Minutes of the Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Library
September 6, 2018
The meeting was held at the Mission Hills Branch Library. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by Phyllis Marion, President. In attendance were Phyllis Marion, Robin Baker, Alan Sparks, Lee and Jean Dresser, Leanna Selleck, Al Hoefer, Nancy Carol Carter, Frances Schroeder, Michele Pieters, Mary Rose Mueller, Elaine Kalin, Marcia Schulman, Susan Neumeyer, Pat Littell, Steve Wheeler and Charlie Goldberg from the San Diego Public Library Foundation.
Minutes: The minutes were approved after a correction of the name Charles to Charlie Goldberg.
Financials: Phyllis Marion presented the financial report. During August, we had three memberships for $100 total, Amazon sales were $840.78, book cart sales $473.50, and book sales $423.00. Our expenses included Amazon shipping of $13.99 and bottled water of $165.17. Our total in all accounts is $166,789.09.
Membership: Nancy Carol Carter is updating our list so that the Foundation has current membership information.
Programs: Steve Wheeler said that Joe Nyiri will present an art program for children this Saturday, and on the 22nd at 3:00 P.M. we will have a mini-comics event for children age 10 and up and adults.
Website: Al Hoefer wants feedback on the new website that is in progress. Go to library92103.org, click on “test website” then link to “review” to compare it with the old format.
Corporate Meeting: Phyllis said that the meeting was mainly a discussion of the annual Corporate meeting which will be on Saturday, September 8th at Central at 9:30 A.M.
Fundraising/Book sales: Michele Pieters said that we will have a big sale in October to help to clear excess books from the shed.
Phyllis said that the bookstore committee met again We plan to have the store open every day for five hours. We can cut back later if necessary. Phyllis will draft an information sheet for volunteers and will approach current book sale volunteers first.
Update from the Foundation: Charlie Goldberg said that the building and furnishings will be turned over to the library on October 22nd. The Foundation is trying to arrange tours before the opening. There is a tentative reception scheduled for November 14th at 3P.M. After that, tours are planned at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday mornings.
The Foundation is still working on more recognition opportunities such as tiles, but these have not been finalized. Consideration is being given to a book of donors. A possible community event would be a “book pass” from the old to new branches on the order of Hands Across America, but of course on a much smaller scale. The MJE public relations firm would organize coverage for this event should it take place.
The opening date of the new branch is not set. It will be discussed September 12th. The date may be in early January.
Librarian’s report: Steve said that he was able to visit the new library. The stonework was in, skylight in and the “high tech” drinking fountain was installed.
At the managers’ meeting today, Steve said the announcements were that The San Diego Festival of Books went well on August 25th. The new One Book One San Diego book was announced at the event. It is “March Book One” by John Lewis. This is the first time a graphic novel has been chosen. A children’s book was also chosen which has an illustrator from Southern California.
Steve asked for money to replace the glass in a framed photo. We approved spending a reasonable amount for the glass. We will ask Don Rudesill if he can take care of it.
Jay Hill also spoke at the meeting about trying for more grassroots participation in fundraising.
Steve said that the move to the new branch will be done by employees, not by a moving company.
President’s report: Phyllis will send an e-mail asking how members want their names on nametags for volunteer activities.
Phyllis asked if we should donate excess Friends tables to Corporate Friends. Nancy suggested loaning them for a while until we are sure we will not need them for book sales.
We approved payment of chapter insurance. Phyllis has not received the bill yet, but will need to pay it upon receipt.
Phyllis, Elaine Kalin and Don Rudesill attended the Foundation meeting. Elaine said that the main this is that the Foundation is behind and is trying to catch up. They want to explore how to involve Friends with the organization and involve the community more. Phyllis added that they are exploring the KPBS model of fundraising which is very successful. In addition, the dues for Friends membership will be increased.
Old business: None.
New business: As mentioned above, the annual meeting is Saturday.
It is officer election time. Phyllis will send an e-mail to see who wants to continue as an officer and also anyone who would like to take an office in the future.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 P.M. The next meeting is October 4th.