Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – October 16, 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Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.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

October 16, 2018, 9:00a.m.

Woodson Regional Library

9525 S. Halsted Street

  1. Welcome and History of the Woodson Regional Library (info only)
  2. Approval of minutes for the September 18, 2018 meeting (action required)
  3. Schedule of Requisitions, Contracts and Licenses (info only)
  4. CPL Capital Projects and Facilities Report (info only)
  5. Commissioner’s Report (info only)
    • Special Report: 2018 Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge and Teen Summer Challenge
    • Social Worker in the Library Program
    •  Exhibits:
      • Soul of Philanthropy
      • A Taste of Charlie Trotter
    • Recap of Events:
      • Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner
      • Justice Sonia Sotomayor
  6. Other Business
  7. Public Comment

Next Board meeting:

November 20, 2018, 9:00 a.m.

Harold Washington Library Center

 400 S. State Street

Lower Level, Multi-Purpose Room

 

Open Session Minutes

Physically Present: Linda Johnson Rice, Christopher Valenti, Dominique Jordan Turner, Alexi Giannoulias, Denise Gardner

Present by Means of Video or Audio Conference: None

Absent: Jodi Block, Lynn Lockwood, Barbara Bowman, Patricia Gaytan Perez

President Rice opened the meeting and introduced our newest Director to the Board, Alexi Giannoulias. Director Giannoulias is a Senior Director at BNY Mellon Wealth Management. In this role, he works with select individuals to invest their assets & helps oversee their financial affairs. Prior to joining the firm, Director Giannoulias was the State Treasurer of Illinois, served as Vice President at Broadway Bank in Chicago and served as the former Chairman of the Board of the Illinois Community College System, which oversees the State’s 48 community Colleges. Director Giannoulias also served as an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University and is on the Board of Directors of CARA, One Million Degrees & the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center.

Welcome and History of the Woodson Regional Library

Lynda Schoop, Regional Director of the Woodson Regional Library, offered a brief overview of the library which serves Washington Heights and South Side residents. The two-story branch opened in 1975 and was named for Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of African American historiography, a prolific writer and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro History and Life. In 1998, an 11,000-square-foot wing was added to expand the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature, the largest collection of its kind in the Midwest. The branch recently undertook a year-long renovation which included a complete building envelope replacement, new roof, exterior walls and windows; upgrades to flooring, lighting, paint in lobby and other public areas; construction of two study rooms on the 2nd floor and additional parking spots for people with disabilities. Expanded programs for seniors, a new recording studio was built into the existing YOUmedia space for teens and build out of a new early childhood space was also added. The branch enhancements along with the exceptional branch staff and leadership has sparked more community involvement and new external partnerships at the branch.

Approval of minutes (action required)

The Board voted (5-0) to approve the minutes for the September 18, 2018 meeting.

Schedule of Requisitions, Contracts and Licenses

Deputy Commissioner Roberson presented the quarterly report on contacts and purchases made for magazines, books, databases, periodicals and articles of educational and instructional nature. For this quarter (June 16, 2018 – September 30, 2018), 4137 invoices were paid totaling $1,935,656.27 to various vendors. 

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 97% complete, with transom panels being installed in new storefront; flooring and touch up painting is being completed; parking lot will be sealed and striped; staff is back in the building preparing for a late October/early November opening.

Whitney Young – Project Scope: renovation and addition to existing library. Milestones and current activity: exterior curtainwall and glazing is complete; interior framing and drywall are complete; site development with asphalt and landscaping is in progress; mechanical, electrical and plumbing start-up is in progress; installation of millwork is 70% complete; installation of vinyl tile is 50% complete; staff is expecting to start opening preparations with the delivery of the new book collection the first week of November; the branch is expected to open by early or mid-December; may consider changing the address of the branch due to relocation of the branch entrance.

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 90% complete; HVAC commissioning/controls and lighting installation is complete. Security system is being commissioned; millwork and flooring finishes are being installed; punchlist and final inspections took place last week; exterior painting is complete and the installation of the interior and exterior graphics are set to begin; staff is expected to begin opening preparations in late October with a early to mid-December opening.           

2FM’s CARE program - Richard J. Daley, Mabel Manning, West Belmont and West Town 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.

Harold Washington Library Center – (No change) 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.

Other Projects

South Shore – 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: Alderman has recently sent a letter of support to the TIF committee for an increase in funds to further the scope for this project; library closure is currently planned for late this year or early 2019.

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: A 50% design development set for a 5000 sq. ft. facility was presented to CPL and is currently under review; regular design and program development meetings are expected to begin shortly.

Merlo – Project Scope: Full gut renovation with addition of Early Learning and Teen spaces. Milestones and current activity: Weekly design meetings have begun and CPL and Ross Barney Architects are working on a concept plan; project completion anticipated in 4Q 2019.

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 has begun; CHA is continuing to work with the New Mark Tax Credit consultant on securing funding for the library portion of the project with HUD approval on use of the fund in late September/October; project is scheduled to be complete in 3Q 2019.

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: branch is currently closed and staff is packing branch for construction; contractor has finalized the schedule and a construction kick-off meeting will occur by the end of October; major construction is expected to begin in November and continue until Summer 2019; branch is expected to reopen in 3Q 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: building is currently 57% complete; exterior framing and the vapor barrier are installed. Interior framing is nearly complete; curtainwall installation will begin this week; ComEd is scheduled to bring live power to the building by November 7; current turnover date is January 3, but Evergreen is working to accelerate the schedule if possible; branch has full staff currently working in existing branch.

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. Milestones and Current Activity: CPL has confirmed with Alderman Ervin that the branch is to be renamed Little Italy Branch after the name of the neighborhood; construction is 50% complete; framing is up to the fifth floor; glass is being installed and 90% of the interior framing is complete up to the 7th floor of the apartments; branch has full staff currently working in existing branch; substantial completion is scheduled for late December with a branch opening currently scheduled for 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: currently 60% complete; temporary roof(s) are installed and exterior framing is complete; the steel for the tribune staircase is installed; a temporary enclosure is being installed to keep interior work moving while we wait for the curtainwall glass to arrive; branch staff is awaiting confirmation of a late October/early November substantial completion in order to open in December.

Commissioner’s Report (info only)

There was a special report from John Mangahas, School-Aged Specialist in the Children Services department and Jeremy Dunn, Director of the Teen Services department about CPL’s Summer Learning programs. The theme for the 2018 Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge was Earth Explorers, the program began June 18 through September 1. Children were challenged to investigate earth systems science, environmental literacy and climate resiliency. This year’s program had a total of 110,292 participants a (5% increase from 2017) with a total 108,023,576 minutes read (a 20% increase from 2017). Children also participated in a Summer Learning Day with Bryan Collier, author of Trombone Shorty, where over 300 kids cycled through day long activities and each child received a copy of Mr. Collier’s book. CPL also hosted field trips 2 weekends in September to the Shedd Aquarium for children that participated in the program were allowed to attend free of charge.

The Teen Summer Learning Challenge Imagine Doing More encouraged teens to find ways to make a difference in their community and think about how they can positively impact the quality of their Chicago environment. The program was held June 1 to September 1 and included partnerships with Adler Planetarium, Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago Botanic Garden, Environmental Law and Policy Center and WE. Just to mention a few of the projects that teens spawned over the summer, at the Woodson branch teens started an indoor green house club and documented the growth of their plants; at the West Englewood branch, teens worked with the Alderman to create a mural project; at the Hall branch teens created a community garden; and teens at the South Chicago branch partnered with SkyArt to create a mural that will be hung in one of CPL’s teen spaces. Select teens also participated in a 10 week screen printing course that will continue through fall; when the program ends, 6 branches will be chosen to display the exhibit.

Commissioner Bannon also highlighted:

  • CPL recently partnered with Presence/Amita Health to launch the Social Worker in the Library program at the Uptown and Bezazian branches;
  • The “A Taste of Charlie Trotter” exhibit is now on display through April, 2019 and looks at Charlie Trotter’s innovations and his influence on Chicago dining;
  • Also on display is the exhibit "Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy: Reframed and Exhibited, Pop-Up Abridged Edition" now through October 20th and features stories of generosity among Americans of African descent;
  • The Carl Sandburg Literary Awards dinner held on Tuesday, October 9th was a huge success with honorees Judy Blume, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Erika Sánchez;
  • U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor appeared at the Harold Washington Library Center on Friday, October 12th in celebration of the publication of Justice Sotomayor’s books for children and young readers titled Turning Pages: My Life Story and The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayo; and lastly,
  • The Cindy Pritzker Lecture had to be cancelled, but will be rescheduled at a later date.

Other Business

Commissioner Bannon talked about the recent press release announcing the sale of the “Knowledge and Wonder” painting that is currently on display at the Legler branch library. The painting was commissioned in the 1990’s, the City is planning to sale the painting and use the funds to upgrade the Legler branch to a regional library with would include a full scale gut renovation and expanded branch hours. Legler was originally a regional library but was decommissioned in the 1970’s. Once the painting has been sold and funding becomes available, renovations will begin.

Public Comment

The Board addressed concerns from the audience surrounding additional programs for seniors and patrons with visual and hearing impairments at neighborhood branches and expanded the Social Worker in the Library program.

Next Board Meeting

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Harold Washington Library Center located at 400 S. State Street.

 

Commissioner’s Report

Special Report: 2018 Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge and Teen Summer Challenge

Jeremy Dunn, Director of Teen Services and John Mangahas, School-Aged Specialist

Social Worker in the Library Program

Recently, CPL partnered with Presence/Amita Health to launch the Social Worker in the Library (SWIL) program. To provide crucial access to services for those with the greatest unmet needs, the Social Worker in the Library (SWIL) program provides a full-time licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in two Chicago Public Library branches. The program is currently being offered at the Uptown and Bezazian branches, which serve under resourced neighborhoods on our North Side. Priority goals for this program are to address: improving mental health and decreasing substance abuse; increasing access to care and community resources; addressing social determinants of health.

Presence/Amita Health is one of the largest health care providers in Illinois with 230+ locations around the state, including 19 hospitals and additionally, provides the most comprehensive behavioral medicine care in Illinois.

Exhibits

A Taste of Charlie Trotter

We invite you to visit the “A Taste of Charlie Trotter” exhibit on display now through April, 2019. From self-guided culinary education to celebrity chef, this exhibit looks at Charlie Trotter’s innovations and his influence on Chicago dining. The exhibit draws on the Charlie Trotter Collection and the Charlie Trotter Cookbook Collection. Generously donated by Mrs. Rochelle Trotter, these collections feature hand scrawled recipes and manuscript cooking notebooks as well as menus, photographs and artifacts, such as plates from the restaurant.

For 25 years, Charlie Trotter’s was the nerve center for a new approach to American cuisine; his acclaimed PBS cooking show; charitable events featuring celebrated international chefs; and education programs for local school children. Trotter’s legacy includes a legion of nationally known chefs and the Charles and Rochelle Trotter Culinary Endowment that awards need-based scholarships to culinary students.

The exhibit is on display in the 9th floor Special Collections Exhibit Hall at the Harold Washington Library Center.

Soul of Philanthropy

We also invite you to experience the exhibit "Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy: Reframed and Exhibited, Pop-Up Abridged Edition" on display in the 3rd floor Grand Promenade. African American Legacy and The Chicago Community Trust have partnered to present the exhibit through October 20th.

The exhibition features stories of generosity among Americans of African descent. Centuries-old cultural customs and beliefs about giving, though rarely acknowledged as “philanthropy” in black communities, have long been an integral and transformational force in lives and communities throughout American society. Photography, poetry and prose weave vivid stories and reveal the long and unsung legacy of black philanthropists—from generous donors of wealth to ingenious givers

The book from which the exhibit was created, is currently being cataloged to be added to the CPL collection.

Recap of Events

Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner

The Carl Sandburg Literary Awards dinner hosted by the Chicago Public Library and Chicago Public Library Foundation on Tuesday, October 9th was a huge success. Honorees included best-selling novelist Judy Blume, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and novelist Erika Sánchez who received the 21st Century Award, which honors significant recent achievements in writing by an author with ties to Chicago. Over 90 writers were also celebrated and in keeping with the event’s tradition, one writer with ties to Chicago was sat at each table. The event was held at The Forum at UIC. Special thanks to Co-Chairs Marcus Wedner from CIVC Partners, Michelle Rindt and Charles Matthews from Peoples Gas, the Chicago Public Library Foundation and Library Boards for their dedication and commitment to this event.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor appeared at the Harold Washington Library Center on Friday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m. The event was presented in collaboration with the American Writers Museum in celebration of the publication of Justice Sotomayor’s books for children and young readers titled Turning Pages: My Life Story and The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Sotomayor discussed her life story, from her birthplace in the South Bronx through her journey to become the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the Supreme Court. The event drew over 700 people who were mesmerized by Justice Sotomayor’s discussion with Carolyn Curiel, former U.S. Ambassador to Belize. During the program, Justice Sotomayor meandered through the audience, talking with and encouraging children and adults to help and support one another. It was a magical evening!