07.08.20 BLC Minutes
CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
Name of Board/ Commission: Library Commission
Date of Meeting: July 8, 2020
Contact information preparing summary: Celia Seaton
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: Stephan Hagemann
Type of Meeting: Regular | Remote
Agenda Item 1: Reminder: Commissioners please log monthly volunteer hours Count Me In Boulder [0:03:35 Audio min.]
The Commission logged their service.
Agenda Item 2: Approval of agenda [0:06:56 Audio min.]
The meeting was called to order and Gomez asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Farnan requested time for an
update he wants to bring to commission. The budget cuts necessitated some movement of funds – he asks for the favorable
recommendation of commission (see handouts for memo.) Gomez suggested placement after library policy update. There
was a nod of approval from the commission for this amended agenda.
Agenda Item 3: Public comment [0:05:51 Audio min.]
None.
Agenda Item 4: Consent agenda [0:05:07 Audio min.]
a. Approval of June 2020 Meeting Minutes: Koenig moved to approve these minutes, Frost seconded, and the motion
was unanimously approved.
Agenda Item 5: Library policy update [0:09:20 Audio min.]
a. Review past discussion of Canyon Theater Rental Policy. Gomez provided background on this question of equity
for smaller groups renting the theater that don’t have sufficient funding to afford insurance.
In response to Steinbrecher’s query, Farnan clarified that the city is self-insured but this protection doesn’t apply to
outside groups. Steinbrecher suggested expanding the city’s insurance policy to assist in funding. Sykes Wilson
suggested broaching BLF to ask for a “coverage grant” to assist these smaller groups. Gomez agreed. Gomez
wondered about the library sponsoring more events, as sponsored events are automatically covered by the city
policy. Farnan explained that the staff time commitment could be onerous as these events are marketed and
promoted by library staff. Koenig and Sykes Wilson will float the topic at the BLF meeting to be held July 9th.
Frost wondered about reaching out to private partners such as insurance companies, to see if they could help.
Farnan is open to ideas. He noted that in his time at BPL, there have been no lawsuits.
Commission plans further research with other small private performance venues as well as reaching out to some
insurance groups. This item will return next month as a commission update.
Agenda Item 6: July 2020 Library Budget Memo [0:34:02 Audio min.]
See handouts. Farnan noted that the reduction in the collection development budget will likely mean a decrease in the
“depth” of BPL’s collection, but retention of the “breadth.”
In order to complete the required 2020 library budget reductions, staff requests a favorable recommendation from the
Library Commission to reduce the Library Fund in 2020 by $182,203. Frost moved to favorable recommend this
reallocation of funds. Sykes Wilson seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved.
Steinbrecher brought up the future need to rebuild the library’s collection. Farnan agreed, noting the steady work it took to
increase the budget to the point it was at. Whether in a district or not, this re-bolstering of the collection development budget
will be a goal.
Agenda Item 7: Information updates [0:44:35 Audio min.]
a. Library reopening: staff reported on current library services,
• Carryout and returns at Main
• Ask-A-Librarian
• Carnegie scan and research service by email
upcoming services,
• Home delivery service
• Dial-a-patron
• Carryout and returns at Meadows
• Main Library opening to patrons
• Customized collection requests
• New software for PC reservation and print release
• Seeds café
as well as recent, current, and upcoming virtual programming.
Gomez wondered about the language “no general lounge areas,” and Farnan clarified that most seating furniture
has been removed or blocked off. The intention is not to hold gatherings by governor’s orders. She wondered
about STEAM kits. BLDG61 answers all questions, is there an opportunity to have Q&A one on one with a
STEAM advisor? “Not at this time,” per Farnan though he applauded the idea. Re: the increase of Ask-A-
Librarian queries. All over the map, how to access virtual programs.
Sykes Wilson wondered about the on-site security situation. Will staff be trained on dealing with potential
conflicts? Farnan noted preparation to keep staff safe. Phares noted that for the first couple weeks, masks will be
offered to patrons who arrive unmasked.
Koenig how long are books quarantined, 3 days per Farnan, per orders from Boulder County Health administrators.
Gomez asked staff from Collection Development to attend a future commission meeting to provide update. How
pandemic has impacted the collection. Sykes Wilson would like to form some talking points to give an overview
on what has changed from January until now in terms of budget cuts.
Steinbrecher requested staff involved with the Teen Summit visit to orient commission. Phares will reach out to
arrange updates.
Frost suggested relaying the information provided by Collection Development as a press release/communication
piece for the public to better understand the constraints, effort, and sacrifices being made.
Agenda Item 8: Library Commission Update [1:14:18 Audio min.]
a. Items from Commission
i. Social Services in Libraries (see handouts.) How can the library positively impact those in the
community that are experiencing homelessness? Frost outlined the Denver Public Library’s
approach which began offering a social service network with a community resource specialist.
Reported “cycle” that exists in Boulder, 59% of police interaction of police with people
experiencing homelessness surrounds the citation of tickets, mostly for camping. Boulder gives
out more of these tickets than any other county in Colorado. Many end up serving jail time for
not paying the tickets. Furthers the need of the government in these people lives and the number
of negative interactions. Peer navigators can intervene at this important juncture. He believes it
could be a huge asset to the library and the community. They are first responders to help keep
stress off library and security staff as well.
Koenig, referencing his extensive experience volunteering with Bridge House, doesn’t believe
that a peer navigator would be useful in Boulder, where most are already aware of the services
offered to those experiencing homelessness. His observation is that the unhoused population in
Boulder doesn’t have trouble navigating the local criminal justice system. Gomez: it sounds like
peer navigation would indeed have a role helping people find services, but would also have a
level of peer advice, or “friendly face” approach to help someone having a crisis. Frost noted
that the presence of a peer navigator could “help enforce the social norms of the library.”
APPROVED BY: ATTESTED:
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Board Chair Board Secretary
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Farnan spoke to the strong support that library staff showed for this peer navigator idea. Library
administration has been reviewing other opportunities for library security which may accelerate
the posting of a peer navigator in the library.
ii.Racial Equity – Frost highlighted BPL’s One Book, One Boulder event surrounding So You
Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo.
b.Updates from commissioners representing the Commission in other venues (verbal)
i.Boulder Library Foundation (BLF) update (Sykes Wilson/Koenig) – the foundation will be
meeting tomorrow night. Update on HALO: funds currently stand at $40,000.
ii.Library Champions – joint effort underway embarking on a letter-writing campaign to
newspapers and City Council.
c.Update on emails and phone calls to Library Commission – see packet.
Agenda Item 9: Library and Arts Director’s Report [2:02:18 Audio min.]
a.Collection data on library materials on racial equity subject matter - The Anti-Racism book list in the library
catalog was compiled by Librarian Terzah Becker, containing many books from publicized lists on the topic.
Physical books as well as e-books and downloadable audio items are offered. Per Collection Development
Librarian Laura Hankins: “The use statistics are staggering” and show Boulder patrons are interested in learning
about injustices, growing with this movement and the fight for equality in our world.
b.NoBo Library Project update: Site review date The design team is awaiting a response from P&DS, but has been
told that they expect no further staff comments at this juncture and that the project is tentatively cleared to move on
to Planning Board for a hearing which is tentatively scheduled for August 20, 2020. Documents and processes for
bidding and procurement of the materials for the interactive art piece are expected to be in place by late summer
and a request seeking qualified contractors will be public this fall.
c.Teen Virtual Summit – see packet for flier.
Agenda Item 10: Adjournment [2:16:00 Audio min.]
Frost plans to circulate a letter of appreciation to recently retired Carnegie Librarian Wendy Hall, thanking her for her
incredible service.
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, August 5, 2020, through a virtual setting.
Juana Gomez
9/22/2020 9.22.2020