CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Trevor Westrom. Also attending were Ken Brown, Chris Colby, Don De Keyrel, Ann Farnell, Phil Karsell, Mike McNeil, Harry Swedlund, and Joanne Swenson.
Others Present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Carrie Farrow, Director of Communications; Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Audrey briefly reviewed the DVD theft problem and the steps the library is taking to address the problem.
There are a couple of openings on the Library Board.
Ann Hutton, SELCO, attended the last Library Board meeting and discussed the regional system, projects they are working on and things they have accomplished. Three more libraries are exploring not using the SELCO ILS system.
The Library Board also discussed advocacy. Debbie Westerland attended the Minnesota Library Association (MLA) Annual Conference and came back with good ideas regarding advocacy.
The Somali library orientation film has been completed and was presented at MLA.
We have received the raw data from the community survey and are in the process of reviewing it. The survey asked questions about hours, what people would support with increased taxes, etc. The information will be used by Carrie in creating a marketing plan and will be used by the Library Board in strategic planning.
We are in the process of working on a building study to review noise issues, the lobby area, a possible coffee shop, etc. At the ten year anniversary program, the panel talked about why the building was designed way it was.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy: has not met.
Finance: Met prior to the Board meeting to begin review of the 2006 anticipated budget and 2005 endowment proceeds. The Committee will have a recommendation at the December Board meeting.
Development: The Jim and Judy Sloan foundation gave $1,000 for Storytime Kits; they also gave a gift of $250 for Disney DVDs. Sam's Club has donated $1,500 for literacy.
Don, Chris, and Mark will be making follow-up calls to some of their contacts.
Trevor suggested that Board members identify any remaining people they haven't already contacted to see if we can close out the year better.
Carrie pointed out that one of the best times for solicitations is November/December. The main thing is to grow the list and get new people involved in giving to the Foundation.
Mark Neville has been looking at different models of fundraising and we will be taking a potential model for the 2006 campaign to the Development Committee for a recommendation.
Audrey is available to give tours of the library for anyone who has a prospect that would like a tour. The remaining dates in 2005 are November 1, 15, and 29.
Events: 11 speakers have been lined up for Wit, Wisdom & Wine 2006; we are looking for one or two more speakers.
Our goal for underwriting is $4,500. Yaggy Colby and Construction Partnership have agreed to provide underwriting again this year. Anyone with ideas for additional underwriters should contact Carrie.
Sue Reinke will call the Post Bulletin about donating an ad for the event. Cynthia Daube will be taping a radio ad again this year and has donated some of Daube's ad spots. Don De Keyrel indicated that Construction Partnerships would also donate some of their ad spots again this year. Carrie is trying to line up spots on KTTC, KNXR, etc.
The goal is for the invitations to be mailed immediately after Thanksgiving. It was suggested that reminder post cards be mailed after the first of the year.
We need silent auction items. It was suggested that Board members look to see if they have any items they can regift for the silent auction. Tickets to pro sporting events are also good items for the silent auction. If anyone has tickets to donate, contact Carrie.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Trevor, Sue, and Chris will be the Nominating Committee for 2006 officers. Anyone interested in volunteering for an office should contact Trevor. We will need a new Vice-President and Treasurer for 2006.
The next meeting is December 7, 2005, at 4:45 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Swenson
Secretary