Manhattan Beach Library Commission
May 12, 2025 1
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, May 12, 2025
4:00 PM
Location: City Council Chambers, 1400 Highland Avenue and Zoom
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Doll called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Bond, Braitman, Huber, Vice Chair Levitt, Chairperson Doll
Absent: Chou
Others Present: Senior Recreation Supervisor (SRS) Kari Bell; Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 16, 2025
It was moved and seconded (Braitman /Levitt) to approve, no changes; mo tion carried 5-0-1 (Chou absent).
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Rita Crabtree-Kampe introduced herself, as a new member of the commission as of June 1st.
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 to mid-June. He highlighted the Roy Choi speaker event on May 17, reporting everything is ready and provided parking info. 2,285 reservations have been made and a waitlist will be available. He also reported on the progress of acquiring new furniture and woodwork repair in the library lobby, AC being worked on - in advance of the 10-year anniversary coming up.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Discuss the addition of a Juneteenth book for Story Walk. Commissioner Bond reported that there will be a new Juneteenth book going in between Memorial Day and the next weekend. She is and will continue to work with Commissioner Chou. Commissioner Bond is working with groups (Boy Scout troop e.g.) regarding assisting the commission with StoryWalk and estimates for the installation, 3 boys are needed for 2 hours.
Vice Chair Levitt referred to discussion by the Council of a proposal to add a second student seat to two commissions Library and Cultural Arts. The new student that will replace Commissioner Huber is Kylie Cullen . New Commissioner Crabtree -Kampe will assist Commissioner Chou with StoryWalk who may be helped further by the new 1 or 2 student commissioners.
Manhattan Beach Library Commission
May 12, 2025 2
2. 2024/2025 Work Plan Discussion
a. Library Appreciation Events (Commissioners Braitman, Huber , Bond ) The Commission discussed: tomorrow is appreciation day 12-2 pm and the food will be provided by Caffé Altamura. Commissioners Braitman and Bond will attend. Commissioner Huber may also attend with an approved excuse. May 27 is the school librarian appreciation day. Seven schools will be visited by the Commissioners (coordinated to comply with the Brown Act) and will be giving the librarians a signed Roy Choi book. Linda Robb will check into whether certificates will be given.
b. Speaker Series (Commissioners Braitman, Doll, Levitt) (See Library Manager Update, E. Audience Participation). Chair Doll applauded staff regarding public advertisement especially the street banner downtown. Chair Doll is very impressed with the County personnel involved in the planning. Vice Chair Levitt will not be able to attend the Roy Choi event due to graduation activities that day at Cornell. c. StoryWalk (Commissioners Bond, Huber, Chou)
See above, Juneteenth StoryWalk discussion
d. Library Needs Assessment (Doll, Levitt)
Vice Chair Levitt reported that the city Assessment Committee met; She has spoken to the assessment study consultant and conveyed the city’s desire to be bold and be willing to test things. She is confident that the consultant is very familiar with strateg ic planning.
Commissioner Huber hopes that teens will be very involved for example, more volunteer opportunities, for example. Commissioner Huber hopes that the committee is aware that teens very much need study space.
Manager Murray noted that more table space (boomerang shaped) is being added in the teen room to give more study opportunities. Although the big room is converted to a study hall the entire community uses the room and that needs to be taken into consideration.
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.
Chair Doll expressed sincere thanks for the Commission to outgoing Commissioners Huber and Bond (for six years of service including during the pandemic). Other Commissioners including Vice Chair Levitt also expressed appreciation especially to Commissioner Bond.
3. Selection of 2025-2026 Chair and Vice Chair
It was moved and seconded (Levitt/Bond) that 1) for Chair, Commissioner Braitman succeed Commissioner Doll and 2) for Vice Chair, Commissioner Chou succeed Commissioner Levitt.
The motion passed 5-0-1 (Chou absent). Outgoing Commissioner Huber expressed her thanks and appreciation for the experience and opportunity to serve.
G. STAFF ITEMS
Manhattan Beach Library Commission
May 12, 2025 3
SRS Bell noted she is sad to see the commissioners leave but so grateful for all that has been accomplished. She invited Commissioner Huber to always come by for a visit or if she needs anything to let her/staff know.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS – None
I. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded (Braitman/Huber) to adjourn the meeting at 4:48 pm to June 9.
Motion passed 2 (Chou absent).