Manhattan Beach Library Commission
April 16, 2025 1
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, April 16, 2025
4:00 PM
Location: City Council Chambers, 1400 Highland Avenue and Zoom Teleconference by Commissioner Chou (per Government Code § 54953(b), Cornell Tech Campus Bloomberg Center Campus Café; 2 West Loop Rd, NY, NY 1004 and
Teleconference by Commissioner Chou, 1401 Lassen Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Doll called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Bond, Braitman, Chou (remote), Huber, Vice Chair Levitt (remote), Chairperson Doll
Absent: Bond, Huber
Others Present: Senior Recreation Supervisor (SRS) Kari Bell; Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 10, 2025
It was moved and seconded (Braitman /Levitt) to approve, no changes; mo tion carried 4-0-2 (Bond/Huber absent).
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Former LC, Janet Jones presented he r non-profit foundation’s initiative: “Kindness for Kids” Books, whereby 58 children’s books focusing on kindness, will be donated to the public library.
The goal is for kindness to be grown in both children and parents and caregivers as they read these books to children. It was noted that February is “Kindness month”
Commissioner Chou, as StoryWalk committee chair, will work with Ms. Jones in implementing Kindness for Kids” into StoryWalk.
1. Librarian’s Update – Manhattan Beach Library Manager
Library Manager Josh Murray detailed several library events and activities available to the public for all age groups through May. He highlighted the City of Manhattan Beach speaker series will be Roy Choi on May 17th; the inaugural large group (up to 1,500 attendees, Mira Costa auditorium). The FOL is donating a free Roy Choi taco from a food truck to the first 500 attendees and Mr. Choi’s new cookbook will be available through pages bookstore to have signed at the event. Manager Murray also reported regarding ongoing interior library improvements working to complete as much as possible in time for the library’s anniversary (e.g. wood surface re-finishing, glass cleaning, HVAC repair, and furniture replacement. first two being completed, the rest still being worked on ). Publicity: city st aff reported : street banner across Highland near the library is scheduled for first two weeks in May, press release
Manhattan Beach Library Commission
April 16, 2025 2
going out in last part of April; County L ibrary’s social media releases are scheduled and posters to be provided to City. Manager Murray noted registration status for first release of 750 seats. Manager Murray explained County policy–to encourage people to come even if not registered as there are no-shows but seats cannot be held. Chair Doll suggested the event can be posted on Manhattan United and other small local outlets as well as the high school (Kari Bell waiting to hear back from).
Manager Murray mentioned that this speaker event is a great way to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month as Roy Choi immigrated from South Korea grew up in LA and started the food truck scene.
Chair Doll requested one more conference call with county library managers.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 2024/2025 Work Plan Discussion
a. Library Appreciation Events (Commissioners Braitman, Huber , Bond ) The Commission discussed:
Library staff:
1) A Tuesdays still preferred, aligning with Farmers’ Market ; box lunch from a local business is good. Action items for committee chair Braitman: 1) double check date and any other details with Manger Murray; 2) engage with other commissioners as to any assistance needed.
School Librarians
1) Continuing tradition, no lunch but go to schools and present gift of a book (Roy Choi book from speaker series 2) No gift certificates to be given. Action items for Chair Braitman:
1) Discuss engagement of Commissioner Bond in recognition (she may be off the Commission when ultimately done). 2) Date to come onto campus needs to be confirmed for each school; possible dates: May 25, 26 possibly Commissioner Huber can do; and 3) Confirm that you have updated list of school librarians (emailed by Commissioner Bond to committee) and give names to City staff for certificates and to know the number of Roy Choi books to purchase and city staff will look into how to get signed by the author ; 4) Look into as to whether preferential seating can be given for May library speaker event.
SRS Bell stated that there is no pre -event speaker meet up planned with the author but to let her know is such is wanted (e.g. a 15-minute meet with City Council/dignitaries) and Kari will pass on the City Council office.
b. Speaker Series (Commissioners Braitman, Doll, Levitt) (See Library Manager Update, E. Audience Participation). c. StoryWalk (Commissioners Bond, Huber, Chou)
Vice Chair Levitt reported on behalf of Commissioner Bond: that Commissioner Bond will coordinate in all respects on StoryWalk before her term ends and provided details of the status of various tasks and will do the next install in May; Commissioner Chou will help with the May installation along with a boy scout group (contact Steven Jo hnson); will contact Commissioner Bond and assume the gauntlet.
Manhattan Beach Library Commission
April 16, 2025 3
d. Library Needs Assessment
SRS Bell reported that LA County has selected a consultant for the assessment and an in-person meeting has been scheduled for April 21 and a Commission sub -committee will be formed.
Chair Doll cannot attend the first meeting (Vice Chair Levitt will attend) but would like to serve on the committee. SRS Bell stated that the Committee will be comprised of Commissioners Levitt, Doll, city staff and yet identified staff from LA County Public Library.
Manager Murray announced that the speaker event registrations have been updated: in one day there were 681 registrations (a first!).
G. STAFF ITEMS
SRS Bell noted that city management services has inquired as to whether the Commission wants to submit another Juneteenth themed children’s book to coincide with the June celebration. Commissioner Chou will discuss with Commissioner Bond (whether the May book is fitting for Juneteenth as done last year), or if not, whether to change to such in June.
Commissioner Chou to keep SRS Bell informed.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS –
Vice Chair Levit expressed appreciation for city staff for their hard work on the speaker series, especially the large event coming up!
I. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded (Levitt/i/Braitman) to adjourn the meeting at 5:13 pm to May 12th in the City Council chambers at City Hall. Motion passed 4-0-2 (Bond/Huber absent).