HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Committee - Minutes - 5/13/20161
The meeting of the Bayfield County Library Committee was called to order
by Chair Mary Lintula at 2:30 pm. Those in attendance were: James Crandall,
County Board Supervisor; Jeremy Oswald, County Board Supervisor; Rachel
Coughtry, County Board Supervisor; Darrell Pendergrass, Washburn Public Library
Librarian; Suzanne Widmar, Drummond Public Librarian; Kristine Lendved, Forest
Lodge Librarian; Blair Nelson, Bayfield Librarian; Richard Compton, Committee
Representative; Beverly Gaber, Committee Representative; Courtney Dietsche,
Iron River Librarian; Linda Hultman, Iron River Committee Representative; Bill
Sloan, Northern Waters Representative; Mark Abeles-Allison, County
Administrator; and Dawn Bellile, Deputy County Clerk. Absent was: Linda Parker,
Committee Representative. Introductions were made again as changes have
taken place. A quorum was present to conduct business.
1. Election of Library Committee Chair. Chairperson Lintula called for
nominations for the office of Library Committee Chair. Supervisor Crandall nominated
Lintula. Lintula asked 3 more times if there were any more nominations. There being none,
a motion was made by Compton/Crandall to close nominations and cast a unanimous
ballot for the election of Lintula as Chair of the Library Committee. The motion
carried.
2. Election of Library Committee Vice-Chair. Chairperson Lintula called for
nominations for the office of Library Committee Vice-Chair. Supervisor Crandall
nominated Oswald. Lintula asked 3 more times if there were any more nominations. There
being none, a motion was made by Compton/Crandall to close nominations and cast a
unanimous ballot for the election of Oswald as Vice-Chair of the Library Committee.
Supervisor Oswald stated that he works 9-4. He stated it might be hard for him to make
the meetings. Discussion too place that meetings are only held once every 3 months and
Committee thought it could be worked out. The motion carried.
3. Public Comment: None.
4. Introduction of Maureen Sullivan, Author of “Rising to the
Challenge, Discussion on Re-Envisioning Public Libraries.” Abeles-Allison
introduced Maureen Sullivan, via webcam, stating she is a key advisor to the Aspen
Institute’s library project; a former President of the American Library Assoc., and
a consultant with a vast amount of experience working with libraries and
communities around library transformations. Sullivan is currently working with the
libraries and city leaders in Santa Monica, CA; Burlington, VT; and Warren County
Minutes of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY LIBRARY COMMITTEE
May 13, 2016 – 2:30 pm EOC Room, Courthouse Annex
Washburn, WI 54891
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(Bowling Green), KY. Maureen is a recognized expert on the Aspen Institute’s
library work.
Sullivan thanked Abeles-Allison for the introduction. She asked if the
Committee was able to view the link she had sent entitled: “Rising to the
Challenge.” The Committee responded that they were able to view the site.
Sullivan offered perspectives of different types of libraries and what they are
known for in a community. In the past, libraries were known as a meeting place and
when a town was first founded, there was a library. Sullivan spoke of the
challenges that libraries face with media now being the biggest means by which
people want to be able to read and correspond. Libraries work hard to be
sustainable for what a community wants and needs.
Linda Parker arrived at 3 p.m.
Questions were then asked of Sullivan by the Committee. The Committee
spoke of how small Bayfield County’s libraries are and all they can do is keep up
with books, DVDs and movies. People want all of the new devices and yet there will
still be someone that will want old equipment such as microfiche. Discussion took
place on what will happen in the next 20 years. Sullivan stated that she believed
libraries will continue in the broad spectrum and librarians will show people how to
use equipment just as what has been taking place all along. Sullivan also stated
that ways to accommodate change from books to digital would be to not have
shelving too high, have quiet spaces where there are pillows, rugs to sit on, etc.,
have group studies. Bayfield County libraries do share materials, resources and
collaborate on many things. Libraries will always be a community space where
people can congregate. Further discussion was had on focusing less on outcome
versus more in impact.
The Committee thanked Sullivan for taking the time to speak with them.
5. Minutes of January 29, 2016 Library Committee. A motion was
made by Compton/Crandall to approve the minutes of the January 29, 2016
Library Committee Meeting. Discussion regarding corrections that were outlined
in the minutes were not incorporated into the Building Strong Library document.
Abeles-Allison stated that he inadvertently omitted these but they will be put into
the new document. The motion carried.
6. Discussion and Possible Action: Receive and Place on File the 2017
Bayfield County Library Reimbursement Plan. Darrell Pendergrass went over the
report with the Committee explaining how it works. He also reported that Linda
Stobbe has reviewed the report and found it to be correct. Discussion took place
on the financing tables and Pendergrass stated that the libraries will always ask
for 100% funding. He also stated that Bayfield County has always been fair and
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funded more than the 100%. It was also reported that Bayfield County libraries
are the envy of others libraries as we all get along so well, we advocate for each
other, and we collaborate together. Discussion then turned to the collection of
materials. Discussion was on collaborating amongst the libraries so there isn’t
duplication in materials and each of them can accommodate as many people as
possible. A motion was made by Crandall/Gaber to receive and place on file
the 2017 Bayfield County Library Reimbursement Plan. The motion carried.
7. Discussion/Report/Finance Regarding 2016 County Library Budget
and BSL Projects.
Blaire Nelson, Bayfield Public Library – shared with the Committee a report
itemizing everything that had been done at his library. They did the renovation
with much help in 5 days. The BSL helped with the much needed shelving and the
grant from Bremer helped with everything else that was needed. There is much
more light which has made a huge impact on everyone who has come through the
doors.
Suzanne Widmar, Drummond Public Library – informed everyone that the 13
windows were taken out and replaced.
Kristine Lendved, Forest Lodge Library – They have new space for their
media lab which is great.
Darrell Pendergrass, Washburn Public Library - 3 Samsung tablets have
been purchased and are being used in house only. If questions arise, he directs
them to his “IT” people, which are the kids that also use the tablets. Kids can
figure anything out or answer any question when it comes to new technology.
Courtney Dietsche, Iron River Library – stated they are still in the planning
stages for the remodeling/renovating that will be taking place.
Abeles-Allison gave an update on the Building Strong Library Project and
how it came to be so the new Board members could understand what was being
talked about. This all has to do with Table 1 of the document that Pendergrass was
explaining.
8. Discussion and Possible Action on 2017 Building Strong Libraries
Priorities and Timelines. The Committee discussed deadline dates for submitting
BSL projects; August 4th will be the deadline.
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9. Bayfield County Library Updates:
Bayfield Public Library – Nelson reported that they are still working on their
expansion details; they will be holding a Star War Days and their summer reading
program will be starting soon.
Washburn Public Library – Pendergrass reported that the Vaughn Library
will be welcoming William King Krueger, an author from NE Minnesota, to the
library in November. This will be sponsored in conjunction with the Bayfield,
Washburn and Mellen libraries entitled “Chequamegon Bay Reads.” It will be held
at the Visitor’s Center. Pendergrass has set up a Facebook page and encouraged
everyone to check it out. He also said they were going to add shelving, but
realized at the last minute they had better check the floor strength capacity
first.
Forest Lodge Library – Lendved reported that on June 23rd they will have
their annual wire testing. Jim Moran Hamilton will be at the museum with his wood
typing. Persons attending will be able to use the mobile printing press and be able
to print a keepsake to take home. The summer reading program will have a
storyteller. The Cable Natural History Museum will be bringing in raptors. Mr. Fun
will be making toys out of recycled materials. There will be a partnership with
Peter Guy in the form of a reading/writing reception. They are also promoting to
ride your bike to the library and get a bookmarker. This is to promote bike safety.
Drummond Public Library – Widmar reported that camping reservations are
now being made out of the library. They presently have a photography display.
Quilting is going good but are hoping to have more interest. The Star Party is
being tried again in conjunction with the Arrowhead Astronomical Society in
Duluth. They are partnering with the school for the summer reading program.
They are also in the process of planning their annual wine tasting event.
Bayfield Public Library – Nelson reported that they received a grant for a
2nd comicon with the school. There will be more events added and a makeup
presentation also to take place at the comicon. On May 13th, there will be a library
lock-in for the Girl Scout Troup. The summer reading program will begin soon with
the theme of the Olympics. Star Wars will be shown again with gravity in 3-D. A
new program that will take place will be in honor of Prince; there will be a dance
and the movie Purple Rain will be shown.
10. Northern Wates Library Update. Abeles-Allison reported that
Sherry Machones, Director, from Northern Waters, is unable to make the meeting
this afternoon due to another meeting she must attend.
Discussion took place on Ashland and Bayfield County Libraries working in
conjunction with other groups to take on and trying to stamp out drugs. Is there a
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way to tie the groups together to promote the same together. Kevin Stranberg is
the person who the libraries should talk to. It was noted that a collection was
recently taken for AODA equipment.
Rachel Coughtry, newly elected County Board Supervisor, reported on just
having attended the Vaughn Library Board meeting and addressed various issues
that were talked about.
Also discussed was the possibility of inviting Bayfield County School
Librarians to a Library Committee Meeting. Perhaps when school is out they would
have a time when they could meet with us. There may be possibilities of mutual
benefit.
11. Next Meeting: August 19, 2016 @ 3:00 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Library
Committee, Lintula adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Bellile
Deputy County Clerk
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