Minutes of the Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Library
February 6, 2019
The meeting was held in the meeting room at the Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Harley and Bessie Knox Library. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 P.M. by Phyllis Marion, President. An attendance list is at the end of the minutes.
Before the business meeting, Steve Wheeler was recognized and given a thank you gift by the Friends for his dedicated service to the branch and to the new library.
Minutes: The minutes of the December meeting were approved as submitted. There was no meeting in January.
Financials: Don Rudesill presented the financial report. During January, Amazon sales were $517.13, book cart sales $10.00, and book sales $124.00. Our expenses included Amazon shipping of $17.99, a gift to Programs of $167.02, and a gift to staff during the holidays of $227.73. Our December Amazon sales were $998.47, book cart sales $278.00 and December book sale $353.00. Our balance in all accounts is $163,242.32. During the time the branch was closed for moving, our volunteer Peter processed Amazon sales at home. Our thanks to him. We will no longer have an expense for bottled water at the new branch which has water fountains.
Membership: Nancy Carol Carter said that a group of membership chairpersons may be established. Nancy is interested in participating if it forms.
Programs: Christine Workman has asked Gina about a possible speaker, but the person has not yet responded. No other programs are scheduled by the Friends at the moment.
Website: Al Hoefer has the new website running at library92103.org. with a domain name for three years at WordPress. Phyllis said that she is working with Gina to post library programs on the site.
Corporate Meeting: Phyllis attended the January meeting. Highlights of the meeting were:
Corporate Friends is giving $35,000.00 to matching funds and $1500.00 to our branch for a tile.
Misty Jones wants reimbursement procedure standardized. A new form is attached.
The Foundation has a new advocacy committee for funding and promotion. The Friends will be part of the committee.
Jay Hill is leaving The Foundation at the end of June.
The proposed city budget is asking for a 3 percent cut to library funding, probably in employee hours. This may or may not occur as the budget is revised before approval.
The John McAllister scholarship is being offered again to staff members who want to continue their library education. The deadline is March 1st. The scholarship is $1,000 for education expenses for a certificate or associate degree program.
National Library Week is April 7th through 13th. There will be funds for it.
The city will have a new master library plan in the future.
Fundraising/Book sales: Robin Baker wrapped books at Barnes and Noble and donated the $80.00 customers paid to have items wrapped.
Michele Peters said the new Friends bookstore is going well so far, considering the newness of having a bookstore and the many unknown factors. This was a major undertaking for all involved. Our thanks to Michele, Phyllis and everyone who was involved.
Phyllis said that supplies for the bookstore were an unexpected expense. We approved reimbursement to her for $496.18.
The Amazon operation needs another computer, a printer, a paper cutter and a printer cart. We approved an additional $300.00 above what was previously authorized, to purchase these items. We also approved up to $40.00 for the purchase of a stepstool with handle so that we can stock upper shelves in the bookstore.
Nancy asked the PR team to put an article in “The Sentinel” about the new bookstore.
We also discussed what type of sign we need outside to let customers know that the bookstore is open. Some type of sandwich board is needed. No definite decision was made.
Librarian’s report: Gina Bravo said thanks to all for helping ready the new branch, She and her staff are working every day to make it more functional. She added that there will be a new Gay Men’s Book Club. The first adult program has been held, it was Cheese and Crafters.
She said that she will eventually get another half-time librarian, Rebecca Jang is now full-time as the Children’s Librarian, and the staff hopes to get another Library Assistant Two.
President’s report: Phyllis reported that the bookstore is now on the cleaning schedule. Leaves and debris have been blowing in when the door is open. We also have a vacuum for in between cleanups.
Old business: The agreement with the Foundation has been updated with revisions. Phyllis asked for permission to sign the final version. We voted to approve.
New business: As mentioned before, there is a new standard reimbursement form for personal expenses. As it applies to Friends, expenses must be approved in advance, the form must be used, gift cards may only be purchased for prizes. The treasurer and president have authorization to spend under $100.00 and must have the expense authorized at the next meeting.
As a reminder, the boxes for Friends officers are in the back room of the bookstore.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 6th at 6:30P.M. in the meeting room.
Attendance at February 6, 2019 Friends meeting
Phyllis Marion, Gina Bravo, Robin Baker, Al Hoefer, Philip Detwiler, Michele Pieters, Lee and Jean Dresser, Leanna Selleck, Alan Sparks, Elaine Kalin, Christine Workman, Mary Rose Mueller, Steve Wheeler, Don and Ruth Rudesill, Nancy Carol Carter, Pat Littell, Marcia Schulman, Yolie McLeland, Cheryl Kaufman, Harriet Kounaves, Jean Stein, and Armin Kuhlman