Chair Jon Littlefield called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. in the Cedar Room. Board members present were Curt Benward, Joyce Day, Steve Metz, Larry Plews, Rondi Potter. Jeannette Owens and Roger Gould were unable to attend. Marie Benton was present representing the Friends of the Coos Bay Public Library. Staff members present were Ellen Thompson, Carol Ventgen, Ann Couture, Pam Granstrom, Gary Lark and Nancy Price.

2.    MINUTES AND CIRCULATION REPORT

Curt moved, Rondi seconded approval of the minutes for the March 9, 2006 meeting. The motion was approved unanimously. The circulation report for March was and accepted as mailed.

3.     TREASURER’S REPORT

The report was accepted as mailed.

4.     CORRESPONDENCE

Email correspondence from a long-distance patron Tanya Riopel was read, thanking Dolores Knight for reference assistance.

5.    PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

6.     LIBRARIAN’S REPORT

The April report was discussed.

7.    FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REPORT

Marie reported that the April book sale netted $1,821.15. Over $700 of that amount was from the Cedar Room. The next sale is May 6 and 7, and will include an annual plant sale.

8.     OLD BUSINESS

a.        2006-2007 Library Budget – Carol distributed copies of an updated library budget. Changes include a new estimate of carryover by the Finance director, and additions to proposed expenditures for equipment rental and equipment maintenance. There was a brief discussion. The budget shows expenditures exceeding revenues by over $40,000. The estimated contingency, which will form most of the carryover into 2007-2008, may not be sufficient to cover expenses until new tax money is received. The budget will be watched carefully into the next year.

        It was also reported that proposed budgets include $18,500 to paint the library exterior and $45,500 from Urban Renewal for reconfiguration and a small remodel of the library’s circulation desk area, to be matched by the library or library foundation. A list of city downtown urban renewal project priorities approved by the Council was also distributed to the board that included future, more extensive, expansion of the library. Curt said he felt strongly that the unsightly carpeting near the library entrance needed to be replaced. Carol said the architect’s estimate for remodeling as proposed in the urban renewal budget included replacement of carpeting in that area.

        The library budget will be heard by the Coos Bay Budget Committee at its first meeting on April 20.

b.    Library Planning Process –The Board reviewed the draft final report from the planning process, including individual board member priorities as sent prior to the meeting. It was consensus that other board members submit their top seven priorities and that a compilation be brought to the next meeting. The sample library vision statements as mailed were briefly discussed along with new suggestions from Jon Littlefield. This will be tabled until the next meeting.

9.     NEW BUSINESS

a.     Staff Presentation –The bulk of the board meeting consisted of a presentation by Ann Couture and the other staff members present on materials selection and acquisitions, “Acquisitions: Why and How Do We Buy It.” The group was thanked and Board members said they felt much more knowledgeable about the selection and acquisitions process.

10.    ANNOUNCEMENTS

Carol called attention to an article in The World announcing Jon Littlefield’s recognition as Boss of the Year from the National Association of Legal Professionals.

11.     ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m. The next meeting will be Thursday, May 11, 5:15 p.m. Database Administrator Nancy Price will give a presentation on use of the library public catalog.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Ventgen, Secretary