HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2017 Library Commission MinutesSaratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 1 of 4
Minutes
Saratoga Library Commission
Regular Meeting
August 22, 2017
Call to Order: Vice Chair Burley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Saratoga Library
Community Rom at 13650 Saratoga Avenue.
Roll Call
Present: Vice Chair Karen Burley, Commissioner Carol Barmeier, Flora Hoffman
Absent: Commissioner Anandi Krishnamurthy
Also Present: Nancy Howe, Michael Eitner, Alice Patrick, Elicia Ye, Crystal Bothelio
Oral Communications on Non-Agendized Items: None
Approval of Minutes: Draft minutes for the June 27, 2017 Regular Meeting
BARMEIER/HOFFMAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE JUNE 27, 2017
REGULAR MEETING WITH A CORRECTION TO THE SPELLING OF BURIED IN THE
FRIENDS OF THE SARATOGA LIBRARIES REPORT. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BURLEY,
BARMEIER, HOFFMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: KRISHNAMURTHY.
Agenda Items
1. Library Commission Support for Library Goals/Efforts
Summary: At the June meeting, the Commission discussed opportunities for support
efforts and goals of the Library.
Action: Discuss outreach efforts at events in the City, such as movie nights and farmers
markets, and how the Commission can help support the Library Service Plan presented
at the June meeting.
Commissioners shared experiences from events that they attended with Library staff to
promote Library services and library card signups. They noted that many people still
believe that there is a fee for a library card.
Commissioner Hoffman suggested reaching out to the Saratoga News to share Library
events and information about services.
Commissioner Barmeier noted that reading programs in Spanish and English and foreign
language collections might be of particular interest to the local media.
2. Library Interior Space Improvement Funding
Summary: The Santa Clara County Library District is expected to allocate $200,000 for
interior space improvements at Saratoga Library in the Fiscal Year 2017/18 budget.
Action: Receive update on the funding and efforts to collect input from Library
stakeholders on desired improvements.
Saratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 2 of 4
Saratoga Community Librarian Michael Eitner provided an overview of the Library’s
interior space improvement funding process. He noted that the Library will be reaching
out to various stakeholder groups and conducting focus groups to better understand
space needs and desires.
3. Meeting with Cupertino Library Commission
Summary: At the June meeting, the Commission discussed the possibility of a joint
meeting with the Cupertino Library Commission.
Action: Discuss outcomes of Cupertino Library Commission August 2, 2017 meeting.
Vice Chair Burley provided an overview of the meeting with the Cupertino Library
Commission, including common interests and concerns. She noted Cupertino Library’s
event advertising and suggested Saratoga Library do something similar.
4. Collaboration with Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
Summary: At the June 2017 meeting, the Commission considered ways that the Saratoga
Library Commission and Friends of the Saratoga Libraries can work together.
Action: Discuss email from Friends of the Saratoga Libraries President Alice Patrick and
opportunities to promote/support the efforts of the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries.
Vice Chair Burley stated this item would be discussed as part of the Friends of the
Saratoga Libraries Report.
5. Boy Scout and Girl Scout Project List
Summary: At the June meeting, the Commission brainstormed project ideas for Boy
Scout and Girl Scout volunteer projects at the Library, such as Eagle Scout or Gold
Award projects.
Action: Continue discussion of project ideas, including opportunities for a Boy Scout
project.
The Commission discussed possible Boy Scout and Girl Scout volunteer projects and
criteria for awards associated with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
6. West Valley College Collaboration
Summary: One of the Commission work plan items includes identifying opportunities to
collaborate with West Valley College.
Action: Discuss opportunities to collaborate with West Valley College through the
College’s robotics program or other programs.
The Commission discussed opportunities to collaborate with West Valley College,
including some of the challenges.
County Librarian Nancy Howe recommended seeking out opportunities to collaborate
through Silicon Valley Reads. In the past, DeAnza College has participated in the
program and kick off. West Valley College could participate in a similar manner.
Saratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 3 of 4
Saratoga Librarian Michael Eitner suggested partnering with West Valley College on the
upcoming Fashion Program.
7. Library Card Promotion
Summary: The Commission has been discussing opportunities to support the Library by
encouraging the public to sign up for Library Cards.
Action: Discuss efforts to promote Library Cards through Saratoga News, Nextdoor, etc.
The Commission discussed this as part of the first agenda item.
8. Commissioner-Led Events
Action: Receive update on Junior Achievement event.
Vice Chair Burley shared that she met with Saratoga Library staff to discuss Junior
Achievement and the event has been moved to April.
9. Community News & Trends
Summary: Share news and trends within the community.
Saratoga Librarian Michael Eitner shared that the Library is collecting unwanted eclipse
glasses to donate to other locations.
Commissioner Barmeier suggested development of a Library outreach piece that
Commissioners can share with community members or that can be distributed to new
residents through realtors.
Reports
1. Nancy Howe, Santa Clara County Librarian
County Librarian Nancy Howe shared updates on new digital services, funding for ESL
classes, the new Director of Communications and Marketing, a new citizenship class in
Saratoga in the fall, recognition of Cupertino Teen Librarian Matt Lorenzo, and the Santa
Clara County Library District Foundation fundraiser on September 14.
2. Michael Eitner, Saratoga Community Librarian
Community Librarian Michael Eitner shared an update on circulation, the robo draw
machine at the tech tool bar, upcoming Library events, and a pilot with Redwood Middle
School to tie student identification numbers to library cards.
3. Alice Patrick, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
Friends of the Saratoga Libraries President Alice Patrick shared that the check for the
Pop-Up Library vehicle was issued and a new slate of officers have been installed.
Saratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 4 of 4
Members of the Library Teen Advisory Board shared information about upcoming
activities.
4. Karen Burley, Library Commission Vice Chair
Vice Chair Burley shared that the group photo will be taken at the October meeting.
5. Crystal Bothelio, Saratoga Deputy City Manager
Deputy City Manager Crystal Bothelio shared updates about City activities and events.
Summarize Action Items
Saratoga Librarian Michael Eitner shared he may reach out to seek volunteers for the fashion
show.
Commissioner Barmeier suggested inviting members of the Conversation Club to participate in
the Fashion Show.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting – October 24, 2017
- No new items
Adjournment
Vice Chair Burley adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
City of Saratoga