Meeting Information

Attendees: Kathleen Capabianco, Anne Bartels, Natalie Close, Carol Mercier, Carol Easter, Diana Silvera, Donna Witkin, Matthew David, Cathy Wos, Marissa Steuer, Bianca

1. August Minutes Approved (Carol Mercier Motioned, Anne Bartels seconded)
2. End-of-the-year reports discussed. The annual lending library payment to the library was made.
3. Robotics Program Thank – You
   1. Bianca and Marissa presented on the ongoing success of the Robotic program sponsored by the Friends. They will Spring will be a Robotics Competition Team starting in January. Intro to Robotics will repeat next Fall.
   2. December 10, 6pm is a BattleBots Competition at the library.
4. Matthew submitted a nomination application for the Robotics Program sponsored by Friends to United for Libraries Award for Innovation.
5. Matthew presented a Director’s Report
   1. End of Year Statistics (still working on finalizing numbers)
      1. Overall circulation is down from 2023 but 1.5% up from 2022.
      2. Overall program attendance is up 35.9%!
      3. Library visits increased by 11.3%
6. Old Business
   1. The annual Meeting was a success. Kathy thanked everyone.
   2. A credit card for the Treasurer was approved (Kathy made the motion, and Diana seconded it).
7. New Business
   1. NY Times subscription. A one-year digital New York Times subscription for 5000 passes (accounts) is $3,016. Natalie made a motion to approve, and Kathy seconded it. The motion was approved.
   2. Kathy read a letter from Terry Fortner. She donated her book sales ($86.50) to the Friends of the Library from her recent program.
8. Committee Reports
   1. Bookstore (Carol Easter)
      1. We had a good year, ending with $40,638.18 in sales.
      2. In September, we had just under $3000 in sales (great considering the hurricanes)
   2. Communications (Diana) – Updated website
   3. Literacy (Carol Mercier)
      1. Carol is still looking for a new literacy director.
      2. Literacy currently has the oldest computers in the library. Blake recommended a new computer.
         Anne made a motion for up to $1000 for a new laptop and monitor for Literacy and seconded it to Carol Easter.
   4. Membership (Sharon) – no report
9. Adjourned – The next meeting is November 18th.

Minutes by Diana Silveira

In Attendance:

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Diana Silveria, Carly Schutle, Bobbie Pack, Matthew Malchuk, Barbara Mellen, Renee Avery, Margaret Ringl, Carben Godwin, Arlene Zimmerman, Faith Fuller, Elizabeth Lombardo, Janet Clayton, Mary Leitao, Mr. and Mrs. Goldhammer, Courtney O’ Connell, Alan Olson, Pete Lioonakos. Pricilla Lioonakos, Elaine Wright, Bruce Yeoman, Donna Witkin

Welcome and Introductions

• Friends President Kathy Capabianco welcomed members present and introduced current Friends board
• Matthew David, Palm Harbor Library Director then welcomed all present

Election of Officers 2025

• Nominated officers were reviewed with members in attendance, no new nominations from the floor. Voted into office are:
• Kathleen Capabianco elected as president and Anne Bartels as Vice President

Board 2025

• President Kathleen Capabianco
• Vice President Anne Bartels
• Secretary Elizabeth Lombardo
• Treasurer Natalie Close
• Bookstore Manager Carol Easter
• Communications Diana Sliveira
• Membership Sharon Sandoval
• Literacy Carol Mercier
• Past President Donna Witkin

Accomplishments

Kathy Capabianco then reviewed the programs that were supported by the Friends of the Library

• Literacy Program
• Children’s Makerspace
• Robotics Program
• Nan Colton Presentations
• Let Us Cool
• Summer Reading Program for Adults and Children
• AceCon
• Lending Library Subscriptions
• Large Print Books
• Children Playaways
• Yoffredo Center Music Program
• Concert Series
• Open House
• Creative Writing Program
• Author’s Consortium Program
• Build a Buddy
• Magazine Subscriptions
• Receipt printers for Circulation
• Opera for Earth

Lunch catered by Havana Dreams

Next meeting Oct/ 21

Date: August 19, 2024 meeting called to order by Kathy Capabianco at 6:01 PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Diana Silveira, Elizabeth Lombardo, Matthew David, Carol Mercier, Natalie Close

Not in Attendance:

Donna Witkin, Anne Bartels
Sharon Pikulinski from the Advisory Council here in place of Bill Mazurek to review 360 degree review process on Matthew David, forms to be filled in and returned to Sharon by the 23rd of August. This is listed as New Business under Agenda

Treasurer’s report

Major expense in July 433 dollars for the Lending Library. Discussion on credit card for the Friends reviewed, decision at this time to not apply for one.

Director’s report

• Mother Goose Rhyme time was attended by 128 in July over 3 sessions
• On July 9th a virtual author talk by Mercy Watson and Kate DiCamillo was accessed by library members on their own devices and streamed live at the library, 28 attended in person and 67 attended online/offsite. These virtual talks can be found at: Libraryc.org/PalmHarborLibrary
• Annual summer fundraiser, Summerween was held on July 19, with 121 in attendance and 1,100 dollars were raised
  On July 23rd Adventures in Minecraft! Drew 141
• On July 25th 239 were in attendance for the Annual Hose Down @ Palm Field, hosted by PHL and Palm Harbor Fire Rescue team
• PHL implemented new events calendar: PalmHarbor.LibraryCalender.com
• Xanthe Kleis, Library Assistant II in circulation was promoted from P/T to F/T
• The Library Assistant II part time in circulation has been filled by Dena Karras
• A Librarian I full time position is open in Youth Services
• On August 13, the BOCC approved the PHL MSTU application for 20,000 to replace shelving
• On August 20, Palm Harbor Library will be a primary election polling location from 7am to 7pm

Old Business

• The Palm Harbor Friends of the Library will host the annual meeting on Sept.14, Friends members are encouraged to attend. Donna Witkin has been reviewing catering vendors
• Special Interest Group was attended by Kathy Capabianco, there will be another meeting Oct. 18th

New Business

See above

Concerns and Announcements

• New shelving will be on wheels
• Matthew reviewed his visit to Seattle Public Library, and reports that their bookstore did not compare to ours!!

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore excellent July
2. Communications emails for reminder of luncheon. Discussion on having the forms for membership integrated with PayPal. Diana S. made a motion for 50 dollars for Forminator Pro to integrate forms, seconded by Sharon S., carried unanimously
3. Membership 2 new lifetime and 2 new annual members.
4. Literacy 2 new tutors in training, getting ready to apply for a new a grant for ‘Rocket English’ software.

Meeting Adjoined 6:36pm
Next meeting September 14

Date: July 15, 2024 meeting called to order by Kathy Capabianco at 6 PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)
Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Diana Silveira, Elizabeth Lombardo, Donna Witkin, Matthew David, Cathy Wos, Anne Bartels, Carol Mercier

Not in Attendance:

Minutes:

Motion to approve June minutes Sharon S. seconded by Carol E., approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

Budget reviewed

Director’s report

• June 12 Magically Ever After show attracted 177 in two sessions
• June 29, 90 attendants participated in the Program on the Oregon Trail
• IT team received E-rate funding for a dedicated fiber internet connection
• As of June, active PHL memberships are up by 6% from last year
• Library Assistant II part-time open in circulation
• Full-time Librarian position open in Youth Services
• MSTU funding if approved will provide 20,000 for shelving project, quote pending from contractor Office Worx
• Tuesday August 20 Palm Harbor Library will be a primary election polling place from 7a-7p
• PHL annual budget was approved by the PHL advisory board and will be submitted to the PHCSA board in August
• Summer Reading program continues
  Annual summer fundraiser,
• Summerween will be on July 19
  PHL Director has been appointed to be Chair of the Florida Library Assoc.

Old Business

• Motion to approve Friend’s Budget 2024,25 by Diana S. seconded by Sharon S. Budget approved unanimously
• Bookstore volunteers, Carol Mercier will discuss with Betsy schedule for substituting, Matthew states they are also looking at some software solutions to help with this, a reminder to be sent out that call outs should be called to circulation

• New Business

• PPLC 26th of July special interest group, Kathy to represent PHFL
• Applications for advisory board are coming in, 3 positions to be filled

Concerns and Announcements

None noted

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore sales exceeded last year for month
2. Communications changing server coming up
3. Basket sales slower in summer, will have next session end of July
4. Membership 2 new lifetime, one annual
5. Literacy no applications yet on replacement for Carol

Meeting Adjoined 6:52 pm
Next meeting August 19, 2024

June 17th Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 6PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Matthew David, Natalie Close, Ann Bartels, Peter Cannon, Marisa Steuer, Jodi Kaem, Allison Banmally

Not in Attendance

Diana Silveira, Donna Witkin

Minutes

Motion for approval for May minutes from Sharon Sandoval, seconded by Anne Bartels, unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report

Expenses:
Payment for Speakers Consortium 3,500
Open House 2,043

Director’s Report

• Robotic 77 in attendance
• Over 600 views Author series using PHL assess points
• Personnel changes Allison Banmally introduced as the new Marketing Co. and Carol Mercier is the new Volunteer Co., Carol will continue with the Literacy Director position until a replacement is found. Hiring ongoing for Librarian for youth services. The part time circulation position has also been filled.
• July 19^th Summerween 6-8pm will be a fund raiser, the bookstore will remain open, foundation  and Friends will have tables
• Budget item requests reviewed:
  • Marisa has a request of 3,000 dollars for 3 programs from Opera for Earth. soprano Jodi Kaem from Opera for Earth, gave a performance of the song Summertime. Discussion on planning and on benefits of the program for adults and children. Discussion on combining Opera, Yoffredo, and Band into overall Live Music
  • Marisa also requests 250 dollars for build a buddy later in year, this would cover 20 kids
  • Peter Cannon states funding for Creative Writing program can be cut in half from 12,500 to 6,250 Creative writing as there will be just one class in the Fall
  • Author talks 3500, set for 3 years
  • FLA membership to be paid for Director and Assistant. Director along with library

Old Business

None discussed

New Business

• See discussion under Director report on Budget

Concerns and Announcements

None noted

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore strong month so far, need to have protocol on calling in subs when someone has called off, this will be addressed with staff and new Coordinator
2. Communications no report
3. Fund Raising vacant
4. Literacy Carol will continue until someone new takes her position, tutors will now do the training first and then do background check, new charging stations to be here on the 21st
5. Membership 1 new annual

Meeting Adjoined 7:01 PM
Next meeting July 15, 2024

Date: May 20, 2024

Meeting Called to order by: President Kathy Capabianco at 6:00 PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Donna Witkin, Natalie Close, Anne Bartels, Sharon Sandoval, Mathew David, Diana Silveira, Carol Mercier

Not in Attendance

Minutes

April minutes approved by Carol Easter, seconded by Anne Bartels, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report

1,100 Lending Library expense.

Director’s Report

• On April 19, PHL hosted the annual Volunteer appreciation event with food, entertainment and awards for years of service
• On April 26, PHL hosted its annual OPEN HOUSE; 46 years of service were celebrated with entertainment and activities by 331 attendees of all ages
• The new Virtual Author Talk series, funded by the Friends of the Library using Library Speakers Consortium has begun. Live and past on-demand sessions can be found at:
  LibraryC.org/PalmHarborLibrary
• Volunteer Coordinator position now in pre-interview stage with several candidates.
• Marketing Coordinator position (full-time) has been filled by an internal promotion of Allison Banmally, previously on the youth services team
• June 1 will be the of the first day of the Summer Reading program for all ages.
• July 19 Summerween will be a fundraiser this summer
• PHL will be closed on Monday 27, for Memorial Day
• BOCC budget presentation on May 16

Old Business

The decision has been made to stay with the family memorial at the Library for Bobbe Allen.

New Business

• Annual Meeting date Sept. 14, this will consist of a Luncheon with meal set up at noon and the meeting set for 1
• Natalie Close is requesting 80 dollars for a year subscription to an online version of Quick Book for Treasury reports, as this will be more secure and stable. A motion for 80 dollars for the program made by Sharon Sandoval and seconded by Diana Silveira, approved unanimously
• Advisory Council Applications, an applicant needs to be an active Friends member

Concerns and Announcements

Happy Birthday to Kathy Capabianco!!!!

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore good month
2. Communications Friends accomplishments put on website
3. Membership four new annual and three new Lifetime member
4. Literacy we can now process applications for tutors, need charging cards for tablets, Peter working on this. Question on where Literacy classes can be held, Matthew to speak to Cathy Wos, Peter, MaryJane and Carol to try and work out schedules and signage for meetings.

Meeting Adjoined 6:52 PM
Next meeting June 17, 2024

Date: April 15, 2024

Meeting Called to order by: President Kathy Capabianco at 5:59 PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Donna Witkin, Natalie Close, Anne Bartels, Sharon Sandoval, Mathew David, Carol Mercier

Not in Attendance

Diana Silveira

Minutes

Motion to approve March minutes by Anne Bartles, seconded by Carol Easter

Treasurer’s Report

1,000 dollar expenditure for ACEcon.

Director’s Report

On April 6th the Literacy Council of Palm Harbor hosted a luncheon celebration for tutors and students, food and demonstrations from different cultures were enjoyed

On April 9th the Palm Harbor Library Endowment Foundation participated in a strategic planning session led by Peter Pearson

The Volunteer Coordinator position (part time); Marketing Coordinator position (full time) is in the interview stages

Volunteer Fair scheduled for April 23th from 10-12

PHL’s Open House will be held April the 26th 5-7

Saturday June 1 will be the first day of Summer Reading for all ages including onsite registration for events and all ages takeaways
March outreach, participated in 17 events, attended by 386 people

Old Business

Author’s Consortium up and running, discussion on ways to make site more friendly, Kathy C. has spoken to Peter Cannon about this

New Business

Funding requested 300 dollars for Chef Warren and 450 for Nan Colton program, there is already funding in the Friends budget for programs, the library just needs to request the funds

Discussion on a Bobbe Allen, who was a long-time volunteer remembrance, Kathy C. will speak to Kathy Koutsoumbaris to check on possibility of providing a tree for remembrance

Concerns and Announcements

None noted

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore good month
2. Communications: no report
3. Fundraising: no report
4. Membership: one new annual and one new Lifetime member
5. Literacy classes going very, will continue grammar and conversation classes during the summer, A grant received, able to purchase 5 new tablets, now working on obtaining charging stations.

Meeting Adjoined 6:31 PM
Next meeting May 20, 2024

Date: March 18, 2024

Meeting Called to order by: President Kathy Capabianco at 6:00 PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Elizabeth Lombardo, Natalie Close, Cathy Wos, Diana Silveira, Sharon Sandoval, Anne Bartles, guest Allison Banmally

Not in Attendance Mathew David, Carol Mercier, Donna Witkin

February Minutes

Motion to approve January minutes by Sharon Sandoval, seconded by Anne Bartles, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report

2,000 dollars paid for printers

800 dollars paid for mag subscriptions

Achieva CD has increased by 500 dollars

Director’s Report given by Cathy Wos

ACEcon was a success, thanks to FPHL for financial help, 550 people over 2 days, 21 vendors

Childrens Dept. totally staffed

Still need to fill Vol. Co.

Marketing coordinator position transitioned from contract to full position

Library Open House, The Pearl of Palm Harbor is scheduled for April 26, there will be a pirate, mermaid theme, 300 grab bags

Old Business

Cataloging your treasures was a success, 400 dollars clear, and we are looking for a date for next year, both appraisers will be coming back

New Business

Allison Banmally gave a report on the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (PPLC) Friends of the Library Special Interest Group (SIG), discussion on what benefits it would give to FPHL, and if there is interest in this for us, suggestion given that perhaps some of the groups would like to come and sit in with us, no decision made

We need wine bottles for Wine toss on open house

Author Consortium beginning date will be April1

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Carol states figures look very good for Feb, new chair in bookstore
2. Communication Diana would like to put announcements on website on what FPHL supports and contributes to
3. Membership 1 annual to Lifetime, 3 new lifetime, 3 new annual, 3 annual renewals
4. Literacy April 6^th is Literacy Celebration
5. Fundraising vacant

Concerns and Announcements

Cathy Wos will review with volunteers in the bookstore the procedure for ringing up gift baskets and where to put the slips and money for same.

Meeting Adjourned   6:32PM

next meeting March 15, 2024

Date: February 12, 2024

Meeting called to order by: President Kathy Capabianco at 6:00 PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Elizabeth Lombardo, Natalie Close, Mathew David, Cathy Wos, Donna Witkin, Carol Mercier, Diana Silveira, Peter Cannon

Not in Attendance: Sharon Sandoval, Anne Bartels

November Minutes

Motion to approve January minutes by Kathy Capabianco, seconded by Carol Mercier, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report

Achieva CD opened for 100,00 dollars, 12 months @5%

Director’s Report

On 1/6/24 Opera for Earth performed Amahl& the Night Visitors: A One-Act Opera that was attended by 78 people

On 1/26/24, the artPHL Evening was attended by 171 and raised over 4,200 dollars. Thanks to Deborah G., Erica L., Lois E., Mark S., and Nancy M. for volunteering at the event.

The ABC Reading Club, which is held bimonthly at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, was hosted this month by PHL youth services staff Allison B. To celebrate the book selection, Indivisible by Four: A String Quartet in Pursuit of Harmony by Arnold Steinhardt.  This was attended by 52 people and was followed by a performance from the Meriggiare String Quartet

Interviews are in progress for Community Engagement Librarian position and Youth Services Library Assistant II

On 1/25/24 PHL director, assistant director, and 4 managers attended Pinellas County’s ADA training, team from all 4 entities

March 9^th and 10^th  PHLFriends of the Library and Dove Digital Marketing will sponsor 

ACEcon, a convention celebrating comic books, anime, and related interests  

PHL ‘s annual open house will be on April 26, local businesses are invited to attend, the first 300 people will receive a goody bag.

PHL director submitted an application for the NEA Big Read Grant, if awarded the project will take place in April 2025

PHL assistant director attended Library Legislative Day in Tallahassee, visited state legislators to make a case for continued state funding for library operations

Some of the community events the PHL director attended; East Lake Community Library community service day

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue’s groundbreaking ceremony for station #68

FEAST groundbreaking ceremony

Palm Harbor Museum Annual Meeting

Visited the Safety Harbor Library to tour the facility

Old Business

Peter Cannon delivered a presentation on the Library Speakers Consortium as discussed last meeting, a motion made by Kathy Capabianco and seconded by Elizabeth Lombardo for 3,500 dollars to fund this for a year, carried unanimously

Cataloging Your Treasures to be held this Saturday 2/17/24, lunch will be provided to the appraisers, we will be able to take credit cards

New Business

None at this time

Concerns and Announcement,

None noted

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Carol reports 3,579 for the month of January
2. Communications website continues to be updated
3. Membership no report
4. Literacy no new tutors and some have dropped out, many students waiting, the Literary Celebration has been moved to April 6
5. Fundraising no report

Meeting Adjourned 6: 59PM

next meeting March 18, 2024

Date: January 8, 2024

Meeting Called to order by: President Kathy Capabianco at 602PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)
Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Anne Bartels, Natalie Close, Mathew David, Cathy Wos, Donna Witkin, Carol Mercier

Not in Attendance: Diana Silveira

November Minutes
Motion to approve November minutes by Carol Easter, seconded by Sharon Sandoval, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report

• Largest expense for month was $7,846 for Robotic program
• Achieva CD matured in Nov. motion made by Sharon Sandoval to open CD for $100,00, 12 months @5%, seconded by Carol Easter, carried unanimously
• Motion for $300 by Sharon Sandoval to cover Florida Library Assoc. renewal for Mathew David and Cathy Wos seconded by Carol Easter and carried unanimously

Director’s Report

• Volunteer Co./outreach position open and accepting applications
• New cleaning service has been employed
• Meet the Director will be held on Monday Jan.22nd at 5:30 to enable community to meet Mathew
• artPHL evening to be Jan.26 7-9pm is being advertised on our website, discussion on getting the word out

Old Business

• Circ. Desk computer ordered
• Receipt printers not ordered yet
• Robotics equipment ordered

New Business

• Speakers Consortium Library; The Library Speakers Consortium is a partnership of 200+ public libraries working together to bring regular author talk programming to communities of all sizes, we will discuss this further next month, approximate cost $3,500 for this year
• NEA Big Read grant. The grant application requires the library to match the award amount (between $5,000-$20,000) with in-kind contributions, staff hours to implement the project. Activities will include author talk, book clubs, community projects, events for all ages, and book giveaways this grant will fund a community wide read of “The Bear” by Andrew Krivak for the next fiscal year (2024-2025). Mathew is requesting $4,000 from the Friends to fund a book giveaway for this project. After discussion motion to fund this with $2,000 made by Kathy Capabianco and seconded by Elizabeth Lombardo, carried unanimously
• Volunteers for Cataloging your Treasures, Feb. 17, 2024, 11-2 this will be a cash only event, 3 items per person @ $5 an item, Donna W., Carol E., Kathy C., Sharon S., Elizabeth L. volunteered to assist with this event

Concerns and Announcement
None noted

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore $3,289.99 for Dec. Ready for Valentine’s Day
2. Communications no report
3. Membership 1 new annual and 3 renewed annual members
4. Literacy 20 students waiting, can’t accept new tutor applications till Vol.Co. position fille. On Feb 24th Literacy Celebration will be held
5. Fundraising no report

Meeting Adjourned 7:21PM
Meeting in February will be on the 12th with Feb. 26th if the 12 is unavailable

Date: November 13, 2023

Meeting Called to order by: President Kathy Capabianco at 600 PM.

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)
Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Anne Bartels, Natalie Close, Diana Silveira, Mathew David, Cathy Wos

Not in Attendance: Donna Witkin, Carol Mercier

Bianca Gittinger-Linzer gave information on a Robotics program she would like to host to teach youth coding using LEGO Spike and iPads. She requested $8,596 to purchase an initial set of seven iPAD Pros

October Minutes
Motion to approve October minutes by Natalie Close, seconded by Anne Bartels, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report
Summer Reading program expense 2,390.04. 

Director’s Report

• 500-dollar micro grant from Cares foundation put towards Robotics program
• Good attendance numbers for October, over 3800 people
• Gratitude poster at front desk
• Circulation position filled, Youth services library position open
• Meeting with commissioners on the 9th of November went well
• Dec. 1st Yoffredo concert series
• Artful evening end of Jan.
• Feb. 17th 5 dollars per item, appraisers will be here for Antique Roadshow here

Old Business

• Robotics program, motion made by Diana Silveira for seven iPAD pros @ 8,596 dollars seconded by Sharon Sandoval, carried unanimously
• Receipt printers motion made for 2.290 dollars by Anne Bartels for 10 new receipt printers, seconded by Sharon Sandoval carried unanimously
• Discussion to continue on the feasibility of email receipts
• Membership Brochure looks very good 100 will be ordered

New Business
No new business at this time

Concerns and Announcement

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Christmas pricing to be done
2. Communications updating website continuing
3. Membership 1 new lifetime and 1 new annual member, discussion on having something on badges to identify Friends members, no decisions made
4. Literacy no report
5. Fundraising no report

Meeting Adjourned 6:53 PM
Next meeting January 08, 2024
The meeting in February will be on the 12th

Happy Holidays!

October 16th, 2023 Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 6PM, who then welcomed the new Library Director, Matthew David.

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)
Kathy Capabianco, Anne Bartels, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Diana Silveria, Donna Witkin, Mathew David, Natalie Close

Not in Attendance:

Minutes:

Motion to approve minutes from August meeting made by Carol Easter, seconded by Anne Bartles, carries unanimously

Treasurer’s Report:
216,062.38 Balance Motion made to reimburse Sharon S. for $50 for new QuickBooks license for Natalie, and
$61.25 for corporate filing with the state, allowing Natalie’s name as new Treasurer on our account made by Diana Silveira seconded by Natalie Close, carried unanimously.

Director’s report

• New Library Director, introduced himself and reviewed his background, half in academic libraries and half in public libraries, excited to work with all.
• Last month was national Library card sign up, we had 253 new cards issued, a 25% increase of last year
• Team attended PPLC staff development day
• Roof replacement completed, Ceiling tile replacement has begun
• Security badges in progress PT position open in circulation
• Budget passed
• Thursday the 19th of October at 11 am there will be a tree dedication in honor of Bernie Yoffredo
• Local author showcases Nov.4
• On Dec. 16th Pop culture Flea Market is planned, currently looking for vendors, and individuals with items to sell to fundraise for AceCom
• Buck for a Duck for Oct. All were sold, proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society
• Air conditioning to be fixed, awaiting part
• Welcome week baskets, 145 baskets distributed to Lutheran Services, Gulfcoast Jewish services, and local none profit that supports Ukraine.

Old Business

Reviewed annual meeting which was held in Sept., Kathy thanked all who attended and supported her, it was enjoyed by all who attended, and we received one new member at that time.

New Business

Requests for funding

1. Robotics class request made by Bianca, a USF student, who volunteers here to start a robotics program for middle school students, after discussion decision made to request Bianca to come to a Friend’s meeting to review this request and supply more information on same before decision will be made on funding.
2. Circulation desk computer discussion on age of computer and that it is on a desk that will facilitate w/c access ability, motion made by Diana Silveria for 1010 dollars for new Dell desktop and monitor, seconded by Sharon Sandoval, motion carried unanimously.
3. Inventory receipt printers, request for 15@229 dollars ea., discussion on possibility of not needing all 15, and also the possibility of having email receipts instead of printed. After discussion decision made to investigate further before decision on funding. 

Concerns and Announcements

A check was donated to the Friends for 1000 dollars, a thank you note will be sent, and a receipt for same sent.

Matthew thanked everyone for welcoming him and has joined the Friends as a Lifetime member. 

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore Carol reports good month, she plans on having a cleaning day on Nov. 17th in the Bookstore.
2. Communications Diana reports a dedicated line needed for Friends for website support, Mathew will handle this.
3. Fund Raising vacant
4. Literacy very busy, over 30 active tutors, 7-8 in training. 
5. Membership Friends membership pamphlet reviewed by Sharon on changes to be made to same after discussion. 4 new annual renewed members, 6 new annuals, 5 new lifetime 210 members all together. Sharon would like to send a letter out each October and January to members to remind them to renew, pointing out all the good support the Friends give to the library. The volunteer meeting is next month and the Friends will make an appeal at that meeting for membership in the Friends.

Meeting Adjoined 7:03PM, Next meeting Nov. 13, 2023.