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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/03/13 - Minutes - Library Board of TrusteesCITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES A. CALL TO ORDER An adjourned meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was held on Thursday, March 13, 2008, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. The meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. by President Robert Coberly. Present were Members Amster, Hairston and Nagel. Also present were: Deborah Clark, Library Director, Robert Karatsu, Assistant Library Director, Michelle Perera, Library Services Manager, Renee Tobin, Principal Librarian, Karye Hood, Reference Services Coordinator/Archibald Library, Jessica King, Library Assistant, Carol Durkel, Office Specialist II and Vivian Garcia, Administrative Secretary. ****s» B. CONSENT CALENDAR Bl. Approval of Minutes: January 10 (Nagel abstained) and February 14, 2008. MOTION: Moved by Member Amster to approve the minutes, seconded by Member Hairston. Motion carried, 4-0-1 (with Lo absent). ****** MOTION: Moved by Member Hairston to move Item #1 under Board Business to the front of the agenda, seconded by Member Nagel. Motion carved, 4-0-1 (with Lo absent). D 1. Request for Review of Material: Mrs. D. Moore. Title for review is "Mr. Lincoln's W ay" by Patricia Polacco. Report attached. Deborah Clark, Library Director, stated that one of the privileges and responsibilities ofthe Library Board of Trustees is to serve as the deciding factor when a disagreement arises between members of the public and the library staff about the appropriateness of any particular library material. She explained that staff will make a recommendation ofhow to handle the item in question based on our many years of experience in the field and working with the items but the ultimate judges of the dispensation of the materials in the collection is the Library Board of Trustees. She continued with the following: "The item that we have in question tonight is called, "Mr. Lincoln's Way" by Patricia Polacco. This process started with a request for review from Mrs. Moore who is with us this evening. The book was then reviewed by Renee Tobin who is our selector for the children's materials. She made her recommendation tome, as the Director, which was to keep the book in the collection based upon the popularity of the author, the appropriateness ofthe theme of the book and the number of the reviews noting that it would serve as a good discussion book. Based on that, staff found the book appropriate for our collection." The Director further explained that a letter was forwarded to Mrs. Moore outlining staff s decision, along with an invitation to appear before the Board of Trustees if she wished to challenge that decision. Library Boazd Minutes March 13, 2008 Page 2 The Library Director concluded her statements with the fol lowing: "A number of options available to the Boazd were recommended by staff in the attached report. A copy of the book was given to a number of you to review including Board members Hairston and Nagel and Library Assistant Jessica King." Mrs. Darzi Moore of 8720 Mandarin Avenue in Alta Loma came forward. She stated that she has lived in Alta Loma since 1982. She has been going to the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library for a long time. She is a substitute teacher for the Alta Loma School District. She teaches reading for the second and third grade. She was in the Library reviewing books for her class and ran across "Mr. Lincoln's Way." She reviewed it. She thought it was a good story about the bully. But what she did not agree with was that the author uses the "N" word. She does not think that it is appropriate for young children. She thinks they have enough to do in learning how to read without being in a discussion with that word. The word is derogatory and it is not a nice word. The other word she used was "scumbag" which is not in the same category as the "N" word. She stated: "I have no problem with the story or the point that she is making about the bully, I just don't like the usage of the N word. My friend that came with me, Ms. Debris Crocker, suggested that staff could put a disclaimer on there saying this book might have language that is offensive." Deborah Clark, Library Director, reviewed the section of the book in question with the Members that had not read the book. Ms. Debris Crocker of 1658 Erin Avenue in Upland came forward, stating that she was a good friend of Ms. Moore and that she had worked at Evergreen Valley College in San Jose. In her words: "The book, "Mr. Lincoln's Way" puts the burden on whoever checks out the book to explain the words to the young reader. Young children ask quite a lot of questions which need to be answered. If a disclaimer were placed on the book whoever checked it out would know that there may be some reference which will cause a burden on whoever is reading the book. A young reader will be asking, What is that? What does that mean?" . Mrs. Moore stated that the book reviews used by staff said the book was appropriate for pre-school through grade 6. She stated: "I don't think pre-school, first, second or third grade is appropriate. Maybe older children not the younger ones." Renee Tobin, Principal Librarian, stated that she had not read this particular book prior to the review, but had read other picture books by this author. She then read aloud the page in question to the audience. After reading the selection, she explained that staff found a number of reviews on this book. Some were mixed, stating this book was not her best work. An article from an instructor magazine indicated how the book could be used to foster discussions. As part ofthe review process, she asked the two children's librarians to read the book along with Library Assistant Jessica King, who was present at the meeting. Library Board Minutes March 13, 2008 Page 3 Jessica King, Library Assistant, stated that when she read the book, she found on another page a quote which refers to two other students from Mexico, calling them, "brown skin toads." Another unacceptable name. She further stated: "The context in which the author is using the book is to use these statements as teaching tools. As you go through and read this book, it does have a positive outcome which I know Mrs. Moore agrees with. It was refreshing to me to read the book; I rarely see easy picture books that show an African American male as a leader in a book among children of all different colors." She suggested that the book be moved from the pre-school section to the older children's fiction section or the parenting section. She also suggested that in the catalog system enough subject headings be used so that patrons could pull the book up under a lot of different subjects. Jessica King, Library Assistant, referred to the background of the author, stating that if you go the author's website the author will respond to hand written letters -although not e-mails. Member Nagel stated that she read the book and went on the website to see what the author's intent was, trying to understand. She specifically referenced in her materials for teachers that the purpose was to address racism and prejudice. The author stated that this book is to be used by teachers on the subjects in classes from third grade on up. Ms. Nagel further stated that she did not think the book was for a five year old child, adding: "The story is too sophisticated for a five year old to pick up and read." Member Hairston wanted to discuss her opinion ofthe book, but first wanted to make mention ofthe Black History Cultural Night that she attended at the Library. She was very proud of the event and stated that it was done in excellent taste. She went on to comment on the book in question: "I would not have given the book to my son at an early age. The author's intent was good as far as what she was trying to do." However, she shared the book with a couple of people who were educators. They did not care for the violence; the bully was not addressed in the book. Calling other children "brown toads" or pushing a girl down also made them question the book. Ms. Hairston concluded her remarks by stating: "I think the issue is not appropriate For the age where it is located." Member Amsler stated that her concern is that children will use words that they hear at home and they will use words that they hear from their own peer group and ifthere is nobody thereto tell them that it is not an appropriate word to use, they never learn what is appropriate and respectful to everyone around them. So where is the child to learn what is is respectful in a social setting? She believed the book had a purpose and needs to be accessible to older children, fifth or sixth graders. After discussion, the following motion was made: Library Board Minutes March 13, 2008 Page 4 MOTION: Moved by Member Nagel to direct staff to relocate existing copies of the book, "Mr. Lincoln's Way" by Patricia Polacco from the Easy Collection to the Children's Fiction Collection with a copy in the Parenting Collection, seconded by Member Hairston. Motion carved, 4-0-1 (with Lo absent). ****** C. LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S STAFF REPORTS C 1. Library Status Report: Oral reports presented by staff. a. Review of current statistics. Presented by Robert Karatsu, Assistant Library Director. Robert Karatsu, Assistant Library Director, reviewed the statistics with the Board showing that the Library system has been very, very busy. The busiest day for the Library system this year was the day after the President's Holiday on February 18. A total of 5500 items was checked out. C2. Budget Reports: Reports presented by Deborah Clark, Library Director. a. Review of 2007/2008 budget. b. Budget process 2008/09. Report attached. Detailed budget available at the meeting. Deborah Clark, Library Director, reviewed the 2007/08 budget with the Library Board. Deborah Clark, Library Director, gave an oral update on the budget process with the Board. She handed out the proposed budget to the Members, noting that it was a "roll over" budget, with no new programs or services proposed. She invited the Members to review it and ifthere are any questions to give her a call. The proposed budget will be returned to the next meeting with the Board. C3. Children's Services: Oral update by Renee Tobin, Children's Services Coordinator. a. Story Times and Special Programs. Renee Tobin, Principal Librarian, stated that the Bookmobile in both January and February circulated over 6,000 items each month. Also, the Bookmobile is visiting the local Headstart Program once a month along with the children's librarian, who presents a storytime to the students. The Bouncing Babies storytime began in January as a result of the ELF Grant. Library staff started with two storytimes, one at each library. Staff has since added a second at the Biane Library just this month. All three are full and there are waiting lists. The age is 0 to twenty-three months. C4. Archibald Library and Technology Services: Oral update by Robert Karatsu, Assistant Library Director. Library Board Minutes March 13, 2008 Page 5 a. Status of reinventing Archibald project. Robert Karatsu, Assistant Library Director, stated that next month staff would debut the new website. Robert Karatsu, Assistant Library Director, stated that Bids for the Archibald Remodel were due Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 2 p.m. in the City Clerk's office. He gave an update on the project to the Board. C5. Paul A. Biane Library and Collection Development: Oral update by Michelle Perera, Library Services Manager. a. Recommendation to Increase the Total Number of Items Allowed to Borrow from 10 to 25. Report attached. Michelle Perera, Library Services Manger, reviewed the report on page 37 with the Board. MOTION: Moved by Member Amsler to increase the total number of Items allowed to borrow from 10 to 25, seconded by Member Nagel. Motion carved, 4-0-1 (with Lo absent). b. Black History Cultural Night Michelle Perera, Library Services Manager, stated that the event was fantastic. Approximately 250 attended the Black History Cultural Night. The flow of the event went well. There was a jazz band from Los Osos High School. A performer, named Makinto, presented the history of music from Africa through present day through his musical instruments and costume changes. Another performance was in the story theatre. Jessica King, Library Assistant, engineered the performance with her brother, daughter and friends. Literacy learners read selections of poetry from famous African American poets. A great craft was conducted in the children's room. A speaker from Chaffey College, Professor Williams was speaking on New York's Harlem Renaissance. A Trivia Game was going on in the Teen Room, and amulti-media presentation with the "I Have A Dream" speech was playing on a loop. Michelle Perera, Library Services Manager, stated that Library staff is gearing up for National Library Week in April. Staff is trying to use all the Big Read Posters to try to create the biggest bookmark in the world. Staff has contacted Guinness and will hang the bookmark in the Library. Michelle Perera, Library Services Manager, also shared that she served as "Principal for the Day" at Coyote Canyon Elementary School and created a new partnership for the library with the Principal there. ~***** Library Boazd Minutes March 13, 2008 Page 6 D. BOARD BUSINESS D2. 'Scheduling and Agenda for Proposed Joint Meeting with City Council and Foundation Board. Oral presentation by Deborah Clark, Library Director. Deborah Clark, Library Director, stated that the date is now set at May 22, 2008. D3. Teen Board Reports. Oral reports by Members. This is the opportunity for Teen Advisory Members to speak about the opportunities and challenges they have encountered while serving as liaisons to the school and student community. Michelle Perera, Library Services Manager, stated the Teens were unavailable since they were working the Career Fair which is hosted annually by the City. They were representing the Library. **m*** E. IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING E1. New Website E2. Presentation on Expanded Hours for the PAB Library E3. Joint Meeting with City Council E4. Teen Report on Programs E5. Formality on What is Needed for Members of the Public ****** F. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Robert Karatsu stated on Thursday, March 27, at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Assemblyman Bill Emmerson will be honoring 63 Women of Distinction in the Inland Empire and two of them happen to be Sharon Nagel and Deborah Clark. Board Members were invited to attend. ****** Library Board Minutes March 13, 2008 Page 7 G. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by Member Hairston to adjourn, seconded by Member Nagel. Motion carried, 4- 0-1 (with Lo absent). Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Vivian Garcia Administrative Secretary Approved: April 10, 2008