Connecticut Library Association

Executive Board Meeting

March 1, 2007

Acton Public Library, Old Saybrook

 

I.                    The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.

 

II.                 Board introductions were made.

 

III.               Public Comments/Notes from the CLA Office: Pam Najarian noted that free copies of Sidney Portier’s new book were available for the taking as well as a Scientology DVD.

 

IV.              Additions to the Agenda and/or Action Items: none

 

V.                 Votes Taken: Mary Etter moved to accept the minutes of the February 1, 2007 meeting.  Ted Wilmot seconded.  Motion passed unanimously

 

VI.              President’s Report:  Barbara Bailey reported on (1) the Connecticut Book Party format change.  The fund raising effort to assist libraries in the Gulf region that were affected by Hurricane Katrina will kick off at the CLA Conference April 17th with a mini golf tournament and jazz concert.   Half of the proceeds will be donated to the fund.  She reported that libraries throughout the state can participate in the fundraising by making an individual or library donation,  setting up a “Katrina Corner” at library book sales, or distributing promotional materials.  (2) Barbara read a letter of invitation to the ALA PreConference on State Level Telecommunications Policies for Librarians scheduled June 21st in Washington, D.C. (3) In the absence of Nominating Committee Chair, Alice Knapp, Barbara Bailey announced the nominations for the CLA Executive Officers for 2007-08: Kathy Leeds President Elect; Alison Wang, Treasurer; Tracy Ralston, Region 1 Rep.; Cynde Lahey, Region 4 Rep; Bridget Quinn-Carey, Region 5 Rep; and Mary Etter NELA Representative.

 

VII.            Treasurer’s Report: Jan Fisher distributed the CLA financial report.  She noted that the annual audit is complete and that the Finance Committee will be meeting with investment counselors from Schwab on Tuesday.

 

VIII.         Past President: no report.

 

IX.              Vice President: Carl Antonucci reported that he is working on finalizing the details of Shakespeare & All That Jazz benefit event for the CT Book Party.

 

X.                 Region 6 Report: Theresa Conley reported that Old Lyme has launched a campaign to raise $1 million; Joanna Case, Director of Mystic & Noank Library is retiring in May.  A reception in her honor is scheduled Monday, March 12th from 3-7; Author Khaled Hosseini of the Kite Runner will be speaking at Fitch High School June 3rd.

 

 

 

 

Region 2: Betsy Bray announced that Simsbury Library is moving to temporary location during renovations; Sue Smayda is the new director of Southington Library and Museum; Wethersfield Library is still at its temporary site; One Book, Four Towns (Newington, Berlin, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield) will read “Surrogate Thief” by Archer Mayor; and the staff at Rocky Hill will be marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hartford.

 

Public Libraries: Mary Engels reported that the Excellence in Public Library Service Award is going to Douglas Library Association of Hebron for Teen Advisory Group and to Cheshire Public Library for its Teen Podcast Program

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NELA: Mary Etter reported that NELA is now using an on-line newsletter as well as on-line registration for their conferences.   NELA’s spring meeting for Children’s Literature will be April 27, 2007 in Worchester, MA.

 

Membership: Pam Najarian reported on behalf of Janet Woycik and Sandy Ruoff.  Membership total for February 28th is 910 and that a new membership brochure is in production stages.

 

Legislative Committee: Chair Peter Ciparelli distributed his committee report which highlighted information on the Governor’s budget and budget deliberations; the preparations for the Legislative Potluck Supper scheduled for March 21st; Jay Johnston, ALA Counselor for CLA, is assembling a group to go to Washington DC for the ALA National Legislative Days; and that CLA President Barbara Bailey testified in support of the CLA legislative agenda at a public hearing of the Appropriations Committee February 22nd

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Friends: Mary Engels distributed the Annual Friends of Connecticut Libraries Award criteria and registration form.

 

                  Editorial: Carol Abatelli announced that revisions to the website are being made.

 

CSL: Mary Engels distributed the Connecticut State Library report highlighting the LSTA Blog for input on the 5-Year Plan; the CSL has begun a collaboration with Libraries for the Future for Equal Access in Connecticut, a program to help librarians’ build outreach and community programming skills; the iConn Survey is presently being conducted; and Linda Williams has developed a new listing of Children’s Book Publishers on web junction.

 

Conference 2007: Karen Ronald announced that the finalized conference program will be going onto the CLA website within the next few days.  The committee is presently seeking sponsors for the CLA Reception and mini golf tournament.  Sponsorship ranges from $500 to $1,000.

 

CEMA: Gayle Bogel reported that a workshop on collaboration between school libraries and teachers will be held April 30, 2007 at the Radisson Hotel in Cromwell.

 

Business & Economic Development: Norma Holmquist distributed a flyer on its upcoming conference “The Latest in Web Research” Google and Beyond” featuring Gary Price.  The event will be Tuesday, March 13 at the Ferguson Library Auditorium. 

 

ALA: Jay Johnston discussed ALA desire to increase membership by offering a “share package” with local chapters.  ALA plans to present the program at the CLA conference

 

ACLB: Suzanne Lee announced that ACLB will once again contribute $100 to the Legislative Potluck Supper.  She also reported that ACLB website will be back on line after a brief interruption of service.

 

At 10:45 the meeting took a 15 minute recess.

 

CLC: Mary Etter briefly discussed the recent CLC meeting devoted to OCLC services.  Chris Bradley reported that she had met that morning with Senator Handley, co-chair of the Appropriations Committee that funds libraries.  They discussed the legislative plan for funding which includes $150,000 for InfoAnytime, $1 million for iConn, and $500,000 for Connecticard.  Chris also announced that CLC has made an administrative change in the contract for CLA Conference Consultant.  Beginning July 1, 2007 Pam Najarian and Kirsten Kilbourn will assume the responsibilities of Conference Consultant and will work together out of, headquartered at the Middletown office of CLA. Chris thanked Mary Ann Rupert for her many years of service to the conference and Association.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

 

Attendees: Mary Engles, David Kapp, Carol Abatelli, Suzanne Lee, Linda Hawkes, Paula Cook, Katie Bunn, Ann Marie Naples, Karen DeLoatch, Bridget Quinn-Carey, Betty Anne Reiter, Norma Holmquist, Peter Ciparelli, Ted Wilmot, Gayle Bogel, Theresa Conley, Vivian Bordeaux, Gerald Seagrave, Jacqueline Toce, Jane Ash, Gail Zeiba, Mary Etter, Betsy Bray, Karen Ronald, Mary Rupert, Jay Johnston, Jan Fisher, Barbara Bailey, Carl Antonucci, Chris Bradley.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Pamela J. Najarian

Recording Secretary.