04-24-2006 LIBMMinutes
Hutchinson Public Library Board
April 24, 2006
Members present: John Paulsen, Kay Peterson, John Hassinger, Janet Vanek, Ann Vance, Yvonne Johnson and
Mary Henke, Ex- Officio
Members absent: Julie Jensen
Vice - President John Paulsen called the meeting to order. John Hassinger made a motion to approve the minutes
from the March 27 meeting with John Paulsen seconding. Motion passed_ Our new board members, Yvonne
Johnson and Ann Vance, were introduced and they told us about themselves.
Old Business'
L National I.,ibrary Week Author Visit: The turnout for Doug Ohman's presentation was
wonderful. He was a gifted speaker with an excellent message. Some folks had trouble hearing,
2_ Community forum with Dr. Mark Seeley: John Hassinger will introduce Dr. Seeley
tomorrow. Mary suggested that next year we plan this event for October to spread the
library programs throughout the year. Board volunteers are to be at the library at 6:00 for set -up.
3. Focus group follow -up:
A. Public Perception of the Library—Doing OK
B_ Partnership with Schools--Gap in the middle and high school. With Yvonne now on the Board
we have a new connection with Ridgewater Collegc.
C. Services to non - English speaking residents- -Need to concentrate on this area. Yvonne
suggested using Hispanic volunteers. In her job at HTI, Ann sees a need for resources and
study aids for non - English speaking residents.
4. Employee changes: Two long -time employees, Lorraine Erickson and Annette Koehler, have
retired. Mary hired Linda Thompson out of 20 applicants with her starting date on April 24.
The custodian, harry Botzet, who was promoted to a full -time position in another City Dept., hasn't
been replaced yet. Applications for that job close on April 26_
5. Fire alarm system upgrade: Problem meeting code has been assessed and changes have been
made.
6. Pioneerland Library System Awards Banquet: We nominated Sonja Nolen, a f=riends of the
Library member who volunteers many hours at the library. Mary suggested that Sonja be
invited to the next library board meeting and be recognized for her contributions.
New Business:
1. Break -in on April 10: The same window as last June was broken into even with increased lighting.
No money was taken and there was no vandalism. Auer a discussion with Police Chief
Dan Hatton, it was decided that a motion detector system which is monitored by the Police
Department will be installed. Its cost of $2,00043,000 will come from the capital outlay furniture
funds_
2. Presentation to County Commissioners on May 10h: Nan Crary's assistant called to invite the four
McLeod County librarians to present to the commissioners on services the libraries provide. Mary
will allude to the proposed 12% increase in the 2007 funding request. Bev Wangerin, recently
appointed to the PLS board as a Mcleod County representative, is an advocate for the libraries.
Mary invited Library Board members who are interested to attend.
3. Discussion of book clubs: Mary spoke at the Women's k xpo at the Hutchinson Event Center in
March and has names of several people interested in belonging to a book club. She will work on
starting more clubs or offer a class.
The next meeting will be Monday, May 22 at 4:30 p,m. John Hassinger moved the meeting be adjourned with
Kay Peterson seconding the motion. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Vacek, Co-Secretary