Minutes of the Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Library
November 1, 2018
The meeting was held at the Mission Hills Branch Library. The meeting was called to order at 6:26 P.M. by Phyllis Marion, President. In attendance were Phyllis Marion, Robin Baker, Alan Sparks, Lee and Jean Dresser, Leanna Selleck, Al Hoefer, Frances Schroeder, Michele Pieters, Elaine Kalin, Marcia Schulman, Ruth Rudesill, Marian Day, Christine Workman, David Sanders, Pat Littell, and Steve Wheeler.
Minutes: The minutes of the October meeting, taken by Don Rudesill, were approved as submitted.
Financials: Ruth Rudesill presented the financial report. We had three memberships for $155.00 total, Amazon sales were $725.66, book cart sales $646.69, and book sales $456.00. Our expenses included Amazon shipping of $91.91 and bottled water of $126.60. A gift for children’s programs was $618.89. Our total in all accounts is $164,531.51.
Membership: Phyllis reported for Nancy Carol Carter that we had three new memberships during the month of October.
Programs: Christine Workman contacted Jean Guerrero, the author of “Crux,” which may be our first presentation at the new branch. Steve Wheeler said that we will have Hullaballoo December 11th and face painting. On Saturday, November 3rd, we will have an author talk by Diane Dodson and a Spirit Wind concert on November 13th. Cupcake decorating will be on December 15th.
Phyllis said that the Book Pass will be on January 26th, the first day of the new branch. There will be a special breakfast for major donors, and the Book Pass between 11AM and noon. During the event, there will be mementos to mark the occasion. Phyllis said that we should try to have the new Friends store open that day. Scott from Central would also like to have a pop-up gift shop and will take care of the details.
Phyllis advised that there will be a Sneak Peek event of the new branch on November 14th. Details were sent by email. We approved up to $200.00 for light refreshments, napkins, plates and cups for 30 to 50 people.
Website: Al Hoefer asked us to review the new website at library92103.org. Phyllis said that she would like the focus changed from the library to the Friends. The Campaign for Excellence will need to be added as information is available. Al said that the menu has changed on the new website.
Phyllis said that the Corporate Friends website will be live soon.
Corporate Meeting: Phyllis said that on Saturday, there was a meeting with Peter Pearson on Effective Friends Organization. Most Friends groups have stagnant memberships and especially need younger members and more diversity in the membership. One point was that younger members prefer tasks, not long-term commitments.
Phyllis added that our branch and Central are the only ones doing on-line sales. Adding members could change this at other locations. Another best practice may be to have fewer Friends meetings rather than monthly which may be too often for some groups.
Additionally, Corporate Friends need to communicate more effectively with the branches.
Elaine Kalin added a suggestion to run memberships on a fiscal year rather than a calendar year. Phyllis passed this to the Foundation.
Fundraising/Book sales: Michele Pieters said that we will have a November sale and she has staff. December is undecided, but we may be able to have a sale. Phyllis said that Anselmo has made a flyer to get additional help at the new Friends store when we open.
Librarian’s report: Steve Wheeler said that he had received a call about the check from the LGBTQ Committee regarding the memo of understanding which has not been finalized. Phyllis and Don Rudesill will work on a receipt system or whatever is necessary. Phyllis will call the contact person.
Steve announced that he has been promoted to Logan Heights branch and will leave us later this month. His replacement will be Gina Bravo from Central, where she has been doing programs and outreach, especially science and technology.
President’s report: Phyllis said that she is working on an agreement on the handling of our memberships with the Foundation. As stated in previous minutes, the Foundation and our Friends group will be a trial for this program. In the future, there will not be life members, but existing ones will remain. The Foundation has been discussing how to treat donations that are not memberships, which is how the Foundation plans to reach $7500.00 as promised.
Old business: All officers were re-elected as on the attached.
New name badges were distributed.
Phyllis has a volunteer to write newsletters. She will work with the volunteer to get started.
New business: Marian Day said that it is the 40th anniversary of the Corporate Friends. They need one person from each branch to work on a celebration during the week of April 8 to 12, 2019.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 P.M. The next meeting is December 6th.