Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – November 19, 2019

Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.

AGENDA

November 19, 2019, 9:00 a.m.

West Loop Branch

122 N. Aberdeen Street

  1. Welcome to the West Loop Branch (info only)
  2. Approval of minutes for the September 18, 2019 meeting (action required)
  3. 2020 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule (action required)
  4. Schedule of Requisitions, Contracts and Licenses (info only)
  5. 2020 CPL Budget Overview (info only)
  6. CPL Capital Projects and Facilities Report (info only)
  7. CPL 2020-2024 Strategy Update (info only)
  8. Commissioner’s Report (info only)
    • Fine Free
    • Sunday Hours
    • CPS Strike
    • Macmillan Ebook Embargo
    • Program Updates
    • New Senior Staff Member: Summer Sparacin, Director of Library Programs and Events
    • CPL Holiday Schedule
    • Retirements
  9. Other Business
  10. Public Comment

Next Board meeting:

January 21st, 2020, 9:00 a.m. (tentative)

Harold Washington Library Center

400 S. State Street

 

OPEN SESSION MINUTES

Physically Present: Linda Johnson Rice, Christopher Valenti, Lynn Lockwood, Jodi Block, Barbara Bowman, Alexi Giannoulias, Ivy Walker

Present by Means of Video or Audio Conference: None

Absent: Dominique Jordan Turner, Patricia Gaytan Perez

Welcome to the West Loop Branch (info only)

Melissa Wagner, branch manager, opened the meeting with a brief history of the West Loop branch. The branch opened earlier this year as Chicago Public Library’s 81st branch and is the first library in the West Loop community. The space was donated to the City of Chicago by Sterling Bay as part of the ongoing development and transformation of the West Loop. The building was formerly part of the Harpo Studios campus, and now houses a full library with a dedicated children’s space, a YOUmedia teen digital learning space with a recording studio and flexible community and meeting rooms on the second floor.

Approval of minutes for the September 18, 2019 meeting (action required)

The Board voted (7-0) to approve the minutes for the September 18, 2019 meeting.

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule

Commissioner Telli presented the proposed CPL Board of Directors meeting schedule for 2020 as follows:

  • January 21st - Harold Washington Library Center
  • April 21st - Northtown Branch
  • September 15th - Douglass Branch
  • November 17th - Altgeld Branch

The Board voted (7-0) to approve the CPL Board of Directors meeting schedule for 2020.

Schedule of Requisitions, Contracts and Licenses (info only)

Baronica Roberson, Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance, presented the quarterly report on contacts and purchases made for magazines, books, databases, periodicals and articles of educational and instructional nature. For this quarter (September 4 – November 8, 2019) a total of 3730 invoices were paid totaling $2,673,830.39 to various vendors.

2020 CPL Budget Overview

Deputy Commissioner Roberson provided an overview of CPL’s proposed 2020 budget that is expected to pass next week. The preliminary budget request is $137mil, slightly higher than last year due an increase in the operating budget to cover the hiring of staff that will work at branches when locations begin to open on Sundays. This also includes a $500,000 increase in the book budget in addition to $1mil being allocated for furniture and shelving at branches. CPL has requested $4.4mil from the Chicago Public Library Foundation which is based on the needs and operations for the coming year; and $100,000 from the Kelly Fund for staff trainings and the Library’s annual All Staff Institute Day (ASID). The Kelly Fund budget request will be presented to the CPL Board of Directors for approval at a future board meeting. CPL’s total budget request for 2020 is $141,836,540.

CPL Capital Projects and Facilities Report (info only)

Maggie Clemons, Deputy Commissioner of LOPE and Karl Guider, Assistant Commissioner for Facility Planning and Building Operations, highlighted CPL’s capital projects.

South Shore – Design by 2FM and CPL; project managed by 2FM with Paschen as general contractor. Scope includes full renovation with addition of early learning and teen spaces; envelope repairs incorporating roof, windows and doors, repairs to elevator, interior doors, replacement of interior staircase, upgraded circulation desk, new lighting, flooring and paint throughout. Construction is currently 80% complete, substantial completion expected by November 22nd, with projected opening in January 2020.

Altgeld – Design by Koo & Associates; project managed by CHA. Scope includes buildout of a combined CPL library branch with an early childhood center. Construction is currently 35% complete with substantial completion expected by April 2020. Branch is projected to open Summer 2020.

Merlo – Design by Ross Barney Architects; project managed by the Public Building Commission. Scope includes full gut renovation with addition of Early Learning and Teen spaces. Construction is 45% complete with substantial completion expected by January 31, 2020. Branch is projected to open in March 2020.

Legler Regional Library – Design by RATIO Architects; project managed by Public Building Commission. Scope includes re-establishment of Legler branch to regional library status; Phase 1 entails the build out of a Computer Lab on the second floor, basement level community room, and upgrades to power and data, build-out of a computer lab, relocation of the community room and other upgrades. Permit drawings have been completed; branch has closed to the public as of September 28th; expected to reopen in September 2020.

Obama Presidential Center Branch (no changes) – Design by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects; project managed by OPC. Proposed scope includes 5,000 sq. ft branch library on the Obama Presidential Center campus. Project is still in design development. OPC and CPL have verified the floor plan and programming requirements; expected completion by 2022.

Douglass – Design by 2FM and CPL; project managed by 2FM with Leopardo as general contractor. Now Open! The branch celebrated its grand re-opening on Saturday, November 23rd. Renovations included exterior masonry repairs and new energy efficient roof; buildouts of an early learning play space and teen area; new flooring and paint throughout; new circulation desk and installation of additional power and data; upgrades to community room and staff work areas.

Jefferson Park – Design by 2FM and CPL; project managed by 2FM with Paschen as general contractor. Now Open! The branch reopened to the public on Mon, November 18th. Renovations to the branch included complete interior renovation, upgraded circulation desk, installation of additional power and data, paint and flooring, new study room, and new programmatic spaces dedicated to YOUmedia and early learning.

2FM’s CARE Program – Select CPL locations have been undergoing 2FM’s CARE program “Clean and Repair Everything” which provides in-depth seasonal and deferred maintenance, carpet replacement or cleaning, paint and a general refresh of the facility on the part of CPL and 2FM staff. Projects have required branches to be closed short term for 3 to 4 weeks. Branches that have successfully completed the CARE Program this quarter include Coleman, Portage-Cragin, Chicago Lawn and Clearing. The Walker branch is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

CPL 2020-2023 Strategy Update

First Deputy Commissioner Messner provided an update on the development of CPL’s 2020-2024 strategic plan as they close out Phase 2 of their strategy work. Throughout this process, CPL has used the SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) structure approach to focus on the Library’s strengths and values, with a goal of enhancing what is currently done well, rather than concentrating on perceived threats and/or weaknesses. At this time, they have finalized their key objectives and measures of success that will become CPL’s blueprint over the next five years. The next steps are to design the final document that will be shared with staff and other stakeholders, develop an operational plan and “field guide” for staff to adopt the strategy principles. Expected for distribution by end of Q1, 2020.

Commissioner’s Report (info only)

Commissioner Telli provided an update on the following initiatives:

  • On October 1st, CPL joined many other library systems throughout the country by eliminating overdue fines on library materials. This made CPL one of the largest library systems to go fine free. From the time when CPL eliminated fines, circulation numbers have gone up 17% from last year; more items have been returned on time; and holds have also been returned slightly sooner this year.
  • Sunday hours at branch libraries will begin in 2020, pending budget approval. CPL will add 62 full-time positions and 115 part-time positions to our workforce to accommodate branches opening on Sundays.
  • During the 11-day CPS strike, CPL staff welcomed just over 22,000 students at library locations across the city providing creative programming and safe spaces for patrons of all ages.
  • In November, Macmillan Publishers began to embargo sales of new eBooks to libraries for eight weeks. During the eight-week period, libraries are limited to purchase licenses for a single copy on an eBook. However, CPL has elected to wait until the embargo ends to purchase licenses for the number of copies needed for each title.
  • Program highlights at HWLC include:
    • CPL’s long-standing collaboration with the 14th Chicago Latino Music Festival continues with the presentation of two outstanding concerts in October and November.
    • Author Sheila Watt-Cloutier discusses The Right To Be Cold on November 14th
    • Author Dan Egan discusses The Death and Life of the Great Lakes on Wed, January 15th
  • Rev. Martin L. Deppe Papers: A Collection Preview will be on display October 26 - March 30 in the Special Collections Exhibit Foyer on the 9th floor. The exhibit coincides with the opening of the Rev. Martin L. Deppe Papers in Special Collections at the Harold Washington Library Center.
  • On Mon, October 21st, CPL welcomed Summer Sparacin as the new Director of Library Programs and Exhibits at CPL.
  • All Chicago Public Library locations will observe the following holiday schedule:
    • Thurs, November 28th: CPL locations will be closed
    • Tues, December 24th: CPL locations will close at 3pm
    • Wed, December 25th: CPL locations will be closed
    • Tues, December 31st: CPL locations will close at 3pm
    • Wed, Jan 1, 2020: CPL locations will be closed
  • Retirements for the 4th Quarter of 2019 include:
    • Jan Brooks, Librarian IV at Thurgood Marshall (46 yrs. of service)
    • Grace Bushpaka, Senior Library Clerk at Budlong (18 yrs. of service)
    • Ernest Givens, Accountant III at HWLC (29 yrs. of service)
    • Arlene Gottardo, Librarian III at Beverly (26 yrs. of service)
    • Juanita Hardy, Library Clerk at Chicago Bee (32 yrs. of service
    • Hector Hernandez, Librarian IV at Lozano (34 yrs. of service)
    • Sally F Jones, Librarian II at Blackstone (28 yrs. of service)
    • Marcie Kinsey, HR Payroll Manager at HWLC (39 yrs. of service)
    • Liz McChesney, Director of Children Services and Family Engagement at HWLC (32 yrs. of service)
    • Robert Miller, Librarian IV at Woodson (33 yrs. of service)
    • Deborah Paige-Jackson, Librarian I at North Pulaski (25 yrs. of service)
    • Christine Pudlo, Library Clerk at HWLC GIS/Circulation Dept. (18 yrs. of service)
    • Linda Williams, Library Clerk at Sulzer (34 yrs. of service)

Public Comment

The Board addressed comments from the audience regarding the assistive resources center for patrons with disabilities and additional ideas and resources that would benefit that community.

Next Board Meeting

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the Harold Washington Library Center located at 400 S. State Street.

Commissioner’s Report

FINE FREE UPDATE

Along with Mayor Lightfoot's fines and fees reforms, as you voted on at our last meeting, Chicago Public Library reinforced our own commitment to removing barriers to equal access on October 1 by joining many other library systems throughout the country with our elimination of overdue fines on library materials. This policy change made CPL the largest library system in the country to go fine free, and presented a model of equity and access for other urban libraries across the nation. Since we've eliminated overdue fines, other large cities like Philadelphia and Boston have begun their own process to go fine free. 

Circulation

Circulation numbers are up 17% this October over last October.  A very small part of the increase is due to the increase in holds. In October, CPL increased the holds limit to 8 holds; last year the holds limit was 5. A large part of the increase is most likely due to automatic renewals.

New/Replacement Cards

New cards and replacement cards are down. We believe it is because of the Teachers strike. 

Returns

Between October 1 - November 11, more items have been returned on time this year versus last year. But, we believe most of that can be attributed to automatic renewals. It was 87% last year and 95% this year.

Holds were also returned slightly sooner this year (79% last year and 80% this year). We received concerns from staff and patrons alike that holds would be returned late more often without fines, however, that has not been the case.

Old items coming back!

While old items are still coming back, it is not as high as it was in the beginning. Between October 1 - November 11, we have a return for old items:

  • Due more than 6 months ago is 127% 
  • Items due more than a year is 150%

SUNDAY HOURS

With the Mayor's support, Sunday hours will become a reality at all 81 locations in 2020. Pending approval of the budget, we will add 62 full time and 115 part time positions to our workforce to accommodate Sunday hours in the branches. Sundays will be rolled out throughout 2020, ensuring that communities across Chicago are represented equitably and that we are not creating Sunday “deserts” or Sunday “feasts” in any one area of the city.  

CPS STRIKE

Chicago Public Library staff supported children, parents and caregivers across Chicago during the school strike by providing creative programming, exhibiting lots of flexibility, and serving patrons of all ages. We welcomed just over 22,000 students during the 11 days of the strike, not only providing them with welcoming and safe spaces, but with the knowledge that their libraries are a constant in their communities for fun and learning. I also know that there were thousands of parents and caregivers across the city that valued and appreciated what we offered to their families during what was a stressful time for everyone and CPL staff did just an incredible job. 

MACMILLAN EBOOK EMBARGO

Starting November 1, Macmillan Publishers began to embargo sales of new eBooks to libraries for eight weeks. This means eBooks published by Macmillan will not be available for our patrons to check out through Chicago Public Library until eight weeks after they come out. Once the embargo ends, titles will become available as usual.  

During the embargo, libraries may purchase a license for a single copy of an eBook. However, CPL has chosen to wait until the embargo ends so we may purchase licenses for the number of copies we need for each title. 

This embargo does not impact CPL’s ability to provide Macmillan’s titles in other formats, such as print books, audiobooks and eAudiobooks. The embargo applies only to eBooks published by Macmillan after November 1.  Please note Macmillan includes these imprints: Celadon Books; Farrar, Straus and Giroux; Flatiron Books; Henry Holt and Company; St. Martin’s Press and Tor/Forge.

We understand this embargo impacts patrons’ ability to access Macmillan eBooks through the library. A news post will be added to the Library website about this change. We are working with the library community, including the American Library Association and the Urban Libraries Council, to advocate for the removal of this barrier to eBook access. As our mission states, we believe in the freedom to read, to learn and to discover. This embargo impacts our ability to ensure equitable access for all.  

PROGRAM UPDATES

Chicago Latino Music Festival

Chicago Public Library and the 14th Chicago Latino Music Festival continued their long-standing collaboration with the presentation of two outstanding concerts. The Oct. 29th concert featured acclaimed classical keyboard artist David Schrader playing Spanish and Mexican Music for the Harpsichord and Clavichord to an audience of 150. On Nov. 6, the Chicago Panamerican Ensemble and Eykamp String Quartet with pianist Joanne Chang, performed chamber music from Mexico, Argentina and Uruguay to an audience of nearly 250.

Upcoming programs include:

One Book, One Chicago: Author Sheila Watt-Cloutier discusses The Right To Be Cold; Thursday, November 14 at 6 p.m.

Join One Book, One Chicago as we welcome climate expert Sheila Watt-Cloutier. Sheila Watt-Cloutier is an activist who lives with the impacts of climate change every day from her home in the Arctic Circle. She is one of four winners of the 2015 Right Livelihood Awards (also called the “alternative Nobels”), was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and has been awarded the Aboriginal Achievement Award, the UN Champion of the Earth Award, and the prestigious Norwegian Sophie Prize.

The Art of Logic in an Illogical World with Dr. Eugenia Cheng; Thursday, November 21 at 6 p.m.

Chicago Public Library collaborates with Chicago Council on Science and Technology/C2ST to host renowned mathematician Dr. Eugenia Cheng as she discusses how we can utilize logic in our everyday lives! Chicago Public Library’s collaboration with C2ST is ongoing and very popular.

One Book, One Chicago: Author Dan Egan discusses The Death and Life of the Great Lakes; Wednesday, January 15 at 6 p.m.

Join One Book, One Chicago as we welcome climate expert Dan Egan. Dan Egan is a reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a senior water policy fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences, and the author of the New York Times Bestseller The Death and Life of the Great Lakes.

Rev. Martin L. Deppe Collection and Exhibit

Rev. Martin L. Deppe Papers: A Collection Preview runs October 26 - March 30 in the Special Collections Exhibit Foyer on the 9th floor of HWLC. The exhibit draws on and coincides with the opening of the Rev. Martin L. Deppe Papers in Special Collections at Harold Washington Library Center.

Spanning six decades, Rev. Deppe’s social justice activism began in the 1960s when he aligned his church with the civil rights and anti-war movements. He joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as one of the founding ministers with their Operation Breadbasket program to negotiate fair economic practices in Chicago’s African American communities. His work with the Chicago chapter of Clergy and Laity Concerned began with his opposition to the war in Vietnam and went on to address a wide range of human rights and disarmament causes.

All the while, Rev. Deppe was active at all levels of the United Methodist Church and championed numerous other groups and causes including the United Farm Workers, the Alliance to End Repression and opposition to the Gulf War.

NEW SENIOR STAFF MEMBER

On Monday, October 21st, CPL welcomed Summer Sparacin as the Director of Library Programs and Events in our Department of Corporate and Private Events. Summer is the former Assistant Director for Events and Operations at the Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago. There, her primary duties included working with university departments and community partners in event management, logistics and execution. Her background is in performing arts management, front of house management, box office sales, and theater for young audiences. Originally from Texas, she moved to Chicago to attend DePaul University where she obtained a BFA in Theater Arts.

CPL HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

All Chicago Public Library locations will observe the following holiday schedule:

  • Thurs, November 28th: CPL locations will be closed
  • Tues, December 24th: CPL locations will close at 3pm
  • Wed, December 25th: CPL locations will be closed
  • Tues, December 31st: CPL locations will close at 3pm
  • Wed, Jan 1, 2020: CPL locations will be closed

RETIREMENTS

  • Jan Brooks, Librarian IV at Thurgood Marshall (46 yrs of service)
  • Grace Bushpaka, Senior Library Clerk at Budlong (18 yrs of service)
  • Ernest Givens, Accountant III at HWLC (29 yrs of service)
  • Arlene Gottardo, Librarian III at Beverly (26 yrs of service)
  • Juanita Hardy, Library Clerk at Chicago Bee (32 yrs of service
  • Hector Hernandez, Librarian IV at Lozano (34 yrs of service)
  • Sally F Jones, Librarian II at Blackstone (28 yrs of service)
  • Marcie Kinsey, HR Payroll Manager at HWLC (39 yrs of service)
  • Liz McChesney, Director of Children Services and Family Engagement at HWLC (32 yrs of service)
  • Robert Miller, Librarian IV at Woodson (33 yrs of service)
  • Deborah Paige-Jackson, Librarian I at North Pulaski (25 yrs of service)
  • Christine Pudlo, Library Clerk at HWLC GIS/Circulation Dept. (18 yrs of service)
  • Linda Williams, Library Clerk at Sulzer (34 yrs of service)