Library Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the September 10, 2020 4:00 p.m.
Library Advisory Board Meeting

The Lady Lake Library Board Meeting was held in the Town Hall Commission Chambers at 409 Fennell Blvd., Lady Lake, Florida.

A. Call to Order

The meeting convened at 4 p.m.

B. Invocation

C. Pledge of Allegiance

D. Roll Call

Dorothy Grubb, Member; Dr. Rick Jones, Member; and Dr. Lily Kliot, Member

ABSENT

Chairperson/Member Reverend Dr. Paul Harsh

STAFF PRESENT

Lori Sadler, Library Director; and Carol Osborne, Staff Assistant to the Town Clerk

OTHERS PRESENT

Commissioner Ruth Kussard

E. Public Comment

Vice Chairperson/Member Grubb noted that no one from the public was in attendance.

F. New Business

1. Approval of Minutes

Member Jones made a motion to approve the July 9, 2020 Library Board meeting minutes as presented. Member Kliot seconded the motion. The motion passed by an all in favor vote of 3 to 0.

G. Old Business

No old business.

H. Report by Town Commission Liasion

Commissioner Kussard stated the Not Too Scary Halloween event will be a drive-through event at the library parking lot on Saturday October 24 from 4-6 p.m. The resolution regarding the tentative millage rate was passed by Town Commission on September 9; the ad valorem will remain at 3.3962 as in 2019. Total Wine and More open its store at the new Lady Lake Commons plaza. Also, the post office renovations on La Grande Boulevard are nearly complete, and Mission Barbeque restaurant in Lady Lake Commons will be open soon.

I. Report By Lake County Library Advisory Board Representative

Member Jones referred to the appropriations chart he was given at the latest meeting. The funds are appropriated based on each library’s circulation, and our library is third in the county in circulation. He reviewed how the county advisory board meetings are conducted.

Member Kliot asked for clarification regarding the county board’s aid with incorporating safety guidelines with some of the libraries in the county.

Member Jones stated that some libraries are undergoing certain projects. He stated that the county board has prioritized and will assist those libraries with protocol from various professional organizations including the Center for Disease Control.

Member Jones stated that another goal of the county board is to implement a bookmobile and asked if the Lady Lake Library provides this service.

Library Director Lori Sadler replied that our library does not provide this service.

Member Kliot asked how the library is funded in addition to the money from the county.

Library Director Lori Sadler advised that funds for the library are included within the Town of Lady Lake’s budget.

Member Jones noted that future budgets may be negatively affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

J. Report By Library Director

Ms. Sadler reviewed highlights of the Library Director’s Report as follows:

The Lady Lake Library is attempting to regain some normalcy. So much has changed. The library has been open with limited hours and limited services since June 22nd. Some patrons are requesting materials from the other libraries in Lake County, as the courier service is also back up and running. The three exterior book returns are open from 8 a.m. on Monday through Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. All returned items are quarantined on the second floor for 48 hours. Patrons are asked to practice social distancing and to limit their browsing time and computer time to one hour. She stated there are only six computers available. The Friends of the Library book sale room has limited their reopening to three days each week, as some of the volunteers are not comfortable returning at this time. Masks or face coverings are recommended throughout both the youth and adult libraries, the lobby, and the book sale room.

Unfortunately, there are still no meetings, classes or other face-to-face programs being conducted at the library. Library staff is currently working hard to plan virtual programs and classes. Story time has been conducted virtually, with the assistance of Scarlett (our R.E.A.D. dog); virtual book reviews for young adult books is in the planning stage, and informational virtual programs on a wide variety of topics is also being coordinated with a wellness and education manager from Villages Health. Much of the library staff is excited to become involved in the programming and many ideas are still being formulated. Updates will be provided as staff continue to plan and move forward.

The Community Building renovation project is making great progress. The porch enclosure is visible from the rear and side of the building and will increase the size of the facility a great deal. It will be exciting to see the design of the interior begin soon.

The library is currently accepting applications for two positions; a part-time Library Assistant I Circulation Adult and Youth position. Also posted is a full time Library Assistant II — Reference/Technology Assistant position. Additional staff will greatly expand the possibilities for classes and programs.

Ms. Sadler reviewed the statistics. She stated the library had a monthly average of 15,000 patrons coming into the library prior to the pandemic. The monthly door count in August was approximately 7,000. She stated there are many patrons who are not yet comfortable coming into the library. She noted that the library was a polling site for early voting.

Ms. Sadler stated there was a 55% increase in digital materials being checked out during the pandemic shut down. She stated that new patrons were able to get their library card online through the county library system.

Ms. Sadler advised that early voting will be held at the library October 19 through 31, and general election voting in November.

Ms. Sadler stated that she has included new categories to the monthly report and asked the board for suggestions they would like included.

Ms. Sadler advised that staff is trying a lot of new things with virtual and online programs.

Member Kliot asked if there are adequate volunteers.

Ms. Sadler advised that volunteers are needed for shelving materials. The only volunteers included in the statistics are in the book sale room. There are no volunteers in the library. She stated volunteers are required to be fingerprinted and have a background check, and a very small amount is budgeted for this. She stated that some volunteers are not dependable. She stated that it is her understanding that volunteers cannot pay for this, nor can the Friends of the Library. Currently staff is not overextended as pre-pandemic because library services and hours are limited, and there are no programs being conducted inside the library. Staff is able to keep up with various jobs that were previously done by the volunteers.

Member Kliot asked Ms. Sadler to consider what the board can do for her.

On a personal note, may Ms. Sadler stated that she is thrilled with the opportunity to serve the Town of Lady Lake and the community as the new library director. This is her eleventh year working at the library, and during that time, she has always felt extremely fortunate to be employed by The Town of Lady Lake.

K. Report By Chair

No report.

L. Adjourn

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:43 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

s/ Nancy Slaton, Deputy Town Clerk

s/ Dr. Paul Harsh, Chairperson