07/10/2013 Library Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 08/14/2013CITY OF GILROY
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR
LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
7:00 P.M.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Library Commission was called to order by Vice -Chair Spencer at
7: 11 p.m. in the Gilroy Library Meeting Room, 350 W. 6th Street Gilroy, California.
SECRETARY'S REPORT
Three commissioners were present. Commissioners Carol and Hugh Smith were excused.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion made by Commissioner Cooper to approve the minutes of June 12, 2013. Motion
was seconded by Commissioner Taylor.
Hearing no objections, it was so ordered.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion made by Commissioner Taylor to approve the agenda of July 10, 2013. Motion
was seconded by Commissioner Cooper.
Hearing no objections, it was so ordered.
INTRODUCTIONS
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Julie Garcia attended the meeting to gather information
about the Library.
PRESENTATIONS
None.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Donor Recognition for the New Library
This item will be discussed in greater detail when more information is available. County
Librarian Nancy Howe passed around a sample brochure created by Grebow Tile Donor
Recognition that she brought back from a Library Conference in Chicago.
B. Discussion of Gilroy Library Commission Work Plan
This item will be tabled until more information is available.
County Librarian, Nancy Howe
The Library continues to focus on the same two issues this month: Summer Reading and the
Election.
Several staff members attended the Urban Libraries Council and the American Librarian
Association annual conferences in Chicago. The recurring theme was the importance of public
libraries as the "out -of- school" community learning center. Libraries across the country are
working to halt the summer academic slide in the students through summer reading and creative
learning opportunities. In addition, partnerships at the federal level will encourage public
libraries to disseminate helpful information on immigration and citizenship and the Medicaid
and Medicare changes coming in the fall.
Besides encouraging all ages to read 5 books this summer, the Library is also teaching adult
reading skills through the Library District's Reading Program.
There are 40 learners waiting for trained volunteer tutors from the Reading Program. Tutor
orientation sessions are scheduled, and the Library hopes to get the learners quickly matched
with volunteers. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can attend an upcoming orientation
at the Milpitas Library on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 from 2 -3 pm or 6 -7 pm to learn more about
the program. Register by calling 408- 262 -1349 or emailing readingprogram @sccl.org.
Some accomplishments from recent learners are listed below:
Received an award for being an exceptional student and gave an acceptance speech to
classmates.
Won scholarship for a work- related conference on lactation and met a local
Congressional Representative.
Passed CA food preparation test and got a job at a local restaurant.
Took a field trip and attended a Toastmaster's meeting to learn more about developing
leadership skills.
Attended a lecture at the Saratoga Library on art and wrote a story about the experience.
Read Hawthorne and an abridged version of The Godfather.
Finished reading Gulliver's Travels.
Read a Mini Mysteries book together and shared it with her daughter.
Mark Fink, Community Librarian at Cupertino Library, has been promoted to the position of
Library Services Manager, replacing Patricia Lorenzo who retired this month. Mark will be
responsible for leading District outreach programming, community collaboration, and public
awareness. He will also supervise the three District programs (Bookmobile, Planetree
Consumer Health Library, and the Reading Program).
Election Updates:
The second mailer to District residents is at the printers. It is an informational piece.
The FAQs have been updated. It can be found on the website at sccl.org or on the pink
flyers inside the Library.
Measure A is the only item on the ballot.
Ballots will be mailed to registered voters in the District on July 29. Ballots must be
returned by August 27, 2013.
August 12 is the last day to register to vote.
Measure A asks the voters to "renew" the existing tax rate that has been in place for 20
years. The cost is still $33.66 /year for a residential property with varying rates for other
types of property. The full rates and method chart is on the Library's website.
Page 2 of 3
City Librarian, Lani Yoshimura
See attached report.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Cooper asked Lani Yoshimura whether ages can be extended to include older
children for the Furry Friends Program. Ms. Yoshimura replied that the ages are actually set by
the Program itself and not by the Library.
STAFF COMMENTS
None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Items A & S will remain on the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice -Chair Spencer adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
FUTURE MEETINGS
The next regular meeting of the Gilroy Library Commission will be held on Wednesday,
August 14, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gilroy Library Meeting Room, 350 W. 6th Street,
Gilroy, CA.
tyniWConrotto, Recording Secretary
Page 3 of 3
Gilroy Community Librarian June 2013 Report
S PERSONNEL
Currently, the library has the following coded vacancies: 2 half -time library pages, 1 half-
time library clerk, and a full -time librarian 1 /II in Adult Services. Another coded half -time
library page is on leave. We are interviewing for the half -time coded library clerk position this
next week.
LIBRARY FACILITY
Thank you to volunteers Judy Bozzo and her granddaughter for their help in liberating the
Library Courtyard of unruly vegetation.
STATISTICAL COMPARISONS
Overall statistics for June 2013 are lower than June 2012. Whenever a new library
opens its doors, it attracts many visitors from far and wide experiencing the "new
building" syndrome.
However, overall, the circulation at the Gilroy Library for FY13 is up 20.1 % over the
previous fiscal year. Adult/Teen checkouts increased 11% while Children's checkouts
increased 34.5%
Volunteerism increased 276% from 1209 in FYI to 4555 in FY13,
Library cards were issued to nearly 5000 patrons in FY13. Most are Gilroy residents.
We are a busy, well -used library. The FY13 gate count was up nearly 30% over FYI 2.
Library programming was up 19% and program attendance was up 16% in FY13.
STATISTICS -- JUNE 2012 and JUNE 2013
Date Adult/Teen
Circulation
Children's
Circulation
Total Library
Circulation
New Library
Cards
Gate Count Volunteer
Hours
Outreach
Programs
Attend. Total
Programs
Total
Attend.
June 2012 35,476 28,962 64,438 673 32,926 631
June
2012
28 330 3 52 8
June 2013 1 30,599 23,398 53,997 1 443 1 26,290 1 355
Date Adult
Program
Attend. Teen
Program
Attend. Children's
Programs
Attend. Outreach
Programs
Attend. Total
Programs
Total
Attend.
FYI 330,840 203,864 534,704 3,561 250,441 1209
June
2012
28 330 3 52 8 557 n/a n/a 39 939
323,169 4555
F2013 50 533 5 141 13 831 12 922 80 2,427
STATISTICS -- FY12 and FY13
Date .:. Adult/Teen :
Circulation
Children's
Circulation
Total Library -
Circulation
New Library
Cards `.
Gate Count Volunteer .:
Hours.
Outreach
Programs.
Attend. Total
Programs
Total . .
Attend.:. -
FYI 330,840 203,864 534,704 3,561 250,441 1209
FY12 141 2,073 32 947 118
FY13 367,901 274,199 642,100 4,987 323,169 4555
Date . Adult
Program
Attend: Teen
Program
Attend:: Children's
Programs
Attend. ' Outreach
Programs.
Attend. Total
Programs
Total . .
Attend.:. -
FY12 141 2,073 32 947 118 10,934 nla n/a 298 13,954
FY13 528 4,394 96 3,658 243 7,196 6 178 873 16,170
Proaram High1i0ts
SUMMER READING CLUBS FOR ALL AGES
Thus far this summer, more than 1000 adults, teens and children have signed up for Summer
Reading Club. We are encouraging Power School students to join this summer, too!
TEEN PROGRAMS
In June, Teen librarian Kelly McKean had oversight of 35 teen volunteers from the local high
school that work 209 hours providing support for library programs. The teens work in 2 -month
stints to earn community service credits for school. Kelly arranges teen movies on Wednesdays
and teen gaming on Tuesday and Friday afternoons.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
Supervising Librarian Sharon Kelly and librarian Elizabeth Munoz -Rosas are busy with Summer
Reading Club and Power School. In advance of summer, Sharon delivered library cards to
students already enrolled in Power School and has been working with the Power School staff to
arrange class visits and other activities. She continued the Baby Lap -Sit sessions at Mount
Madonna High School Child Care Center for teen mothers and their babies. She has also been
reaching out to preschools before they close for the summer. She regularly conducts story
times, tours and other activities. Elizabeth has taken over bilingual storytime and assumed book
ordering duties. Reading Buddies, with trained dogs and cats from Furry Friends, helps children
build confidence while reading out loud to these furry non judgmental listeners.
FOOD & GARDENING & HEALTH PROGRAMS
Food and nutrition programs presented in both English and Spanish and for different age groups
have been well received. Olive oil tasting was one of the unique offerings in May. Beekeeping
was another program of interest to gardeners and environmentalists.
A series of informational programs on Diabetes were conducted in Spanish during May and
June. These programs were well- attended and co- sponsored by the Health Trust.
A series of organic home gardening programs is being provided by Valley Verde, a non - profit
organization that assists Silicon Valley low income residents in their own organic
vegetables and fruits. They also promote the widespread cultivation of organic home vegetable
gardening for healthier eating.
ESL and COMPUTER CLASSES and PROGRAMS
Elizabeth Munoz -Rosas continues to coordinate the ESL and computer classes and its
volunteer instructors. Computer classes in English take place on Tuesdays with Rey Santillan
from Fil -Am, Wednesdays with David Esquivel, and Elizabeth provides one -on -one tutoring on
request on some Thursdays. Computer classes in Spanish are held on Wednesdays with
volunteer Edith Ceia. The ESL conversation club meets with Elizabeth and Christopher High
School Spanish teacher Carmen Gonzalez, and the class will take a break during July and
August.
BOOK CLUBS AND WRITERS
The Library Book Clubs read and discussed the following books in June: The Tower, the Zoo,
and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart and Molokai by Allen Brennen. Kelly Young continues to lead
the discussions.
The Garlicky Poets offer a monthly Open Mike event, and the Creative Writer's group meets
twice a month on the 1st and Td Tuesdays at 6pm.
OTHER PROGRAMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
The Crochet & Knitting Circle run by a volunteer has had a strong following since it started a
couple of months ago. The meditation group has a small but devoted group of participants.
GILROY LIBRARY
CALENDAR OF EVENTS -- JULY 2013
REGULAR WEEKLY PROGRAMS JULY 2013
Gilroy residentsl Earn free admission to Gilroy Gardens: Ask the staff for details todayl
ESL Conversation Club / Club de Conversacion will resume in September
Tuesdays at 6pm Basic Computer Classes: Register at the upstairs Information desk
Wednesdays at 3pm Children's Summer Reading Club Events: Join us for fun activities
Wednesdays at 5pm Tutoria de computacion con cita solamente / Computer Tutoring in
Spanish (by appointment only)
Thursdays at 10:30am Storytime and Stay and Play: 30 minutes of books, rhymes, songs,
flannel boards for ages 3 -5.
Thursdays (1 -4pm) Knitting and Crochet Circle: drop -in and receive help with your projects.
Fridays at 1 pm Tai Chi Workout: Balance and harmony for body, mind, and spirit.
Fridays at 4pm Teen Gaming: Teens join us and play video games.
Saturdays at 10:30am Bilingual Storytime (Cuentos, Canciones y Mas): for the whole family!
OTHER EVENTS JULY 2013
Tuesday, July 2nd & 16th at 6pm Creative Writers Club: Adults interested in the craft of writing.
Closed Thursday, July Ott'
Friday, July 5th at 10:15am Book Club: This month we're reading The Tower, the Zoo, and the
Tortoise by Julia Stuart.
Thursday, July 11th (3 -5pm) Family Mega Gaming Day: The whole family can try out video
games or play classic board games.
Saturday, July 13th (10am -1 pm) Book Sale: Support the Friends of the Library
Saturday, July 13th (10am -2pm) SAT practice test for teens: Sign up at the Information desk.
Saturday, July 13th and 201h at 11:30am Children's Summer Reading Club Events
Saturday, July 13th at 3:30pm Open Poetry Readings with the Garlicky Group of Poets.
Everyone is welcome to read their own poetry or listen to others. Ed Nauss at (408) 779 -4999.
Tuesday, July 16th at 6:30pm Foster Parenting: Interested in being a foster parent?
Thursday, July 18th at 2pm Teen Smash Book Craft: Create and decorate your own journal.
Thursday, July 18th at 7pm Meditation Workshop: Reduce stress and improve health,
Saturday, July 20th at 10:30am Disaster Preparedness class: Learn how to be prepared in this
program brought to you by the City of Gilroy.
Saturday, July 20th at 2pm Investment Club Workshop: Learn how to create or join an
investment club, a fun and affordable way to be a successful investor.
Saturday, July 20th at 4pm Lost Santa Clara County: Photographer /writer Josh Marcotte
explores local forgotten places & preserves them for the future at www.Iostsan lose, corn.
Wednesday, July 24th at 6pm SAT Tips and Tricks: Learn how to improve your SAT score.
Thursday, July 25th at 2pm Teen Duct Tape & LED Light Mania: Create your own duct tape
bracelet, wallet, or bow -tie with flashy LED lighting.
Thursday, July 25th (3 -5pm) Family Board Game Day: Families can play classic games.
Tuesday, July 30th at 7pm Book Club: Ask at the Information desk for a copy of the book. This
month we're reading The Fault in our Stars by John Green.
The City of Gilroy is holding a Disaster Preparedness program monthly.
During the hot weather months, the Gilroy Library is a secondary cooling center for the
community working in conjunction with the City of Gilroy.
Currently the Gilroy Library delivers books and other materials to 5 individuals who are
homebound. One of the users is Spanish - speaking.
Three forensic programs gave our patrons a chance to become investigators around the
mysteries of the Shroud of Turin and CSI. Adults and teens enjoyed these well - planned
programs, and we hope to bring the instructor back again to explore other interesting topics.
EXHIBITS
A bi- lingual exhibit on the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail is on display at the library through
the end of July 2013. The Anza party from 1775 -76 traveled along a trail that ran from Nogales,
Arizona to the San Francisco Bay Area. This historic event marked the settlement of San
Francisco. The trail runs through San Benito County and brushes the outskirts of Gilroy.
3 PARTNERSHIPS
Over the 4t" of July week holidays, the first library patrons to qualify for free admission walked
through the Gilroy Gardens' entrance. Under the auspices of Gilroy Reads, Gilroy Library and
Gilroy Gardens joined forces to encourage more people to visit the Gilroy Gardens and inspire
those in the community without library cards to apply for one. Gilroy Gardens is offering a free
admission to Gilroy residents who get or have a library card and checkout library materials on 5
different occasions. A side benefit for the library is that more patrons are learning to use the
self - checkout machines thus helping to speed up the checkout lines. Gilroy Library is now at
60% patron use of self -check machines. This percentage is consistent with self -check use in
other Library District libraries.
The partnership between GUSD's Power School and the Gilroy Library has commenced. thanks
to a grant from the California Library Association (CLA). The CLA Summer Matters program is
built on the premise that children who continue to read through the summer generally have a
half grade level start over those that do not. The partnership started more than 4 years ago, and
the Gilroy Library's goal is to make sure that all of the nearly 1000 children enrolled in Power
School have a Santa Clara County Library District library card. We are also encouraging all the
students to join the Library's Summer Reading Club.
Gilroy Farmer's Market continues to attract people on Saturdays, 10am -2pm in the Civic Center.
The proximity of the Library and the Farmer's Market is mutually beneficial.
The Friends' Book Store is open on Tuesdays 1 -5pm and Fridays, 10am -1 pm. The monthly
Book Sale event is held on the second Saturday of each month, 10am -1 pm.