This meeting will be held via teleconference only in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and pursuant to AB 361 and the County of Los Angeles Public Health Officer’s Order (revised March 23, 2022). All votes taken during this teleconference meeting will be by roll call vote, and the vote will be publicly reported.
HOW TO VIEW THE MEETING: No physical location from which members of the public may observe the meeting and offer public comment will be provided. Please view the meeting, which will be live streamed at https://malibucity.org/video and https://malibucity.org/VirtualMeeting.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE BEFORE THE MEETING: Members of the public are encouraged to submit email correspondence to [email protected] before the meeting begins.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE DURING THE MEETING: Members of the public may also speak during the meeting through the Zoom application. You must first sign up to speak before the item you would like to speak on has been called and then you must be present in the Zoom conference to be recognized.
Please visit https://malibucity.org/VirtualMeeting and follow the directions for signing up to speak and to download the Zoom application.
Malibu City Council
Library Subcommittee
Special Meeting Agenda
(to be held during COVID-19 emergency)
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
9:00 A.M.
Various Teleconference Locations
YOU MAY VIEW THIS MEETING LIVE OVER THE INTERNET AT
MALIBUCITY.ORG/VIDEO
Councilmember Karen Farrer
Councilmember Mikke Pierson
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Agenda
Report on Posting of the Agenda – April 15, 2022
1. Presentations
None.
Library Subcommittee
April 20, 2022 Special Meeting
2. Old Business
None.
3. New Business
A. Approval of Minutes – June 8, 2021
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes for the Library Subcommittee Special meeting of June 8, 2021.
Staff Contact: Assistant to the City Manager Shavelson, 456-2489, ext. 254 B. Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Recommended Action: Provide a recommendation to the City Council concerning the use of the Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Staff Contact: Assistant to the City Manager Shavelson, 456-2489, ext. 254 C. Malibu Library Speaker Series
Recommended Action: 1) Discuss the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Malibu Library Speaker Series and Local Authors Series; and 2) Provide direction to staff.
Staff Contact: Community Services Deputy Director Riesgo, 456-2489, ext. 350 Adjournment
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury, under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing agenda was posted in accordance with the applicable legal requirements. Special meeting agendas may be amended up to 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Dated this 15th day of April 2022, at 10:00 a.m. ___________________________________
Mary Linden, Executive Assistant
Agenda Item # 3.A.
Library
Subcommittee
Special Meeting
04-20-22
Item 3.A.
Library Subcommittee
Agenda Report
To: Councilmember Farrer and Councilmember Pierson
Prepared by: Mary Linden, Executive Assistant
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Shavelson, Assistant to the City Manager Approved by: Steve McClary, Interim City Manager
Date prepared: April 11, 2022 Meeting date: April 20, 2022 Subject: Approval of Minutes – June 8, 2021
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the minutes for the Library Subcommittee Special meeting of June 8, 2021.
DISCUSSION: Staff has prepared draft minutes for the Library Subcommittee Special meeting of June 8, 2021, and hereby submits the minutes to the Subcommittee for approval.
ATTACHMENTS: Draft Minutes for the June 8, 2021 Library Subcommittee Special meeting
MINUTES
LIBRARY SUBCOMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 8, 2021
TELECONFERENCED - VARIOUS LOCATIONS
10:00 A.M.
The following meeting was held pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Orders N-25-20 and N-29-20 and fully teleconferenced from various locations during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
CALL TO ORDER
Councilmember Farrer called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m.
ROLL CALL
The following persons were recorded in attendance by the Recording Secretary:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Karen Farrer and Mikke Pierson
ALSO PRESENT: Lisa Soghor, Assistant City Manager; Elizabeth Shavelson, Assistant to the City Manager; Lisa Crespo, Recreation Coordinator; Parker Davis, Media Technician; and Brittany Saleaumua, Administrative Assistant
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION Councilmember Pierson moved and Councilmember Farrer seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
Administrative Assistant Saleaumua reported that the agenda for the meeting was properly posted on June 4, 2021.
ITEM 1 PRESENTATIONS / STAFF UPDATES
None.
ITEM 2 OLD BUSINESS
None.
ITEM 3 NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes – March 9, 2020
Recommended Action: Approve minutes for the Library Subcommittee Special meeting of March 9, 2020.
Malibu Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee
Special Meeting
Minutes of June 8, 2021
MOTION Councilmember Pierson moved and Councilmember Farrer seconded a motion to approve minutes for the Library Subcommittee Special meeting of March 9, 2020.
The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
B. Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Recommended Action: Provide a recommendation to the City Council concerning the use of the Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
Assistant City Manager Soghor introduced the item. She explained that the use of Set Aside Funds was reviewed by the Subcommittee each year for a recommendation to the City Council.
Assistant to the City Manager Shavelson presented the report. She stated the fund balance as of June 30, 2020 was approximately $12.4 million. She discussed the recommendations from the Library Needs Assessment approved in 2019. She stated work on those recommendations was postponed due to the Woolsey Fire and COVID-19 pandemic. She stated unused funds remained in the Set Aside Fund for allocation in future years.
In response to Councilmember Pierson, Assistant City Manager Soghor confirmed that deferred maintenance reserve was included in the Set Aside Funds. In response to Councilmember Pierson, Malibu Library Manager Melissa Stallings explained that the Teen Librarian was a full-time position that planned both teen and adult programs, primarily offered at Malibu High School and Malibu Middle School. She stated the position was currently vacant. In response to Councilmember Pierson, Ms. Stallings explained that the Outreach Librarian conducted elementary school, senior center, and teen programs, as well as assisting with citywide events and programs offered by the City’s Community Services Department.
Assistant City Manager Soghor stated the Teen Librarian was in the budget for several years, and the Outreach Librarian was added to get services out to more areas of the City. Ms. Stallings stated adding the additional staffing allowed the Library to have a stronger presence in the community.
In response to Councilmember Pierson, Assistant City Manager Soghor stated the City had agreed to fund the Management Fellow for Education and Family Place programs to provide needed library services to disadvantaged communities in the Los Angeles County Library system. In response to Councilmember Pierson, Assistant City Manager Soghor discussed funds provided for library supplies and materials utilized by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM). She discussed a similar allocation for supplies provided to Malibu schools.
Malibu Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee
Special Meeting
Minutes of June 8, 2021
Kasey Earnest, BGCM, thanked the City for its generous contributions over past years. She discussed the types of materials provided. She stated the Teen Librarian was a valuable asset to the BGCM and schools.
John Mazza requested an update on funds not used last year. He stated Malibu library staff were used for COVID-19 testing. He asked for clarification of the maintenance reserve. He stated $260,000 was spent on a closed library. He suggested a review of the use of last year’s funds. He suggested a consultant be hired to look into providing services in western Malibu, which was in the plan approved by Council. He discussed laws concerning the use of tax funds.
Teresa Earle thanked the City for supporting the schools over the past few years.
She suggested funds be used to create a connection between the City and the schools. She agreed with Mr. Mazza about the need for services on the west side.
She suggested library funds could pay for enhancements to the new library at Malibu High School, which would free up funds for use in other areas on the campus.
In response to Mr. Mazza, Assistant City Manager Soghor confirmed all unspent funds stayed in the Set Aside Funds and would be reflected in the yearend report.
She stated funding for vacant positions remained in the fund. She explained that approved items in the Needs Assessment were paused after the Woolsey Fire and delayed further by the pandemic. She stated the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Library was in effect until 2044. In response to Ms. Earle, she stated there had been discussions with the County Library about potential joint efforts to provide services at the schools.
In response to Councilmember Pierson, Ms. Earle explained the use of library virtual databases in the schools. Councilmember Pierson discussed the new building at the Malibu High School/Middle School campus. He discussed possible future joint use facilities. In response to Mr. Mazza, he stated decisions about a westside library could be considered after the community decided what it would do with its vacant properties. He thanked Ms. Earnest for her work with the BGCM.
Councilmember Farrer thanked staff and the library partners for their work on these plans. She thanked Ms. Earnest for her vision to expand services based on need.
She stated she anticipated more options to work with the schools and BGCM to provide more digital materials. She thanked Ms. Earle for staying involved after LEED was merged into the Shark Fund. She expressed interest in looking into how other cities provided library services in the schools.
In response to Councilmember Pierson, Assistant City Manager Soghor stated the Subcommittee’s recommendation would be presented to the Council at its Regular meeting on June 28, 2021 to be applicable in Fiscal Year 2021-2022. In response to Councilmember Pierson, Assistant City Manager Soghor stated additional Malibu Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee
Special Meeting
Minutes of June 8, 2021
funding could be allocated to the Malibu schools for the database if approved by the Library as an applicable service it could provide.
In response to Councilmember Farrer, Ms. Earle stated she would provide a more comprehensive outline about the database by the end of day.
In response to Councilmember Pierson, Assistant City Manager Soghor stated the Malibu Schools funding line could be increased by $5,000 for the potential database and, if it was not approved by the County Library, the funds would not be spent and that amount would remain in the Set Aside Funds for future use.
MOTION Councilmember Farrer moved and Councilmember Pierson seconded a motion to provide a recommendation to the City Council to approve the use of the Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 as follows:
Increased service hours of 50 hours a week....................................$100,000 Two dedicated security guards..........................................................260,000 Deferred maintenance reserve ...........................................................100,000 Full-time Teen Librarian ...................................................................100,000 Malibu Library Speaker Series program ...........................................125,000 Outreach Librarian ............................................................................116,000 Management Fellow for Education Programs ..................................140,000 Family Place Programs throughout the County library system ..........50,000 Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (books and other library-related supplies and services) ...................................................................50,000 Malibu Public Schools (library related supplies) ................................17,000 TOTAL ........................................................................................$1,058,000 The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION At 10:53 a.m., Councilmember Farrer moved and Councilmember Pierson seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
Approved and adopted by the Library Subcommittee of the City of Malibu on ______ 2021.
____________________________________
KAREN FARRER, Councilmember
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
MARY LINDEN, Executive Assistant
Agenda Item # 3.B.
Library Subcommittee
Special Meeting
04-20-22
Item 3.B. Library Subcommittee
Agenda Report
To: Councilmember Farrer and Councilmember Pierson
Prepared by: Elizabeth Shavelson, Assistant to the City Manager Reviewed by: Ruth F. Quinto, Interim Assistant City Manager/City Treasurer Approved by: Steve McClary, Interim City Manager
Date prepared: April 7, 2022 Meeting date: April 20, 2022 Subject: Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Provide a recommendation to the City Council concerning the use of the Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the City with this action. Malibu Public Library services are paid for from a designated portion of property tax. Every year the County of Los Angeles sets aside the difference between the property tax dollars apportioned to the County Library from property within the City and the Malibu Library expenses into a designated fund. As of June 30, 2021, the Set Aside Fund totaled approximately $14.1 million to be used solely to improve Malibu Library facilities and services.
DISCUSSION: The Malibu Library was established in 1970 by the County of Los Angeles and is located on the County-owned Civic Center property.
In September 2008, the City and County executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that governs the use of the Set Aside Funds. The MOU established a structure in which the expenditure of the excess funds generated from the taxes that Malibu residents pay could be spent on the Malibu Library. On March 26, 2018, the City and the County executed an amendment to the MOU extending the term until 2044, with two possible fiveyear extensions. All other terms remain the same.
In order to optimize the allocation of local property tax dollars and provide the maximum benefit to the Malibu community, the City has conducted two comprehensive library needs assessments in collaboration with the County Library. The first needs assessment was completed in 2005, and the Malibu Library Needs Assessment (2005 Needs Assessment) was approved by the City Council on August 8, 2005. The 2005 Needs Assessment
Agenda Item # 3.B.
established community-specific goals for the Malibu Library that were primarily focused on the large-scale renovation of the existing library and the purchase of furniture and equipment to serve the library program. The City and the County cooperatively used the Set Aside Funds to renovate the Malibu Library. The renovations were completed in April 2012. Since that time, Set Aside Funds have been used for the Malibu Library Speaker Series, to enhance service hours, establish a deferred maintenance fund, hire additional library staff, hire a full-time security guard, and enhance library collections and materials.
In 2017, the City set out to update the 2005 Needs Assessment to establish new service goals that would guide the management of Malibu Library funding in subsequent calendar years. The process included extensive community input, as well as analysis of demographic trends and current service levels. On October 22, 2018, the City Council accepted the findings of the 2018 Malibu Library Needs Assessment (2018 Needs Assessment) and authorized staff to work with the Los Angeles County Library using Library Set Aside funds to:
a) implement the immediate and short-term recommendations of the 2018 Needs Assessment where feasible;
b) develop conceptual plans to relocate the main entrance of the Malibu Library; c) analyze the feasibility of expanding library services on the west side of Malibu; and d) analyze the resources needed to develop a Malibu historical archive.
In the aftermath of the Woolsey Fire and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City continued to affirm rebuilding and public safety as its top priorities and implemented a Work Plan to manage the City’s other priority tasks. The Malibu Library projects were not included in the Adopted Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
To protect public health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles County Library closed its 86 library locations, including the Malibu Library, on March 14, 2020.
Although the facility was closed to the public, the Malibu Library continued to provide some service offerings to the community. Prior to the pandemic, the Malibu Library was open to the public 56 hours per week. From April 2021 to February 2022, the public hours were 40 per week, and since February 14, 2022, the Malibu Library’s expanded hours of operation increased to 60 hours per week. The Malibu Library Speaker Series held its first virtual event in November 2021 and, on April 7, 2022, held its first in-person event since the start of the pandemic.
Any unused allocations for the Malibu Library Speaker Series or any other library position or service identified by the City, remain in the County’s Malibu Library Set Aside Fund for programming in future fiscal years.
After consultation with the County Library and, in recognition of the fact that the Malibu Library is only recently returning to pre-pandemic service levels and the Malibu City Council has identified other work priorities, staff recommends that the City continue to allocate funding for the enhanced library services established in prior years and wait to allocate funds
Agenda Item # 3.B.
to any substantive new projects in subsequent fiscal years when the region is further along in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on the City’s previous annual allocations for ongoing operations, staff recommends the following Malibu Library Set Aside Fund allocations for Fiscal Year 2022-2023:
Annual Allocations Continued from Previous Years
$100,000 ....Increased service hours of 60 hours a week $260,000 ....Two dedicated security guards
$100,000 ....Fund the deferred maintenance reserve
$100,000 ....Full-time Teen Librarian
$125,000 ....Malibu Library Speaker Series program
$116,000 Outreach Librarian
$140,000 ....Management Fellow for Education Programs
$50,000 ....Family Place Programs throughout the County library system $50,000 ....Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (books and other library related supplies and services)
$17,000 ....Malibu Public Schools (library related supplies) ....................Subtotal = $1,058,000
Assuming all of the previously appropriated annual expenses and revenue continue, the estimated Set Aside Fund beginning balance in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 will be approximately $16.6 million. It was previously estimated that approximately $1 million would be added to the Set Aside Fund each year based on certain assumptions, including an estimated cost of living increase of 3%, and did not take into account a change in the cost of the services being provided or a significant increase or decrease in revenue. In the last two years, the Set Aside Fund balance has grown more than anticipated due in part to the fact that unspent allocations have remained in the County Set Aside Fund.
Some community members have voiced interest in allocating Set Aside Funds for new or different purposes than the City has done in previous years. As the Subcommittee considers its recommendations for the use of Set Aside Funds, it is important to note that these funds must be used solely to improve Malibu Library facilities and services. Also, for reference an excerpt from the 2018 Needs Assessment listing the recommended projects is provided as Attachment No. 1.
Representatives from the County Library will be available at the meeting to answer questions regarding library operations, enhanced services, current needs, and the use of Set Aside Funds.
Recommendations from the Library Subcommittee on the use of the Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 will be presented to the City Council for final approval prior to July 1, 2022.
ATTACHMENTS: Recommendations Identified in the 2018 Needs Assessment Malibu Library Needs Assessment 2018
71 | Page
Recommendation Timeline Cost
Continue to weed collections Immediate -
Cross-promote events at City events Immediate $
Develop strong library brand utilizing new County Library logo and branding
Immediate -
Exploit Web 2.0 to increase public relations Immediate $ Increase collaboration with schools Immediate -
Publicize library programs and services at Library signature events Immediate $ Reduce number of adult PCs, repurpose space, purchase new furniture Immediate/ Short Term
$$$
Reduce number of children’s PCs repurpose space, purchase new furniture
Immediate/
Short Term
$$$
Reduce print stations, repurpose space, purchase new furniture Immediate/ Short Term
$$$
Update links on City websites Immediate -
Utilize Los Angeles County mobile program vans Immediate/ Short Term
unknown
Conduct marketing assessment of existing programs Short Term $ Conduct open houses, create welcome packets Short Term $ Continue to inform public of free digital resources Short Term - Continue to publicize interlibrary loan program Short Term - Increase publicity for library programs Short Term $
Increase use of self-service technology Short Term -
Locate Community Services programs in Library Short Term/ Mid-Term
-
Evaluate Library signature collections Short Term -
Purchase collections for Boys and Girls Club and schools to support curriculum and special studies
Short Term $$
Purchase laptop vending machine to replace desktop PCs Short Term $$$ Recruit program volunteers from abundant local talent Short Term - Recruit volunteers for program set-up and public relations Short Term - Relocate program offerings for specific audiences, e.g., to Malibu High School, Boys and Girls Club
Short Term $$
Replace building identification sign Short Term $$
Work with County Library’s new Outreach Coordinator Short Term - Add charging stations, power towers Mid-Term $$$
Address community requests for enhanced collections, including development of a long-term collection development plan
Mid-Term $$
Address issues with staff entrance Mid-Term $$
Budget 1 FTE position to manage library programs, logistics, publicity, volunteer recruitment
Mid-Term $$$
Collaborate on oral history project with Pepperdine University Mid-Term Unknown Collect Malibu primary source materials Mid-Term -
Malibu Library Needs Assessment 2018
72 | Page
Collect writings by Malibu authors Mid-Term -
Consider options for delivery site, including a pick-up location in Western Malibu
Mid-Term Unknown
Develop building program for interior space reorganization Mid-Term $$ Engage library architect to plan interior renovation Mid-Term $$$$ Fund .5 FTE to create and manage Malibu historical and cultural archive or seek grant funding for this FTE
MidTerm/Temporary$$$
Fund programs requested by students to be held at MHS or other locations; e.g., SAT study, resume assistance, college applications Mid-Term $$
Ensure proper climate control for all local history resources Mid-Term $$$ Continue Malibu Library Speaker Series $$$$
Purchase secure, fireproof cabinets for historic photographs and other valuable documents
Mid-Term $$
Reassess back of house needs, workflow, efficiency of staff operations Mid-Term Unknown Redesign staff service desks Mid-Term $$$
Refurbish Meeting Room including new carpet, paint, A/V system replacement, storage door, HVAC noise issues
Short/Mid-Term $$$$
Refurnish Teen Area Short/Mid-Term $$
Regularly evaluate program success Mid-Term
Reinstate bookmobile service Mid-Term $$$$
Remove storage space in bookmobile bay to create climate controlled local history space, or
Mid-Term $$$$
Remove storage space in bookmobile bay to reinstate bookmobile service51
Mid-Term $$$$
Reorganize children’s area, replace furniture, increase shelving, expand play space, remove PCs and print station
Short/Mid-Term $$$
Replace and refresh worn volumes Mid-Term $$
Replace furniture in reading area with more individual reader stations Mid-Term $$$$ Review equipment and related requirements for additional programs, e.g., STEAM, cooking classes, sewing classes, etc.
Mid-Term $$
Review list of community requests to implement additional programs Mid-Term $$ Complete exterior renovation Long Term $$$$$
Address need for library services to Western Malibu including participation in future planning for community center
Long Term $$$$$$
Upgrade mechanical systems to address acoustical and ventilation issues
Long Term $$$$
51 Note that not all bookmobiles “live” in a bookmobile garage. The two North Region bookmobiles live in a secure fenced area outside the Lancaster Library.
Item # 3.C.
Library
Subcommittee
Special Meeting
04-20-22
Item 3.C.
Library Subcommittee
Agenda Report
To: Councilmember Farrer and Councilmember Pierson
Prepared by: Kristin Riesgo, Community Services Deputy Director Reviewed by: Jesse Bobbett, Community Services Director Approved by: Steve McClary, Interim City Manager
Date prepared: April 11, 2022 Meeting date: April 20, 2022 Subject: Malibu Library Speaker Series
RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Discuss the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Malibu Library Speaker Series and Local Authors Series; and 2) Provide direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the City with this action. Funding for the program is included in the proposed Malibu Library Set Aside Funds budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
DISCUSSION: The County utilizes Set Aside Funds to provide enhanced services through the Malibu Library each year in coordination with the City. This includes discussing priorities for the upcoming calendar year and coordinating programs, such as the Library Speaker Series, which utilize the Set Aside Funds.
Since 2013, the City and County have agreed to fund the Library Speaker Series. The series has featured renowned speakers, such as Climate Change Researcher and Author Elizabeth Rush, Astrophysicist Jessie Christianson, Author Joyce Carol Oates, and Political Advisor Dan Pfeiffer. The events are free of charge and typically require an advanced reservation to attend. Historically, the Library Speaker Series includes nine to ten events each year, including:
o One event per month, excluding June, July, and December One event at Pepperdine University aligned with Earth Month Three to five events at the Malibu Library
Five to seven events at the City Hall Civic Theater
Item # 3.C.
In 2019, the Council approved the addition of the Local Author Series as a component of the Library Speaker Series to recognize local authors. Two Local Authors Series programs took place in 2019 and were well received by the community. Several authors expressed interest in participating in future events, and programs were scheduled to resume in March 2020. Unfortunately, both series were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
Staff anticipates that the 2022-2023 Malibu Library Speaker Series will commence in August 2022 and conclude in May 2023. The Subcommittee previously provided staff with recommended topics and speakers it wanted included in the series. Once the Subcommittee provides input and direction regarding the series, staff will work with the Malibu Library to research costs and schedule speakers.
Additionally, staff recommends continuing the Local Authors Series quarterly in Fiscal Year 2022-2023. The selection of authors will be based on the availability of speakers and facilities, book reviews, topics, and book availability. The annual cost to host both programs is approximately $125,000.
ATTACHMENTS: Recommended topics for the 2022-2023 Malibu Library Speaker Series Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Potential Topics
Annual Library Speaker Series Programs
• Poetry Summit hosted by the Malibu Poet Laureate - An invitation from the City, Los Angeles County Library, and the Malibu Poet Laureate, the Summit highlights poetry in Southern California and locally. In May 2022, Peter J. Harris, recognized author, will be the featured poet along with Ann Buxie, Poet Laureate, and emerging artists from Malibu schools. The program also includes musical performances, dance, improv, and visual art by local artists.
• Partnership program with Pepperdine University’s Climate Calling Conference – In 2022, Elizabeth Rush was the keynote speaker for the return of in-person Library Speaker Series programs. She is the author of “Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore” and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction. The proposed partnership with Pepperdine University will be the seventh annual event in 2023.
Library Speaker Series Suggested Topics
The Subcommittee may recommend speakers in these categories or prioritize the categories.
The list below includes the names of past speakers.
• Arts and Entertainment - Cheech Marin, Tom Shadyac, Scott Freiman, David Garibaldi, and Harry Ufland
• Documentary Movies – viewing of “DamNation” with Q&A with Yvon Chouinard, viewing of “Last Days in Vietnam,” and viewing of “Take Every Wave” with Q&A with Rory Kennedy and Mark Bailey
• Education – Alfie Kohn
• Environment – Sylvia Earle, Elizabeth Rush, Paul Hawken, Bill McKibben, and Jonathan White
• Fictional Authors – Jeannette Walls, Susan Orlean, Joyce Carol Oates, Carol MuskeDukes, and Elizabeth Gilbert • Medicine/Health – Michael Backes and Dr. Scott McIntosh • Political – Dan Pfeiffer, Kevin Johnson, and Eric Schlosser • Science – Astronaut Dr. Garret Reisman, Dr. Jessie Christansen, and B. Gentry Lee • Social Issues – Gloria Allred, Gabriel Thompson, and Winona LaDuke • Sports – Ned Colletti, Johnny Strange, and Ed Viesturs