10.07.20 BLC PacketCity of Boulder
2020 Library Commission Agenda
Meeting date: Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Location: Zoom Meeting
Meeting start time: 6 p.m.
1.Review Online Meeting Guidelines
2.Reminder: Commissioners please log monthly volunteer hours in Count Me In Boulder
3.Approval of agenda
4.Public comment
5.Consent agenda
a.Approval of September 2, 2020 minutes
6.2020 Summer of Discovery program report – Anne Ledford, Youth Services Manager
7.Review and discussion of 2021City Manager’s recommended budget for the library (see Library Director’s
memo for information about this item.)
8.Library Commission update
a.Outline a letter to City Council regarding the Library District to submit November.
b.Outline an annual letter to City Council about priorities to submit in December. (see 2019 letter to
City Council in the packet following the Library Commission memo)
c.Items from commission
i. Follow up on information regarding the Canyon Theater Rental Policy update
ii.Ongoing outreach efforts
d.Updates from commissioners representing the Commission in other venues (verbal)
i.Boulder Library Foundation (BLF) update (Sykes Wilson/Koenig)
ii.Joint efforts with Library Champions
Meeting with City Manager Jane Brautigam
e.Update on emails and phone calls to Library Commission
9.Library Director’s report
a.2021 City Managers Recommended Budget
b.Invitation to the Boulder Public Library Staff Day, Oct. 16, 2020
c.North Boulder Branch Library update
d. Update on current library services (verbal)
e.Library Performance Measures 2020 Reports
2020 Library Commissioners
Juana Gomez Joel Koenig Jane Sykes Wilson Steven Frost Scott Steinbrecher
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Library Commission Minutes
September 2, 2020
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CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
Name of Board/ Commission: Library Commission
Date of Meeting: September 2, 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: None
Type of Meeting: Regular | Remote
Agenda Item 1: Review of Online Meeting Guidelines [0:00:05 Audio min.]
Agenda Item 2: Reminder: Commissioners please log monthly volunteer hours Count Me In Boulder [0:00:30 Audio min.]
The Commission logged their service.
Agenda Item 3: Approval of agenda [0:03:38 Audio min.]
The meeting was called to order and Gomez asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Hearing none, the commission
proceeded with the planned agenda.
Agenda Item 4: Public comment [0:02:32 Audio min.]
None.
Agenda Item 5: Consent agenda [0:01:19 Audio min.]
a. Approval of August 2020 Meeting Minutes: Gomez asked for any changes. Hearing none, Koenig moved to
approve these minutes, Sykes Wilson seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved. Frost abstained as he
was absent at the August meeting.
b. Resolution Concerning the Acceptance of Revenue from the Warner Charitable Trust – Frost made the motion to
accept the donation and send the letter. Sykes Wilson seconded the motion and commission indicated unanimous
acceptance.
c. Review Thank You letter for Warner Charitable Trust – commission reviewed and expressed approval of this letter.
Steinbrecher suggested the addition of a note about the extraordinary challenges of the present budget situation.
Phares will edit and circulate the appropriate forms for signature and receipt of this revenue.
Agenda Item 6: City Manager’s recommended budget for the library [0:10:50 Audio min.]
See Library Director’s memo in the packet for information about this item.)
Farnan: library leadership deliberated thoughtfully over a plan to retain the goal of providing the best possible service to the
community despite the constraints of the city’s current economic position. The cuts to the library “are not insignificant” –
supervisors are speaking to employees about potential lay-offs if the proposed budget goes through. The Library is “doing
the best” it can “given the resources” available.
Koenig wondered whether district libraries have received any cuts. Farnan: those libraries are not in the same financial
situation; he has not heard of any reductions. Boulder’s retail economy has been hit hard by the COVID fallout.
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Library Commission Minutes
September 2, 2020
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Sykes Wilson wondered whether the lay-offs affect just those already furloughed, or involve additional people. Staff: a
mixture of the two.
Agenda Item 7: Library Commission Update [0:21:40 Audio min.]
a.Items from Commission
i.Ongoing outreach efforts – Joni Teter, former Library Commission chair, and Gomez will be
meeting with Councilwoman Junie Joseph to discuss budget. Joseph is supportive of the district
and the plan for new in-house library security team.
ii.Frost and Gómez attended Planning Board Meeting and spoke during public
hearing in favor of the future North Boulder Branch Library. He reported that city staff did a
great job, thanking Phares in particular for her quick and helpful response to the concerns of
community and board members. Planning Board accepted the plans; the next step involves City
Council approval.
b.Updates from commissioners representing the Commission in other venues (verbal)
i.Boulder Library Foundation (BLF) update (Sykes Wilson/Koenig) – Koenig relayed that former
library staff member Juliette Bartsch has been hired as to assist with donor relations and
programming for BLF.
ii.Library Champions
c.Update on emails and phone calls to Library Commission
Agenda Item 8: Library and Arts Director’s Report [0:31:57 Audio min.]
a.2021 City Manager’s Recommended Budget – please see the September 8th Study Session packet at this link for
City Council agendas and materials.
b.North Boulder Branch Library – Planning Board approved the submitted changes for a “Net Zero-ready” building
as opposed to “Net Zero,” with intention to complete certification in the future. In response to Koenig’s query
about when construction would begin, staff estimated mid-2021. Farnan: “It will be a boon for that neighborhood”
with significant cultural and economic impact. Library’s goals of education and outreach will draw in community
like a “magnetizing force.” Farnan plans to make Spanish speaking fluency a requirement for a portion of the
future North Boulder Library staff.
c.Update on Current Library Services – the Main Library re-opened in a limited capacity on August 3, 2020. Staff is
planning “Phase 3” now, which likely won’t occur until 2021. In response to Sykes Wilson’s query about Book
Rich Environments, Farnan reported a recent delivery of thousands of books to several different sites. Possibility
exists for a reopening of the Library’s beloved Seeds café under the governor’s guidelines, though it may not be
financially viable due to the lessened foot traffic resulting from COVID restrictions.
d.Dial A Patron
e.Library Performance Measures Q2 -2020 – planned for inclusion in October’s packet.
f.Public Art Installations – Adam Kuby’s 55°
▪Surveying on the site will begin Sept. 8, 2020, with construction following in mid-
September.
▪Construction is anticipated to take roughly 8-10 weeks, culminating with the sculptures
around Oct. 15.
▪https://boulderarts.org/public-art/in-progress/civic-area/
Agenda Item 9: Adjournment [1:09:10 Audio min.]
Frost, an instructor at CU, reported that he will be working alongside Cyns Nelson, an Oral Historian at Carnegie Library,
for his upcoming graduate level course Connected Media Practices. A broadcast journalist will assist to make stories from
the archive “radio-ready.” Students will be trained as oral historians to produce their own audio pieces.
There being no further business to come before the commission at this time, the meeting was adjourned.
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Library Commission Minutes
September 2, 2020
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APPROVED BY: ATTESTED:
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Board Chair Board Secretary
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Date Date
Date, time, and location of next meeting:
The next Library Commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, through a virtual setting.
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2020 Summer of Discovery Fact Sheet
207,399 minutes read; 1,776 books read; 3,411 activities completed
Participation Stats
2020
Registered
2019
Registered
2020
Midway
2019
Midway
2020
Complete
2019
Complete
Total 1,093 5,373 530 = 49% 2,868 = 53% 403 = 36.8% 2,452 =
45.6%
Adults 401 1,118 211 = 52.6% 378 = 33.8% 155 = 38.6% 315 = 28%
Teens 148 890 79 = 53% 483 = 54% 57 = 38.5% 419 = 47%
Kids + Pre 564 3,365 258 = 45.7% 2,007 =
59.6%
195 = 34.5% 1,718 = 51%
Kids 381 NA 179 = 46.9% NA 141 = 37% NA
Pre-Reader 183 NA 79 = 43% NA 54 = 29.5% NA
Programs
●46 total SOD programs offered
●23 programs for children and family including Rocky
Mountain Raptors, Wild Animation Workshop, Lego
Build Along, Baby Yoga and Infant Massage, Summer
Enchantment with Magician Erica Sodos, and a Jeff
and Paige concert.
●9 teen programs, including Block 1750 Hip Hop
Dance, Super Fandom Henna, Drawing Manga 101,
and Adventure Quests with Renaissance Adventures.
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●6 adult programs (and an additional 7 external adult programs that we cross-promoted)
including Herbal Skincare From Your Kitchen, BeeChicas: Compost Tea for Your Garden, and
Write Your Life in Poetry workshops, and Herbs From Your Garden to Enhance Immunity.
●1069 total attendance for all SoD programs
Volunteer
●Nine teens served 13 hours creating the SoD commercial.
●One teen, Colette Browning, served six hours in the community and credited it to SoD (the only
option for teens had for SoD volunteer service this year).
●Total 29 hours served by 10 teen volunteers.
●Three adult volunteers served 10.5 hours bundling prizes.
●13 adult volunteers served 93.75 hours handing out prizes to participants.
●Total 104.25 hours by 16 adult volunteers.
Top 5 Language Preferences
1)English
2)Prefer Not to Answer
3)Spanish
4)Korean
5)Chinese
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Staying Connected During a Global Pandemic
The real story of Summer of Discovery 2020 is a triumph in flexibility and quick adaptability. As schools
sent students home to online learning in mid March, the committee was quickly pivoting our 2020
program to an online program. Serendipitously, the month prior, the committee had hosted a demo
with a rep for Beanstack, a reading challenge software that would replace Reading Record and allow
participants to track all their reading and progress online. As the length of the library closure remained
uncertain, the committee quickly forged ahead, forecasting the unknown by acquiring Beanstack
software and rebooking program presenters who could pivot to virtual programs. The result was a
lesson in adult engagement and the potential reach of virtual programs, as well as the additional
challenge of bridging a very broad digital divide.
It is fruitless to compare this year’s statistics to the past three years. We were on a pattern of steady
growth since 2017 in participation numbers and percentages of midway and completion. The chart in
the Facts sheet shows that participation numbers dropped significantly due to the pandemic, our forced
closure, lack of school outreach and lack of early registration. However, the participation numbers,
midway and completion percentages show this new online tracking program worked well for adults –
midway and completion rates increased 20% and 10% respectively. Adults also had the highest
registration, midway and completion numbers of any age group.
The program also proved to be appealing to teens. While teens had low numbers comparatively, their
percentage of midway and completion was higher than kids and pre-readers, which indicates teens who
participated were dedicated to the program. It is unclear that if their program was simplified, more may
have finished.
“We learned a lot of technology in a short amount of time and so did our presenters. Our audience did
too - it shows we don't have to go back to pre-tech. It also shows we can keep Beanstack and it will only
grow.” (Staff survey response)
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Program Design
The program design and paper logs for all age groups were very similar to the past two years, with the
new addition of graphics by artist Johnny Draco and local teen artist Angelique Koblick.
Pre-readers Readers Teens Adults
Midway Complete 10
activities.
Read 400
minutes and
complete 2
activities
Read 3 books
and complete 3
activities.
Complete any
combo of
reading books
and activities
that adds to 3.
Finish Complete all 20
activities.
Read a total of
800 minutes and
complete a total
of 4 activities.
Read a total of 6
books and
complete a total
of 6 activities.
Read a total of 3
books and
complete a total
of 3 activities.
Prizes for Pre-Readers, Kids and Teens
Registration Halfway Final
1. Button 1. Cold Stone Ice Cream
Coupon
1. Boulder Museum Ticket
2. Gateway Amusement
Park Ticket
3. For Teens – PopSocket
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Prizes for Adults
Registration Halfway Final
1. Button 1. Neck Gaiter 1. Boulder Museum Ticket
2. Gateway Amusement
Park Ticket
New Challenges and Opportunities
“Thank you for keeping this program. We’ve participated the last two years and were so excited to learn
the program was back this year in spite of everything.”(Patron picking up prizes)
Impact of school and library closures
The COVID 19 pandemic forced the closure of all branches of the library at the lead up to SoD kick-off,
caused significant staff furloughs through to the middle of the summer, and eliminated the possibility of
school outreach or word of mouth promotion of the program by staff. According to previous program
surveys, library displays, school outreach and staff were the top three ways participants from 2019
heard about SoD. This posed a significant (and last minute) challenge for marketing the program and
teaching patrons and staff to use the new Beanstack software.
Beanstack software
Beanstack allowed readers to log reading and track activities online without requiring a paper log. The
software also allowed the committee to track Pre- Reader data, total minutes, books & activities
recorded, top books read and other more detailed data. Beanstack also created opportunities to easily
email participants with reminders and announcements – the "response" (or click) rate of those emails
was very high for the three emails sent out this summer.
Adjusted start date and end date
Due to delays with the legal contract with Beanstack, time needed to design the user platform and train
staff, the launch of SoD registration was postponed until June 15th. To compensate for the late
registration start, the program was extended through the end of August (June 15 - Aug 31st). There was
only one complaint about the delay which came from a BVSD teacher hoping to help register her
students before school ended for the summer.
Loss of participation from BVSD Summer of Learning
Due to limited library staffing and this year’s virtual nature of BVSD’s Summer of Learning, we were
unable to connect with BVSD staff to develop a way to register every Summer of Learning student for
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SoD. However, going forward Beanstack will allow us to register whole groups in bulk - a feature we’re
looking forward to exploring.
A change to prize pick-up
Limited staffing and limited library services throughout the summer required creativity for prize
redemption. The committee’s solution was to offer prize pick up outside of the library the last week of
July and the last week of August. Volunteers packaged all levels of prizes together by age group (i.e.
registration with midway and completion prizes). Then, volunteers manned a table under a tent in front
of the Main library. Any SoD participant could walk up and pick up a prize package. The committee
pivoted to give away prizes to all participants without demonstrating completion in anticipation of lower
pick-up numbers related to the pandemic. By Aug 31st, we estimate volunteers gave away close to 500
prize packages.
Elimination of books as prizes
COVID 19 caused closures and health and safety protocols that affected publisher deliveries and created
logistical difficulties for patrons to personally select books. Thus, the committee chose not to order
books as prizes for youth this year. It has been discussed to give books as the registration prize to youth
for 2021.
First year tracking language at registration
Asking language at registration did not show that our program has a large reach to the Spanish speaking
community (only 11 readers; see chart in Fact Sheet), however, it is interesting to note the languages
spoken by our readers (i.e. Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Japanese).
Marketing in an online world
Without the benefit of visiting schools in the spring or interactions with staff in the library, this year our
marketing strategy was more reliant on social media, the library online newsletter and Hop Bus ads.
Creative digital and non-digital marketing avenues were pursued, such as radio ads on KGNU and ad
spots on Spotify. We discovered the impact of the lack of direct, in-person school outreach on our
participation numbers - as stated above, those were two of our top methods of marketing in 2019,
according to survey responses. Unsurprisingly, according to 2020 survey responses, the library website
and newsletter were the top methods participants heard about SoD. Two out of 79 respondents heard
about our program via Spotify. While this is a small percentage, when that percentage is carried over to
the 400+ adults and 148 teens who registered, it is likely our Spotify ads reached more than just two of
those 558 participants. It cannot be emphasized enough that our in-person outreach is a notable way in
which we build excitement for our events as well as the Summer of Discovery program itself. Not having
access to engaging with students in BVSD schools was a setback for us, and on a personal note, many of
our staff sorely missed it.
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The digital divide
The digital divide is always a challenge with serving some of our patrons, and it is highlighted in the
virtual program world. Those patrons who may have spotty internet access or need to share devices
with parents or siblings are simply less available to attend online programs. This was a challenge the
committee struggled to address. While unable to hold in person programs, we were able to make
tracking reading and activities accessible even if readers did not have access to Beanstack. Paper logs
were distributed and made available in a variety of methods (e.g. through a community distributor to
doctor’s offices, etc. and to Boulder Housing Partner residents through the Book Rich Environments
program). A display of logs was also made available in the outdoor lobby of our Main library.
Pivoting to online programs
Another challenge related to the new online world of programs was discovering the increased staff
support needed online vs. our in-person program model. This is due to the requirements for the
respective presenting software, assisting our presenters in new and different ways both in preparation
and during the event, troubleshooting technology issues, and monitoring and contributing to the chat
throughout the event, etc.
Programs
“That was the best Zoom class I have ever taken!” (tween patron at summer SOD program)
Our staff quickly pivoted to offering all of our summer programs online, using the following platforms:
Zoom, YouTube, Facebook, and StreamYard. Our program presenters also deserve kudos for creating
virtual studios in their homes and work-places, trying new software, scheduling practice sessions with
us, and for going with the flow.
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What We Learned:
●Having a virtual program environment has allowed us to reach a broader audience of
patrons, especially in the tween and teen demographic. Its convenience for patrons has
minimized some of the obstacles of getting to the physical library including
transportation, less intimidation in entering a physical room where they may not know
anyone, etc.
●This was the first year that we had baby and infant specific programs during the Summer
of Discovery: BYO’Baby Yoga and Infant Massage with Faith Davis. These events were
high quality and extremely engaging; we will continue to offer programs for this
demographic in the future.
● Moving forward, programming staff will continue to offer some programs in an online
environment for the reasons mentioned above. This is one of the silver linings during
these unprecedented times.
●Program attendance numbers are more nuanced due to the point and time when the
numbers are pulled (e.g. if the program is recorded and posted for patrons to watch
later). Also, what is considered a “view” is not consistent across all platforms and is so
short, it can give a distorted sense of the actual reach of a program (e.g. 30 secs for
Youtube and 3 secs for Facebook are considered a “view”).
(Section contributed by Leanne Slater and Julianne Ingram)
Feedback
“It encouraged my kids to read. The online program was user friendly and easy to navigate. I like that
you offered logging hours in addition to additional activities.” (Survey response)
“This got me to sign up for a virtual Marathon!" (Patron picking up prizes)
Feedback given to volunteers handing out prizes was mostly positive about Beanstack software, with
words like “intuitive” “easy” and “fun” being used to describe its use. Less than five comments to
volunteers described difficulty with the app. There was only one Beanstack specific question submitted
to Ask a Librarian all summer. Of the 79 responses to our end of summer survey, only 5 were critical of
the new online tracking platform or decision to be virtual. Staff survey responses were primarily
positive in their reviews of Beanstack as well.
“We loved the summer reading program! Our 5 year old, rising kindergartener was so motivated to read
via the program, he's starting school knowing not just his alphabet, but also how to sound out three and
four letter words. It's been a highlight of the summer watching him grow as a reader. Thank you!”
(Survey response)
"This provided my child with structure, when we had no daycare." (Patron picking up prizes)
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The theme of the survey responses to the end of summer survey was that the 2020 SoD program was a
strong motivation to read, with 19 mentions of the program motivating respondents to read more or
start tracking their reading. There were five mentions of the program motivating respondents to
engage with the library more. The top two most valuable aspects of the program to respondents this
year were 1st tracking reading and 2nd being a reading role model. These are similar to last year’s
responses, with the exception that visiting the library, which was the most valuable aspect of the
program last year, was not an option this year. (Interestingly, this year the survey received almost
exactly the same amount of respondents as last year - 79 this year, versus 80 last year - despite the
lower participation rates.)
Summary
In the middle of a global pandemic, our staff and community were resilient and nimble, adapting
together. This year’s outcome was a program that was appreciated by a core community inspired to
track their reading and try new activities. It was a learning opportunity for staff and patrons alike,
offering lessons about online offerings that the library will carry into future years.The generous support
the Boulder Library Foundation has given over the last 28 years of summer reading is appreciated more
than ever by staff and participants.
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Addendum of quotes
“We like the online format a lot - better than the old way, actually. Thank you for continuing the
program.” (Patron picking kids prizes)
“The app is so easy to use. I love it. I’ve completed but I like that I can continue logging my books. Great
feature.” (Patron picking up prizes)
“It got our reluctant 6 year old to actually do some reading this summer! Yay! We also enjoyed the two
magic shows (though the pirate version was too scary for our 4 and 6 year old kids), and though it was
not part of the Summer of Discovery, we LOVED the Ms. Denise Spanish classes.” (Survey response)
Picture of Adventure Quest with Renaissance Adventures program
“We loved the summer reading program! Our 5 year old, rising kindergartener was so motivated to read
via the program, he's starting school knowing not just his alphabet, but also how to sound out three and
four letter words. It's been a highlight of the summer watching him grow as a reader. Thank you!”
(Survey response)
“The program was great motivation during Covid.” (Survey response)
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Picture from Super Fandom Henna program
“(Beanstack) allowed us to be able to do SOD through the Pandemic!” (Staff response)
“(Beanstack) is user friendly, it's easy for staff and patrons to use.” (Staff response)
“It was visual and fun to see your accomplishments.” (Staff response)
“We've already got this planned, but just making it as simple as possible. Most importantly, making less
books required for completion for teens...but I think we're doing minutes anyway! Yay” (Staff response)
Picture from Block 1750 Hip Hop Dance program
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“Virtual programming was amazing given the short timeframe to rollout and that it was new to staff,
most presenters and patrons. More and various promotions of the programs would be ideal to highlight
the various offerings.” (Staff response)
“I really liked the museum pass and the park. We need to keep thinking of the environment, the
takeaways need to be useful like this time. Good job!” (Staff response)
“Reusable graphics/branding, better prizes for teens, giving away books as registration prizes either in
addition to or instead of completion prizes. Looking forward to SOD 2021 (even if it is like 2020...).”
(Staff response)
“I really miss seeing the kids excited about choosing books for themselves. I hope we can manage book
prizes next year!” (Staff response)
Picture of Water Color Resist Dye Workshop
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Commission Memo
Meeting Date: October, 2020 – via Zoom
1. Items from Commission (verbal)
a. Ongoing outreach efforts (All)
i. Outreach to community –
Commissioners will prepare two letters to Council.
Commissioners Frost, Koenig, Gómez wrote to Council ahead of NoBo Branch discussion.
Gómez along with Joni Teter met with Blake Fontenay, Opinion Editor for the Camera.
Gómez and Joni Teter met with Jane Brautigam to collect her thoughts, opinions, and
experiences as City Manager regarding the districting efforts.
Frost and Gómez attended BPL's Teen Summit and participated in a discussion panel.
b. ALA – Engaging Library Supporters During COVID-19 Pandemic – ongoing webinars
2. Updates from Commissioners Representing the Commission in other Venues (verbal)
a. BLF Update (Jane / Joel)
i. Updates
b. Champions – joint efforts
Champions leadership along with some Commissioners are actively formulating new strategy for
reigniting the district discussion, including individual meetings with councilors in
November.
Gómez rallied the Champions to write to Council ahead of their NoBo branch discussion.
Gómez collaborated with Joni Teter in generating an opinion piece for the Camera.
3. Update on Emails & Phone Calls to Library Commission - None
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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To: Boulder City Council
Cc: Jane Brautigam, Boulder City Manager
From: Boulder Library Commission
Subject: Annual Letter to City Council
December 15, 2019
A warm welcome to our new Council members and best regards to the returning members. We value
our good working relationship and ongoing dialog. We know you are committed to finding the best path
forward for the library system our community so loves, and that includes finding sustainable and
predictable funding. The much needed funds you approved in October 2019 are helping with expansion
of volunteer services, bi-lingual youth services, updates to the interior of the Reynolds library branch,
and an additional $700K for the North Boulder Library Branch building.
We expect continued progress in 2020 and the approval of funds is a good start. In the library we
understand that great success can create increased demand, like a hold placed on the latest best
seller, or the long waiting list for one our BLDG 61 programs. Our success should not be a signal that
current funding is meeting all our needs. Rather, the Library is in high demand and must grow to meet
our community’s long term vision.
The projected construction cost for the promised NoBo branch is facing a $1 million shortfall. In
addition, though council included operating costs for NoBo in the upcoming 2021 budget there are
many other related operating and facilities costs not scheduled for discussion. We need your
commitment and leadership to arrive at a decision on sustained funding for the library.
You have pledged your support in stewarding this dialog including discussing and evaluating a library
district plan. Delivering on your promises to build a new branch requires finding a fiscally sustainable
path forward for our library. It is an opportunity to lead thoughtfully to make a positive and lasting mark
in our community, and to secure a vision--not just for a fiscal calendar, but for the next generation.
This year will present an historic opportunity to determine the future of our cherished institution
In the spring we will have to submit the petition to put on the November 2020 ballot whether to create
and whether to fund a library district, or simply whether to fund a library district. Our recommendation is
that the County and City leaders create a district by proclamation and begin negotiation of the IGA.
Then we rely on the voters to determine the funding.
We share your spirit of committed service to our community. It is time to act. Your leadership will live in
the outcomes for our library. This commission and our community will be your partners as we navigate
the path ahead.
Respectfully,
Tim O'Shea, Chair ▪ Juana Gómez, Vice-Chair ▪ Joel Koenig ▪ Jane Sykes Wilson ▪ Steven Frost
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OCTOBER 2020 LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
2021 City Manager’s Recommended Budget
The memo and draft of the City Manager’s Recommended Budget issued to City Council is available on
the City’s Budget web page. Staff was asked to provide cost estimates to restore programs and services
at the Main Library and the cost of restoring branch library services. This information was provided to
City Council in its Oct. 6, 2020 meeting packet. The first reading of the 2021 City Budget will take place
during this meeting. The Oct. 6, 2020 meeting packet will be available on the City Council web page.
Invitation to the Boulder Public Library Staff Day, Oct. 16, 2020
The invitation will be provided orally during the meeting.
North Boulder Branch Library
The site review stage of the development review process has officially concluded, the project received
unanimous approval from both the Planning Board and City Council! This is a major project milestone
and moves the project from design development into the construction document and permitting phase.
The NoBo Branch design team is awaiting comments from Planning and Development Services in
response to a technical document submission, part of the construction documentation and permitting
process.
The team has also released the construction contract request for qualifications to seek interested
general contractors. The project managers from the Library and FAM will hold a site walk for interested
firms on Oct.7, 2020 and submissions are due on Oct. 27, 2020 The design team will then work to screen
and grade the proposals to identify a short list of candidates who will be invited to interview and submit
a bid for construction services. The team anticipates that a general contractor will be selected and the
contract finalized with the City in the first quarter of 2021 and that construction will begin second
quarter of 2021.
The design team continues to work internally with teams from Parks, Stormwater Management,
Community Vitality and others to define how the site and facility will be activated and maintained. The
team is continuing to work with the Library’s grants team and the Boulder Library Foundation to seek
additional funds for currently unfunded amenities like: the makerspace, the outdoor learning garden,
and the children’s playground.
Update on Current Library Services
Library services continue to evolve. To meet patron needs and requests, the library is now offering
designated access and service to patrons aged 60+ and at-risk individuals from 9 to 10 a.m., Monday
through Thursday at the Main Library. The patron hold allowance was increased from 5 to 10
items. Starting Oct. 31, 2020, the Main Library’s children’s area will open for grab-and-go service
Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. The patron occupancy limit in the children’s area will be 25
persons a which may require wait times for some patrons. The entire children’s collection will be
accessible for checkout. However, no open play space, reading nooks, play items or manipulatives will
be available and in-person programs is not available at this time. To the extent possible, browsed
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materials will be quarantined or sanitized in between users. The re-opening team will continue to
evaluate increasing program and service levels as staffing and public health guidance allows.
Library Performance Measures 2020 Reports
Staff has prepared several library performance measures reports available on the library website. The
reports dated 2020 are new and have not been shared with the Library Commission until now.
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