Minutes of The Board of Library Commissioners - June 5, 2003
| Time : | 10:00 A.M. |
|---|---|
| Place : | Chelmsford Public Library |
| Chelmsford, Massachusetts |
Present : Joseph S. Hopkins, Chairman; John E. Arnold, Vice Chairman; Dr. Em Claire Knowles, Secretary; Deborah Hill Bornheimer; John E. Henderson; Elia D. Marnik; Robert F. Mooney
Absent : Edward L. Bertorelli, Walter L. Cameron, Jr.
Staff Present:
Robert Maier, Director; Dianne Carty, Head of State Aid and Data Coordination; David Gray, Director of Communications and Public Information; Marlene Sue Heroux, Reference Information Systems Specialist; Patience Jackson, Library Building Consultant; Maureen Killoran, Head of Public Library Advisory and Government Liaison; Paul Kissman, Library Information Systems Specialist; Anne Larsen, Associate Library Building Consultant; Mary Litterst, Planning and Research Specialist; William Morton, Assistant to the Director
Observers Present:
Deirdre Brennan, Administrator, Boston Massachusetts Regional Library System; Becky Herman, Director, Chelmsford Public Library; Betty Mooney, Nantucket; Gregory Pronevitz, Administrator, Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System; John Ramsay, Administrator, Western Massachusetts Regional Library System; Cynthia Roach, Administrator, Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Library System; Sondra Vandermark, Administrator, Metrowest Massachusetts Regional Library System
Call to Order
Chairman Hopkins called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. and welcomed attendees. He recognized Becky Herman, Director of Chelmsford Public Library. Ms Herman welcomed the Board to Chelmsford and the newly renovated library. She thanked the Commissioners for their advocacy for libraries and for the construction grant awarded under the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program to Chelmsford. She invited the Commissioners to tour the library following their meeting.
Approval of Minutes - May 8, 2003
Commissioner Mooney moved and Commissioner Arnold seconded that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners approve the minutes for the monthly business meeting of May 8, 2003.
The Board voted approval.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Hopkins relayed that he attended and spoke at the opening and dedication of the new Leverett Library on May 18, 2003. He stated that he feels reenergized and appreciative of what the Board does, especially its staff, when he attends library openings and that it is a reaffirmation of what the Board is doing. He thanked Patience Jackson and Anne Larsen for the work they put into the construction projects and the Commissioners who attend these events. He stressed that this is a good public relations effort.
Commissioner Hopkins also brought to the attention of the Commissioners a letter written by former Commissioner Robert D. Hall, Jr. in the Needham Times that was written on behalf of the Needham Public Library's debt exclusion vote and to clarify construction cost averages. He thanked Commissioner Hall for his continuing advocacy for libraries.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director Robert C. Maier distributed a new library waiting list to the Commissioners showing the amount remaining for the Wellesley project.
He reported that he, along with Commissioner Bertorelli and Molly Fogarty of the Massachusetts Library Association's Legislative Committee, attended the American Library Association's Legislative Day in Washington, DC. He said that they had visited six congressional offices, as well as offices of Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. Much of their discussion with those offices was about the Reauthorization of the Library Services and Technology Act. He informed the Commissioners that S.888, a compromise bi-partisan bill to reauthorize the Museum and Library Services Act was introduced sponsored by Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Jack Reed (D-RI). The bill would set the authorizing level for library programs (LSTA) at $250 million, higher than the level in H.R. 13, the reauthorization legislation passed by the House of Representatives.
In response to a query from Commissioner Bornheimer, Director Maier stated that this bill does have the "decency language" contained in the House bill. He reminded the Commissioners that the language prohibits funding for anything the courts declare obscene.
He also informed the Commissioners that due to the current fiscal crisis, Massachusetts, along with approximately 45 other states, will not meet the "maintenance of effort" requirement consistent with the requirements of the federal Library Service and Technology Act. He noted that the amount of LSTA funds otherwise payable to a state for a fiscal year pursuant to an allotment under LSTA shall be reduced if the level of state expenditures for the previous fiscal year is less than the average of the total of such expenditures for the 3 fiscal years preceding that previous fiscal year. The amount of the reduction in the allotment is determined by formula. He stressed that the states are working closely with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to resolve this problem.
Director Maier announced that the governance of the Springfield City Library and its branches would be transferring from the Museum and Library Association to the City of Springfield as of July 1, 2003.
He informed the Commissioners that the Gates Foundation computers were being installed across the Commonwealth, and that the Foundation has chosen Massachusetts as one of 10 states that it wishes to work with in coming back to help sustain these computers and promote Internet access. The details of this partnership have to still be worked out, he said.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Maureen Killoran, Head of Public Library Advisory & Government Liaison, reported that the Massachusetts Senate completed work on the state budget. The House and Senate each appointed members to a conference committee to resolve differences in the FY04 state budget. She relayed the House and Senate leaders hope to have the FY04 state budget on the Governor's desk by July 1, 2003.
She called the Commissioners attention to the budget chart detaining the differences between the House and Senate Budgets in each of the Board's accounts. The budget chart is listed below:
| Item Number | Item Name | FY03 | FY03 Governor's revised budget |
FY04 House 1 |
FY04 House Ways & Means Budget |
FY04 Senate Ways & Means Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7000-9101 | Board of Library Commissioners | $1,004,482 | $965,935 | * $0 | $891,182 | $891,182 |
| 7000-9401 | State Aid to Regional Public Libraries | $14,980,361 | $14,980,361 | $14,980,361 | $14,980,361 | $14,980,361 |
| 7000-9402 | Talking Book Library | $308,983 | $297,126 | ** $318,777 | *** $297,126 | *** $318,777 |
| 7000-9406 | Talking Book & Machine Lending | $1,578,515 | $1,517,940 | ** $1,628,550 | *** $1,517,940 | *** $1,628,550 |
| 7000-9501 | State Aid to Public Libraries | $7,830,844 | $7,830,844 | $7,830,844 | $7,339,844 | $7,339,844 |
| 7000-9506 | Library Technology & Resource Sharing | $355,451 | $341,811 | $366,718 | $341,811 | $341,811 |
| Total | $26,058,636 | $25,934,017 | $25,125,250 | $25,368,264 | $25,500,525 | |
Governor Romney on January 30, 2003 revised FY03 budget using 9C authority.
* This account has been transferred or consolidated under the Executive Office of Education.
** Talking Book Accounts (7000-9402 and 7000-9406) are slated to be transferred to the Executive Department of Disabilities.
*** Talking Book Accounts (7000-9402 and 7000-9406) are kept under the budget of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Ms Killoran announced that there will be a hearing on H.1199 library bond bill "Restore the Core" on Monday, June 9, 2003 before the Joint Committee on State Administration. She stated that Director Maier and she met with Representative Geoffrey Hall, Chairman of the Committee, and secured his approval of the legislation.
She informed the Commissioners that the House released a "Municipal Relief" package on Wednesday June 4th to help municipalities by providing flexibility on state regulations and mandates on the local level. She noted that there is a provision in the "Municipal Relief" package to keep the Municipal Appropriation Requirement 102 ½ percent, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners may give out more than 10 waivers of the MAR. Ms Killoran stated that House leaders have allowed amendments to this bill.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE CALENDAR FOR DESIGNATION OF REGIONAL REFERENCE CENTERS FOR FY2005
Director Maier informed the Commissioners that three regions are concluding procurement processes to determine regional reference providers to begin in FY2005. These regions are: Central, Metrowest and Southeastern.
He relayed that this process will result in recommendations for the designation of regional reference providers by the Board of Library Commissioners. He called the Commissioners' attention to a suggested calendar for the Board to follow in making these designations. Director Maier stated that the calendar anticipates the possibility that one or more of the libraries may wish to appeal the Board's decision. He informed the Commissioners that the remaining regions have ongoing agreements with their current providers (Western and Northeast) or are an exception (Boston).
Director Maier reported that each of the three regions advertised its bid process widely and each received at least two proposals. The Central Massachusetts Regional Library System received proposals from Worcester and Boston. The Metrowest Massachusetts Regional Library System received proposals from Wellesley, Newton and Boston. The Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Library System received proposals from Quincy, Bridgewater, Falmouth, Plymouth and Boston. He noted that New Bedford submitted a proposal after the advertised deadline and the region did not accept it. Director Maier announced that the results of these procurements will be made public in the near future.
Commissioner Arnold moved and Commissioner Marnik seconded that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners approve the calendar for the designation of regional reference centers subject to the actual date of the Board meeting in any month.
Calendar for Designation of Regional Reference Centers
June 2003 Region notifies libraries of its recommendation for designation of reference centers. June 2003 Appeals must be filed with the Region within one week. June/July 2003 Region schedules a hearing within two weeks. July 2003 Region decides on the appeal within two weeks of hearing, and forwards recommendations to the Board. August 7, 2003 Designation of reference centers. Board acts on recommendations from Regions where changes in designation are proposed. August 21, 2003 Deadline to file written appeals to the Board. September 4, 2003 Board hears appeals. October 2, 2003 Board decides on appeals.The Board voted approval.
Director Maier stressed that it is important for the Board to resolve any appeals at the October Board meeting so that this matter is clarified before the Regions finalize their FY2005 budgets in late October for presentation to their annual meetings in November.
He also reminded the Commissioners that Maureen Killoran had reported that the Regional Systems line item (7000-9401) will go to the conference committee because the Senate version of the FY04 state budget contains language that the New Bedford Pubic Library shall continue to be a regional reference and research center. This special earmarking language for the New Bedford Public Library is a problem because it circumvents the legal bid process undertaken by the regional library systems to contract for regional reference services. The House version of the FY04 state budget does not contain this language. He stated that the Massachusetts Library Association will be contacting its members to have them contact members of the conference committee to request this language be deleted from the line item in conference negotiations.
In response to a query from Commissioner Bornheimer, Director Maier relayed that the Board would, where necessary, provide some financial transitional assistance for those libraries that lose their designation as regional reference centers.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A FY2003 BUDGET REVISION FOR THE WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM (WMRLS)
John Ramsay, Administrator, WMRLS presented the budget revision. He explained that this revision is required due to the departure of several WMRLS staff, most of whose positions were not filled in light of ongoing budget constraints. Since the start of FY03, the Berkshire Regional Librarian, The Cataloging and Technical Services Librarian, an Interlibrary Loan Clerk and, most recently, a Bookmobile/Delivery driver have resigned for personal reasons. Staff attrition has resulted in a reduction of $52,615.29 in the personnel budget (line item budget, I. Personnel Costs).
Mr. Ramsay informed the Commissioners that the only vacancy that has been filled was a driver position, on a part time basis, due to almost a quadrupling of the number of materials being handled by the delivery system since FY2000. Hand in hand with the increase in delivery traffic was the purchase of a delivery truck (II.B.3 Vehicles). Mr. Ramsay stated that owning its own vehicles and delivering materials with its own staff has proven to be a very cost-effective way for the Region to meet the challenges of delivering across the largest geographical Regional service area in Massachusetts, with many remote and rural libraries. He noted that WMRLS' vehicles log many hundreds of miles, with one having exceeded 500,000 miles; it is still providing reliable service. With the number of miles traveled, leasing vehicles has not proved an economical alternative, he said.
Office Expenses (II.C.) Are reduced overall by $7,615.71, with decreases in supplies, postage, telephone, printing and travel; increases (see detail sheet for II.C.9.Other) are in Grounds keeping (additional snow plowing) and Miscellaneous (tests and permits for the new Headquarters building).
Contractual Services (II.E.) funds are applied to C/W Mars and NELINET (Attachment B.) For current and ongoing membership and use of those networks.
Mr. Ramsay relayed that the WMRLS Planning & Budget Committee and Executive Board have unanimously approved this budget revision, for this most challenging year of increasing demand and diminishing funds.
In response to a query from Commissioner Henderson on the amount budgeted for medical insurance for Regional employees, Mr. Ramsay stated that the Region usually pays 50 percent as the employer contribution. He noted, however, that the Region increased its contribution slightly this year to compensate employees during their furloughs.
Commissioner Marnik moved and Commissioner Arnold seconded that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners approve the FY2003 budget revision, filed on May 27, 2003, for the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System to reflect revisions in the Regional Budget, with an unchanged bottom line of $1,381,063 for the Regional Budget, as detailed in the accompanying documentation.
The Board voted approval.
In response to a query from Commissioner Bornheimer on the status of the construction project for the new WMRLS headquarters facility, Mr. Ramsay relayed that the project will go out to bid by the end of July and that he expects to break ground for the new facility by the end of the summer. He mentioned that the Region hoped to move in during spring 2004, in advance of the expiration of the lease on its current building in Hatfield, at the end of June 2004.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A FY2003 BUDGET REVISION FOR THE BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM (BMRLS)
Deirdre Brennan, Administrator, presented the revision for the FY2003 Boston Regional Library Systems budget.
Ms Brennan relayed that the major change is in personnel. She stated that the Region has lost two key employees this year, Philip McNulty and Kerry Cronin. Ms Brennan informed the Commissioners that the Boston Public Library (BPL) as a whole has lost over 100 positions this fiscal year. These losses are reflected in the direct services provided by the regional office, and in the services provided by the affiliated departments in BPL such an Interlibrary Loan, Systems and Technical Services.
Ms Brennan stated that the salary savings have been moved to the Materials line. And, the Region is examining the possibility of acquiring database licenses.
She noted that the audit amount is increased, based on a recommendation by the Library's auditors. This is only a bookkeeping change, to bring the payment of the audit into the same fiscal year as the actual work of the audit. She said that next year's budget amount for the audit will revert to the $3,500 amount.
Ms Brennan relayed that the program budget is revised to reflect these changes in the line item budget.
In response to a query from Commissioner Henderson on the amount budgeted for medical insurance for Regional employees, Ms Brennan stated that the Boston Region has a unique relationship with the Boston Public Library as its headquarters whereby both Regional and BPL employees are employees of the City of Boston. This means that the City - and not the Region - determines the amount that the Region must contribute towards health insurance for its employees. According to the City's agreements with its employees, the City pays 90 percent and employees pay 10 percent.
Commissioner Bornheimer moved and Commissioner Mooney seconded that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners approve the FY2003 budget revision, filed on May 29, 2003, for the Boston Massachusetts Regional Library System to reflect revisions in the Regional Budget, with an unchanged bottom line of $781,597 for the Regional Budget, as detailed in the accompanying documentation.
The Board voted approval.
Commissioner Arnold requested that a review of health insurance costs budgeted for employees of each Region be prepared and distributed to the Board in advance of the FY05 Regional budget submissions.
DISCUSSION OF DISPROPORTIONATE CUT WORKSHEET FOR THE FY2004 STATE AID TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Dianne Carty, Head of State Aid and Data Coordination, called the Commissioners' attention to the draft Disproportionate Cut Worksheet. She noted that this worksheet was developed in conjunction with the Director of the Bureau of Accounts at the Division of Local Services and employs language and coding familiar to city auditors and town accountants.
Ms Carty stated that on the form the town accountant or city auditor is asked to provide the requested budget figures for FY2003 and FY2004. The FY2003 figures are the final figures, after any local budget cuts.
Ms Carty noted that the percent change between FY2003 and FY2004 for the municipal budget uses the "adjusted municipal budget." The adjusted budget excludes education, debt service, fixed and unclassified costs, state and county assessments and any other generalized or non-departmental amounts.
She relayed that the proposal is that if the library's budget was reduced 5% or less than the change in the adjusted municipal budget, then the municipality and its library will be eligible for a waiver and on the "fast track." If, however, the library's budget was reduced more than 5%, when compared to the municipal budget change, the municipality and its library must present their petition to the Board at its January meeting. Ms Carty stated that Section III of the form will show the Commissioners how the budgets of other town/city departments changed in relation to the municipal budget and the library budget.
She said that she filled in the blanks on the form provided to the Commissioners with numbers so that they would have a better idea of how this form will be used as staff assesses the petitions for waivers of the FY2004 Municipal Appropriation Requirement.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES THREATENED WITH CLOSING
Ms Carty updated the Commissioners on the status of public libraries threatened with closing in the following municipalities:
Arlington
The library is on an override scheduled for June 14. It would allow the Fox branch to be open a full day. If the override fails the Fox branch will be open part of two days and the Main library will lose two mornings, two evenings and Sundays. The director feels that the library budget will be cut disproportionately.
Ashburnham
The entire library budget is on an override scheduled for June 10. There are two overrides; one for only town departments and education and one for town departments without education. According to the director, if the override with education fails then the School Committee has the authority to take their needed funds from the town side of the budget. The statement was made that the library "Is not a necessity for the town." The historical commission was also zero funded. There was no warning of this action and was a complete surprise to the director. At this point the director is attempting to retain heat and custodial service for the building, which the Town Administrator has agreed to if the override fails. However, the director did not agree to the Town Manager's suggestion that she use trust funds to store the collection. Other town departments experienced 13 - 20% cuts to their budgets. Staff of the fire and police departments are on the override. The library was served with a 16-page document outlining what the library could and could not do with regards to the override. The friends of the library have mounted a town wide mailing and campaign. Chances for the override do not look good because the overrides will push tax bills up either an estimated $1,200 or $600, depending upon which override passes.
Franklin
Franklin Public Library will not close. It is still pushing for level funding, $897,000, at Town Council meetings on June 8 and 9. In response to the national media attention the following comments were made: "This has been a national embarrassment because it's the nation's oldest library." And, "We're now the laughing stock of America. We have a treasure and we are throwing it away."
Lancaster
There is a $2.3 million override, (not broken down by department), scheduled for June 16. Failure of the override leaves the town with only $400,000 for all town departments. In the past twenty-five years only three overrides have passed. The fiscal crisis traced to several issues: the state has not paid out town prisoner mitigation funds for the past several years, resulting in a loss of $60,000; and Bolton and Stow from the Nashoba Regional School District have approved the school budget. The director said that there is a group that has begun to push vigorously for the override.
Randolph
The override failed on May 13. The finance committee put the library in a "discretionary category" and recommended minimal funding or elimination. It was suggested that the library could be run with volunteers. The selectmen do not agree that the library should be closed. There is a town meeting scheduled for June 16 to discuss the town department budgets. The director is proposing that the library be open at least 42 hours per week, the minimum required for Randolph by Old Colony Library Network so that Randolph residents can borrow books. However, this is not enough to meet the Board of Library Commissioners reduced standard of 56.70 or 50.40 hours for the standard requirement of 63 hours. The director thinks that the library may end up with a 5 - 10 % cut to its budget. It is believed that the override included the senior center and the library so that the senior citizens would vote in favor of the override so as not to lose those two services. This strategy backfired because the vote was against the increased education budget. In addition to the selectmen not wanting the library closed, the deed to the library states that if the building ceases to be a library, then the building and the property revert back to the heirs.
Rockland
The town selectmen wrote a letter to House and Senate members during their budget discussions that warned Rockland would close the Jefferson Elementary School and the Rockland Memorial Library if the state cut local aid to Rockland by the estimated $1.6 million. Local aid is now down by $1.6 million and the town will need to find the money somewhere. There are cash reserves of about $800,000 that can be used. Town meeting voted to level fund the library at $362,000. An override is doubtful because one failed last year for the schools. The director is still waiting to hear what the plan will be and expects something to come from the town after meetings this week and next. It seems likely that an elementary school will close.
Springfield
The library will be transferred from the Springfield Library and Museum Association (SLMA) to the city. By July 1, employees will be transferred to the city and the director will meet with other town department heads. The city and the SLMA are currently in negotiations discussing the transfer and how things are going to happen. By the second week in June, (no set date), the director must prepare three sets of budgets for the library that will put all of the branches up to their previous schedules. June 1 was the original closing date for the sale of the Mason Square branch. Now that the Secretary of State is involved in the transaction, the process may be delayed. If the Urban League successfully purchases the branch, (there is some question that the Urban League has sufficient funding), the library would use the branch endowment to place a collection of books and an outreach librarian available to users on appointment. If the sale does not go through then the library will support the Mason Square branch as it does the other branches. When asked if there will be a board of trustees, the director said that a library commission will be set up. She also said that the library budget could be in better shape after the transfer than it was before the city took over.
Wales
The override to fund the new Regional High School failed on May 27. This override has failed every year for the last several years. Four other towns, Brimfield, Sturbridge, Brookfield and Holland passed the override several years ago. Money must now come from the town's budget and could have devastating results for all town departments to the extent of shutting the town down. The director does not believe that this will happen. The director said that nothing is being said about what will actually happen. She is preparing a last ditch proposal for the library that she will present at her trustees meeting next week. She said that the town clerk=s office is receiving a lot of calls for a "do over" of the override. The selectmen met on June 3 for first time since the override.
PRIORITIZATION OF THE BOARD'S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR CONSIDERATION WITHIN A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET
Director Maier reported that Maureen Killoran and he had the opportunity to meet with Senate President Robert Travaglini through a meeting set up by Senator Susan Fargo for her constituent Sandy Lindheimer on May 20. He informed the Commissioners that one outcome of that meeting is an interest on the part of the Senate President in funding part of the Board's Legislative Agenda through a supplemental budget later in this session. Director Maier stated that no figure was mentioned, but it is clear that the Board should be prepared with its priorities.
Director Maier noted that following meetings with network administrators and regional administrators he recommends that the two infrastructure items, regional delivery and network telecommunications, should be considered the priority items for the Board's Legislative Agenda.
Following an extended discussion, the Commissioners approved Director Maier's recommendation that regional delivery and network telecommunications should be considered the Board's legislative priorities.
Commissioner Bornheimer stated that she is surprised by the amount networks are able to draw on from reserves for continued operations. She questioned how this was possible and suggested that there might be better ways for networks to fund major capital expenditures and plan for operating contingencies.
Commissioner Arnold noted that at the time the networks were established the Board allowed them the flexibility of carrying money forward.
Director Maier indicated that the Board has strongly encouraged networks to build up system improvement funds to meet matching requirements for LSTA grants.
MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM (MPLCP) UPDATE
Patience Jackson, Library Building Consultant, spoke briefly about the Chelmsford addition/renovation project.
She then discussed the current status of the more recent grant awards, as follows:
Eighteen (18) Provisional Awards were voted on November 7, 2003 and 1 was voted on May 8, 2003, for a total of 19. Of these19 projects, as of 6/4/03:
There have been 10 new contracts. Of these, 7 have already received their initial payment. Two others (Maynard and Wellesley) will be paid as soon as their contracts are approved by the Comptroller. The remaining one, Ashland, is scheduled for early in FY04.
Of the remaining 9: Watertown and Leominster have municipal bonding votes scheduled for July; Orange has its town meeting scheduled for June, then an override or debt exclusion scheduled in September; Ashby, Berlin, Rochester, and Mendon/Upton have all had one rejection and are modifying and trying again in the fall; Boylston and Lunenberg have their town meeting votes scheduled for September.
Ms Jackson updated the Commissioners on the status of projects on the Waiting List. She reported that there are currently 21 projects on the Waiting List. They range from a very small town such as New Salem to a very large city such as Revere. A few of these have achieved their local funding already. Needham was approved for $15 million last month with a debt exclusion and a Town Meeting vote. Ms Jackson informed the Commissioners that she is aware of full funding in Oak Bluffs, Northborough, Braintree, Boxborough and Charlton. She relayed that Georgetown's town meeting is this week and there will be a funding vote in the fall. She stated that most of the waiting list projects will need to "gear up" and go for local funding votes after they have received a Provisional Award. Further recommendations will occur in the fall.
COMMENDATION
Vice Chairman Arnold stated that he is recommending that a Board commendation be awarded to Bessie K. Hahn, Brandeis University National Women's Committee Librarian and Assistant Provost, for outstanding career contributions to library services.
Vice Chairman Arnold relayed that Ms Hahn and he worked together as two of the Massachusetts delegates to the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS) that formulated 96 recommendations and petitions for the improvement of library and information services in the United States.
He stated that Ms Hahn's career contributions to the Brandeis Libraries and to library services has been distinguished by excellence.
Commissioner Marnik moved and Commissioner Bornheimer seconded that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners award a certificate of commendation to Bessie K. Hahn for outstanding career contributions to library services.
The Board voted approval.
COMMISSIONERS' ACTIVITIES
Commissioner Marnik relayed that she attended and spoke at the dedication of the Wellesley Free Library on Sunday, June 1, 2003. She stated that the new Wellesley Library is a magnificent facility. She reported that legislators attending this event were complimentary of the Board and the library.
STANDING COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
Public Relations Committee
Commissioner Knowles announced that the Committee plans to meet again before the end of June.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Marnik announced that the third annual Massachusetts Book Awards, honoring books published in 2002, will be held on September 14, 2003 at Hampshire College in the western part of the state. The Massachusetts Book Awards are awarded annually for significant achievement in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children's literature during the previous year. Eligible books will have been written by a Massachusetts writer or will be published on a theme of particular and specific importance to the Commonwealth.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Hopkins adjourned the June 5, 2003 monthly business meeting of the Board of Library Commissioners at 12:35 P.M.
Dr. Em Claire Knowles
Secretary
Approved July 10, 2003