HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 01252011 - C.49RECOMMENDATION(S):
ACCEPT the Contra Costa County Library Commission 2010 Annual Report and 2011 Work Plan, to satisfy the
Advisory Body Annual Report requirement issued by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on June 18,
2002, Resolution No. 2002/377.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
Library Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of alternating Months. Library Administration, 75 Santa Barbara
Road, Pleasant HIll, CA 94523.
Commission: Carol Brown, Chair; Joyce Atkinson, Vice-Chair; Staff: Cathy Sanford, Deputy County Librarian
The attached report was developed by the Library Commission and highlights the Commission's activities, work plan,
goals and objectives.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD
COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 01/25/2011 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYES 5 NOES ____
ABSENT ____ ABSTAIN ____
RECUSE ____
Contact: 925-646-6423
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of
the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: January 25, 2011
David J. Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: June McHuen, Deputy
cc:
C.49
To:Board of Supervisors
From:Cathy Sanford
Date:January 25, 2011
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Library Commission 2010 Annual Report and 2011 Work Plan
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
Not applicable.
Library Commission 2010Annual Report and 2011 Work Plan
Activities
Commissioners:
- Provided information and reports to Library Friends, foundations, and community library
commissions about library activities.
- Provided information and reports as liaisons to the appointing agencies.
- Frequently served as board members and officers of Library Friends, foundations, endowments,
and community library commissions and are involved in Friends membership recruitments,
fundraising activities for community libraries, book sale volunteers, and assist with library
programming including: city read programs, the annual Countywide Summer Reading Festival,
and youth activities.
- Through the tireless letter-writing and concerted action of some commissioners, the Public Library
Foundation and State Library funding was not further reduced by the State budget.
- Promoted the Contra Costa County Library by participating in community parades, informational
booths at community festivals and events, attended library programs and fundraising events.
- Held informational exchange meetings with Community Library Managers.
- Received reports and updates, discussed and provided significant input on the Library’s major
issues and initiatives: budget and responsibility for library facility/property management.
o Reviewed auditor’s report and the Library’s response to the audit.
o Received an update on the Library’s Web 2.0 Library services and system upgrade and
the Library’s Snap&Go program that uses QR Codes.
o Received an e-commerce report (fines can be paid online).
o Reviewed the final report on the Board of Supervisors Sunset Review Process for all
advisory bodies.
o Received a presentation from the Library’s Accessibility Committee.
- Advocate for improved library services:
o During CLA (California Library Association) Day in the District on April 23 and May 7,
2010 and met with Senators DeSaulnier and Hancock, and Assembly member
Buchannan.
o Wrote letters to the editors and articles to local newspapers about library budget issues,
services and activities.
o Communicated Library concerns and activities to city staff and council members.
- Commissioner Tang (Chair, Concord)
o Encouraged Library Commissioners to attend the 2010 California Library Association’s
Day in the District and Legislative Day in Sacramento.
- Commissioner Poulos (El Cerrito)
o Supported Friends of the El Cerrito Library through a membership database
enhancement and training for new Friends membership chair.
o Met with city council member and alternate Library Commissioner regarding the future
of City support for the Library and for the eventual construction of a new community
library.
- Commissioner Panas (El Cerrito, Alternate)
o Assisted and initiated activities with the Friends of the El Cerrito Library.
- Commissioner Atkinson (Clayton)
o Served as President of the Clayton Community Library Foundation.
o Served as co-chair of two used book sales.
o Spoke to various community groups to encourage participation in library programs.
o Supported Clayton’s 3rd City Reads by distributing flyers.
o Participated in the Clayton 4th of July parade, furnished the truck, and recruited
volunteers to participate.
o Communicated Library concerns and activities to Clayton’s City staff and Council
members.
o Continued an ongoing campaign to recruit in library volunteers.
- Commissioner Prater (San Ramon)
o On a subcommittee to explore needs of Juvenile Hall libraries in Martinez.
- Commissioner Hoisington (Lafayette)
o Helped with final plans for opening Lafayette’s new library in November 2009.
o Served on the Board of Friends of Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
o Supported programs and activities at Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
- Commissioner Peck (Brentwood)
o Worked with Brentwood community to help plan library expansion.
o Supported community library programming, e.g. City Reads.
o Investigated Local Friends Group.
o Investigated local Project Second Chance activities.
- Commissioner Bracken (Pleasant Hill)
o Attended City council meetings when appropriate.
o Volunteered at Friends of Pleasant Hill Library book sales.
o Trained, and is now working as a library volunteer shelver.
o Participated in a library project as part of the 6th annual Pleasant Hill Community
Service Day at the Library.
- Commissioner Brown (Vice chair, Orinda)
o Ran two Commission meetings.
o Continued to advise Friends group of interests of the Commission and need for funding
at State level.
o Wrote letters in support of the Library.
o Continued to research the donated books for online and bookshop sales (20-25 hours a
week).
o Worked on several letters to express Commission’s appreciation of Anne Cain, County
Librarian in 2010, Cathy Sanford (Deputy County Librarian: Support Services) and
others who have tightened belts and continued to innovate despite the dollar situation.
- Commissioner Reed (Friends Council)
o Attended opening of Walnut Creek Library.
o Attended opening of Lafayette Library.
o Visited eight libraries.
o Visited nine book sales at libraries.
o Attended pre-opening ceremony (“Sneak Peek”) at new library at Prewett Park in
Antioch on March 13.
- Commissioner Bonham (Orinda alternate )
o Toured new Lafayette Library.
o Toured new Walnut Creek Library.
- Commissioner Ruehlig (Antioch)
o Wrote letters to the editor about library issues that were published in various
newspapers in the County.
- Commissioner Smith (District IV)
o Wrote to Assembly member Nancy Skinner about the Public Library Foundation.
o Coordinated the CALTAC northern workshop - arranging for the speakers etc. This was
the first time a state senator ever came to speak at such a workshop (Hancock).
o Arranged for elected leaders to write article for CALTACTICS about why they support
libraries - Senators Liu/Wright and Assembly members Treason/Buchanan
o Served as chair of subcommittee to review commission bylaws and make
recommendations to the full commission.
o Served on the subcommittee that wrote a letter for the commission to David Twa about
the qualities needed in a new library director.
o Along with Carol Brown, served on the panel that interviewed the candidates in round
one to replace Anne Cain, County Library.
o Attended CLA (2009) and reported to the Commission during the January 2010
meeting.
o Attended BayNet workshop in May, and reported to the Library Commission.
o Attended workshop by Pacific Library Partnership in September and reported to the
commission.
o Participated in Day in the District and met with Senator DeSaulnier, Assembly member
Buchanan, and Senator Hancock's staff.
1. Accomplishments
Commissioners:
- Discussed the County Librarian’s retirement and the leadership transition to a new County
Librarian and sent a letter to the County Administrator emphasizing their willingness to assist in
as appropriate.
- Received one hour presentation on the Brown Act from Deputy County Counsel Mary Ann
Mason.
- Some Commissioners attended the County’s Annual Training for County Advisory Bodies.
- Authorized the Chair to send Cathy Sanford, Deputy County Librarian: Support Services, a letter
thanking her and her staff for the development and design of the Library’s new Website and the
successful launch.
- Toured the new Lafayette and Walnut Creek Libraries and held their May and July regularly
scheduled Library Commission meetings in these two libraries.
- Recruited Library volunteers from various citizen groups and organizations.
- Commissioners agreed to ask for reauthorization of the Commission for another five years.
- Commissioners agreed to invite the Contra Costa Community College District to appoint a
member to the County Library Commission if approved by the Commission’s By-Laws.
- Commissioners formed a By- Laws Committee of the Commission (Enholm, District V; Fuller,
Martinez; Smith, District IV and Tumin, Oakley) who met and reviewed the Library Commission
By-Laws and suggested edits that were approved by the Commission. The suggested By-Laws
edits are being reviewed by County Counsel.
- Received a presentation on the Library budget for fiscal year 2010-2011 and sent a letter of
unanimous support of the Library’s budget to the Board of Supervisors.
- Reviewed the uniform Library Lease and Service Agreement between the County and cities.
- Commissioner Meisch (Walnut Creek)
o Worked on the July opening celebration of the new Walnut Creek Library and
volunteered during the opening celebration.
o Worked with the head of the Friends of the Walnut Creek Library to see about a new
ballot measure to replace Measure Q, which recently expired, to keep the libraries open
50+ hours a week. Talked with Walnut Creek councilman, Bob Simmons, about the
possibility of another ballot measure similar or identical to Measure Q, to fund
continuing extra hours for the Walnut Creek libraries.
- Commissioner Shoop (Richmond)
o Suggested that the poetry anthology that is produced by the Juvenile Detention Facility
be distributed to a wide audience, starting with the various Friends entities throughout
the County.
- Commissioner Panas (El Cerrito, Alternate)
o Proposed to the Friends of the El Cerrito Library to paint the El Cerrito Library.
Presented the proposal to the Arts & Culture Commission and is working with the City
to see if this can be accomplished.
o Wrote a description of the Library Commission meeting for El Cerrito City Council that
Commissioner Poulos was unable to attend.
- Commissioner Prater (San Ramon)
o Wrote letters to Juvenile Hall officials raising awareness concerning literature being
supplied to detainees.
- Commissioner Peck (Brentwood)
o Worked with Brentwood community to help plan Library expansion.
o Support local library programming, e.g. City Reads.
o Learned more about Brentwood Friends and Project Second Chance activities.
- Commissioner Tang (Chair, Concord)
o Served as chair person for the Library Commission.
- Commissioner Poulos (El Cerrito)
o Bi-monthly written report to the El Cerrito City Council of County Library activities
including notes on each Library Commission meeting. Copies distributed to El Cerrito
City Assistant Manager, El Cerrito Community Library Manager, and President of the
Friends of the El Cerrito Library.
- Commissioners Reed (Friends Council)
o Helped arrange the repair and painting of the Antioch Library parking lot (to be paid for
1/3 County, 1/3 City, 1/3 Friends group).
o Arranged three meetings for Alan Smith to talk with Friends of Libraries on legislative
influence.
o Informed all Friends’ Groups about the 28 page “Accessibility report” and encouraged
them to consider accessibility in their budget planning for gifts to the libraries.
o Prepared a ceremony and skit for a retiring Antioch Friends President
o Helped Friends groups on improving by-laws.
o Provided written book reviews for the Library Commission.
- Commissioner Smith (District IV)
o Conducted Board Effectiveness Trainings in Cupertino, Alpine and Butte Counties.
o Developed and conducted two workshops for the Friends on library advocacy March
2010.
o Wrote article for CALTACTICS about the new Walnut Creek library Q4 - as well as the
articles about libraries web sites.
o Served as Past President and Regional Rep for CALTAC.
- Commissioner Brown (Vice chair, Orinda)
o Researched donated book prices for Friends which helped the Friends of the Orinda
Library achieve profitable online book sales – these funds buy books for the County
Library.
- Commissioner Bracken (Pleasant Hill)
o Arranged a book swap for the 0-5 years age group held at the library with volunteers
from the Pleasant Hill Walnut Club.
o Assisted in a First 5 grant for a series of programs to be held at the Library.
- Commissioner Atkinson (Clayton)
o Chaired the Clayton Community Library Foundation involvement in sponsoring a
Candidates Night for Clayton City Council. CCLF con-sponsored with the Clayton
Pioneer newspaper.
2. Facilities
- Commissioner Mellon (Walnut Creek), Fuller (Martinez), and Ruehlig (Antioch) worked with their
communities on improvements and new library facilities.
3. Attendance/Representation
The 29-member Library Commission is diverse and meets the Board of Supervisors' goal to maintain an
ethnic, economic, and geographic balance. A wide range of ages is represented on the Library
Commission.
All six meetings in 2010 achieved a quorum and many alternate Commissioners attend meetings in
addition to the appointed Commissioner. (Attachment - individual Commissioner attendance report)
4. Training/Certification
Commissioners
- Viewed tapes on the Brown Act and Conflict of Interest as required by the Board of Supervisors.
- Renewed individual membership in CALTAC (California Association of Library Trustees and
Commissioners.)
- Attended CALTAC workshops.
- Commissioner Tang (Chair, Concord)
o Encouraged the Commissioners to attend California Association of Library Trustees and
Commissioners (CALTAC) workshops about Library Leadership Advocacy.
Commissioner Brown (Vice chair, Orinda)
o Encouraged her DVC English students to utilize library system as well as college’s
libraries.
Proposed Work Plan / Objectives for 2011:
Goal 1: Support increased funding for the Library
Objectives:
Commissioner Atkinson (Clayton)
- Promote service provided by the Library during current recession.
- Educate the community as to the cuts in Library funding, encourage participation in fundraising
activities.
Commissioner Meisch (Walnut Creek)
- Commissioners receive presentations and discussions on how to maintain funding for libraries,
especially funding within individual cities and towns.
Commissioner Brown (Vice-chair, Orinda)
- Continue to advocate at all levels for library funding.
- Promote community awareness of need to garner support for PLF (letter writing) from Friends
Members.
- Will make sure local level (Mayor) writes to governor to support PLF.
Commissioner Tang (Chair, Concord)
- Continue to lobby for increased funding for library services from the State as well as private groups.
- Ensure Library Funding is stable during this harsh economic time.
- Continue to promote importance of library and its contributions to the community to ensure support
form the community.
- Continue to work with the Friends of the library groups, cities, private organizations, foundation to
ensure continual support as well as funding.
Goal 2: Continued promotion, education, and expansion of Library services within all of the communities,
despite economic belt-tightening.
- Objectives:
- Join/Renew CALTAC memberships for all Commissioners.
- Continue to support library technological innovations as they occur
- Continue supporting/assisting Friends of the Library groups.
Commissioner Atkinson (Clayton)
- Support Library programming such as City Reads.
- Speak at council meetings and other community organizations to promote service and recruit
volunteers.
- Encourage community members to take an active part in Friends activities.
- Stress the increased usage by patrons seeking services relating to a job search.
Commissioner Peck (Brentwood)
- Attend the 2011 California Library Association Conference.
Commissioner Panas (El Cerrito, Alternate)
- Write up Commission meeting descriptions when the appointed Commissioner is not able to attend a
meeting.
Commissioner Brown (Orinda)
- Recruit volunteers throughout the community to work with extended Friends’ activities.
Commissioner Reed (Friends Council)
- Review cost and effectiveness of Library-a-Go-Go automated book lending machines in order to
consider putting these self-service machines in major mass(s), selecting place(s) of highest potential
circulation.
- Arrange for an objective study of the short and long range effects of our reduced library hours on
community groups, schools, and individuals.
Commissioner Poulos (El Cerrito)
- Organize one or more City Council members with the two El Cerrito? library commissioners and a
few others into a core library planning group.
- Work on rethinking plans for a new library in El Cerrito with or without a senior center.
Commissioner Shoop (Richmond)
- Facilitate the wider distribution throughout the County of Library entities’ published materials.
Commissioner Smith (District IV)
- Serve as a CALTAC northern regional representative.
- Attend CLA 2010 and report to the Library Commission in January 2011.
- Conduct board effectiveness trainings including Sunnyvale in March 2011.
- Attend other library workshops and report to the Library Commission.
Goal 3: Support effective current library facilities
Commissioner Prater (San Ramon)
- Continue to encourage use of newer library facilities in Contra Costa County.
Commissioner Panas (El Cerrito, alternate)
- Continue to work on the El Cerrito Library painting initiative.
Goal 4: Explore more effective use of specialty libraries such as those associated with Juvenile Hall
Commissioner Prater (San Ramon)
– Review books currently available and being read.
– Make recommendations on new books.
Commissioner Hoisington (Lafayette)
– Support Juvenile Hall and Orin Allen in every way possible.
Goal 5: Foster communication and cooperation among all Contra Costa County libraries
Commissioner Hoisington (Lafayette)
– Reinstate Friends Council to share ideas.
– Encourage all libraries to have volunteer coordinators.
Commissioner Poulos (El Cerrito)
– Work with the Friends and their current support for community libraries in light of the needs
expressed by Elliot Warren, Collection Development Manager, regarding collections.
– Encourage the Friends Council to be a more visible and active support group for new community
libraries.
Goal 6: To serve in whatever way might be most helpful to the interim/new County Librarian.
– Help him/her feel welcome.
– Help him/her learn our methods while staying open to his/her new ideas.
Goal 7: Continue to advocate for the library within the community
– Enhance visibility of Community Library Manager.
Commissioner Bracken (Pleasant Hill)
– Attend relevant city council meetings.
– Promote library programs, services, needs and volunteer opportunities to local community groups.
Commissioner Poulos (El Cerrito)
– Achieve greater cooperation of Friends Council with Library and City government.
Commissioner Smith (District IV)
– Meet with elected officials during Day in the District and attend Legislative Day in Sacramento.
* Library Commission Attendance: January 2010 – December 2010
Library Commission Attendance January 2010 – December 2010
Total Total Total Total
signed BROWN
ACT & Ethics
Orientation video
viewing
certification
COMMISSIONERS REPRESENTING Meetings Absent Present Excused Received
Ruehlig, Walter City of Antioch 6 5 1 X
White, Rhonda
(term ended 6/30/10)
City of Brentwood 3 3 X
Peck, Shirley Dr.
(term began 9/14/10)
City of Brentwood 2 2
Atkinson, Joyce City of Clayton 6 5 1 X
Boyd, Jeanne City of Clayton Alternate 6 6 X
Thong, Phing City of Concord Alternate 6 6 X
Tang, Chris (Chair) City of Concord 6 4 2 X
Stephenson, Frances Town of Danville Alternate 6 6 X
Poulos, Steve City of El Cerrito 6 4 2 X
Panas, Tom City of El Cerrito Alternate 6 6 X
Williams-Weinstein, Adoria
(term ended 5/10/10)
City of Hercules 2 1 1 X
Kirby, Steven
(term began 5/10/10)
City of Hercules 4 3 1 X
Madfes, Sherry City of Hercules Alternate 6 1 5 X
Hoisington, Mary Ann City of Lafayette 6 6 X
Leffman, Robert
(term ended 6/30/10)
City of Lafayette Alternate 3 1 2 X
Bailey, Ruth
(term began 7/12/10)
City of Lafayette Alternate 3 2 1 X
Fuller, Kathy City of Martinez 6 5 1 X
McEwan, Jeanne Town of Moraga 6 1 4 1 X
Prindle, Bob Town of Moraga Alternate 6 6 X
Tumin, Cindy A. City of Oakley 6 6 X
Brown, Carol (Vice-chair) City of Orinda 6 5 1 X
Bonham, Ben
(term began 3/2/10)
City of Orinda Alternate 4 4 X
Magann, Kathy City of Pinole 6 4 2 X
O’Rourke, Charlene City of Pinole Alternate 6 6 X
VACANT City of Pittsburg 0
Bracken, Katherine City of Pleasant Hill 6 6 X
Shoop, Ron
(term began 6/1/10)
City of Richmond 3 3 X
Wittenbrock, Sandra City of San Pablo 6 2 3 1 X
Prater, Penny City of San Ramon 6 6 X
Mellon, Michelle
(term ended 5/23/10)
City of Walnut Creek 2 2 X
Meisch, Lynn A. City of Walnut Creek Alternate 6 6 X
Vacant District 1 0 X
Lake, Bud
(term began 2/23/10)
District 2 5 3 2 X
Pearlstein, Helen
(term ended 6/30/10)
District 3 3 1 1 1 X
Riise, Diane District 3 6 4 2 X
Mar, Margaret Ann
(term began 11/09/10)
District 3 Alternate 1 1
Smith, Alan B. District 4 6 6 X
Enholm, Greg District 5 6 6 X
Singh, Sukhdev
(term ended 6/30/10)
District 5 Alternate 3 0 3 X
Marshburn, Peggy Office of Education Alternate 6 5 1 X
Ovick, Dr. Joe
(term began 7/22/10)
Office of Education 3 1 2 X
Whitley, Robert
(term ended 6/30/10)
Contra Costa Council 3 3
Shaffer, Ed
(term ended 6/30/10)
Contra Costa Council Alternate 3 3 X
Wetter, Ron
(term began 7/1/10)
Contra Costa Council 3 2 1
Reed, Charles Contra Costa Friends Council 6 5 1 X