06.03.20 BLC PacketCity of Boulder
2020 Library Commission Agenda
Meeting date: Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Meeting start time: 6 p.m.
1. Reminder: Commissioners please log monthly volunteer hours in Count Me In Boulder
2. Approval of agenda
3. Public Comment
4. Consent agenda
a. Approval of May 6, 2020 minutes
5. Information updates:
a. Library Budget and Staffing
b. Library Reopening: report on contact free carryout and next phase of service resumption
6. Library Commission update
a. Items from commission
• Scheduling a tentative July 2020 Library Commission Meeting
b. Updates from commissioners representing the Commission in other venues (verbal)
• Boulder Library Foundation (BLF) update (Sykes Wilson/Koenig)
Update on the HALO Foundation
c. Update on emails and phone calls to Library Commission
7. June 2020 Library Director’s Report
a. Report on 2019 Inclusivity Campaign
b. 2020 Summer of Discovery Program
c. Security services
d. Online survey
e. Update on NoBo – Plan for public art
2020 Library Commissioners
Juana Gomez Joel Koenig Jane Sykes Wilson Steven Frost Scott Steinbrecher
1
Library Commission Minutes May 6, 2020
Page 1 of 3
CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
Name of Board/ Commission: Library Commission
Date of Meeting: May 6, 2020
Contact information preparing summary: Celia Seaton, 303-441-3106
Commission members present: Juana Gomez, Joel Koenig, Jane Sykes Wilson, Steven Frost, Scott Steinbrecher
Commission members not present: None
Library staff present:
David Farnan, Director of Library & Arts
Jennifer Phares, Deputy Library Director
Celia Seaton, Administrative Specialist
City staff present:
None
Members of the public present: Alycia Murray
Type of Meeting: Regular | Remote
Agenda Item 1: Reminder: Commissioners please log monthly volunteer hours Count Me In Boulder [0:00:02 Audio min.]
The Commission logged their service.
Agenda Item 2: Approval of agenda [0:00:58 Audio min.]
The meeting was called to order and Gomez asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Seaton noted an addition of the
approval of the previous meeting’s minutes as Item 4. There was a nod of approval from the commission for this amended
agenda.
Agenda Item 3: Public comment [0:01:40 Audio min.]
Murray, a furloughed BPL staff member spoke. She inquired: what percentage of employees were furloughed, the activities
of the remaining employees, how the future library services may run in a post-COVID landscape, and how the decrease in
revenue will be affecting the city budget.
Gomez noted that discussion of many of these issues may arise in the latter part of the agenda, and that some issues may fall
into Farnan’s purview. Farnan noted that he can address many of these concerns in his Director’s Report.
Murray also wanted to note the Daily Camera article about the library staff efforts around fabricating and distributing
personal protective equipment and instructionals; this sort of reporting engenders “good and warm feelings” for the library
within the community.
Agenda Item 4: Consent agenda [0:07:10 Audio min.]
a. Approval of February 2020 Meeting Minutes: Frost moved to approve these minutes, Koenig seconded, and the
motion was unanimously approved.
Agenda Item 5: Welcome and administer oath of office to new commissioner Scott Steinbrecher
[0:09:53 Audio min.]
Steinbrecher was sworn in by Gomez.
Agenda Item 6: Elect new Library Commission officers and Boulder Library Foundation members
[0:10:50 Audio min.]
Koenig nominated Gomez for Library Commission chair. Frost seconded. Approval was unanimous.
Gomez nominated Koenig for Library Commission vice chair. Frost seconded. Approval was unanimous.
Boulder Library Foundation appointment: Koenig and Sykes Wilson were approved for another year of service on the BLF.
Agenda Item 7: Information Updates [0:16:20 Audio min.]
2
Library Commission Minutes May 6, 2020
Page 2 of 3
a. Library Budget Update: Revised 2020 ATB1 request, April ATB1 memo and answers to commissioner’s questions
– see packet. Gomez wondered about the impact on the withdrawn items from this year (e.g., furniture repair).
Farnan explained that monies went unspent due to coordination with FAM staffing which meant that some
contracts were unable to be managed. Typically, furniture hasn’t been well-maintained as funding hadn’t been
present for such. In the event of completely destroyed furniture, pieces are taken out of circulation. Decreasing
seating in the library planned for post-COVID operations. Steinbrecher questioned the security of the 500K for the
North Boulder branch secure. Staff replied that this funding is secure as far as the ATB goes. Inclusivity
campaign also withdrawn, though some initial pieces did roll out. Book One Boulder may still occur but not with
the same advertising monies. Regarding the feasibility study, Gomez recalled that an accepted consultant’s
proposal. In response to her inquiry, Farnan confirmed no need for a new request for qualifications.
b. City Reopening Update: Draft phased reopening of library facilities plan – City Council approved May 18th
carryout service where patrons can pick up already reserved holds. Sometime after June 1st, new holds will be
accepted. Soon after that, when deemed safe, the library will begin accepting returns. Those returns will be
quarantined and cleaned. Further phases are not scheduled at this point, possible minimal opening to allow public
into the library after July 1st. He reported that staff has done a terrific job putting these phased plans together and
reiterated that the first phases will not involve any public contact. In response to Gomez’s inquiry, periodicals will
not be circulated. In response to Koenig’s inquiry, Farnan clarified that current staffing levels will suffice for these
initial phases. Staff segmented into different teams which will not physically interact to ensure that safe distancing
measures are in place. In response to Sykes Wilson’s inquiry, Phares clarified that the curbside pickup will be sited
at Main branch.
Farnan expects closed stacks to continue for quite some time per health guidelines as well as prohibition of
gatherings of fifty or more. He envisions movies in the parking lot and other inventive work-arounds. Holds will
likely go up in demand.
Sykes Wilson wondered about patrons who may have difficulty travelling to the Main branch. Phares noted
research of possible home delivery in phase 2 or later. Sykes Wilson also asked how the move between phases gets
determined; Phares explained that the City's Recovery Teams advise the City Manager (she herself serves on two
of these teams.)
As it may be a “long time” before reaching phase 3, Sykes Wilson asked whether there are any plans/discussion on
how to service the northern part of town while NoBo corner branch services are stalled. She expressed particular
concern for the youth who will be out of school. Farnan: we will continue with our outreach services, retaining the
outreach staff and those with language skills who may be able to assist with outreach to the older and Latinx
communities. Potential expansion of the Homebound Delivery Program currently run by volunteers under Kate
Kelsch’s direction.
Steinbrechner asked about the limit on number of holds at any one time and whether the library has researched any
"book mobile" type of service. Farnan – likely five items at a time. The delivery service would function as a sort
of book mobile.
Alycia Murray wondered how many staff could return on July 1st and what current staff have been working on
(remote services, planning for reopening, etc.) Farnan explained that no set numbers exist for the phase 3 best case
scenario which would potentially see some returning furloughed staff. This will be determined by many factors
involved in the financial state of the city itself. 70% of all library staff were furloughed. The remaining staff were
retained based on criteria of active and full engagement while the libraries are closed. Staff has been actively and
fully engaged with work concerning wireless hotspots, virtual programs, reopening plan, future financial situation,
and Summer of Discovery, among other work.
Sykes Wilson wondered whether staff can be furloughed past the deadline. Farnan explained that the current
furlough is due to end on June 28th and it can be extended. He expects formal communication from City Manager
Jane Brautigam followed by a press release sometime after June 1st.
Gomez thanked staff for all the information and updates and response to inquiries.
3
Library Commission Minutes May 6, 2020
Page 3 of 3
APPROVED BY: ATTESTED:
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Board Chair Board Secretary
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Date Date
Agenda Item 8: Library Commission Update [0:53:55 Audio min.]
a. Items from Commission
i. Ongoing outreach efforts
Outreach to council members and candidates – discussions with Council Member
Aaron Brocket who advised that the districting issue is “not in the foreseeable future”
for council discussion due to the pandemic. Responses from Council Members Junie
Joseph and Rachel Friend.
Steven Frost referenced BLDG61 staff member Emily Platzer’s online video tutorial for
homemade mask design. In the first week of COVID, Frost hosted a Zoom mask
making workshop. Frost commended BLDG61 for its “incredible digital outreach,”
“very professional.”
Gomez noted the yellow ribbons and cards fastened to the local libraries to show
community support for the branches.
b. Updates from commissioners representing the Commission in other venues (verbal)
i. Boulder Library Foundation (BLF) update (Sykes Wilson/Koenig) – launching of local “Help A
Library Worker Out” fund, or HALO fund, to help furloughed library employees with expenses.
BLF committed $10,000 with a matching $35,000. Sykes Wilson updated the group, 5 people
have asked for assistance, each has received $500. $9,830 has been raised so far.
ii. Joint efforts with Library Champions
c. Update on emails and phone calls to Library Commission – see packet.
Agenda Item 9: Library and Arts Director’s Report [1:08:30 Audio min.]
North Boulder branch library project – see packet. He welcomed any questions. Sykes Wilson is looking forward to
Summer of Discovery and wondered how the program be communicated and announced. Farnan: launch will likely be later
than usual; however, staff is planning a “robust program.” Some printed reading logs will be available for pickup for those
that prefer. Steinbrecher noted that with the school closures, the “summer slide” will be exponentially steeper. While the
library can’t be expected to completely fill the void, he wondered about addressing literacy issues in partnership with the
school districts. Farnan: the library has great relationships with the local Title I schools, often invited to PTO days and
teacher events. Majority of the library focus is on ages 0-8. Murray gave kudos to the Student One program which has
greatly eased access for school age patrons who can now use a school ID number to access BPL books and databases.
Agenda Item 10: Adjournment [1:27:30 Audio min.]
There being no further business to come before the commission at this time, the meeting was adjourned.
Date, time, and location of next meeting:
The next Library Commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, by remote conference.
4
May 29, 2020
TO: Library Commission
FROM: David Farnan, Library and Arts Director
Jennifer Phares, Deputy Library Director
SUBJECT: Update on Library Phased Reopening Plan
OVERVIEW
Information on resuming library services is available on the library website. An FAQ with
answers to patrons’ frequently asked questions about holds, obtaining or updating
patrons’ library accounts, accessing public wi-fi and restroom facilities, etc. is also
available on the website.
HOLDS CARRYOUT
As of May 18, 2020, patrons are able to book appointments to pick up their held items.
Held items at the branch libraries were transferred to the Main Library. Staff worked
through many system and logistical hiccups that arose due to customizing the Flatirons
Library Consortium integrated library system for several libraries resuming service for
their local patrons.
Appointments for pick up filled quickly and as a result staff will expand the appointment
window by one hour per day beginning on June 1, 2020. Patrons were prompt and social
distancing was maintained as they picked up library materials often at the beginning of
their appointments. Staff reported very few missed appointments.
Due to limited staff capacity, use statistics during this period will be available in the
quarterly library performance measure report.
MATERIALS RETURN AND HOME DELIVERY
Beginning June 15, 2020, patrons will be able to return library materials at the Main
Library. Several staff members were recalled from furlough early to serve as call agents
for the Public Health Call Center for Boulder County. These staff members will also
perform tasks to support materials return and holds carryout. Several community
members have also volunteered to support staff in organizing returned materials that
will be held in quarantine for several days before they are ready to be borrowed by
other patrons.
5
Staff and volunteers will also work in collaboration to expand the library’s home delivery
program to patrons not able to leave their homes due to the pandemic. This service is
anticipated to begin some time in the next few weeks.
A FEW PICTURES OF HOLDS CARRYOUT
6
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT JUNE 2020
2019 INCLUSIVITY CAMPAIGN REPORT
The Commission requested a summary of the 2019 Inclusivity Campaign fund expenditures.
Approximately, $17,000 of the inclusivity campaign funds were used in 2019. Here is a summary of how
the funds were used:
• Promoting the expansion of the Conversations in English program. The materials were in English
and Spanish and included bus ads and cards/brochures.
• Informational display about the Main Library Restrooms for All remodel project and its benefits
to the community.
• Spanish translation of sections of the BPL program booklet.
• Promoting inclusivity through quotes printed on Seeds Café coffee sleeves in English and
Spanish. Content for the project was generated through a community open call and public vote.
• Promotional materials (cups, totes, etc.) for giveaway during outreach events with the tag line
'You Belong Here' or that include one of the above mentioned quotes in both English and
Spanish.
• Illustrations by artist Johnny Draco to create inclusive characters/graphics for Summer of
Discovery 2020 promotional materials.
•
In 2019, $30,000 from the Library Fund was approved for the Inclusivity Campaign. The balance
($13,000) was requested as carryover for 2020. The request was withdrawn due to the current
economic conditions resulting for the COVID-19 pandemic. The balance of funds will return to the
Library Fund and may be requested for this or other purposes during a future budget cycle.
2020 SUMMER OF DISCOVERY PROGRAM
Starting June 15, Summer of Discovery is going virtual! Thanks to the generosity of the Boulder Library
Foundation, we were able to pivot our program offerings to an online platform called Beanstack. There
will be ways to track reading and activities online or through the Beanstack app (see Attachment A. for a
preview of the app). Even though the program is all online, paper logs will still be available on display
after June 15 at carryout pickup tables at the Main Library; in Book Rich Environment bundles to Boulder
Housing Partners; and through distribution service points throughout the city where the library program
booklet was once distributed. See Attachment B and C of the program posters.
We will offer a variety of virtual programs for all ages in lieu of onsite events and experiences. The
committee is working with program presenters to create virtual programs that can be easily experienced
from home.
This year’s theme is “Our Connected Stories.” We’re featuring and sharing an SOD commercial created
by the Teen Advisory Board, to help patrons get excited for new experiences for people of all ages.
The program will run through August to *ideally* allow prize pick-up in July and August and maximize
program participation. We will continue to be nimble to changes due to health and safety standards
throughout the program and adjust accordingly.
Learn more details about program details, specific prizes, and virtual SoD programming
at www.boulderlibrary.org/summer. Bookmark this page for updates throughout the summer.
7
Please send any feedback or questions to our SOD chairs, Anne Ledford and Leanne Slater,
Ledforda@boulderlibrary.org and Slaterl@boulderlibrary.org .
BOULDER READS UPDATE
In 2019, the BoulderReads Discoveries magazine collected recipes from our participants. Thanks to
volunteer tutor Sara Bruskin, the spring edition of Boulder Home and Garden magazine featured five of
these recipes. The authors hail from Venezuela, Iran, Mexico, Mali, & Russia. Staff are actively working
to bring all BoulderReads services into a format that supports public safety while promoting lifelong
learning.
SECURITY SERVICES UPDATE
The City terminated the services contract with JCJ National Security for convenience due COVID-19
pandemic and resulting prolonged closure of the library facilities. Staff will issue a request for proposal
in June 2020 to resume security services at the Main Library when the library reopens pending public
health orders and City budget restrictions later this year.
COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEY
An informal online survey was conducted to gage community needs for library services. A summary of
the results is Attachment D.
NORTH BOULDER BRANCH LIBRARY PROJECT UPDATE
An oral update will be provided during the June meeting regarding the project’s public art component.
8
Track your reading and participate
in reading challenges on your
mobile phone.
Attachment A
9
Manage each member of
your family’s reading log and
achievements.
Complete learning activities
linked to themed reading
challenges.
Scan Barcodes to quickly add
titles to your log.
Earn virtual badges, tickets, and
other incentives.
Time your reading sessions to
keep track of your total minutes.
View stats, streaks, and averages
for your reading.
Attachment A
10
boulderlibrary.org/summerFor more information | Para más información:
READ for prizes. VISIT us online for activities.
Summer 2020
OUR CONNECTEDSTORIESOUR CONNECTEDSTORIES
2020
Character design by Johnny Draco
Attachment B
11
boulderlibrary.org/summerPara más información:
LEE para premios. VISÍTANOS en línea para actividades.
Verano 2020
NUESTRAS HISTORIASCONECTADAS
2020
Diseño de personajes por Johnny Draco
NUESTRAS HISTORIASCONECTADAS
BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE BOULDER VERANO DE DESCUBRIMIENTO
Attachment C
12
"What else would you
like us to know?"
COMMUNITY
NEEDS SURVEY
“I'd love to see virtual story times! ... I
often don't play things from a YouTube
channel unless it's from a legitimate
source (like another public library)
because I can't be sure there isn't
inappropriate content in there if I don't
know who the source is.”
"Would love to see the
library host more events (or
consider in any
programming) for adults. It
seems like everything is
geared toward children and
teens, so adult bookworms
are kind of left out!"
The greatest challenge was not
having access to materials, with 59
mentions citing it as a primary
concern. Kids (34 mentions) and
anxiety/stress (15 mentions) were
other main challenges.
"Would love for a pick up only book hold
situation for my kids! The older one can
do ebooks but my kindergartener really
can’t, and needs the easy readers.
Thanks for all you do!"
May 2-15, 2020
109 responses
"What are the biggest
challenges you are
facing right now?"
There was little variance in
people's preferred times for
programs, with "weekday
afternoons" (26%) and
"weekday evenings" (25%)
taking a slight lead.
"I was looking forward to a
lot of the maker space
classes this spring. It would
be cool to see some of those
offered in a virtual format.”
"We miss the psychic
energy boost from
library visits!"
"What days and times work
best for you and your family
for live virtual programs?"
Attachment D
13