Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – October 18, 2016

Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.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

Tuesday, October 18, 2016, 9:00 a.m.

South Chicago Branch

9055 S. Houston Avenue

 

  1. Welcome to the South Chicago Branch (info only)
  2. Approval of the September 20, 2016 meeting minutes (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: Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge
    • Cindy Pritzker Lecture, September 28th
    • Library Journal Summit, October 5th
    • First Deputy Commissioner Saenz participates in an International Information Program
    • CPL Budget Hearing, October 21st
    • Day of Play, October 1st
  6. Other Business
  7. Public Comment

 

Next Board meeting:

November 15, 2016, 9:00 a.m.

Harold Washington Library Center

400 S. State Street

Lower Level, Multi-Purpose Room

 

Open Session Minutes

Physically Present:

Christopher Valenti, Lynn Lockwood, Jodi Block, Denise Gardner

Present by Means of Video or Audio Conference:

None

Absent:

Linda Johnson Rice, Josephine Gomez, Barbara Bowman, Patricia Gaytan Perez

 

 

Welcome to the South Chicago Branch

Branch manager and winner of last year’s OWL award Lynda Schoop greeted the Board and offered a brief background on South Chicago branch library. South Chicago and Calumet Heights are the surrounding neighborhoods of this branch. It was originally built in 1941 and rededicated in 1994 after undergoing a major renovation and addition. The branch is located in a predominantly Spanish community and provides service to 5 elementary schools in the area. The South Chicago branch also partners with several organizations, including SkyArt located across the street where free art classes are offered to library patrons. The South Chicago branch also features artwork funded through the Percent for Art Ordinance and administered by the City of Chicago Public Art Program, a meeting room that is free to the public, CyberNavigator technology tutors that provide classes and one-on-one computer help as well as homework help.

Approval of the minutes (action required)

Due to lack of a quorum, approval of the minutes from the September 20, 2016 meeting was tabled until the meeting on November 15, 2016.

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 (June 16 – September 30, 2016) a total of 2146 invoices were paid totaling $2,359,371.83 to various vendors.

CPL Capital Projects and Facilities Report (info only)

Andrea Telli, Assistant Commissioner of Neighborhood Services, presented the Capital Building Projects and Facilities report which highlighted major maintenance/repair projects, projects in planning, projects under construction and an update on the Independence branch:

Major Maintenance and Repair Projects

  • Sulzer – installation of new ADA, automatic push pad operators on two sets of entry doors is complete; installation of new code-compliant fire alarm system is complete. Current and upcoming activity: tuck-pointing is nearly complete on east façade and over 50% complete on west side; east elevation window replacement began on 9/28 with completion scheduled for end of October; electrical work to accommodate new chillers is in progress, chillers are scheduled for October delivery; crane was delivered on 10/10 for roof and skylight installation. Sulzer is currently closed through Sat, 11/5; a skeleton staff is working in the building to accommodate volume of materials that are circulated, placed on hold and move throughout CPL system.
  • Legler – No change: Entry Stair Rehabilitation Project was completed 6/22/16. Current and upcoming activity: significant masonry repairs and tuck-pointing on the rear of the building to address water infiltration and structural deficiencies; new parapet and steel lintels above the second floor windows; the historic wood windows are being repaired and restored throughout the building; replacement of the three sets of main entry doors on the exterior.
  • Mabel Manning – Repair and replacement of damaged and falling masonry around main entry of the library was completed on 10/13. Scope: new section of sidewalk along ADA path from the parking lot where the existing sidewalk has settled and created a tripping hazard; new windows in the Community Room that look onto the Circulation Desk area and to the outside; ceiling tile replacement, new paint in the Community Room, and new kitchenette millwork and plumbing; 2FM is also in the process of replacing the existing boiler (anticipated to be complete before winter). Current and upcoming activity: a kick-off meeting with the contractor took place on 10/17 for interior work; the sidewalk work is scheduled to start on 10/19.
  • South Chicago – Scope: developing plan to control (reduce or eliminate) water seepage into the basement, this will require relocation of public computers and relocation and refurbishment of meeting room space to the first floor from the basement, with lighting retrofit. Current and upcoming activity: the sidewalk on the south west corner of the library will need to be excavated to repair a broken drainage pipe, with is largely contributing to the basement water infiltration; this work is expected to begin before the end of the year. South Chicago is an Early Learning site and we will be working with 2FM on a renovation of the children’s area in Q1 2017.

Projects in Planning

  • Early Learning Areas –
    • Scope: completion of design, bidding and delivery of construction for the 24,620 sq. ft. Thomas Hughes Children’s Library with upgrades to technology infrastructure. Current activity: contractors for the project have been pre-qualified and Issue for Bid drawing set was distributed to all pre-qualified bidders. Pre-bid and technical review meetings were held on 9/29; Bids will be received on 10/24; bid will be awarded on 11/8; THCL will close to the public on 11/5/16; Notice to Proceed/Construction begins on 12/1/16; Final completion, Spring 2017; THCL reopens to the public, Summer 2017.
    • Services during construction & closure: interim services will be provided for Thomas Hughes patrons beginning 11/13 in the first floor Popular Library; Thomas Hughes staff will remain at HWLC during the renovation and closure; Thomas Hughes children’s staff will provide story times and school age programming in the building; A full schedule will be available in Popular Library and online; staff will also continue to provide story times at local pre-schools and Head Starts, as well as to conduct school visits and attend other outreach events; families using the library for family reading or homework space will be able to use other floors of the Harold Washington Library Center; teacher in the Library services can be found at adjacent libraries including Lozano, Chinatown and Mabel Manning; public Access Computers dedicated to children and families will be available for use during the closure; Museum Passports will be available through the Main Floor Circulation Desk; information about programs, times, dates, and locations will be available at HWLC reference desks, at nearby branches, and on the Chicago Public Library website.
  • Whitney Young – Building Program: renovation and expansion of existing 10,400 sq. ft. library (+ 3,000-5,000 square foot addition); new branch may feature an early learning area, YOUmedia digital lab for teens, computer commons to add computer capacity, additional meeting spaces in addition to community meeting room, ADA compliance, new furniture and equipment, refreshed collections, and digital skills training as part of the Connect Chicago Initiative. Schematic design phase began on 9/8 and is currently in progress.
  • Altgeld – On August 16th, Mayor Emanuel announced a new library at Altgeld Gardens thanks to an innovative partnership between the Chicago Housing Authority and Chicago Public Library. The new branch library will replace a rental facility co-located in a local elementary school and will be constructed along 130th Street near Ellis Avenue  in the Altgeld Gardens development. Features of the new branch will include: early learning area for children under 5, YOUmedia digital lab for in teens, additional computers, new furniture and equipment, flexible meeting spaces and refreshed collections. Site feasibility studies are underway.

Projects In Construction

  • Early Learning Areas – new carpet (as needed), millwork and other details has been performed by City trades at the West Englewood and Lozano branches. Renovations at West Pullman and Little Village, designed by Peter Harlan and managed by the PBC, were completed 10/14, with some punch list items remaining; the spaces will be outfitted with new furniture, toys and other early learning objects. Little Village will be set up on Wednesday and West Pullman within the next 4 weeks.
  • Woodson – Scope: new terra cotta façade with metal panels in the rear of the building with matching color; new energy efficient and insulated windows, exterior doors and entrance with automatic push pads for accessibility; new curtain wall which will bring natural daylighting into lobby and 2nd floor; film with digital images applied on glass on south and southeast elevations; new energy efficient and insulated roof; new modern interior and exterior security cameras; renovation and modification to the lobby and monumental stairway; construction of two new 2nd floor study rooms.
    • Construction Update: (Contractor, Ujamaa Construction) Construction on east façade and roof began on 9/7; the new penthouse roof is 90% complete, with main roof demolition in progress; east façade removal of masonry is at 100%; critical submittal review is in progress and long lead materials are being ordered; removal of the scaffolding at Woodson will take place 11/11 through 11/15.
    • Library closing update - Public notification through flyers, CPL website and social media posts has begun; interim locations for staff have been determined and staff is being notified by Human Resources; staff is engaged in shifting and weeding of existing collections to prepare for removal of interior.

Updates

  • Richard M. Daley – Spectrum of Knowledge: an installation of 14 templates by Patrick McGee is now on display; the public art installation began in 2012 and is now complete.

Commissioner’s Report (info only)

Lori Frumkin, Senior Projects Manager of the Children’s Services Department at CPL gave a special report on the 2016 Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge “Explore on the Go!” program. This year’s challenge ran June 20th through September 1st and brought in 102,485 participants, approximately 3500 more participants than the previous year. 43% (44,069) of readers were ages birth to 5 years old; 38% (38,944) of readers were in the kindergarten to 3rd grade age group; and 19% (19,472) of readers ranged from 4th grade and up. A total of 71,000,000 minutes were read and as part of Chicago Public Library’s one million book give away in partnership with KPMG and Bernie’s Book Bank, CPL distributed approximately 1,050,352 books. Lunch was also distributed through the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Lunch Bus to 9 CPL sites and staff at 11 additional branches provided lunch to children as well.

Brian Bannon, Commissioner highlighted the following:

  • On September 28th, Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates was the featured speaker at the 2016 Cindy Pritzker Lecture on Urban Life and Issues held at the Harold Washington Library Center.
  • On October 5th, CPL hosted a Library Journal Design Summit for libraries from across the US. CPL staff led a workshop to share design techniques that we have developed through our collaboration with IDEO and Aarhus Public Libraries in Denmark.
  • In late September, First Deputy Commissioner Andrea Sáenz represented CPL during a six-city speaking tour organized by the U.S. Embassies in Quito and Bogota. During her tour, she made 12 presentations about CPL’s approach to creative, participatory learning in Bogota, Cali and Medellin in Colombia and Cuenca, Loja and Quito in Ecuador and concluded with a panel discussion and keynote address focused on the role libraries can play in economic development at the Cali International Library and Makerspace Conference.
  • On October 21st, Chicago Public Library will have a public budget hearing with City Council. The final vote of the 2017 budget will be planned in November; the 2017 budget becomes effective January 1, 2017.
  • CPL’s Children’s Services Department sponsored the Annual Day of Play on Saturday, October 1st. This is one of four citywide events that the Children’s Services Department hosts citywide. The next is the It Takes a Village Storytelling Festival on December 10th.

Other Business

None

Public Comment

A member of the audience enquired about presenting a lecture series for teens at the Library.

Next Board Meeting

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at the Harold Washington Library Center.

 

Commissioner’s Report

Special Guest: Lori Frumkin, Senior Projects Manager

Cindy Pritzker Lecture on Urban Life and Issues - September 28th, 2016

Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates was the featured speaker at the 2016 Cindy Pritzker Lecture on Urban Life and Issues. Gates was named one of The Top 10 Living Artists of 2015 by the Artsy journal, which stated that as a Chicagoan serving as a catalyst for social change, Gates was one of those ringing in exciting advancements in the world of art and beyond. The Cindy Pritzker Lecture on Urban Life and Issues was presented by the Board of Directors of the Chicago Public Library in honor of Cindy Pritzker, its former president and founder of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Gates appeared in conversation with Dr. Adam Green and the program attracted an audience of nearly 400. The program was followed by a private dinner in the Winter Garden.

CPL Partners with National Publication to Highlight Innovative Service Design

On October 5, CPL hosted a Library Journal Design Summit for libraries from across the US. In conjunction with the release of the September Library Journal issue, focused on the use of human centered design in libraries, where CPL is heavily profiled, CPL staff led a workshop to share design techniques we’ve developed through our collaboration with IDEO and Aarhus Public Libraries in Denmark. The session represented an opportunity to engage additional CPL staff in learning these critical patron-centered design skills and to build relationships with other professionals to support the evolution of library services to better meet changing patron needs.

CPL innovations highlighted through State Department’s International Information Program

In late September, First Deputy Commissioner Andrea Sáenz represented CPL’s work during a six-city speaking tour organized by the U.S. Embassies in Quito and Bogota – a Sister City to Chicago – and sponsored by the State Department’s International Information Program. She made 12 presentations about CPL’s approach to creative, participatory learning in Bogota, Cali and Medillin in Colombia and Cuenca, Loja and Quito in Ecuador. Her visit culminated in a panel discussion and keynote address focused on the role libraries can play in economic development at the Cali International Library and Makerspace Conference. She returned to Chicago October 1st with new ideas for CPL inspired by innovative libraries, museums, schools, universities and business incubators she toured throughout her trip.

2017 Budget Hearing Timeline

  • October 11: The Mayor released his 2017 Budget Recommendation.
  • October 21: Chicago Public Library will have a public budget hearing with City Council.
  • November: The final vote of the 2017 budget is planned.
  • January 1, 2017: The 2017 budget becomes effective.

Day of Play – October 1st, 2016

The Children’s Services Department sponsored the Annual Day of Play on Saturday, October 1st with over 700 participants on hand. The event was meant to encourage all types of play: open play, dramatic play, play with rules and construction and box play for children of all ages.

Funded through the Chicago Public Library Foundation, this event featured over 5,000 boxes that children could turn into anything they wanted to build. Children’s author and illustrator, Antoinette Portis, was also in town to read from her book Not a Box, and puppeteer Marilyn Price conducted puppet making workshops and puppet shows.

This is one of four citywide events that the Children’s Services Department hosts citywide. The next is the It Takes a Village Storytelling Festival on December 10th.