Minutes of the Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Library
December 6, 2018
The meeting was held at the Mission Hills Branch Library. The meeting was called to order at 6:28 P.M. by Phyllis Marion, President. In attendance were Phyllis Marion, Nancy Carol Carter, Charlie Goldberg, Alan Sparks, Lee and Jean Dresser, Al Hoefer, Michele Pieters, Elaine Kalin, Mary Rose Mueller, Marcia Schulman, Yolie McLeland, Philip Detwiler, Pat Littell, and Gina Bravo.
Minutes: The minutes of the November meeting were approved with one correction.
New branch library report: Charlie Goldberg said that the recent rains caused some water damage to the new branch. The damage will be repaired quickly and should not delay the opening of the branch. The new branch is scheduled to open on January 26th at 10 A.M. The Book Pass from the old branch to the new will be from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M.
The Foundation has had a series of meetings with the community to generate interest for naming opportunities. Phyllis said that the Friends will decide with a committee on what we will use our funds to name.
Under the agreement with the Foundation, which will take over our membership duties and record keeping, there will no longer be Life Memberships, but those existing now will have permanent recognition.
Financials: Phyllis presented the financial report as of November 30th .. Amazon sales were $264.61, book cart sales $525.00 and the book sale total was $368.00. Our expenses included Amazon shipping of $17.99 and bottled water of $145.43. Our total in all accounts is $165,254.22.
Membership: Nancy Carol Carter reported that we had two new memberships in November. One of the new members also wants to be a volunteer.
Programs: Phyllis said that Susan Orlean will speak at the new branch on January 29th. She is the author of “The Library Book,” which is about the fire at the Los Angeles library and the preservation efforts after the fire. The event is being sponsored by the Library Shop and Warwick’s Books. A flyer with more information was distributed.
Website: Al Hoefer said that both websites will be up until next month. At that point, the old site will be deactivated.
Corporate Meeting: Phyllis reported on the meeting. The Corporate Friends are going to put money in a CD since they have a considerable amount of money at this point.
There will be a treasurers’ workshop on Saturday. Phyllis will try to attend.
Corporate needs to know if we need more badges for workers in the store.
The network of membership reps will contact Nancy Carol Carter.
The 40th anniversary of Corporate Friends will be celebrated April 7-13 which is Library Week. The mayor will be a speaker, there will be other events, and each branch will have money for displays.
Fundraising/Bookstore: Michele Pieters said that she is setting up procedures and creating a manual for bookstore volunteers . We want the store to be open on the first day. There will be a pop-up shop from the library store at Central on opening day. After opening day, the plan is for our store to be open at least four hours per day.
Michele said that there will be a book sale at the old branch in December.
Librarian’s report: Gina Bravo made a funds request for story time signing, six programs for families and children, and one Oasis program in June. The events will cost about $800.00 each month. The total request for programs through June totals $3,400.00 which was approved.
A request for a new paper shredder to replace the broken one was also approved.
The Amazon workers need a new laser printer and a paper cutter for labels. This was approved without a specific cost or purchase plans.
President’s report: Phyllis said that a contact person for additional tours of the new branch was needed. Pat Littell volunteered.
The agreement with the Foundation will start in January. Copies were distributed. The agreement will be discussed at the February meeting.
Old business: Elaine Kalin Mary Rose Mueller and Don Rudesill will shop for holiday treats for the branch staff.
Phyllis suggested spending $500.00 for signage for the new bookstore. The location of the bookstore is past the front door of the branch, so a sign is necessary to attract customers. We approved the request.
New business: Future meetings will be on the first Wednesday of each month instead of Thursday. Starting in February, meetings will be at the new branch in the Community Room, just to the left of the main entrance. The time will remain at 6:30 P.M.
A lunch for Steve Wheeler will be discussed at the next meeting.
A vote to change the Friends name will be held at the next meeting as well.
Roundtable: No reports or questions.
The next meeting is WEDNESDAY, February 6th at 6:30 P.M.