LOCATION: Central Library

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Frankel, Mr. Hetzer, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Lyons, Mr. Radley and Mrs. Scott

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Jonen

OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Sesso, Ms. Boyer, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Jones, Mr. Madden, Mrs. Napier, Mr. Hanrath, and Mrs. Adrianopoli

TIME MEETING BEGAN:
7:30 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Comments

Trustee Comments.
Mr. Hetzer noted that he was unable to attend the December Board meeting because of the death of his mother. He thanked the Board/staff for the notes of condolence that he had received. Mr. Hetzer suggested that the planned program for the 40th anniversary of the library director could be combined with a program honoring the 1958 start of a volunteer library in the area. Mr. Hetzer suggested that it would be good to invite all candidates running for the library board for a tour of the library and an overview of the Board. Mr. Lyons noted that two candidate forums are planned in the library: March 24th and April 7th. The April 7th forum will probably include library board candidates. In the opinion of the library attorney, a forum for library board candidates can be held in the library.
Mrs. Scott extended invitations to staff for the Child Care Association Conference. Mrs. Scott also reported on a vision program at John Muir School where she assisted in vision testing as well as obtaining glasses for some low income students. She then read a letter from the Elk Grove Village Library thanking our library for the continued financial support for joint services in the Elk Grove Village portion of Schaumburg Township.

Minutes.
It was moved by Mr. Lucas and seconded by Mr. Lyons that:
The minutes of December 19, 2006 be approved.
Motion approved with one abstention by Mr. Hetzer.

Staff Reports.
Mrs. Scott said that the report on RFID systems that was included in the Board packet was a very helpful overview of the current status of this technology. Mrs. Napier then was asked several questions about the report of the Popular Services Department. Mr. Lucas asked about the weeding program and Mrs. Napier explained the process. She also noted that consideration is being given to leasing popular titles, a process that the library has done in the past. Mr. Frankel asked about the economics of leasing as compared to outright purchase. That is being studied, Mrs. Napier replied. Mrs. Napier also demonstrated the Play Away books. Mrs. Adrianopoli added that the downloadable books for the MP3 players have also been helpful for the visually impaired.
Mr. Hanrath then gave a report on reciprocal borrowing statistics at the Central Library and at the two branches. Based upon circulation records, reciprocal borrowing makes up the following percentages:

Library	Percentage Of Circulation By Borrowers From Other Libraries
All Three Libraries	16% to 17%
Central Library	18%
Hoffman Estates Branch Library	6%
Hanover Park Branch Library	12% to 15%

He also supplied statistics on the libraries that provide the highest numbers of reciprocal borrowers at our library (Poplar Creek, Palatine, Roselle, Elgin and Barrington) as well as where our patrons are most likely to go when they go to another library (Elk Grove and Palatine). However, very few of our patrons go to other libraries but many people from other libraries come here.

NSLS Representative.
Mrs. Scott reported there was no December NSLS meeting. There are two NSLS events coming up: the Awards Banquet and the Legislative Breakfast. Mr. Lyons, Mrs. Scott, Mr. Frankel and Mrs. Miller all mentioned that they would like to attend the Awards Banquet. Both Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Adrianopoli have been nominated for NSLS awards.
Mr. Lyons explained how the Legislative Breakfast operates and explained the registration procedure.

Treasurer’s Report.
Mr. Lucas reported that he has reviewed all financial reports and projects a surplus for 2006-2007 of around $370,000.00. Mr. Frankel asked several questions about the new electricity services. Mr. Madden said that he will include a more detailed report on this for the February Board meeting.
Mr. Hetzer asked if there were checks and balances in place in our business department in order to ensure that embezzlements can not occur. Mr. Lucas noted that the auditors recently commended the library on their checks and balances. Mr. Madden explained that there is a detailed process in place so that different parts of the financial operations are handled by different persons, ensuring that proper checks and balances exist.
Mr. Radley noted the $3,978.00 payment to the Town Square Association and he asked what this payment covers. Mr. Madden gave an overview of the Town Square Association but noted that he will give a more detailed report on the association in the February Board packet.

Home Schooling Report.
Mrs. Jones mentioned that she met with three families (one from our service area) who represented home schooling parents. There were four areas that the parents felt would be helpful:

1)  curriculum materials for parents
2)  the library website with helpful areas for home schoolers
3)  the use of Treasure Bags by home schools
4)  the purchasing of math manipulative or science materials for the exclusive use of home school families

In the first three areas there were either existing services or planned services that would be helpful. In the last area, the library probably could not be helpful but the School District may be able to assist.
She also described an open house for home schoolers that is being planned and the registration of home schooling families that has started. There will also be something in our April/May brochure that is mailed to residents. School District #54 has no statistics on home schoolers in their area and the State of Illinois has very few requirements for home schoolers. Mrs. Scott asked about the revision to the web site that is being planned. Mr. Madden said that a four-page report on recommendations of various staff members has been prepared and that will be distributed at the February Board meeting. Mr. Hetzer asked if the Board could also make suggestions. Mr. Madden said that suggestions would be welcomed.

Hoffman Estates Water Issue.
Mrs. Adrianopoli gave an update on the water leakage problem at the Hoffman Estates Branch Library. The next step is for a consulting firm to look at the problem. Mr. Hetzer asked about the budgeting for this issue. The director can spend up to $10,000.00 to resolve the problems but if the cost appears to be higher, the Board will have to approve an allocation.

Meeting With Legislators.
Mr. Lyons reported that there will be a meeting with legislators on February 1st. To date we have heard from Senator Nolan and Representatives Krause and Froehlich. Representative Froehlich and Senator Nolan will be able to attend. Mr. Hetzer asked if packets will be prepared for the legislators and yes packets will be prepared. It was also suggested that the system director be invited to the meeting.

Bylaws Committee.
Mr. Lyons reported that Mrs. Jonen is out-of-town and after she returns a meeting of the Bylaws Committee could be held.

Adjournment.
It was moved by Mr. Hetzer and seconded by Mr. Frankel that:
The meeting adjourn.
Motion passed unanimously.

Time of Adjournment.
8:40 p.m.