1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, July 11, 2022
5:00 PM
Location: Virtual – Instructions within Agenda
A. CALL TO ORDER at 5:00 pm
B. ROLL CALL
Commissioner Bond Commissioner Schreiner
Commissioner Levitt Commissioner Jones
Commissioner Newell Commissioner Darrow
Attending: Bond, Levitt, Newell, Schreiner, Jones
Absent: Darrow
Others present: Community Services Manager (CSM) Jan Buike, Sr. Management Analyst (SRM) Linda Robb
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -June 13, 2022
Commissioner Jones requested the following corrections:
P.4, paragraph 2 – “contract” should read “contact”
P.3, paragraph h)5 – clarify to read “Follow up email from the Photo Op committee chair ...”
Commissioner Levitt moved to approve the minutes with the above changes Commissioner Schreiner seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Ayes: Bond, Newell, Schreiner, Jones
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Darrow
D. CEREMONIAL –
None
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit)
Librarian’s Report – Library Manager, Josh Murray
Commissioner Bond congratulated Mr. Murray on his appointment as Library Manager. She asked Mr. Murray to speak on how the commission can help the library.
Manager Murray gave his report and announcements for June programming. He invited all to visit the Bruce’s Beach collection inspired by the story of Bruce’s Beach. It is the former collection of Dr. Anthony Lee, local historian.
Manager Murray introduced Assistant Regional Administrator Amy Crow.
As for how the Library Commission can assist the library, Manager Murray pointed 2 to the success of the recent Afternoon with an Author event featuring historian, Jan Dennis. He suggested that the commissioners tap into the community to offer bi- monthly programs focusing on local history, authors, and subjects.
Commissioner Bond suggested that these could be low-key events that do not need to offer food and drink. Manager Murray added that the library does not usually serve food at their own events.
Commissioner Levitt was concerned about running out of local options due to the proposed frequency of the event. She suggested April Wayland and Karol Shrodes as local options. CPM Buike suggest Icy Smith. Commissioner Jones mentioned that Rotary has had authors speak so they could be a good resource.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 2022 Work plan updates:
a) Afternoon with an Author – (Schreiner, Levitt, Bond) Commissioner Levitt reported that she had spoken with Julie Behrer who is working with author Belinda Tang. Belinda Tang will be releasing her debut novel in August called A Map for the Missing. Commissioner Levitt has not reached out to the author as she wanted to run it by the commission first. There is a possibility that {Pages} invite Belinda Tang to speak.
Commissioner Jones feels that the commission should consider options before limiting to local authors only. She suggested a survey to see what the residents want. She added that she feels that the commission should not feature the same authors as {Pages}.
Commissioner Bond suggested that a combination of Manhattan Beach residents and local (Southern California) authors might be good.
Commissioner Jones recommended creating a timeline for action items for the next meeting.
b) East Manhattan Beach Library Services – SRM Robb spoke briefly on the results of the survey. There were a total of 129 responses, more than 50% of the respondents live in east of Sepulveda Blvd. Not surprisingly, the majority of respondents who live east of Sepulveda Blvd. indicated a need for east side library services, with parking being the biggest reason for being discouraged from using the Manhattan Beach library. CPM Buike stated that the City will continue to work with the County on this project. Future commission responsibilities may involve further community outreach. c) MB Poetry Event – Commissioner Schreiner reported that Shannon Vaughn from Mira Costa High School is still interested in having the event.
Commissioner Schreiner will reach out to her when school is back in session to coordinate.
d) Library Appreciation Party – Commissioner Jones clarified that there is a 3 lunch in November and a breakfast in May. She will work with Library Manager Murray to set a date for November.
e) Library Commission Book Giveaway - Commissioner Schreiner stated that there will definitely be a giveaway in November for the Light Gate sunset, and possibly on September 24th. Commissioner Levitt reminded to schedule so as not to conflict with Friends of the Library sales. Commissioner Jones indicated that if budget is available, a bigger banner may be better, and added that there should be information on how to donate books. Commissioner Schreiner said that the current method of collecting books is working well. In addition to private donations, books may be picked from unsold items from the Friends of the Library sales. Commission business cards will also be on the table for those who would like to donate.
f) Story Adventure - Commissioner Bond reported that the display cases are shipping and should be arriving sometime in July. Eagle Scout, Henry Johnson will be working with Public Works to receive and install the displays.
It is hoped that the ribbon cutting will be done in conjunction with the Polliwog Park playground reopening, scheduled for October.
Commissioner Bond has a short list of about eight books that can be installed.
The idea is that the student commissioner will serve on this subcommittee along with another commissioner. They will be responsible for changing out the books periodically. The first book will be by local author Seth Thomas. g) Library Photo Op Day - Commissioner Jones asked if June is a good time for the event or if another time of the year would be better. Commissioner Bond mentioned that Fall may be nice for holiday photos but then you are competing with sports, etc. Commissioner Levitt mentioned that June does not compete with all of the holiday PTA photos and recommended keeping it in the summer.
h) Entertainment Series – Commissioner Jones reported that the date has been scheduled for September 24, 2022, 3:00-5:00 p.m. She added that the rates for the entertainers came back over budget so many of the proposed artists were eliminated. She announced a local Elvis impersonator, who comes highly recommended, is willing to negotiate to be within the budget. Due to budget constraints, there will be no opening act. The performer will perform for approximately 90 minutes. Commissioner Bond will explore Eventbrite as an avenue for reserving spots for the show. Manager Murray added that the capacity for the concrete area plus the grass is 287. Concrete area capacity 110. Grass only would be 177. Commissioner Jones will connect with the Zislis representative regarding the date and reach out to the Elvis impersonator to see how much space is needed for the band.
This may require volunteers to check registrations. Posters will be needed for marketing.
Library Awareness Initiative – The commission spoke briefly on assisting 4 the library on publicizing existing library programs and services. Manager Murray offered to share information on all programs offered. Manager Buike would like to speak with Director Leyman to see if this item needs to be added to the work plan by City Council, before any action is taken. Commissioner Levitt requested that the name of the initiative be changed from Library Awareness Program as this was the name of a previous FBI investigation to expose communists.
G. STAFF ITEMS - None.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS -
Commissioner Newell asked if it would be a conflict of interest to be a commissioner in AYSO while being a library commissioner. There is no conflict of interest in this case.
I. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Jones moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Schreiner seconded the motion.
Ayes: Bond, Levitt, Newell, Schreiner, Jones
Nayes: None
Absent: Darrow
Meeting adjourned at 6:28 pm to August 8, 2022.