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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - LB - 2021.03.161 Burlingame Library Approved Board of Trustees Minutes March 16, 2021 I. Roll Call Trustees Present: Kristin Capkin, Danielle Garcia, Randi Murray, Mike Nagler, Elisabeth Ostrow Staff Present: Brad McCulley, City Librarian Sidney Poland, Recorder II. Library Board of Trustees Minutes The Trustees unanimously approved the minutes of the February 16, 2021 Trustee Meeting. M/S/C (Nagler/Capkin) III. From the Floor No one from the public attended the meeting. IV. Statistics There were 15 Adult Programs with a total attendance of 102 and 61 Children's and Teens Programs with an attendance of 2,566. Reference staff answered 335 calls from patrons regarding Curb Side Pickup and general reference questions. Children's staff assembled 1,670 books into 334 book bundles. V. Reports A. City Librarian's Report - Highlights • Brenda Chavez will be retiring from the Burlingame Library on April 1st. Brenda joined the library staff in 1984. • Some county libraries are planning to open April 15th. Burlingame is working on a re-opening plan but a definite opening date has not been determined. Liability issues from staff and the public, as well as safety issues are a concern of City officials and the City Council • Curb Side Pickup will continue on specific days when the library reopens. B. Foundation The Foundation Board has reviewed the Library's Support Request for $92, 630 for 2021. VI. Silicon Valley Community Foundation A. The Trustees discussed the historical documents that they had previously reviewed relating to the Duncan Trust beginning with the Will of Thyra I. Duncan, also know as Jean Hunt Duncan. • Mrs. Duncan willed the property to Crocker National Bank in trust for the San Mateo Foundation currently know as the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. 2 • Terms of the Will stated that investment funds from the Foundation were to be supplemental income for special projects, emergency needs, etc. that are not funded by the City of Burlingame. • The Will further stated that the Library could use space in the building when needed. • An Agreement dated July 7th 1986 between the Peninsula Community Foundation and the City of Burlingame had the option for the City to purchase the property for $500,000 at any time prior to the12 months expiration of the Fox & Carskadon lease. • The Petition of Testamentary Trustee For Approval of Compromise was filed October 28, 1986 in the Superior Court of the State of California In And For The County of San Mateo. • On December 4, 1990 the Burlingame City Council authorized the City to purchase the Duncan property from the Peninsula Foundation in accordance with the July 7, 1986 agreement for $500,000. B. Library's Relationship with Silicon Valley Community Foundation • Bill Nagel is currently researching the Library's relationship with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and will meet with the Trustees to discuss his findings. • Bill Nagle requested that Brad meet with Carol Augustine, Finance Director, regarding investment possibilities for the Library's funds currently held with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. VII. Day In The District (Library Advocacy) Brad thanked the Trustees who were able attend attend one or more of the events. Trustee Nagle felt that having the opportunity to hear how other libraries are serving the public during this difficult time was interesting and informative. VIII. Dr Seuss Books The Trustees discussed the issue of racism and inappropriate imagery in 5 of the Dr. Seuss books one of which is "And To Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street." The Children's Department staff and the library managers have not reached a decision as to whether to keep the Dr. Seuss books in question as part of the library's collection. • Brad has requested that the Children's Department come up with two alternatives that might resolve the issue of whether or not to remove these 5 books from circulation. • The publisher of Dr. Seuss is not longer publishing these specific editions. • These particular Dr. Seuss editions have a long list of holds and will most likely not be on the shelf for some time. Concern was expressed that now that these editions have increased in value they may not be returned. 3 • Trustee Ostrow noted that New York City Library has a special section for publications that are controversial. Next to this collection is text written on glass that explains why these publications are considered unacceptable. • It was recommended that the Library needs to have a policy for removing publications from their collections that express controversial issues inappropriately. • Brad suggested that the Trustees read the Right to Read Policy. IX. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:35pm. The next meeting of the Library Board of Trustees will be held on April 20th at 5:30pm. Respectfully Submitted /S/ Brad McCulley City Librarian Burlingame Public Library Commented [PS1]: