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A. The Trustees discussed the historical documents that they had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.
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• 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.
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• 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
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