Minutes of the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees for August 23, 2008

Members present:
Mr. Anderson
Mr. Barton
Ms. Berg
Mr. Hallier
Ms. Mickley
Mr. Schumacher

Members absent:
Ms. Holmes

Staff present:
Director Mike Snyder
Public Relations Specialist Ms. Emily Callan

R51 - 08
Mr. Anderson moved/Ms. Mickley seconded a motion to excuse Ms. Holmes from meeting. Motion carried by a unanimous vote in the affirmative.

Additions or corrections to the agenda:
None

Old Business:
Library Futures
a. Each board member spoke briefly about his/her assessment on the status of the library. The following is a summary of those statements:

1. We should keep open the lines of communication with the School District regarding a possible joint-use facility. Whatever happens, the School District may want to use the current library site in their construction of the new mega-elementary school.

2. While the Old Middle School had some potential, the cost was just too prohibitive at this time. The planning process was worth-while, however, since we established good working relations with the City, the School District, the Township, and other parties.

3. The current building as is has outlived its usefulness and we need to work for a new or expanded facility.

4. The board would like to explore the possibility of including the new library facility as part of a public-private partnership that features a community center with the following components: public library, senior center, historical society, vending area, theater, art gallery, public use facility with community kitchen, etc.

5. In planning for a new library facility, we need to plan for the following features: greatly expanded children’s department, expanded computer room, expanded office space, expanded outreach space, expanded book & A-V shelving, local history room with display cases, meeting and tutor rooms, drive-up window, Library Friends area, and handicapped accessibility. In addition, the new building should be as earth-friendly (green) as possible.

6. Both the K of C property and green-space at the site of the current Old Middle School would provide the library with plenty of room for collaborative opportunities and future growth.

7. The board would like to explore trading current interest in the building or the K of C property for another site in downtown Louisville.

8. The image of the library has improved throughout the community and there are funds available for a public library facility. The bulk of these dollars must come from private, corporate, and foundation sources.

9. We need to conduct a levy campaign sooner than later because there is nothing left to reduce in the budget (except in categories that affect the Public Library Fund distribution formula). The good news is that the public libraries have been very successful in passing levies statewide.

10. Topics for our next Library Futures planning session:
    • Determine the footprint of the proposed facility.
    • Discuss the funding levels to fund this project (Larry Corbus)
    • Discuss possible library levy for general operations
    • Set meetings for community input
    • Plan for face to face meeting with the School District

b. The consensus of the board was to visit the following multi-purpose facilities on Friday, September 19: Plain Branch Library-Glen Oak High School, Lake Branch Library-Lake High School, Perry Sippo Branch Library. The board will visit the Foltz Community Center at a later date.

Adjournment:
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

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Mr. Barton, President
Louisville Library Board of Trustees

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Mr. Anderson, Secretary
Louisville Library Board of Trustees