Library Advisory Board Minutes

MINUTES

CASCADE TOWNSHIP LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD

Monday, November 11, 2002

7:00 P.M.

All members were present.

Charles Fry asked for a motion to approve the minutes of October 14, 2002. The motion was seconded and the minutes were approved.

Diane Cutler reported on the Library’s 30^th Anniversary celebration. The activities, music, and food all contributed to a most successful week. Diane related a few complaints were received from patrons trying to find a quiet place to study. Each person was handled individually and generally taken to a more suitable area away from the noise and commotion of the celebration. The Feng Shui program proved to be very popular.

Staff participated in observance of Veterans Day by wearing red, white and blue, with $2.00 from everyone wearing denim going to Veterans funds.

Diane has ordered some new atomic auto-correcting clocks.

The use of cell phones in the Library is still a problem even after posting the Kent District Library approved signs that limit use to the lobby area. A suggestion was made to change the signs to say "No cell phones".

Diane has met with the Historical Society to gather input from the group regarding space and display areas.

December 1^st has been designated as kick-off day for the Read Along the River, One County One Book program.

Phil Davis, Fishbeck Carr Thompson and Huber (FTCH) was asked for his recommendation for size of the general meeting room. By defining the users Phil suggested 4,000 square feet is probably too big. He recommends stepping back and being more realistic by asking for something less than 3,000 square feet. The City of Wyoming has limited the use of space by including a large stage area. The Meijer Garden meeting rooms are about 3,300 square feet per section. The request for a meeting room should be documented that the need is there. Support areas such as toilet facilities should be done correctly so if a time comes when another addition is done these areas would not need to be reconfigured. Phil worked through his power point presentation and asked for suggestions on how to improve and refine it.

It was noted the Cascade Branch has moved up to number three in the large branch category according to use statistics, ahead of Kentwood, Grandville, and East Grand Rapids. There are a total of 18 branches.

A question was raised how the 80,000 volume collection was arrived upon. Diane responded this number was never set in stone. The Township Board has never said it had the experience or knowledge to decide a number of volumes the Library could hold. Formats are changing constantly with new technology available. Books are now on-line and videos are changing to CD’s. The collection area could be reconfigured as needs change.

The Program Space Needs slide presentation should be broken down into smaller sections for better understanding. Summer reading and storytime programs are larger than any other KDL branch without the ability to add more staff. A larger meeting room does not guarantee additional staffing. Area churches and schools don’t offer much opportunity for meeting room rental space.

The Friends of the Library bring in over 75,000 books each year for book sales. Their plan is to utilize the basement level more fully. The FOL are committed to doing an aesthetically pleasing planned addition.

Diane commented she likes the slide presentation but thinks the FOL should do a portion from their perspective. Lynne Quinlan read through a draft of a presentation prepared by the FOL. The discussion of floor plans and elevations may be premature. First the Township Board needs to give approval to continue. A meeting will be scheduled in December with the Township Board subcommittee.

A motion was made by Lynne Quinlan to recommend a 3,000 square foot meeting room. Ed Dupke seconded the motion.

Discussion followed regarding the square footage. Ron Goodyke remarked about the Buttrick Fire Station being built and how citizens remind him that it is not manned. He questioned if perhaps 2,000 square feet might be enough.

Debbie Straub commented that a larger room would have the capability of holding simultaneous programs. She thinks 3,000 square feet sounds reasonable.

Ed Dupke questioned what expanded services would be provided by the KDL.

Charles Fry reminded everyone that there is no plan to ask for additional millage nor is there any endowment. A major donor may be found but Board permission to proceed has to come first.

Lynne Quinlan amended her motion to recommend a 2,500 – 3,000 square foot meeting room. The motion was again seconded by Ed Dupke. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Lynne Quinlan, on behalf of the Friends of the Library, pledged a gift of $75,000. to the project.

It was suggested the Historical Society be prepared with a presentation regarding their space needs.

The next meeting is scheduled for December 9th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanie Neve

Deputy Clerk

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