Normal Public Library
Minutes of the Board of Trustees
January 30, 2008

Members present: Joan Steinburg, President, Amy Christensen, Charles Sila, Karl Sila, Diane Risius, Karen Farr and Robert Wegman, Library Administrator. Also present were Ruth Reeves, Jeanne Moonan, Lolita Netter, Tori Melican, Brian Chase, and Daniel Freburg (visitor).

President Steinburg called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

Mr. Risius moved that the minutes of the previous meeting and the agenda for the current meeting be approved as presented. Miss Farr seconded the motion and it carried 6-0.

President’s Report
No report.

Librarian’s Report
1. Monthly financial report. Revenue: Revenue for this fiscal year is running about where it should be for this time of year. Expenditures: Funds will be added from unappropriated equity to pay for the new floor drains and urinal in the bathrooms. A budge adjustment will be made to replace the staff photocopiers and the Risograph.
2. Parking and circulation: The December circulation report is unavailable due to a problem with the new system. The first week’s data got lost in the system change.
3. RSA/ILS: The Normal Public Library is actively participating on the RSA/ALS committees pertaining to the new/upgraded automation system. Problems with the new system are being worked out.

Committee Reports

Finance
Mrs. Christensen moved that expenditures amounting to $59,610.68 and three payrolls totaling $179,987.90 be paid. Mr. C. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 6-0.

Alliance Library System
The ALS has had some problems with their computer servers and backups. The interlibrary loan van is not to be used for personal matters. The ILA Financial Manual for Illinois Public Libraries is now available. Pepsi will have a super bowl add that will be in all sign language. Robert P. Doyle, President of ILA, will be coming to talk at the Peoria Public Library on February 12, 2008. The ALA and a White House committee are offering grants for non-librarian personnel to attend the National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. There are many grants available through the ALS website.

Personnel
Mrs. Risius welcomed Mr. Chase to the library.

Building and Grounds
Mrs. Risius thanked Mr. Wegman for all his hard work over the past 35 years. The library is in great condition. Mr. Wegman informed the board that Mrs. Wegman would like to continue her work on maintaining the beautiful library grounds.

Old Business
1. Uptown Normal: Uptown redevelopment continues and patron access to the library remains a concern. Construction on the parking deck is progressing.
2. Parking: Mrs. Steinburg gave the board an update on Uptown Normal parking. Mrs. Steinburg is an active member of the Uptown Normal Parking Committee.
New Business
1. Master Plan Consultants: Mr. C. Sila and Mrs. Christensen present the board with the top three consulting groups for the master plan. Library Planning Associates, Group 3, and Averus were discussed. Mr. C. Sila moved to approach Group 3 Consultants for possible employment to prepare a master plan for the Normal Public Library. Miss Farr seconded the motion, discussion was held, and the motion carried 6-0.
2. Scholastic Book Fair: Mrs. Melican informed the board that the Scholastic Book Fair is February 5, 2008 thru February 9, 2008. All proceeds will go towards the purchasing of books to be given out to the children in the summer reading program.
3. Public Library Association: Mr. Chase informed the board that he will be attending the PLA’s conference in March.
4. Mr. Wegman’s Retirement: Mrs. Netter presented the board with a slide show of Mr. Wegman’s 35 years at the library. The board thanked Mr. Wegman for his dedication to the Normal Public Library and service to the people of Normal. Mr. Wegman has made the library what it is today-an asset to the community!

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Farr
Secretary