Manhattan Beach Library Commission
July 10, 2023 1
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, July 10, 2023
4:00 PM
Location: MB City Hall/remote (hybrid)
A. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Library Commission was called to order by Chairperson Levitt at 4:02 pm at City Hall in person and remotely via Zoom (hybrid).
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Bond, Doll, Jester, Vice Chair Newell, Chairperson Levitt
Absent: Jones
Others Present: Sr. Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Senior Recreation Manager (SRM) Melissa McCollum, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 8, 2023 and June 12, 2023
SMA Robb advised that if there are no changes to both sets of minutes, they can be voted on in one motion. Chair Levitt called for any additions or corrections to the minutes of either meeting. Seeing no changes proposed, it was moved and seconded (Levitt/ Bond) to approve both sets of minutes as written. Chair Levitt called for a voice vote.
Chair Levitt stated that the motion passed 5-0-0-1 (Jones absent) by a voice vote.
Chair Levitt encouraged all Commissioners to review the draft minutes that are circulated prior to meetings. SMA Robb noted that she and Administrative Analyst Janeth Medina can be contacted in advance of a meeting regarding issues with the minutes.
The Commission briefly discussed absences . SMA Robb advised that three absences are permitted per year with the exception of the student commissioner who is excused during June, July and August. SMA Robb stated that she is the person to be contacted regarding an absence; Chair Levitt explained that Commissioners can participate remotely but this must be carefully coordinated with staff before the agenda is posted.
E. CEREMONIAL
Chair Levitt welcomed Senior Recreation Manager (SRM) Melissa McCollum who will be the interim staff liaison until former liaison Jan Buike’s position is filled . SRM McCollum mentioned that she used to serve as the Library Manager at the Manhattan Beach Library, and she and Director Mark Leyman are always available to assist the Commission as needed.
SRM McCollum expressed appreciation and best wishes to Commissioner Newell and welcomed student commissioner Jester to her first meeting. Commissioner Jester gave a brief introduction, noting she is a rising senior at Mira Costa and looks forward to serving.
Chair Levitt made statements:
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1) She is delighted to serve as chair and aims to make monthly meetings and serving on the Commission a positive and friendly experience.
2) The mission of the Library Commission, as stated in the Board and Commissioner Handbook is: “Established by resolution, t he Library Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council regarding library services provided by the Los Angeles County Library System to the citizens of Manhattan Beach. This Commission also serves as a liaison between the County, City and public/private community groups supportive of library services.
The Library Commission consists of 6 members who meet the second Monday of each month at 4 pm.”
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Seeing no one present remotely or in -person wishing to speak, Chair Levitt invited Library Manager Murray to address the Commission. Manager Josh Murray provided an update of upcoming library activities:
July 10, 6:30 pm the adult book club will discuss “Undercooked” by Dan Ahdoot July 11, 10:15 am to 10:45 am: “Summer Songs and Stories”, children 0 to 3 years July 11, 3 pm; teens workshop “DIY Smartphone Speaker”. July 12, 10:15 am, “Baby Band”
July 12, 4 pm, STEM event “The Science of Ice Cream”, children 6-12 years July 12, 4 pm, Teen Advisory Board meeting
July 13, 4 pm, Smarty Pants story time
July 18, 4-5 pm, “Teen Sushi Making Demonstration” with chef Andy Matsuda
Manager Murray responded to commission inquiries: 1) regarding children’s programs, some do and some don’t require advance registration; the best way to check is through the library website; 2) The Teen Advisory Group has support by 4-5 regular participants and some volunteer for lower level programs but additional support is always welcome; and , 3) library programming is typically posted on the library website 3 weeks in advance.
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 2023 Work Plan Discussion
a. Learning at the Library—Chair Levitt updated on her progress in finding speakers:
1) she has been in contact with pickleball spokesperson /advocate Roger BelAir, 2) She has spoken to the city ceramics program supervisor, Eric Brinkman; he is willing to speak about ceramics (history of Metlox, pot-making process, etc.) possibly in September; 3) Peggy Curry is committed to speak October 21st; Chair Levitt will make the room reservation. Potentially events could be lined up for three months depending on availability.
Other suggestions for speakers were discussed: Chair Levitt mentioned two authors recently recommended to her: Lara Love Hardin , author of “The Many Lives of Mama Love” (a memoir coming out in August) who may be available Sunday October 5 th, and Jeff Hobbs, author of “Show Them You’re Good” (about high school boys applying for college) possibly for September to coincide with school starting.
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July 10, 2023 3
Commissioner Doll suggested Stuart Gibbs, a popular children’s author, and Commissioner Jester suggested Glennon Doyle, author of “Untamed” who is local. All suggested authors and experts mentioned were endorsed by the Commission as potential speakers. b. M.B. Poetry Event —Commissioner Bond noted that this item is paused for the summer since it is a collaboration with Mira Costa High School.
Chair Levitt inquired with Manager Murray as to whether the library sponsors any poetry celebrations. Manager Murray responded that the library celebrates poetry on an ongoing basis but he cannot recall any recent special poetry events. Chair Levitt noted that April is poetry month and perhaps a future Commission poetry event can be programmed around that theme.
c. Library Appreciation Events —Commissioner Bond noted that this item , typically held in November, is on hold for now and will be taken up in September when school resumes.
d. Library Commission Book Giveaway —Chair Levitt noted this is tabled until conversations can be held with Friends of the Library . S hould the Library Commission continue with the giveaway program, former Commissioners Tracy Windes and Ro Schreiner have volunteered to help.
e. StoryWalk—Chair Bond reported that the author page will soon be laminated and inserted into the frames, completing the installation. Follow up action items include:
Condensation issue: Commissioner Bond will continue to work with the Eagle Scout who provided the book page frames to find a possible solution. Ribbon cutting: SRM McCollum to look into whether this can be folded into Polliwog Park playground ribbon cutting.
Summer Concert promotion: SRM McCollum will pass on to Cultural Arts Manager Eilen Stewart, the Commission’s request to promote StoryWalk as an announcement during the summer concerts.
Next cycle: Commissioner Bond will suggest the title and author of the next book this fall, most likely in September.
f. Photo Op Day—No report; tabled until 2024 Work Plan discussion.
g. Entertainment Series – No report; tabled until 2024 Work Plan discussion.
h. Library Awareness Campaign —Commissioner Bond reported that she plans to attend a Rotary Club meeting and present regarding library services. Ch air Levitt suggested and it was agreed that with a script, other commissioners can share this task. For the next meeting, Chair Bond will prepare a spreadsheet of community organizations so that Commissioners can sign up to make presentations.
Chair Levitt suggested that at the October meeting the Commission have an agenda item that will begin the process of developing the next (2024) Work Plan and that in developing a new plan the Commission’s mission statement shall be considered.
D. STAFF ITEMS –Senior Recreation Manager McCollum announced:
The recruitment for Jan Buike’s replacement is going well and hopefully a new Senior
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Recreation Supervisor will be on board as early as August. A “Listening Session” or community meeting to receive input on developing a plan for city recognition/celebration of the Juneteenth holiday in 2024 will be held Saturday, July 22, 10:30 am at the Manhattan Beach Library. Interested persons who wish to provide input can also complete a survey online at www.manhattanbeach.gov/survey. The Summer concerts series at Polliwog Park has started and the next concert will be on July 16, 5-7 pm, with entertainment by U.S. 99, a local band that plays a variety of types of music.
A new “Parks Photo Contest” that celebrates July as Parks and Rec Month is r eceiving applications in three categories by age: 13 -17, 18 -54, and 55 and older. See www.manhattanbeach.gov/photocontest for more info. Entrants are responsible for obtaining permission of people who appear in their photographs. The annual Community Art Exhibit opening reception will be held at the Manhattan Beach Art Center, July 28th, 6 - 9 pm with food and refreshments. The Older Adults program has several upcoming activities in July, including intergenerational chess with Mira Costa students (started July 8), ice cream social (July 19, 2 pm); and a presentation by City Manager Bruce Moe (July 25 at 1 pm).
E. COMMISSION ITEMS
The Commission shared book recommendations: Commissioner Newell: “Raw Shark Texts” by Steven Hall and ‘The Breakaway” by Jennifer Weiner; Commissioner Doll: “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry; and Commissioner Levitt: “Crook Manifesto” by Colson Whitehead.
Chair Levitt gave a heartfelt tribute to departing Commissioner Newell, recognizing her many contributions both on the commission and personally through a deep commitment to children and literacy, and demonstrating resilience, compassion and generosity.
Library Manager Murray expressed appreciation for Commissioner Newells’s support of the library.
Commissioner Newell thanked everyone.
F. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded ( Levitt/Newell) to adjourn the meeting at 5:01 pm to August 14, 2023. The motion passed by voice vote 5-0-0-1 (Jones absent)