Meeting Information

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Matthew David, Ann Bartels, Diana Silveira, guest, Anne Burson

Not in Attendance:

Donna Witkin

Minutes:

Motion for approval for July minutes from Sharon Sandoval, seconded by Carol Easter, unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report:

Motion from Sharon Sandoval for approval of Friends portion of Budget for next year, seconded by Diana Silveira, unanimous approval

Motion by Sharon Sandoval for Friends to donate 300 dollars towards celebration for Matthew David, seconded by Anne Bartels, unanimous approval

Director’s report:

• Pine tree was removed from near the employee entrance, due to safety issues
• In July PHL hosted an exhibition of art created by residents of Parc Center for Disabilities
• PHL also hosted an exhibition of photos by the PHL Annual Photography Contest winners
• 7/14 Let Us Cook featuring Chef Warren Caterson was held at PHL with 37 in attendance
• 7/18 two sessions of DunDee Farms Reptiles were hosted at PHL and attended by 105 kids and families
• 7/25 PHL hosted Mr. Brad’s Music with 115 kids and caregivers attending
• 7/28 PHL Harry Potter Birthday Bash! held at PHL with 36 in attendance
• 7/28 Commissioner Scott conducted community office hours at Palm Harbor Library and met with constituents
• 8/29 PHL will host Attic to Awesome: Market & Appraisals, this will also be Mathew’s last day

Old business:

• Annual meeting, 36 people signed up so far, food will be supplied by Publix, no vegetable tray or lettuce will be ordered
• Yard Sale signs and info. on tax referendum can be discussed at Annual Meeting
• Annual fund-raising goal, discussion that we can work on this at future meetings
• Bookstore fundraising MaxxMultiMedia rescheduled for the October meeting

New business:

None discussed

Concerns and Announcements

Good Luck to Matthew on his new adventure, and thank you for his work here at PHL
Thanks to Kathy Capabianco for her leadership of the Friends

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore July sales $4135
2. Communications sending reminders to RSVP for Annual Meeting, Diana will print out info. for Annual Meeting
3. Literacy tutors coming back
4. Membership total lifetime members are now 216 and annual 43

Meeting Adjourned 6:25 PM
Annual Meeting Sept. 19
Oct. 19 Regular Meeting

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Matthew David, Donna Witkin, Diana Silveira, Anne Bartels

Not in Attendance:

Carol Easter

Minutes:

Motion for approval of June minutes Anne Bartels, seconded by Diana Silveira, unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report:
Motion by Sharon Sandoval to amend approved amount of Literacy budget by 1000 dollars to 5,000 from 4,000, seconded by Diana Silveira, carried unanimously

Discussion on possible goals for future fundraising, and including members of the Friends in solicitation, further discussion next meeting

Director’s Report:

• 6/3 PHL co-hosted The Spirit of Service-Civic Engagement with the Palm Harbor Museum, PHL Director spoke along with Commissioners Dave Eggers and Brian Scott and museum representatives
• 6/5 Bernie Yoffredo Concert Series: Music of the 1970s with Terry Premru, 46 attended
• 6/10 Speak UP! Let’s Talk About Mental Health donated a memorial Bench to PHL
• 6/17 Tampa Bay 28 reporter Sean Daly aired a 2-minute spot on PHL summer happenings
• 6/30 Rock Painting was hosted at PHL with an attendance of 97
• 6/30 PHL Director and Assistant Director, along with Commissioners Eggers and Scott
• Attended the Re-Energizing Downtown Palm Harbor ceremony

Old Business:

None discussed

New Business:

• Florida Library Friends and Foundation response to tax referendum – Kathy C., Donna W. and Carol T. attended Zoom call with Miami Dade Friends on proposed referendum, the consensus is that we cannot tell people to vote “no” but we can speak on how this will impact organizations, and this should be done after the August primaries
• The organization “Every Library” (501C3 organization) will coordinate plans for fundraising to offset media costs
• PHCSA Entities Property Tax Reform-Impact Projections
  Matthew provided a handout on these projections, we can hand this out at Friends meeting in September, discussion also on potential Town Meeting, partnership with Fire, EMT, Parks and Recreation to provide education on the impact of these projections
• PHL Budget request for next year
  After discussion, motion to approve budget request by Diana Silveira seconded by Anna Bartels, carried unanimously
• Bookstore Fundraising- vendor opportunity MaxxMultiMedia
  Discussion on this proposal, Max will be invited to review this program at the August meeting

Concerns and Announcement:

September Friends annual meeting to start at 11 for lunch and meeting afterwards

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore see MaxxMultiMedia under New Business
2. Communications Diana reports she is working on the site
3. Literacy 34 current students, 20 on waiting list
4. Membership total lifetime members are now 215 and annual 41

Meeting adjourned 7:10 PM
Next meeting Aug. 17

Meeting Minutes

June 15, 2026, Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 600PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy Wos, Matthew David, Donna Witkin

Not in Attendance:

Anne Bartels, Diana Silveira

 Minutes:

Motion for approval for May minutes from Carol Mercier, seconded by Carol Easter, unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report:

Donations coming in honor of Kathy Capabianco’s birthday in the amount of 108 dollars

Donation received through Benevity from a Mr.Jackson for 594.10, stating he” who would like to thank the staff and volunteers that make this the best library. From Bookworms and Rhyme time, to Storytime, the fish tank and more you make our community better. Hope you have a great day.”  This was received in the first week of June and will be in June’s financials.

Director’s report

• William from the Palm Harbor Library Robotics team took home a Special Achievement Award for the Best Team in Florida from Robofest Official Worlds Championship
• May 1: Bernie Yoffredo Concert Series featured Liz Glushko, cellist with 45 in attendance
• May 30: annual Summer Reading Registration saw over 100 kids, teens and adults registered
• Annual Library budget was presented to the Board of County Commissioners on May 14
• PHL Director and Youth Services Manager promoted summer reading on 5/19 at St. Mark Village and via Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce podcast on 5/28
• PHL was awarded a 1,500 America250 Grant from Florida Humanities, this will be used for the purchase of books
• May 31: PHL held a celebration for the life of Jeannette and Waldy Malouf, family and community gathered to remember PHL’s founder, her husband and their legacy

Old business

The food for the September Annual meeting will be ordered from Publix, Donna Witkin will contact Publix

New business

No new business

Concerns and Announcements

None noted

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore good month, 4209 in sales
2. Communications no report
3. Literacy Literacy luncheon was a success, 74 in attendance, music and food enjoyed by all, Carol will be ordering new material for the tutors
4. Membership total lifetime members are now 214 and annual at 40

Meeting Adjourned: 6:37 PM

Next meeting July 20

Meeting Minutes

May 18, 2026 Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 600PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Kathy Capabianco, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Cathy Wos, Matthew David, Ann Bartels, Donna Witkin, Diana Silveira

Not in Attendance:

Carol Mercier, Carol Easter

Minutes:

Motion for approval for April minutes from Sharon Sandoval, seconded Diana Siveira, unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report:

Solicitation of Contribution Registration annual renewal completed no fee required

Notification from Marisa Steuer that a Donation to Friends in the amount of 500 dollars from Pam West is forthcoming in honor of Dale Kramer

Director’s report

• America259: Grand opening of the Elisa Nelson American Girl Doll Collection on April 4, saw speakers from the Palm Harbor Museum, the PHL Director, the initiative sponsor (Elisa’s Greatest Wishes), and a young patron give remarks with 36 in attendance
• May 16: the Literacy luncheon was held with 74 in attendance, 3 students gave insightful and inspiring speeches, and great food and music was enjoyed by students, tutors, family and guests
• Robotics team Table did not place at Nationals but did receive a special recognition reward, they also went on went on a field trip to the Ford Museum
• May 14: PHL annual Budget presentation to the Board of County Commisionioners
• May 30: Summer Reading Registrations for all ages
• May 31: 2pm Celebration of Life for Jeanette and Waldy Malouf
• June 13: At Barnes & Noble the PHL will receive a portion of all sales made that day when you mention you are shopping in support of the library

Old business

September annual meeting luncheon will be Sept. 19. Plans discussed. Kathy Capabianco awaiting to hear about the omelet station

New business

No new business discussed

Concerns and Announcements

None voiced

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore April sales, 3,851
2. Communications working on emails to members
3. Literacy see luncheon review under Director’s report
4. Membership total lifetime members are now 214, and annual 39

Meeting Adjourned: 6:30PM

Next meeting June 15

April 20, 2026

Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 600PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)
Kathy Capabianco, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Cathy
Wos, Matthew David, Donna Witkin, Diana Silveira, Marisa Steuer, guest Kathleen Hanley

Not in Attendance:
Anne Bartels

Minutes:

Motion for approval of March minutes from Sharon Sandoval, seconded by Carol Easter,
unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report:

Current assets 212,707.08

Director’s Report:

• March 4 America250: PH Museum Presents Voices & Visions of 1776, hosted by the library and Museum 82 in attendance
• March 7 and 8th the 12 th annual ACEcon, family event was held, with activities, contests, market and food trucks, record of 631 in attendance
• March 28, PHL robotics teams competed in local Robotics competition and won 1st and 2nd place for 2nd year in a row, the winning team will go to the World Championship in May
• April 25 Voices & Visions America250: Our Musical Chairs Concert, will be held at 1:00PM, patriotic songs from American songbook will be performed
• Also on April 25 America250: Grand opening of Elisa Nelson American Girl Doll Collection will be at 2:00PM
• The front entrance and doors are 100% completed
• PHL will be sending in their annual budget submission to the County, the presentation to the Board of Commissioners will be on May 14, 2026
• Cathy Wos, PHL Assistant Director was accepted to and attended Pinellas County University to represent PHL earning a certificate, and learning more about how the county operates

Old Business:

None noted

New Business:

Policy and Procedures update, after review and discussion it was determined that with the updated Bylaws and the yearly Budget, the policies and procedures are incorporated in these, and at this time are no longer relevant on their own.

Marisa Steuer presented a request for funding for the 1 st place Robotic winning team, Table, and their support team to the World Championship in Michigan, this would include transportation, stay at an Air B&B, car rental, and daily stipend for food. After discussion a motion by Diana S. was made to fund the team for 3,600, this was seconded by Carol M., and then carried unanimously

The whole board will be up for re-election this coming September, Donna W. and Diana S. will send an email to the membership to ask for nominations

Concerns and Announcement:

Carol M. was notified by one of the tutors that her student is also being tutored by another person in the library, Carol will try to determine in what capacity this person is tutoring and if the student does in fact want 2 tutors P

HL will be participating with a Barnes and Noble bookfair on Sat. June 13, where with a presentation of a voucher a percentage of the net sale will be contributed to the library:

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore March sales were 3,840
2. Communications, Diana reports she is working on the site
3. Literacy there will be a celebration luncheon May16, to celebrate the Literacy students and tutors
4. Membership total lifetime members are now 212 and annual 37

Meeting Adjourned 6:47 PM
Next meeting May 18

March 16, 2026
Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 600PM

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

Not in Attendance: Diana Silveira

Minutes:

Motion for approval of February minutes from Sharon Sandoval, seconded by Carol Easter,
unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report:

20-dollar donation received from Maria Vivo in memory of Jeanette Malouf
25 dollars and unfilled membership paperwork received by Sharon, will hold to see if anyone
claims it

Director’s report

• PHL is submitting its MSTU application to request funding to update AV equipment and infrastructure in conference and community rooms, wireless connection will eliminate the use of cords and improve ease of access
• Friends Creative Writing Workshop was hosted and taught by former student, and published author, Kristen Wollett, with a total of 39 in attendance (13 average per session)
• Feb. 21 Tampa Taiko Japanese Drums was attended by 58
• April 25, 2026 America250: Our Musical Chairs Concert, will be held at 1:00PM, patriotic songs from American songbook will be performed
• Also, on April 25 America250: Grand opening of Elisa Nelson American Girl Doll Collection will be at 2:00PM
• PHL will be sending in their annual budget submission to the County, the presentation to the Board of Commissioners will be on May 14, 2026

Old business

Membership cards

Decision to go with the expiration date to be listed on the membership card, and we will go with
a 12-month rolling period for duration of the card

New business – None 

Concerns and Announcement

Large plastic water bottles are used to refill the water in the coffee machine in the bookstore, the empty bottles can be reused, but some have been thrown away. Please spread the word not to dispose the bottles.

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore – February sales 3559
2. Communications – Diana and Donna are going to be working to update Policies and Procedures
3. Literacy – 2 Literacy volunteers are starting to catalog resources to make for easier access of materials for the tutors. A new conversation class for beginners will be started April 4, current grammar class to end in May, new one to start for beginners possibly in the Fall or sooner. 23 students on waiting class
4. Membership total lifetime members are now 210 and annual 34, will continue to send postcards to annual members probably quarterly

Meeting Adjoined 6:35PM
Next meeting April 20

February 9, 2026
Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 6:00PM

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

Not in Attendance:

Minutes:

Motion for approval for January minutes from Carol Mercier, seconded by Carol Easter,
unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report:

Report that the square has worked out well for the bookstore, sales using it totaled 1,294 last
month, the cashiers in the bookstore have also done well with using it

Director’s report

The celebration of life for Jeannette Malouf is still awaiting the decision of a date from her family artPHL evening was a success 7,000 in clear profit

Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce has named Palm Harbor Library Non-profit Business of the Year and Matthew will nominate the library for Library of the Year with the Library Assoc.

The new blue shelving has been a success, and also proved very easy to move and create more space for artPHL evening

Old business

None discussed

New business

The mailboxes for the Friends will be consolidated to one box only

Motion made by Anne Bartels to change annual membership for the Friends to be January to December, seconded by Carol Easter, carried unanimously

Concerns and Announcements

Discussion on need for more study rooms, or space, possibly sound dividers, Matthew will look
into possible options.

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore January sales 4,012
2. Communications working on website, and membership postcards
3. Literacy 31 active tutors, 9 tutors in training, 42 students
4. Membership total lifetime members are now 210 and annual 19,12 responses
   from postcards mailed, 2 postcards returned unable to forward

Meeting Adjoined 6:36PM
Next meeting March 16

January 12, 2026 Meeting called to order by President Kathy Capabianco at 602PM

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

Minutes:

Motion for approval for November minutes from Diana Silveira, seconded by Carol Mercier, unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report:

Good month for Bookstore and Baskets

CD in Achieva Credit Union will mature on the 20 th of this month, motion made by Anne Bartels, seconded by Carol Easter to use this CD @ 100,000, along with 75,000 from money market to obtain 175,000 CD for 15months @ 5%, there are no penalties for early withdrawal, motion carried unanimously

Director’s report

• Battle of the Bots 90 attended
• PHU Robotics Demo 61 in attendance
• 2 vacancies IT PT position, circulation PT position
• Front doors being finished
• New Blue shelving to be put in place Monday, the 19 th of Jan.
• ArtPHL evening tickets on sale for Jan. 23
• Celebration of Life for Jeannette Malouf to be March 1 st, awaiting confirmation from family
• Library to be closed Monday Jan. the 19 th for MLK Day, and Feb. The 13 th , for staff development,
• Monday Feb. 16 th for Presidents Day
• Donation received for Women’s History program, so no funds needed from the Friends
• Donation received from patron who enjoyed concert of St. Petersburg Saxophone Quartet and would like to sponsor another one to be scheduled for later in the year

Old business

None discussed

New business

• New forms reviewed by Sharon for letters for renewal of membership 
• Discussion on advertisement for Bookstore in the Beacon. Discussion on when timewise would
  be the best, will continue to review
• Elections for this year, both President and Vice president posts need to be filled as Kathy and
• Anne cannot run again, interested volunteers should contact Donna Witkin

Concerns and Announcements

Palm Harbor Parks and Rec. will have a program on ebike and gulf cart safety on Feb. 4 th at 630

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore good December, better than last January, calendar best so far
2. Communications website in compliance, researching for official email site
3. Literacy 27 active tutors, 13 tutors in training, 34 students, 15 students waiting
4. Membership 2 new Lifetime members, 2 new annual,1 annual renewal, postcards to be sent out to annual members from last 3 years for renewal, will also check if Square can be used for renewal

Meeting Adjoined 7:01 PM
Next meeting February 9

Nov. 17, 2025 Meeting called to order by Kathy Capabianco at 600PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Diana Silveira, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Matthew David, Donna Witkin, Anne Bartels, Kathy Capabianco, Cathy Wos

Not in Attendance: Donna Witkin

Minutes:

1. Motion to approve Minutes from October meeting by Anne Bartels, seconded by Sharon Sandoval, approved unanimously
2. Treasurer’s Report:
   1. October was a good month
   2. Last Gift certificate was redeemed in book store
   3. Excel budget report to be used
3. Director’s report
   1. Susan Broward, a local artist donated a stained-glass art piece to PHL, it now hangs in the conference
   2. PHL held its annual costume swap, over 100 costumes were checked out/ swapped
   3. 2 Intro to Robotics sessions held 10/7 and 10/21 average 34 in attendance
   4. Halloween themed Let Us Cook had 31 in attendance in 10/14
   5. Part time Library Assistant position in Circulation
   6. Front entrance with sliding glass door repair to start 10/17, will take more time due to code adherence
   7. PHL annual Call to Artists now open, contact is Marisa Steuer ( marisa@phlib.org) for questions, applications due 12/5/25
   8. Annual Palm Harbor Craft Festival will be held11/22/25 to 11/23/25 10am to 5pm
   9. Annual artPHL Evening event, tickets go on sale 12/2/25, deadline for event sponsors 12/5/25
   10. 1/23/26 doors open at 6:30 for artPHL event
   11. PHL will be closed 11/27/25 and 11/28/25 for Thanksgiving
   12. 10/30 PHL Director presented on a Florida Library Assoc. Webinar panel on management / leadership
4. Old Business:
   None discussed
5. New Business:
   Women’s History Month awards are coming up in February 2 local women would be awarded 250 dollars each to give to a charity of their choice, would friends care to sponsor this or be a back up if funds not available Sharon Sandoval made a motion for the Friends to be a backup with funds up to 500 dollars if the library not able to obtain donations for this amount, seconded by Elizabeth Lombardo, motion carried unanimously.
6. Concerns and Announcements
   None at this time
7. Committee Reports:
   1. Bookstore: Carol Easter reported 4073 dollars in sales for month, square has worked out well
   2. Communications: website continues to be updated
   3. Baskets: 389 this month
   4. Literacy: 2 new tutors
   5. Membership: 2 new lifetime members, 208 lifetime members and 22 annuals currently
8. Adjourned 6:34

Next meeting January 12

Oct 20th 2025 Meeting called to order by Kathy Capabianco at 6:00PM

In Attendance: (Quorum Satisfied)

Diana Silveira, Carol Easter, Sharon Sandoval, Elizabeth Lombardo, Carol Mercier, Matthew David, Donna Witkin, Anne Bartels

Not in Attendance:

Minutes:

Motion to approve Minutes from August meeting by Diana Silveira, seconded by Sharon Sandoval, approved unanimously

Treasurer’s Report:

EOY Balance $206,539.78

The Bette Sachs Memorial fund is at $650 dollars

We will need to find a new CPA, Matthew will contact the CPA the library uses, and Sharon will speak with Natalie Close (previous treasurer) for possible contacts

Liz Glushko, cellist, gave us a demonstration of her work, she will be giving a concert in the library at a future date

Director’s Report

Matthew showed us the color for the new shelves, a nice shade of green

September was National Library Card Signup Month, PHL signed up 220 new members, a 39% increase from last year

Intro to Robotics had a total of 88 participants over two sessions

On 09/19/25 the Friends of the Palm Harbor Library held their annual meeting with 25 in attendance

Annual budgets for PPLC and PHCSA were approved unanimously by the BOCC

The county will replace the front entrance, including the sliding glass doors starting the week of Nov.10

Palm Harbor Museum and Sunken Gardens have been added to the Museum Pass program

Kids and families are invited to trick-or-treat at the library from 3:00PM till 5:00PM on Oct.31^st.

PHL Director received a free consultation session by the firm Gresham Smith while attending the Library Journal Design Institute

The book vendor Baker and Taylor, has been facing financial difficulty, PHL will use other resources as needed

Old Business:

Kathy thanked everyone for their help at the annual meeting held in September which was attended by 25 members, at which Kathy reviewed the programs the Friends support, Donna set up lunch which was served and enjoyed

New Business:

Reviewed plan to have Library staff members meet with Friends for discussion on Friends goals to assist Library and review questions that staff may have on Friends mission

Concerns and Announcements

None at this time

Committee Reports:

1. Bookstore – Carol Easter reported $3285 in sales for month
2. Communications – website continues to be updated
3. Baskets near $169 in sales last month
4. Literacy – Carol reported that she has formed a committee to coordinate Literacy program needs, which will consist of 4 members with Carol as overall administrator, this has been reviewed and approved by the Literacy Advisory Board, Carol also reports that 4 new tutors have started, at an increase of 10%, which has exceeded her goal
5. Membership discussion on ways to communicate with annual members on renew date, phone calls, email and possibly postcards discussed

Adjourned 6:52 PM

Next meeting Nov. 17th