2023-11-08 LB MinutesMEETING OF THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
November 8, 2023
Brockway Memorial Library Conference Room
10021 NE Second Avenue
Miami Shores, Florida 33138
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 9:05 AM. Present were Michelle Brown, Library Director;
Cheryl Gowing, President; Laura Farley, Vice President; Nancy Frehling, Secretary; Christine Gay
and Puja Motiani.
Public Comment: None
Presentation: Mary Benton explained the derivation of her idea to install a garden at the
library. She wants a wheelchair accessible path from the SW corner to the courtyard. Victor
Bruce is donating his time to lay out plans for all this. She shared some of the design challenges
and said that the design will include a fountain with running water, wind chimes and native
plants to create the feeling of an outdoor room. The existing tree will remain but orchids
donated by Pebble and Vine will be attached. All of us present took a walk to the site and
discussed the ramifications of the plan, understanding that there may be obstacles. The Board
voiced approval for beginning with Phase 1, the planting of a garden on the southern wall of the
library by the new ramp. Michelle will follow up and meet with the Village and Ms. Benton to
clarify our wishes.
1. Approval of minutes of the October 13, 2023 meeting. Motion to approve by Ms. Gay,
seconded by Ms. Farley. Motion passed.
2. Community Alliance Report: Puja Motiani reported. She said the Comprehensive Plan
had been approved, that the tree lighting was back on the field, and that a Small
Business Workshop will be held advising about possible grants. She also announced the
resignation of the Planning and Zoning Director of the Village. Concerning the Tree
Lighting on Dec. 1 at 6-8PM, Ms. Gay and Ms. Gowing might be able to volunteer. It was
put forth that there ought to be food; Ms. Brown will recommend this.
3. Financial Report: The Artisan Fair brought in $1230. (The highest ever); Harry Potter
brought in $905 in ticket sales as well as $218.00 for Butterbeer and Polyjuice and
$160.00 for the raffle. It was recommended that next time there should be better gifts
and perhaps the price should be reduced. There were 189 people in attendance as
guests, 31 as volunteers with their children. Hiding the sock was very successful. The
magician did not engage the children; food ordering was spot on; future location in the
Main Room perhaps should be reconsidered.
4. Circulation Report: In October 2023, 2,753 items were circulated; Copies Added:
Adults: 127, Youth: 18, Media (DVDs, CDs): 4, Donations Added: 50 books; Copies
Weeded: 14 – Dated travel guides, youth books in poor repair/replaced; Repairs,
Changes and Replacements: 15; Patrons Added: 39 = Total Registered Patrons: 7,441;
Total in-Person Visits: 2,920 / Digital Stats: 176 Checkouts eBooks on Overdrive, 78
digital magazines; 0 searches on Ancestry.com; 0 sessions on Mango Languages; 13
sessions on BrainPOP, Jr.; 6 sessions on Brainfuse.
5. Old Business: Ms. Brown reported that the chairs for the Main Room have been
ordered. Ms. Frehling made a motion to purchase the two Shad tables; Ms. Gay
seconded and it was approved.
6. Additional Items: The Board reviewed the wording for the historical marker and made
various corrections. It will be presented to the Historic Preservation Board. The
proposed date for the Recognition Ceremony is Jan. 11 (For the Love of Libraries). Jan.
23 is another possibility. Ms. Brown will confirm.
Archives: John met with the Archival Librarian at University of Miami. They shared best
practices. John is doing a variety of things, including helping with the historic tour. He’s
investigating doing an audio introduction to the archives.
7. Announcements:
Next Board meeting will follow breakfast for staff at 8am on December 13th and thus
begin at 9am.
Two new hires are pending: Library Page and Library Assistant I Front Desk
April 13, 2024 will be our Library celebration. Each ticket will be $75. There will be hors
d’ouevres and John Bachay, Library Archivist, will do a short presentation.
Adjournment: Ms. Gowing moved to adjourn, Ms. Gay to second. Adjourned at 11:04 AM.