Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – November 20, 2018

Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.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 20, 2018, 9:00 a.m.

Harold Washington Library Center

400 S. State Street

Lower Level, Multi-Purpose Room

  1. Approval of minutes for the October 16, 2018 meeting (action required)
  2. 2019 CPL Budget (action required)
  3. 2019 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule (action required)
  4. CPL Capital Projects and Facilities Report (info only)
  5. Commissioner’s Report (info only)
    • CPL Online Store Launch
    • Children’s, Teen’s and Adult Services Update
    • Library Closings:
      • Thursday, November 22 - All libraries closed
      • Monday, December 24 - All libraries open, 9 am-3 pm
      • Tuesday, December 25 - All libraries closed
      • Monday, December 31 - All libraries open, 9 am-3 pm
      • Tuesday, January 1, 2019 - All libraries closed
  6. Other Business
  7. Public Comment

Next Board meeting:

December 18, 2018, 9:00a.m.

Harold Washington Library Center

400 S. State Street

Lower Level, Multi-Purpose Room

 

Open Session Minutes

Physically Present: Linda Johnson Rice, Jodi Block, Barbara Bowman, Patricia Gaytan Perez

Present by Means of Video or Audio Conference: None

Absent: Lynn Lockwood, Christopher Valenti, Dominique Jordan Turner, Alexi Giannoulias, Ivy Walker

 

Approval of minutes (action required)

Due to lack of a quorum, the approval of minutes for the October 16, 2018 meeting was tabled for December 18, 2018 meeting.

 

2019 CPL Budget (action required)

Deputy Commissioner Roberson presented an overview of CPL’s budget for 2019. Deputy Commissioner Roberson highlighted that for 2019, CPL will not have any reductions in staff, programming or unfunded mandates. Additionally, there will be an increase in funding for personnel, opening day collections, technology and furniture for new and expanding branches that include: Jefferson Park, Merlo, South Shore and Douglass. CPL’s total budget for 2019 is $129,581,121. Sources of funding is comprised of: a City operating budget of $71,420,108; services to DOIT and 2FM totaling $16,044,335; other city support which includes interest payments, benefits, worker’s compensation, funding for the purchase of library materials and funding for new/expanding libraries totals $36,362,057; the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s approved budget of $5,706,922.

Deputy Commissioner Roberson also included in her report for approval, a budget request of $100,000 from the Kelly Fund (an endowment that managed by the Chicago Public Library Board of Directors) to be used for professional development for staff, All Staff Institute Day and special programs and events such as the annual Cindy Pritzker Lecture. Commissioner Bannon also mentioned that the “Knowledge and Wonder” painting at Legler will not be sold and will return to the branch. CPL will still move forward with transforming the Legler branch into a Regional Library. Funding for additional positions and renovating the branch has been included in the 2019 budget as well. Due to lack of a quorum, approval of the Kelly Fund budget was tabled for the December 18, 2018 meeting.  

 

2019 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule (action required)

Due to lack of a quorum, the approval of the 2019 Board of Directors meeting schedule was tabled for the December 18, 2018 meeting.

 

CPL Capital Projects and Facilities Report (info only)

Andrea Telli, Assistant Commissioner of Neighborhood Services presented the following CPL capital projects:

Active Projects

Chicago Bee - Project Scope: full renovation and reconfiguration of first floor to include an Early Learning Play Space and YOUmedia; relocation and expansion of adult reading room and community room; repairs to envelope and parking lot; upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; new flooring, paint, ceiling tile, lighting, and furniture, installation of additional power and data. Milestones and Current Activity: project is 99% complete, with minor punch list items being corrected; staff is completing the move-in process; the branch will re-open to the public on November 26, with a ribbon-cutting event on December 4, and a community celebration/family day on December 15.

Whitney Young – Project Scope: renovation and addition to existing library. Milestones and current activity: installation of interior finishes is complete; library stack installation is complete; furniture is being delivered and installed; equipment testing and commissioning of the mechanical systems is in progress; site development is 100% complete; staff is in the building conducting opening preparation activities, including shelving of the new book collection; the branch is expected to open in mid-December.

West Loop Branch - Developer: Sterling Bay, proposed 17,000 sq. foot library in an existing office building, Design architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Milestones and current activity: interior construction is substantially complete; exterior graphics are complete with interior graphics to be completed by 11/21; exterior metal façade installation is nearing completion with steel portal and first floor window replacement to follow; additional electrical work to be completed by 11/21. Library move-in and commissioning is underway; branch is on track to open in mid-December. 

Altgeld - CHA project management: Site to combine a CPL library branch with an early childhood center, Design Architect: Koo & Associates. Milestones and Current Activity: Site prep-work continues; CPL and Koo Architects will be meeting next week to finalize furniture plan; CHA continues to work with the New Market Tax Credit consultant on securing funding for the library portion of the project; project is scheduled to be complete in 3Q 2019.

Merlo – Project Scope: Full gut renovation with addition of Early Learning and Teen spaces. Milestones and current activity: concept/schematic design is near completion and project is headed into design development; community meeting about the project was held at the branch on November 19; the branch will close to the public on February 2, 2019 with construction to begin on April 4; project completion anticipated in 4Q 2019.

South Shore – (No change) Project Scope: Full renovation with addition of early learning and teen spaces; project scope includes envelope repairs incorporating roof, windows and doors, repairs to elevator, interior doors, replacement of interior stair case, upgraded circulation desk, new lighting, flooring and paint throughout. Milestones and Current activity: 2FM and CPL are continuing to develop design plans and scope; a walk-through with the contractor and CPL occurred on 10/9; construction to begin 1Q 2019; library closure is currently planned for early 2019.

Jefferson Park – Project Scope: Scope is currently in development but includes refresh and possible reconfiguration of public areas, upgraded circulation desk, installation of additional power and data, paint and flooring. Milestones and current activity: library is currently scheduled to close on January 19, 2019 with construction to begin in late February.

Projects in Planning

Obama Presidential Center Branch – Project Scope: proposed 5,000 sq. foot branch library on the Obama Presidential Center campus; Design architects are Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. Milestones and Current Activity: project is in design development and regular meetings are now being held between the OPC staff and CPL.

Douglass – Project Scope to Include: exterior masonry repairs and new energy efficient roof; build-outs 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. Milestones & Current Activity: design is complete and construction kick-off meeting has been held; CPL staff has completed closing preparations and are out of the building. CPL is working on a finishes and furniture plan for the library; abatement is scheduled to begin in mid/late-November followed by construction which is estimated to last seven months; the branch is expected to reopen in late summer or early fall of 2019.

Northtown Branch - Developer: Evergreen Real Estate Group, new construction 16,000 square foot public library building in a planned development with 44 senior housing units, Design Architect: Perkins + Will. Milestones and Current Activity: Currently 60% complete; curtain wall, roofing, and mechanical systems are in progress; pending an updated substantial completion date on the new facility, the current branch will close to the public in early December.  

Little Italy (previously named Roosevelt) - Developer: Related Midwest, new construction 16,000 square foot branch library in a planned development with 73 multi-family housing units, Design Architect: Skidmore Owings & Merrill. Milestone and Current Activity: building is 70% complete; windows are 99% complete; drywall complete on floors 4 to 7 (overall 60%); library drywall and taping is overall 50% complete; roofing is 100% complete; ComEd is in the process of switch to permanent power; site concrete work is in progress (with a discovered tank underneath the parking lot being removed); last day of service in the existing branch will be December 1, at which time CPL branch staff will begin closing procedures; branch is scheduled to open in late January. 

Independence Branch - Developer: Evergreen Real Estate Group, new construction 16,000 square foot public library building in a planned development with 44 senior housing units, Design Architect: John Ronan. Milestones and current Activity: building is currently 70% complete; contractor is currently working on the terrace, curtain wall and metal wrap; the tribute staircase, drywall and metal ceiling in the library is in progress; current substantial completion date is December 28 for a late January opening.

Other Projects

Harold Washington Library Center – we will be working on the relocation and redevelopment of a number of service areas including Circulation, Computer Commons, Newspapers & General Periodicals, Assistive Services, and Materials Movement in the coming months. Milestones and Current activity: shelving is set to be erected on the 5th floor for a new Newspapers and General Periodicals Service Desk and Reading Room.

2FM’s CARE program – Select CPL locations will be undergoing 2FM’s CARE program: “Clean and Repair Everything.” These projects include 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 will require short-term closures of 4 to 6 weeks and will take place between September 2018 and January 2019. Milestones and Current Activity: West Belmont Branch is currently closed and will reopen on 1/14/19; West Town Branch will close on 12/3 and reopen on 1/2/19; Roden Branch will be closed between 11/12 and 12/3 for replacement of the HVAC system.

 

Commissioner’s Report (info only)

Commissioner Bannon also highlighted:

  • Earlier this month, CPL launched its online store; patrons can now purchase items branded with the CPL logo and Owl mascot;
  • On Saturday, November 15th, the Children’s Services department welcomed over 300 children and parents to the third annual Storytelling Festival, Village of Stories. The event marks the 4th citywide event Children’s Services has hosted this year;
  • The Children’s Services department, through a partnership with Operation Warm, is also half way through a 12 branch series of coat and book giveaways to children in need;
  • On Tues, November 6th, CPL hosted the 2018 Teen Services Summit at HWLC. The half-day active learning summit was tailored to in-school and after-school educators who work with teens;
  • On Thursday, November 15th, CPL’s Adult Services department participated in the Adler After Dark event. The team hosted a pop up library with books about the Century of Progress Fair in 1933;
  • The Adult Services department also concluded main stage programming for 2018 with four major events that included: a discussion with author Susan Orlean to discuss her bestseller “The Library Book “ on November 13th; N.K. Jemisin and Mikki Kendall in conversation on November 14th; Author Zachary Leader appeared on November 15th; and the Chicago Latino Music Festival on Sunday, November 18th.
  • Library hours will be adjusted as follows:
    • Thursday, November 22 - All libraries will be closed
    • Monday, December 24 - All libraries will open 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    • Tuesday, December 25 - All libraries will be closed
    • Monday, December 31 - All libraries will open 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
    • Tuesday, January 1, 2019 - All libraries will be closed

 

Other Business

None

 

Public Comment

The Board addressed comments from the audience on how to best notify the public about last-minute updates to programs and the possibility of establishing a waiting area at HWLC for patrons to line up that have come to attend an event.

 

Next Board Meeting

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Harold Washington Library Center located at 400 S. State Street.

 

Commissioner’s Report

 

CPL Online Store Launch

I am excited to share that earlier this month, we officially launched the CPL Online Store. Our patrons can now show their CPL love by purchasing items with the logo and Owl mascot, as well as featured program merchandise that will change seasonally. A portion of the proceeds from the store will benefit programs through the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

The store is linked on the CPL home page, and you will see promotions shared on the CPL Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. In the near future, we will also provide in-branch marketing materials promoting the store. We look forward to seeing CPL merchandise around the city!

 

Children’s, Teen’s and Adult Services Update

Village of Stories

On Saturday, November 15th, Children’s Services welcomed over 300 children and parents to the third annual Storytelling Festival, Village of Stories. The event marks the 4th citywide event Children’s Services has hosted this year and highlighted culturally diverse stories and tellers to celebrate Chicago’s children. Participants were also able to take part in STEM and Maker activities as well as art projects that scaffold the themes of the featured stories. Families from Budlong Woods and North Austin as well as from Brighton Park and West Englewood joined in thanks to bus funding through the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

Operation Warm

Children’s Services is half way through a 12 branch series of coat and book giveaways to children in need through a partnership with Operation Warm. The events, dubbed “A Warm Welcome to the Library” feature children ages 3-14 receiving a new winter coat and two new books of their choice courtesy of Operation Warm. This project was piloted successfully last year in two branches and has expanded to 12 library branches this year. On top of receiving the new coat and books, children and families gain familiarity with the rich offerings of the Chicago Public Library including the Teacher in the Library program, STEM offerings, the Winter Learning Challenge. They are also issued library cards upon need and gain an understanding of how to access public computers, books and online resources. Five other cities have picked up these events based on Chicago’s pilot.

2018 Teen Services Summit

On Tues, November 6th, CPL hosted the 2018 Teen Services Summit at HWLC, 9a.m.-1p.m. The half-day active learning summit was presented by Chicago Public Library Teen Services in partnership with Chicago Public Schools' Department of Literacy. This hands-on, active learning summit was tailored to in-school and after-school educators who work with teens. Participants also learned about the wealth of opportunities teens can take part in through Teen Services and beyond at CPL.

Adler After Dark

On Thursday, November 15th, CPL’s adult initiatives — Maker Lab, Games Team and OBOC/library services — participated in the Adler After Dark event, a monthly event that opens up the Adler Planetarium in the evening for guests 21 and over. The evening’s theme was celebrating the Century of Progress Fair in 1933. The team hosted a pop up library with books about the fair that were checked out by participants throughout the night. 20 library cards were issued, the Maker Lab had a 3D printer project that printed a neoclassical building and the Games Team played with over 100 participants in games themed around inventions and electricity. The team has contributed to the event for the past 4 months and will continue to participate into 2019. The Games Team will be reaching out to other organizations to expand outreach to emerging adults at targeted events.

2018 Program Finales

Adult Services concluded 2018 main stage programming with four major events. Author Susan Orlean appeared on November 13th to discuss her bestseller The Library Book. The One Book, One Chicago program presented N.K. Jemisin and Mikki Kendall in conversation on November 14th, discussing science fiction, speculative fiction and the importance of diverse voices in storytelling. Author Zachary Leader appeared on November 15th, discussing the second volume of his major biography on Saul Bellow. And lastly, CPL played host to the grand finale event of the 2018 Chicago Latino Music Festival on Sunday, November 18th with a concert titled Gustavo Leone, Elbio Barilari and their Friends, presenting a rousing performance of contemporary Latin musical improvisation.

 

Library Closings/Adjusted Hours

All library locations will assume the following schedule:

Thursday, November 22 - All libraries will be closed

Monday, December 24 - All libraries will open 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tuesday, December 25 - All libraries will be closed

Monday, December 31 - All libraries will open 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tuesday, January 1, 2019 - All libraries will be closed