HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Committee - Minutes - 8/18/20171
The meeting of the Bayfield County Library Committee was called to order by Mary Lintula at 4:00 pm.
There was not a quorum to conduct business. Those in attendance were: Mary Lintula, Jeremy
Oswald, County Board Supervisor; James Crandall, County Board Supervisor; Bill Sloan, Northern
Waters Representative, via-telephone; Kristine Lendved, Cable Forest Lodge Librarian; Suzanne
Widmar, Drummond Public Librarian; Darrell Pendergrass, Washburn Public Library Librarian; and Mark
Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator.
Mark introduced Jackie Pooler to the Committee stating she had been active with libraries prior to her
move to Washburn and would like to get involved here as well. Pooler stated that she has free time to
help in anyway and to just give her a telephone call.
Public Comment: None.
Approval of May 19, 2017 Library Committee Minutes: There was not a quorum, so minutes were
not approved. The Committee did go over the minutes and critiqued spelling of Jeremy Osgood’s name
which should be “Oswald.” Revisions will be made for the next meetings approval.
Review of 2017 Year BSL Project Status: Abeles-Allison
Drummond/Forest Lodge Libraries - Widmar started out by stating that the disc repair
machine has been a very good investment for the libraries. It is especially good for the audio books.
They have made an agreement between the 2 libraries where Drummond does the cleaning of the discs
and Cable purchases the extra supplies that are needed. This seems to be working out great!
Pendergrass stated that Washburn and Bayfield also share a machine and it works great to be
able to do this in such small communities.
Iron River - Abeles-Allison reported they are going great guns. They will be moving out of the
library the week of Labor Day to a temporary spot in the Lion’s Club building for 2 to 4 months,
depending upon completion. They have had 2 local donors and a lot of support from their community.
The USDA was present for the open house and ground-breaking and it was a great turnout.
Bayfield – Abeles-Allison reported to the Committee that Bayfield Library has put in place their
tables, shelves, work table, café tables and chairs. They however, decided not to put the non-fiction
shelving in. Instead, they are hoping the Committee will allow them to use those unspent dollars for 5
new outfacing shelfing carts/cases with casters for the picture books in the children’s area. Discussion
took place on this.
Discussion and Possible Action on 2018 BSL Project Submittals and Recommendation to
Bayfield County Board.
Minutes of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY LIBRARY COMMITTEE
August 18, 2017 – 4:00 pm, EOC Room, Courthouse Annex,
Washburn, WI 54891
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Cable – Lendved informed the Committee that they are in need of new laptops. Discussion on
how they have had an increase use of what they currently have and there is still more need technical
devices. They want to be able to offer all they can. Discussion on the Ferros System took place.
Washburn – Pendergrass informed the Committee that the Washburn Library Board has put a
priority on accessibility at the library. This in mind, John Nedden-Durst of North Country Independent
Living performed an accessibility survey in April, outlining areas where the library does not meet ADA
accessibility requirements and others where they do. The Washburn Library is therefore asking the
Committee for $4,825 for 3 specific items that will make the library easier to use for everyone, while
satisfying a need for improvement, as per the survey. They are as follows: 1) Handrail on accessibility
ramp, handrails, and level landing at top and bottom of ramp; 2) Automatic door for wheelchair
accessibility; and 3) Lighting in the non-fiction area in the adult section on the main floor. Pendergrass
gave an explanation for each of the requests and the breakdown in cost for each.
Bill Sloan entered meeting at 4:20 p.m.
Bayfield – Abeles-Allison reported on behalf of Bayfield and that they are asking to be to
purchase 5 new outfacing shelfing carts/cases with casters for the picture books in the children’s area.
These shelves will be made from a Bayfield woodworking company and will cost $7,968.30. Discussion
that the unused dollars from this year could be put toward the expense of the new project next year.
Further discussion took place on the funding requests and if they meet the requirements as
stated in the Building Strong Libraries (BSL) Project Criteria 2018. The Committee agreed that the
requests met the criteria, however, due to the fact that there is not a quorum, the Committee cannot
approve the requests. The Committee stated, they can recommend the requests to the Bayfield County
Board of Supervisors as presented, not to exceed the amount of $14,839 and reduced by any amount
that the Bayfield Library will not be using. Abeles-Allison stated that he will bring these figures to
the next full County Board meeting.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding 3-year Library Plan Update. The Committee went
over the document making changes as necessary. The Committee spoke about having another person be
a “stand-in” for each library to make sure a quorum is present at each meeting. The Committee also
discussed a new date and time stating that 4 pm on Friday afternoons doesn’t seem to be working.
In the Library Plan document, on Page 13, a Priority was added to make 6. “With a transitioning
society that isn’t using books as much, new technology is a threat and we will continue to keep libraries
relevant.”
The Committee then added Goal 6: “Providing service to all types of patrons, offering
programming that appeals to all people.”
Discussion took place on the Objectives for Priority 6 and it was decided that everyone would
brainstorm to come up with objectives for the next meeting.
Goal 2 was discussed regarding the annual report to the County Board. Pendergrass stated that
he sends one from him but he certainly could include all libraries.
On Page 14, Under Internal Strengths and Weaknesses, add under Weaknesses, “Not obtaining
a quorum at Committee meetings.”
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All of these revisions can be modified at the January meeting.
Bayfield County Library Updates:
Washburn – Pendergrass stated that they have 10 pair of eclipse glasses that can be used by
anyone on a first come, first serve basis.
Pendergrass also reported that they had a lightning strike that came through the telephone line
and knocked out and burned the elevator lift power board, and did significant damage to the telephone
and computers. The insurance company will have to be called on this one.
Cable – Lendved reported that they had a Novel Fair on the lawn in July to engage patrons on
what they would like to see and do. They had a book sale, made shirts with the screen printer and
receive much feedback. The one thing that they could use more of is “space.” Last year they received
a memorial donation which asked that they add classes and information for the aging community. They
did a 10-course Aging Mastery for the elderly which included such topics as financial files, advanced
planning, healthy relationships to name a few, that was well attended and hope to do more.
Drummond – Widmar spoke on how their library has become a designated Visitor’s Center we
are now receiving materials from the Cable Chamber of Commerce to bring to the library. This doesn’t
get the actual library participant numbers up, but, it does encourage the use of the building and space.
We are busy and it helps both entities.
It was noted that Shirley from the Vaughn Library is no longer there and Northern Waters is
without an Ass’t. Director.
Next Meeting: Discussion as to what times and dates would work for everyone and it was
decided that January 19th at 4 p.m. and we will remove February 9th from the calendar.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Library Committee, Lintula
adjourned the meeting at 5:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Bellile
Deputy County Clerk