HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - LB - 1968.11.19 MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
NOVEMBER 19, 1968
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 Vice-Chairman Amstrup.
ROLL CALL:
Trustees Present: Trustee De Martini, Trustee Hechinger, Trustee Amstrup
Trustees Absent: Chairman Cohendet, Trustee Lynes
MINUTES:
The minutes of the meeting of October 8, 1968 were approved and adopted.
BILLS:
Bills in the amount of $5,o86.61 were ordered paid on a motion by Trustee Hechinger seconded
by Trustee De Martini and carried unanimously.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT:
The Librarian's report was read and ordered filed. Trustee Amstrup asked the Librarian
about the present status of the San Francisco Cooperative Project and the Librarian stated
that the budget had been completed and sent in to the State and that we are awaiting
their action. He mentioned that Virginia Ross of the San Mateo County Library had sent in a
letter of protest about the proposed municipal system of which he had a copy. Margaret
Troke, head of the State Board, had called Mr. Vollmayer, Redwood City Librarian, and asked
that all city librarians who could were to come to Sacramento and appear before the Board
on Friday, November 15, in connection with this protest by the County. The Librarian informed
the Board that he had appeared before the State Board, together with several other city
librarians; that some cities were incensed with this interference by the County in city
affairs - in particular, Redwood City and Daly City. Miss Ross also appeared at this meeting,
and presented her reasons for the protest. Trustee Hechinger queried the Librarian as to
her specific reasons, and the Librarian replied that it seemed to be a question of balance
of power - that the attitude of the County Library was that they should have the predominating
influence on any decisions affecting the libraries in the county. The Librarian stated
that this was the first time anything like this had come up, and it would be interesting
to see what the attitude of the new County Manager would be regarding this situation, and
how the City Managers would handle it with him. He cited the action of the County Library
with the Menlo Park City Library in regard to Atherton residents. The Librarian informed
the Board that Miss Ross' formal protest against the cities' entering the system was on
the grounds that it would not meet the State Library act, even though our total resources
are greater than hers.
The Librarian asked that the Board note the Californiana collection which has been transferred
in toto to the Board Room, but remarked that the shelving in this room will eventually be
more of a valuable book repository, and that some of the Californiana collection would be
transferred to the popular stacks.
COMMUNICATIONS:
There were no communications.
OLD BUSINESS:
Special Fund: The Board was informed that no action was anticipated on the special fund
or of couple of months. The Librarian stated that he had just paid in full for the new
Dennison copier. He mentioned the necessity of paying for the tarnstry repair out of the
general fund. Trustee DeMartini asked if the tapestry were still up for sale and was
informed that it was still on display on Mr. Duncan's floor, and that we are asking $6,000
for it. Mr. Duncan is not asking for a commission on the sale. The Librarian brought out
the fact that the tapestry repair cost $3,000, but that he had looked at similar Flemish
tapestries in Sacramento and other places, and they were not repaired as well as outs.
Holt Report: Mr. Holt was contacted by the Librarian at the A.L.A. convention, and he said
he would redo 8 or y pages. The Librarian mentioned Holt's non-useage of figures on anyone
under age 15 and stated that we are going to run a survey at the Branch specifically on
thase children so that we can get more accurate figures. He added that Holt's report
has not yet been submitted to the City Council, but will be when it is revised, along with
our staff comments and suggestions on the report. Trustee DeMartini suggested that it should
be noted that these comments are from the staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the Board, since the Board has not yet had an opportunity to review the report. Board
members were given a copy of the report and comments for their perusal.
There was a general discussion on the various types of designs for municipal buildings, and
the implementation of methods to bring about their erection.
The Librarian stated he would make the presentation of the Holt Report and comments to the
City Council when the City Manager desired, and hopefully, at a study meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Closing of San Mateo Public Library, November 29 - December 15: The Librarian told the
Board it would actually benefit us in cooperating with the San Mateo Library and checking
out books for them during this period, since we would not run the risk of actually losing
any of our books as we might otherwise. Also, that this was a gesture of courtesy, and
that they might help us in a similar situation. Trustee Hechinger moved and Trustee
DeMartini seconded ,that we extend this courtesy of checking out books for them while they
are closed. Motion passed unanimously.
The Librarian asked that the Board note the moving of books from behind the circulation
desk to make more room. This would be utilized for a display of new books, which could be
kept there for a longer period of time - possibly a year - and be more prominent. He
mentioned that the cash register had come but that we do not have a space for it as yet.
This will possibly be provided by moving the magazines from behind the circulation desk.
This might be an excellent place, since it would not be so visible from the street. He
said the cash register would be in by the end of December.
The Librarian told the board that there would be a detailed report on the special fund
presented at the next meeting, and also that the receipts from the copying machines should
be spent on audio-visual materials, such as records, tapes, etc.
ADJOURNMENT:
Trustee Hechinger moved that the meeting be adjourned. Trustee DeMartini seconded the motion
and it was passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 P. M.
Respectfully s mitted,
A"--N44 �
George Paul Lechi:ch
Clerk of the Board