2006 1-19Library Advisory Board January 19, 2006 Members Present: Elizabeth Bryan, John Gangemi, Dean Gattone, Eleanore Lipscomb-Warren, Jacqueline O’Grady, Allison Rankin, Elizabeth Stanfield-Maddox,
Paul Walker Friends of the Library: Shay Pittillo Staff Members: David Paynter, Harry Tuchmayer Members Absent: Mary Stewart Hood, Conrad Luhmann, Frank Oddo Meeting began at 2:32 PM.
Minutes approved as written. Correspondence: E-mail correspondence from a department head regarding downloadable audio tapes, and how pleased she was with the service Lots of Christmas
cards Director’s Report: David Paynter recapped the events leading up to the Pat Conroy event for January 20, 2006. David Paynter and Beverly Tetterton were guests of Rhonda Bellamy
on WAAV this morning talking about this event and other library services. He also mentioned other library programs coming up: One Book One Community featuring Blood Done Sign My Name
by Tim Tyson will be at UNCW on January 28. The library’s web page will be changed next year allo?wing for greater customization. The County logo will appear on the web page too. The
College Foundation will be sending representatives to the library to answer questions on funding for college students. New Hanover County Department of Aging Center will be sponsoring
a tax preparation program beginning in February. David Paynter reported that we recently began a ‘Reading Buddy’ program. The Circulation statistics continue to decline at the Main branch
but overall the decrease has been slight. Other branches reflect increases in library usage. The new Carolina Beach Mayor, Bill Clark, and Town Manager, Bob Nicholl informed Mr. Paynter,
that they are still interested in a library prospect at Carolina Beach, but at a different location closer to the existing library.
Harry Tuchmayer gave a brief explanation of how books are purchased, and circulated to other branches for pick up in answer to a board member request. There is not enough shelf space
for all materials at all branches, and this service accommodates lots of patrons. David Paynter explained that we recently began a ‘Reading Buddy’ program. Friend’s Report: Shay Pittillo
reported on the new officers elected in January, and they are still looking for a person to fill the technology position. A small book sale was held in the Main Library lobby in December
and netted over $1,000. The Friends of the Library and Systel are sponsoring a reception with refreshments prior to the Pat Conroy event. Committee Reports: Centennial Committee: Elizabeth
Stanfield-Maddox reported on the centennial events and distributed the first release of Part I of the centennial history. She also reported that Mrs. Delores Jordan will speak on September
21 and the Brinkley brothers in March. Tickets for the Brinkley event will go on sale shortly after the Pat Conroy event. David Paynter has also spoken with his resources at the New
York Times and is trying to secure another author event as well as a columnist for the November 30 event. Harry Tuchmayer reported that the media spots are airing on local TV stations,
and there have been two proclamations passed by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County. Plus there are banners hanging at each library announcing the events. There are also magnetic
signs on the library van and station wagon advertising the centennial. Work is being generated regarding the children’s author, Christopher Paul Curtis event for May, and tickets will
be available the last day of the event preceding the next event. Harry presented the tote bags, which will be for sale at the Pat Conroy event and at the libraries. Tee shirts will be
ordered to be on sale at a spring event. Harry also showed the golf shirt, which will be ordered for the spring too. We will be getting a quote for car antenna balls. Old Business: The
systems analyst has added a link to the library web page for Library Advisory Board members and minutes. New Business: John Gangemi inquired about possible events that the Library Advisory
Board can play a role in. David Paynter did request that the board be involved in the November 30 event since it is the final event and date that the public library opened in Wilmington
in 1906.
John Gangemi, David Paynter and Dean Gattone have met regarding the ‘Quality of Life’ bond, which includes the library, parks and museum to build new sites for these services. The County
has a debt service allowance limit and, and this will affect any bond issue that is presented. There was a great amount of discussion regarding a possible site for the north part of
the county in conjunction with the new President’s Park that will include new schools for K-12 grades. David Paynter shared his thoughts for the FY 2007 budget. The last library survey
indicated the library needs to restore some of the lost operating hours as well as opening branches on Sundays. He felt that this should be included in next year’s budget. Harry Tuchmayer
worked out a rotation schedule to cover additional hours at a cost of $103,000 for fully staffed locations. This does not include the cost of an additional weekend courier. John Gangemi
announced the resignation of Anne Jones, and the County Commissioners have advertised for a replacement. John Gangemi requested from the board staffing assistance for the Policy Committee
to review and update Library policies. Jacqueline O’Grady and Elizabeth Bryan volunteered to serve with Mary Stewart Hood and Conrad Luhmann. As soon as the final arrangements for the
Summer Reading Program are complete, Jacqueline O’Grady will be working with the children’s librarian to implement this program. David Paynter reported on the possibility of wireless
for the library and community. IT director thought it was too expensive for New Hanover County to provide wireless access throughout the community. She is willing to pursue this in the
library as long as CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) requirements and security are worked out. Meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM. The next meeting will be February 16.