HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - LB - 1970.12.15 MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
December 15, 1970
CALL TO ORDER:
A regular meeting of the Burlingame Public Library Board was held on the above given date.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P. M. by Chairman Cohendet.
ROLL CALL:
Trustees Present: Trustee Cohendet, Trustee Phelan, Trustee Hechinger, Trustee
DeMartini
Trustees Absent: Trustee Lynes (excused)
MINUTES:
The minutes of the meeting of November 17, 1970 were approved and adopted.
BILLS:
Bills in the amount of $5,454.11 were ordered paid on a motion b; Trustee Hechinger seconded
by Trustee DeMartini and carried.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT:
The Librarian's report was read and ordered filed. There was a question on the status of
Reference Librarian Dennis Finney, who is still very ill. His replacement has not yet
been found. The Librarian stated that Mr. Finney still has about 79 days sick leave left
in our employment. There was some discussion of the hospital plan for city employees.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Librarian read a letter from the Assistant Dean of Instruction for Library Services,
College of San Mateo, thanking the Burlingame Library for the opportunity of having story-
telling classes here.
There was another letter from the Librarian of the Sutro Library, San Francisco, thanking
us for several gift books we sent them. There was discussion of the Sutro Library and its
facilities.
A letter was read from the American Library Association urging the Library Board of Trustees
to become members of the A.L.A. and of the American Library Trustees Association.
There was also a letter from the California Library Association enclosing applications
for membership. This was discussed later in the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Steinbeck Property Chairman Cohendet asked regarding the status of the Steinbeck property
and the Librarian stated that the purchase had been finalized. However, the house itself
( will not be torn down for awhile and possibly the library will be able to use it for storage
and a book sale in February or March. Trustee DeMartini asked about our liability in the
event of a sale, and the Librarian replied that it would be covered under any circumstances
since it is now City property.
Refurbishing of old section of library: The Librarian informed the Board that the City
Council had accepted and signed the contract with Mr. Comey for this work, and that Mr.
Comey is no,.-j working on the details. He is to come up with a presentation to the Library
Board soon. Trustee De Martini asked regarding the furniture to be bought from the Contra
Costs College District. The Librarian stated that it has been bought and is now stored in
the Steinbeck house. He mentioned that although we had had extensive roof repairs several
years ago, certain sections did not have new roofing paper under the tiles, and there is now
a leak in the Children's Room and several have occurred in the Main Reading Room though
there has been no leaking of late. These sections of tile should be taken up and the paper
replaced. In part, the leaks are due to the needles of the deodar and redwood collecting
underneath the tile. Chairman Cohendet asked about the effect of the bad weather on the
contractors' work in progress and was informed that they are up to schedule so far.
NEW BUSINESS:
Individual membership to C.L.A.: There was considerable discussion on this subject, with
Trustees Hechinger and DeMartini expressing the opinion that little is gained by belonging
to the organization, and Trustees Cohendet and Phelan feeling that there were several
advantages to belonging, and in addition that the library board may have a moral obligation
because of C.L.A.'s strong support of trusteeship. The Librarian spoke of C.L.A.'s assistance
in getting our library system. There was a suggestion that only one individual membership
be bought in the name of the President of the Board. Chairman Cohendet gave her opinion that
Trustee Lynes should be contacted before a decision was made. The Librarian mentioned that
the San Mateo Public Library does not have an institutional membership, dues for which are
considerably higher this year. The subject of both institutional membership and individual
membership was tabled for discussion at the next meeting.
Chairman Cohendet read an invitation to the Board to attend the Staff Christmas party, to
be held December 22 at the Library.
Upon a motion by Trustee Phelan, seconded by Trustee Hechinger and carried, the meeting was \"J
adjourned at 8:30 P. M.
Re pectfully submitt ,
George °aut Lechich
Clerk of the Board