1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION
February 14, 2022
5:00 p.m.
Virtual – Zoom meeting
CONTENTS
A. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Jones, Windes, Schreiner, Parikh, and Bond
Absent: Siemak
Others present: Community Programs Manager (CPM), Jan Buike; Sr. Management Analyst (SRM), Linda Robb
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Windes moved to approve the December 13, 2021 minutes as written.
Commissioner Bond seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Ayes: Jones, Windes, Schreiner, Bond, Parikh
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Siemak
D. CEREMONIAL
None
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Melinda Reiter of the Friends of the Library reported that they held their first book sale in two years and it was a success.
Acting Library Manager, Josh Murray gave his monthly report including the following:
Mr. Murray reported that pre-pandemic, the library was open 58 hours per week, Monday through Sunday. When the pandemic started, the library closed for a while and then began offering sidewalk service and telephone reference. The library then opened to the public for 40 hours and week and has recently reintroduced 7 day a week service and is once again back to the full 58 hours per week. The library is still at 50% capacity for indoor services and the study rooms are not yet available. The community is welcome to visit www.lacountylibrary.org
, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
Workplan updates:
Afternoon with an Author: Commissioner Schreiner reported that the event is still a go but the sub-committee is waiting until the library meeting room capacity is raised and 2 can accommodate 60 people and food and drink are allowed. The current tentative date is May 13, 2022.
East Manhattan Beach Library Services Survey: CPM Buike reported that she and Linda Robb had met with Bob Siemak to finalize the survey. The commission discussed the questions with the following feedback:
Question 3: Commissioner Windes felt the resident sections should be formalized to avoid confusion. Commissioner Jones recommended using the Santa route map to establish residential zones.
Question 6: add Working as an option
Question 8: Commissioner Windes is concerned that the choices presented may not be realistic. Commissioner Jones agreed that the small, satellite library wording should be modified to “A small, satellite location.”
Commissioner Jones would like to schedule time at the library to distribute the survey.
Manager Murray will need to get administrative authorization to allow survey distribution. City staff will communicate with Manager Murray regarding survey specs.
The survey will be pushed out through social media.
Manhattan Beach Poetry Event – Commissioner Schreiner reported that the event is in a holding pattern until the library meeting room can accommodate more people. Manager Murray asked the commissioners to email any tentative dates to him so that he can reserve the room.
Library Appreciation Events: Commissioner Jones is planning the Library Appreciation breakfast for May 17, 2022, for 21 staff. Three poster invitations will be delivered to the library along with a digital version that can be distributed to staff. Commissioner Jones purchased some tablecloths to have on hand for the events.
No Strings Attached (Library Commission Book Giveaway): Commissioner Windes reported that the plan is to do a No Strings Attached event in conjunction with the Library Photo Op day. Library volunteers are currently on hiatus. Manager Murray will confirm if the commission can use their own volunteers since it is not officially an LA County library event. Commissioner Windes will work with Manager Murray to arrange for preparation dates. The commission reviewed banner designs and selected the final design to include the words, “Library Commission Book Giveaway.” Manager Murray will check to see if the banner can be temporarily attached to the library glass with suction cups hangers, during the event.
Story Adventure: Commissioner Bond reported that CPM Buike has been working with the Eagle Scout candidate (Henry Johnson) to get the project in motion. Henry will be fundraising to purchase display cases and the project will be going to the City Council for approval on March 1
st. Target installation is in May, 2022. Commissioner Bond will be working with the children’s librarian to determine the first book to display.
Spring/Summer Reading program and Teen Librarian Update: Commissioner Windes reported that Spring/Summer Reading program is officially over but the County is still distributing activity kits for kids, teens and adults. The kits were designed for Black History Month. The teen kit was the Art of Alma Woodsey Thomas and the adult kit was the art of Clementine Hunter.
3 Library Photo Op Day – Commissioner Jones reported that the sub-committee is scheduled to meet with the Zislis group on March 7th to discuss the Photo Op Day and Entertainment Series. Commissioner Jones asked if the ballot box could be moved as it will appear in photos. Manager Murray replied that the box is bolted to the ground and cannot be moved. The subcommittee will consider options to camouflage the box.
Library Entertainment Series – Commissioner Jones has been in contact with an entertainment booking agency in New Jersey. The agency represents a very sought after Rod Stewart impersonator who is currently performing in Las Vegas. The agency also represents variety groups suitable for children’s performances. There is also a magic act available for teenagers, on building self esteem. Commissioner Schreiner reported that she had contacted the Kevin Sousa band, which is not available until the end of summer.
Their rate is $3,000 for a 90 minute performance. Commissioner Jones asked if the department could share the list of bands that have performed at Concerts in the Park.
CPM Buike recommended contacting Cultural Arts Manager, Eilen Stewart.
G. STAFF ITEMS
No updates
H. C OMMISSION ITEMS
Commissioner Jones requested that the work plan update sheets be discontinued and that the commission revert back to the old system using the excel spreadsheet. CPM Buike will discuss with Director Leyman and report back at the March meeting.
Commissioner Jones asked Commissioner Parikh if there is anything else she would like to be involved with. Commissioner Parikh replied that she really likes participating in the No Strings Attached activities and would like to continue that. Separately, she will assist in distributing the library survey at school.
I. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Windes moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Schreiner seconded the motion. The motion carried unopposed.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 PM, to Monday, March 10, 2022.