FRIENDS OF THE CRYSTAL LAKE LIBRARY
FEBRUARY 16, 2009 MINUTES

Present: Karen Migaldi, Carol Heisler, Ann Wells, Elizabeth Puchmelter, Robert Finger and Jeremy Stamp.

President Jeremy Stamp called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

Secretary's Report: The January minutes were accepted with corrected Minutes forwarded to Karen, Carol, Jeremy and Kim Martens by Elizabeth.

Treasurer's Report: Beginning Balance: $3,023.79; Tote Bag Sales: None; Dues: $25.00; Donations: $48.50; Interest: $1.25; Outgoing Expenses: Postage: $25.00; Ending Balance: $3098.54.

President's Report: Jeremy reported that 15 boxes of donated materials were collected at the February 14 Collection Day. He received a call from the Crystal Lake Gifted Program notifying FOCLL that 108 boxes of books (leftover from a recent sale) are available for donation for Used Book Sale in April. Jeremy will request a pickup of these materials on set up days for the Sale rather than pickup now for storage in his gazebo and another transfer later to the Library. Ann suggested that we note the availability of these many children's materials in publicity for the Used Book Sale. Brandon and Mark Fernandez assisted in moving filled boxes for transport to the gazebo storage. They also reorganized boxes in the gazebo. They have volunteered to assist at the next Donation days.

Committee Reports:

Fund Raising: Nancy Duglosz will chair the Jewel Shop and Share Days on March 30th-April 1st, N, November 16-18th and December 14th-16th. She will also chair the next Market Day this summer.

Elizabeth reported that Bob and Barb Mullowney revised and printed new book marks during the Collection Day for the Book Sale for distribution at the Library's checkout locations. Those interested in volunteering for the next Collection Days, set up days on April 22nd and April 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m. April 24th should contact her. Volunteers are also needed for the Scholastic Book Fair on June 22nd and 23rd.

Library Director's Report: Karen reported that the value of the Library can be noted by the following statistics: 54% of residents have Library cards; Circulation has increased by 21% over 2008; the average cost for residents in taxes for the Library is $15.00 per month or $180.00 per year; residents responding to the recent Survey said that the Library's greatest resource in the staff and the Reference Department (which had a 30% increase in use over 2008. Karen said she would like to see greater use of the Internet service option for reference questions. Chilton's materials are now available on line as are WiFi access and the Literacy Resource Center (24/7). Video games are available for check out as well as Play Away format materials. Planning for the Summer Reading Program is underway — a program which Karen considers promotes literacy in the community. Early registration begins on June 1st and the Program begins on June 13th and ends on August 8th. Nine submissions for Library Web Master have been received and interviewing is scheduled for this week. Information for the next Beacon is due March 26th.

Library Board Report: Carol noted that the Library Board will make its funding presentation for 2009-2010 at the City Budget Workshop on March 10th. She wanted to reinforce the importance of donations for the Summer Reading Program. Don Peters and staff are currently scouting for donations from the business community.

Old Business: Ann Wells will research generic bylaw formats in preparation of future bylaw changes such as resignations.

New Business: Ann moved and Elizabeth seconded acceptance of the funding needs for the Reading Program by the donation of $1,000 in seed money with additional funding as funds become available. The next FOCLL meeting will be held on March 16th, at 7:00 P.M. in the Ames Board Room. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Puchmelter Recording Secretary