Library Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Januay 13, 2022 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, Vice Chairperson/Member; Dr. Rick Jones, Member; and Dr. Lily Kliot, Member

ABSENT

Chairperson/Member Reverend Dr. Paul Harsh

STAFF PRESENT

Marsha Brinson, Library Director; and Carol Osborne, Deputy Town Clerk

 

E. Public Comment

No comments

F. New Business

1. Approval of Minutes of the October 14, 2021 Library Board Meeting

Member Grubb made a motion to approve the October 14, 2021 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

H. Report by Chair

No report.

I. Report By Town Commission Liaison

Commissioner Kussard reported on the construction on 27/441 and cautioned everyone to pay attention while driving as this project will not be completed until 2023.
Commissioner Kussard reported that the Town ended the fiscal year with a surplus. With 14 municipalities in Lake County, the Town of Lady Lake has the second lowest millage rate. She stated that the community building renovations were completed, and the building has been steadily rented. The design for the proposed walking trail along Old Dixie Highway has been completed and a request for bids will be publicized soon.

J. Report by Lake County Library Advisory Board Representative

Member Kliot confirmed with Member Jones that he has resigned as the representative and asked if there is anyone interested in this position.

Member Jones stated that a lot of the meetings had been cancelled or held via Zoom.

Ms. Brinson stated that the January county library board meeting was cancelled, and that the February meeting will be conducted via Zoom.

L. Report By Library Director

Ms. Brinson stated that she was asked to be the interim Library Director when the former director resigned. She stressed that a new Library Director will be hired.

She stated that staff is building on programming that had suffered during the pandemic and streamlining some procedures. She advised that she will not undertake any major projects while she is interim Library Director. She stated that she will be working with the Town Manager and the Public Works director for suggestions on how to utilize the second floor of the library.

Ms. Brinson reported that there are three applicants for the vacant Library Director position, that the position is still being advertised, and that they will move ahead with interviews if additional applications are not received. She stated that she wants Lady Lake’s library to be successful. She commended the library staff noting that each of them has their individual strengths and talents which creates a wonderful library experience.

Ms. Brinson stated that she did not have any input with this years’ budget preparation, noting slight increases in a few areas. She also noted that the new budget cycle will begin in April.

She advised that she attended a meeting with the head of the Lake County Library System, along with most of the other county library directors regarding the interlocal agreement. They discussed funding and various other topics having to do with our computer system.

Member Jones suggested that Ms. Brinson prepare a draft budget in the event a new library director is hired and does not have budget experience.

Ms. Brinson stated that she agreed to train the new library director when the time comes. She stressed that the library needs to continue to be successful. She stated that many people do not believe that libraries are important. However, they serve as a community center for many things besides checking out books, and that libraries are continually changing. She expressed her feeling regarding reeducating the public as to the importance of libraries. She stated it is important to ensure that our library remains a viable.

Member Jones agreed and stated that he is continually impressed with everything our library offers.

Member Kliot asked if the library could market itself

Ms. Brinson stated that is possible and would be great if there was a staff member who specialized in that. She stated that our library is very big and active with a very small staff. She commended the library staff with the many things they do that the public does not see.

L. Adjourn

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:29 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

s/ Carol Osborne, Deputy Town Clerk

s/ Dr. Paul Harsh, Chairperson