Media Coverage For SaveLAPL
KCRW's Which Way LA.
KFI
KPCC
KXLU
Library Journal.
LA Daily News.
Los Angeles Times
LA Weekly.
Blogs:
Chicken Corner.
Franklin Avenue.
LA Observed.
Librarian.net
Mickey's Zoo.
Pico & the Man.
MINUTES BOARD OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS CITY OF LOS ANGELES -- March 20, 2008
A Regular meeting of the Board of Library Commissioners was held at the Central Library, 630 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071, convening at 11:07 a.m. on the above-written date.
| PRESENT: | PRESIDENT | TYREE WIEDER |
|---|---|---|
| COMMISSIONER | NELLIE RIOS-PARA | |
| COMMISSIONER | RITA WALTERS |
EXCUSED ABSENT: VICE PRESIDENT JULIE A. MENDOZA COMMISSIONER ROBERT A. CHICK
ALSO PRESENT: Fontayne Holmes, City Librarian; Kris Morita, Asst. General Manager; Pat Kiefer, Asst. City Librarian; Shannon Lawrence, Policy Analyst, Mayor's Office; Adrienne Khorasanee, Deputy City Attorney; Mark Davis, City Administrative Office; Roy Stone, President, Librarian’s Guild; and staff.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL – 3/6/08
MOVED by Commissioner Walters, seconded by Commissioner Rios-Parra and unanimously carried that the Minutes of the Regular meeting held March 6, 2008 be approved as submitted.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MATTERS WITHIN THE BOARD’S JURISDICTION: NONE
CITY LIBRARIAN’S REPORT
MOVED by Commissioner Walters, seconded by Commissioner Rios-Parra and unanimously carried that the following resolution be adopted:
BOARD MINUTES MARCH 6, 2008
Recommended Approval of Agreements withEric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art to Present Two Exhibitions, “Children Should be Seen: The Image of the Child in American Picture Book Art,” and “Richard Yarde: Stompin’ at the Savoy.”
LIBRARY RESOLUTION NO. 2008-12
WHEREAS the Los Angeles Public Library, working with the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, has negotiated an Agreement with the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art to present two exhibitions, “Children Should be Seen: The Image of the Child in American Picture Book Art,” and “Richard Yarde: Stompin’ at the Savoy.” The exhibitions will be on view in the Central Library’s Getty Gallery from July 1, 2008 to September 21, 2008; and
WHEREAS the Library Foundation of Los Angeles will serve as the “fiscal agent” for the exhibition and will be responsible for all costs related thereto:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Library Commissioners hereby authorizes the City Librarian to enter into an agreement with the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art to present the “Children Should be Seen: The Image of the Child in American Picture Book Art,” and “Richard Yarde: Stompin’ at the Savoy” exhibitions, subject to technical changes by the City Librarian and City Attorney prior to execution.
RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE 2008 FINES AND FEES SCHEDULE
The City Librarian reported that the fines and fees is a function of the budget process because of the revenues derived therefrom. She stated that the present economic downturn has impacted all of city government including the Library Department. She reviewed the revisions to the proposed 2008 Fines and Fees Schedule including establishing fees for non-resident library cards and for placing a hold on book reserves, increasing the fees charged for meeting room usage and decreasing the loan period from three to two weeks to maximize book resources.
Responding to questions from Commissioner Rios-Parra about the book reserve and non-resident fees, the Assistant General Manager stated that the book reserve fee is a charge that had been in place in previous years and corresponds with similar fees imposed by the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System, of which the Los Angeles Public Library is a member. Additionally, the non-resident fee only applies to individuals living outside of Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties.
BOARD MINUTES MARCH 6, 2008
BOARD DIRECTIVE
After further discussion, Commissioner Rios-Parra requested that staff provide a status report following the July 1, 2008 implementation date. The Assistant General Manager stated the report would be ready for the Board meeting in October 2008.
Thereafter, it was MOVED by Commissioner Walters, seconded by Commissioner Rios-Parra and unanimously carried that the following resolution be adopted:
LIBRARY RESOLUTION NO. 2008-13 (C-8)
RESOLVED, That the Board of Library Commissioners hereby approves the 2008 Fines and Fees Schedule of the Los Angeles Public Library, effective July 1, 2008; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That upon the receipt of the necessary approvals, the Board Executive Assistant is authorized and directed to advertise the Fines and Fees Schedule at least twice in a daily newspaper of general circulation, printed, and published in the City of Los Angeles.
ORAL REPORT: STATUS REPORT ON SECURITY
David Aguirre, Office of Public Safety (OPS), Chief of Security in charge of the Library Department, provided an overview of the strategies used to maximize resources and deliver the best service possible to the public and library staff. He stated he reviews incident reports with the Assistant Business Manager daily and then branch officers are assigned on an as-needed basis. He said the majority of incidents that occur in libraries tend to be minor such as petty theft, disturbing the peace, and children acting up. Chief Aguirre commented that in most cases Public Safety officers effectively resolve issues or, if needed, will request assistance from OPS police or LAPD officers. He advised that the situation at the Mark Twain Branch, when older juveniles were intimidating patrons and staff, has dramatically improved with the presence of OPS officers.
In conclusion, Chief Aguirre stated that his office has been working with the City Attorney’s Office to strengthen Los Angeles Municipal Code 6393, which will help in their enforcement efforts with the Library’s Rules of Conduct.
BOARD MINUTES MARCH 20, 2008
Board Discussion
Commissioner Rios Parra asked what was being done to inform patrons to be vigilant when they bring personal property into the library. Chief Aguirre stated that signs are placed on work tables asking visitors to please watch their belongings at all times.
President Wieder stated that at a recent Board meeting held at the Will and Ariel Durant Branch, public testimony was heard about security issues. She inquired about incidents reported at the branch. Chief Aguirre stated that isolated incidents do occur at this library. To address this situation, they have increased the number of OPS officers assigned and he has requested additional patrol from LAPD. The City Librarian added that the Library Department has involved other community organizations such as health providers to assist in a collaborative effort.
Public Hearing
Roy Stone, President, Librarian’s Guild, said he was pleased to know that security is a top priority for all the libraries. He stated that unfortunately from input received, the libraries are not as comfortable and secure as they sound. He advised they would follow up with management about specific issues and problems. Mr. Stone stated they would like the Rules of Conduct to be enforced. He emphasized they want support to address this tough situation.
VARIOUS COMMUNICATIONS: NONE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:48 a.m.
ATTEST: _________________
__________________________ Tyree Wieder President
__________________________ Gladys L. Senac Board Executive Assistant
Date to be Approved:
April 3, 2008
This is a true copy:
