Minutes 02-25-04 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
CITY CLE?,.~'S OFFICE City Of Boynton Beach
Library Advisory Board
0t~ MJ~R 25 PM I~: 39 Minutes: February 25, 2004
Present: Board Members: Sean Fenton, Donna Harmening, Robert Heffernan, Myra
Jones, Barbara McGee, Alice Otis, Valerie Pleasanton, and city liaison Virginia Farace.
Absent: Dan Holthouse and Eleanor Daly.
Chairperson Valerie Pleasanton called the meeting to order at 3:35 pm.
Correspondence: There was no written correspondence. Virginia announced the death of
Jane Northup. Jane had been a Cataloger with the Library for 19 years and passed away a
few days ago after a year-long fight with Melanoma cancer. She was 43 years old and
the staffgfieves her loss.
Virginia was surprised with a basket of flowers that Valerie presented to her on behalf of
the board for Library Appreciation Month. The card read: "We love our librarian too.
Thank you for all you do." Virginia expressed her sincere appreciation.
Chair's Report: Valerie reported that she and Maryann Tara, Friends President, thanked
the Commission for their recognition of Library Appreciation Month. This February the
library's theme is: "Love Your Library...A Place for All Reasons." After the commission
adopted the proclamation, she and Maryann presented a "goody" bag to everyone on the
dais. Among the items distributed were copies of: Their Eyes Were Watching God by
Zora Neale Hurston.
Unfinished Business: Due to computer problems, the architect was unable to complete his
presentation on the Library during the open house. He will return on March 29th to give
another presentation at the Friends annual meeting.
New Business: A moti6n was made by Sean Fenton that the Library Board recommends
that the City Commission approve submittal of another Library Construction Grant
application. Motion passed.
Library Director's Report: Virginia reported on staffing shortages and anticipated early
retirements. She has requested approval to advertise immediately to fill Joyce Waters's
position. She has been waiting for approval to advertise the position of administrative
secretary and page for three months.
Virginia reported that Library Appreciation Month has gone extremely well. Patrons'
comments as to "the reason" they "love my library" were posted throughout the library
on red paper for everyone to read.
The Friends luncheon was very successful with 270 in attendance.
Announcements: Myra reported on the Heritage Festival. She said the author, Tommy
Ford, was well received. The Library also hosted the Spelling Bee and the Oratory
contests.
Read Together Palm Beach County has chosen Their Eyes Were Watching God as the
2004 selection. The official Read Together runs from March 12 through the end of April.
Our Library's first discussion will be sponsored by the American Association of
University Women on Friday, March 19. The African American Book Club will discuss
the book at their Saturday, April 3 meeting. Additional discussions are being planned.
The Palm Beach County Library Association will sponsor their second training session
on "How to Lead a Book Discussion" at Lake Worth High School at 4:00 pm on March
11. Virginia is President of the Association this year and Joyce Waters will assist in the
training.
The next meeting will be on March 24, 3:30 PM.
Donna Harmening
Secretary