The Mother Whiteside Memorial Library’s system calculates overdue fines when materials are returned.
Discussion of this process generated strong emotions from the board and Librarian Jae Lurie King. Several members, along with Marie Connell, library board chair, questioned the record-keeping software’s results.
The discussion was so lengthy the recorder ran out of audiotape before the Aug. 27 meeting ended.
The accuracy of the $59,420 figure, which represented outstanding fines between July 2004 and July 2009, was a point of contention between the librarian and board members. King had explained the amount at the June 25 meeting.
At that session she and Bob Horacek, city manager, had requested GreenFlag Profit Recovery representative Bob Phillips to demonstrate to the library board the advantages of employing his company in retrieving over-due fines.
The board was not in favor of the proposal. Rueben Sandoval questioned the process and asked, “How many of these people with overdue fees still live in the area?” The five-member board debated the merits of fining patrons and agreed the policy discourages people from using the facility
City ordinance requires library patrons receive written notification concerning overdue fees, which is followed by a final notice 15 days later.
Connell suggested the library use a different letter format when contacting delinquent patrons. King’s response implied the suggestions would create more work for staff. Connell replied, “How you organize your professional day is your choice.”
Other topics discussed included the congressional appropriations’ bill, grant applications, the upcoming book sale and the building’s appearance.
• Congressman Harry Teague and the appropriations’ bill
Connell and King each commented on the recent teleconference with U. S. Representative Harry Teague’s office.
The congressman has introduced a $750,000 item into the federal appropriation’s bill. The funds are earmarked to assist Grants with the new library project. The House version has been approved and the legislation is currently under consideration in the Senate.
Board members stated their appreciation for Teague’s efforts on the library’s behalf during the telephone conference.
• EDA grant update
Connell reported that the Economic Development Administration, U. S. Department of Commerce, grant application is ready for review by city officials and the New Mexico Council of Government. The goal is to submit the application by the middle of September.
• Book sale
Plans for the Oct. 2 book sale included organizational details. Tables will be set up in the covered walkway.
The board hopes that having the event on the same day as the Health Fair, which New Mexico State University-Grants’ is hosting, will draw more people to the book sale.
The following Saturday was the second date of choice. More information will be made available as book sale details are finalized.
• Exterior walls’ appearance
The board discussed the building’s exterior walls and commented that the surfaces appear dirty and stained.
The board chair said, “It (the exterior walls) makes the community feel we don’t care about our library.” King noted the walls were last painted when the 1994 addition was built. The librarian will contact the city manager about painting the exterior walls.
Source:http://www.cibolabeacon.com/articles/2010/08/31/news/doc4c7d28027e760389033236.txt
