 5 29 32 30 4 12 23 21 30 188
Gale Archives Unbound 23 2 154 312 33 11 6 44 29 19 633
Gale Directory Library 16 36 78 75 16 8 9 16 43 41 338
Gale in Context: Biography 14 5 316 286 56 71 100 240 74 5 1167
Gale in Context: Elementary 3 3 63 2 2 8 2 1 2 11 97
Gale in Context: Environmental 0 0 20 74 12 2 2 0 39 4 153
Gale in Context: Opposing View 1 2 343 233 765 40 73 4 17 29 1507
Gale Interactive: Science 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gale Literature Resource Center 20 18 50 89 64 67 7 70 566 168 1119
Gale eBooks 19 29 51 154 186 18 81 235 117 96 986
HeritageQuest 150 50 121 55 114 58 64 20 136 645 1413
Legal Information Ref Center 103 86 68 44 39 12 49 110 136 158 805
National Geographic 14 26 60 143 60 42 56 32 20 20 473
National Geographic Kids 8 13 30 150 35 43 38 16 20 20 373
NewsBank 770 1638 1939 1159 1092 1137 1988 1104 1282 1156 13265
NoveList Plus 81 23 64 31 45 30 54 90 104 49 571
NoveList K-8 Plus 41 6 22 26 22 41 17 4 56 22 257
ProQuest 3058 3526 4107 4074 4783 19420 4186 3984 15210 3269 65617
Proquest eLibrary 4 34 39 18 8 10 9 4 11 4 141
Reference Solutions Business 325 359 366 211 274 294 483 352 254 836 3754
Reference Solutions Residential 33 9 17 5 37 15 22 6 15 48 207
SIRS Discoverer 2 16 120 283 410 180 292 91 3747 2750 7891
SIRS Issues Researcher 856 740 1317 1884 549 1646 665 653 1761 3967 14038
World Book Online 34 19 187 90 99 29 39 39 8 43 587
Tracked by #page views
Artist Works 3 4 2 1 5 1 7 2 1 4 30
Consumer Reports 2442 2585 1928 2089 2527 2319 1894 1897 2446 1464 21591
CultureGrams 23 48 183 12 108 78 31 38 3 81 605
Morningstar 5545 4471 3207 9879 5902 7052 3816 4098 1464 522 45956
RealQuest 57 29 12 32 38 59 90 255 6 45 623
Tumblebooks 3 126 7 10 5 38 30 14 19 13 265
Value Line 12179 10816 12942 14370 11729 13208 9544 8713 8124 8907 110532
Tracked by courses
LinkedIn Learning 291 257 332 405 312 252 240 323 385 362 3159
Tracked by books logged
Beanstack 9161 3189 3875 3256 2728 1731 2713 1772 2524 2274 33223
Tracked by Hours Used
ABC Mouse 45.00 46.23 42.58 12.72 16.93 7.75 7.25 4.83 17.68 13.63 214.60
Beanstack 5385 445 280 265 144 163 163 140 155 432 7572
Rosetta Stone 58.01 53.38 63.06 25.70 7.23 27.50 32.97 29.67 24.77 12.33 334.62
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 4550 2124 2306
Newspapers--Current 1285 1161 1426 1277 1671 1266 1170 1426 1298 868 1285
Newspapers--Historical 3576 2019 1982 2675 2151 1601 2099 1972 3088 2114 2328Magazines17 56 44 82 18 13 27 36 49 5 35
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43
APR 25 YTD 24/25 YTD 23/24
BALBOA 2,339 25,897 23,228
CdM 3,712 36,574 37,385
MARINERS 21,227 207,767 213,528
CENTRAL 47,071 482,518 521,656
eBooks 8,222 81,200 78,892
eMagazines 7,232 59,372 46,493
eAudiobooks 7,770 76,129 64,983
Streaming Films 3,844 35,655 24,966
TOTAL 101,417 1,005,112 1,011,131
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
MAR 25 106,845
APR 25 101,417
TOTAL 1,207,467
12 Month Comparison
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - APRIL 2025
CIRCULATION
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
eBooks
eMagazines
eAudiobooks
Streaming Films
90,000
95,000
100,000
105,000
110,000
MAY 24 JUN 24 JUL 24 AUG 24 SEP 24 OCT 24 NOV 24 DEC 24 JAN 25 FEB 25 MAR 25 APR 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
44
APR 25 YTD 24/25 YTD 23/24
BALBOA 455 3,934 3,825
CdM 877 7,291 5,686
MARINERS 2,122 19,893 20,152
CENTRAL 6,985 65,597 65,015
TOTAL 10,439 96,715 94,678
12 Month Comparison
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
MAR 25 9,980
APR 25 10,439
TOTAL 117,802
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - APRIL 2025
REFERENCE
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
MAY 24 JUN 24 JUL 24 AUG 24 SEP 24 OCT 24 NOV 24 DEC 24 JAN 25 FEB 25 MAR 25 APR 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
45
APR 25 YTD 24/25 YTD 23/24
BALBOA 2,004 21,489 20,481
CdM 3,566 32,726 29,925
MARINERS 13,150 124,559 132,851
CENTRAL 40,018 375,748 362,759
TOTAL 58,738 554,522 546,016
12 Month Comparison
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
MAR 25 61,298
APR 25 58,738
TOTAL 662,173
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - APRIL 2025
PATRONS SERVED
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
45,000
50,000
55,000
60,000
65,000
MAY 24 JUN 24 JUL 24 AUG 24 SEP 24 OCT 24 NOV 24 DEC 24 JAN 25 FEB 25 MAR 25 APR 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
46
APR 25 YTD 24/25 YTD 23/24
BALBOA 516 4,368 2,302
CdM 1,976 14,165 9,976
MARINERS 2,906 21,277 13,322
CENTRAL 7,754 73,304 60,690
TOTAL 13,152 113,114 86,290
12 Month Comparison
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
MAR 25 11,223
APR 25 13,152
TOTAL 136,553
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
NEWPORT BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY - APRIL 2025
BALBOA
CdM
MARINERS
CENTRAL
2,500
5,000
7,500
10,000
12,500
15,000
17,500
MAY 24 JUN 24 JUL 24 AUG 24 SEP 24 OCT 24 NOV 24 DEC 24 JAN 25 FEB 25 MAR 25 APR 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
47
Jerold D Kappel, CEO
Newport Beach Public Library Foundation
Memo
To: Library Trustees
From: Jerold D Kappel, CEO
Date: May 13, 2025
Re: Library Foundation Report
1. The May 2025 Board Meeting was held on Monday, May 12. Melissa Hartson, Library Director,Chase Reid, Trustee Chair, and Dorothy Larson, Trustee Liaison attended.
2.The Library Live committee added a new member: Emily Ford. Megan Gorman was approved forthe Governance Committee, and Karen H. Clark added the Library Live Committee to hercommittee assignments.
3.The next Foundation Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025. The meeting will bepreceded by a walk-through of the Witte Hall construction. Hard hats and closed-toe shoes will berequired.
4.The Development Committee reviewed the planning for the June 18 Summer Solstice Celebrationevent.
a.The Development Committee proposed that a sub-committee be appointed to reviewbranding including changing the name of the Foundation to The Library Foundation ofNewport Beach (a DBA, the corporate name will remain the same) and re-designing theFoundation’s logo. The change will occur before the Foundation moves three of its programs
to Witte Hall. The motion was approved unanimously.
5.The DRAFT budget for FY2026 has been provided to the Finance Committee for initial review. Itis anticipated that it will be approved by the Board in June.
a.The Board will consider the Library’s FY2026 grant request at the June meeting.
6.Project Adult Literacy: The Foundation Literacy Committee, chaired by Paul Watkins, submittedthe Library’s $22,475 grant request to the Board for Project Adult Literacy for FY2026. The
Finance Committee recommended the request. The Board approved the grant request, and thefunds will be transmitted to the Library in early July 2025.
7.The Witte Hall Grand Opening is scheduled for the weekend of March 20-22, 2026. The secondmeeting of the City-Foundation committee planning the opening events will meet on May 22.
a.The Library Foundation will hold its Witte Hall donor recognition event on Thursday, March19.The event will include a dinner with food stations throughout the Central Library followed
48
2
by leadership and donor recognition and a prestigious speaker in Witte Hall. Randy Heyler is chairing the planning committee for this event.
b. The Foundation will seek a corporate sponsor to underwrite the donor event and other events for the opening weekend.
c. The Foundation is planning to produce a booklet for this weekend that will highlight the Hall donors, the Design Committee, the Beyond Books campaign volunteers, and the opening weekend events. The booklet will also include the Foundation’s Witte Hall programs for the spring season. To underwrite the booklet, the Foundation will solicit advertising.
8. Programming
a. There are only three programs remaining for the 2024-2025 season: Book Discussion Group, Medicine in Our Backyard, and Summer Solstice. Estimating attendance for these last three
programs, The Foundation will have a total attendance of over 5,100 for this season.
i. Book Discussion Group will be in the Friends Room. Due to the delay in construction for the Courtyard, the final Medicine will also be in the Friends Room. Summer
Solstice on June 18 will be in the Community Room and adjoining grassy area.
b. The final Witte Lecture Series for 2025 was M. Chris Fabricant, author of Junk Science. Although on Easter weekend, both lectures were over 95% sold. The Witte Lectures had a
very good season. The speakers for the 2026 season are in the final contracting phrase and will be announced in the June edition of Bookmark.
c. The final Library Live lecture by Viet Thanh Nguyen, author of The Sympathizer, on April 24 was sold out. All Library Live lectures this season have been to capacity Friends Room attendance. The first two Library Like lectures in the Fall will be held in the Friends Room. The spring season will be in Witte Hall.
i. All Library Live speakers will be announced in Bookmark.
d. The final free Book Discussion Group is May 14 to discuss The Book of Goose: A Novel by Yiyun Li. Because the Book Discussion Group has about 40 participants, it will still be held in the Friends Room.
e. The final free Spotlight on Science with Dr. Lucy Jones, the renowned seismologist, speaking about California’s seismic activity, was on April 30. Over 200 people attended the lecture.
i. It is planned for all Spotlight on Science lectures to be held in Witte Hall, with perhaps one being held in the Hall before the grand opening. However, if the construction is
delayed, the lecture may be held in the Friends Room.
ii. One of the Spotlights will be a film with a scientist commentary.
9. The Foundation will have a hybrid home/library work schedule during the Central Library closing
because of the HVAC replacement and other renovations during the September closing.
a. All Foundation programs, including the fall Library Leadership Reception, will be moved to the Community Room during September and October 2025.
10. Advocacy Issues to monitor: two courts have now issued rulings halting the cuts to the IMLS. However, IMLS is still sending out letters to grantees rescinding grants. Additionally, the draft budget released by the White House zeroes out this agency and the NEA and NEH. The Foundation is actively advocating with elected officials to fully restore funding for these critical cultural grant agencies. As a reminder, nearly 1/3 of the entire amount that the state of California allocates for libraries is from the IMLS Grants to States program. California receives $15.7 million from this program and the state must match that grant to receive the federal funding.
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