A regular meeting of the Board of Library Trustees was held on Monday, April 6, 1998 at 7:30 at the Valente Branch Library, 826 Cambridge Street. The following members of the board of Library Trustees were present:
Ms. Flannery reported the success of the 2nd annual Book & Author Luncheon sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The audience enjoyed the diverse presentations by Alice Hoffman, Nicholas Kilmer and Gail Mazur.
All Board members present decided that a vote to approve the agreement with the Cambridge Community Foundation should be postponed. Ms. Flannery announced that the budget hearing for the library is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 1998 at City Hall. Ms. Flannery informed the Board of the library's updated budget requests.
As a follow up to the last meeting, Ms. Flannery reported that the Read, Ride & Return collection at the Porter Square T-station had been removed. Due to its inaccessible location, the library has been unable to maintain this collection properly. The MBTA officials seemed disinterested in finding a reasonable location with easy access to necessary facilities. Unfortunately, this action was the only alternative.
Valente Branch Librarian Philecia Harris addressed the board. She presented an update of the activities of the Valente Branch including programming & outreach efforts that are directed towards new ethnic groups, which have changed the neighborhood dynamic. She also provided an overview of the collections, the staff and their varied areas of expertise, and the direction the Valente Branch is headed in terms of meeting the needs of its community. Philecia also invited the Trustees to the Rogers Celebration on Wednesday, May 13, 1998. This annual program commemorates the anniversary of the Manuel Rogers, Sr. Center for Portuguese Culture and Studies.
Ms. Flannery reported that Internet access would become available at branch libraries and children's rooms within the next few months. Board members discussed potential benefits and problems that may arise, particularly in the children's areas. Although librarians will be close by, it was suggested that notices be posted requesting that any children seek a librarian if anyone disturbs them. Elizabeth Dickinson, Reference Librarian and Daryl Mark, Children's Librarian will attend the next Board meeting to discuss internet safety and to assist the Trustees in determining an internet policy.
The next meeting of the Board of Library Trustees will be on Monday, May 4, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. at the Main Library. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Andre Mayer, Secretary