Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library Board meeting highlights 5-2011

APRIL 25, 2011

  • Gifts and grants
  • Noble Neighborhood Library reopening
  • Resignations and appointments
  • Crosswalk safety concerns
  • Library patrons cautioned
  • March public service report highlights

Board Member Jason Stein was absent.

Gifts and grants

The board accepted $550 in donations in memory of Everett L. Dodrill, Jr., a supporter of Dobama and a library user known for biking to the library.

The board also accepted a grant awarded to Children’s Associate Shamekia Chandler for a program called “Cinderella Around the Globe.” In Chandler’s words, “Cinderella is one of the oldest and most beloved folktales in the world.” Her program will allow local children to celebrate this fairly tale in a multicultural context.

Noble Neighborhood Library reopening

Architect James Duber was present to answer questions about the Noble Library renovations. Board Member Jim Posch expressed concern about letting the community know that the interior renovation is only Phase 1. Phase 2 will be exterior repair that is obviously needed. It was agreed to have signage at the Noble Library reopening to indicate that.

Resignations and appointments

There have been four resignations this month. Deputy Director Catherine Hakala-Ausperk will become executive director of Northeast Ohio Regional Library System. Adult Services Coordinator Alice Iden will become project manager for two merged nonprofit agencies. Serena Olson, children’s services librarian, will work for the Tacoma (Washington) Public Library. Jeremiah Bryant, part-time adult services associate, has accepted a full-time position at Hyland Software. The board approved three appointments: Andrew Bray, circulation assistant; Peg Zitzner, technology trainer; and Anna Register, administrative assistant. Chuck Collins was named interim adult services coordinator.

Crosswalk safety concerns

Concern continues about the safety of the Lee Road crosswalk between the buildings. It is poorly marked and often ignored by motorists. This is being discussed with Cleveland Heights Mayor Ed Kelley and the city’s public works director.

Library patrons cautioned

In the past six months a number of laptop thefts have occurred despite posted warnings regarding unattended possessions on tables and in meeting rooms.

March public service report highlights:

  • Wii Wednesdays gave kids the opportunity to burn off energy in bad weather.
  • Moving the large print material to the first floor area formerly occupied by the ongoing book sale has increased first-quarter circulation by 20 percent.
  • The Photoshop Elements class was well received, and a second part will be added.
  • Local author Paul Gaus who writes the Amish mystery series, talked at the Coventry Village Library. Jo Ann Vicarel introduced the author.
  • Maggie Lindsey has tripled teen participation at the Coventry Spot with more variety in daily programs.

LWV observer: Anne S. McFarland.

These meeting summaries are abstracted from LWV observers’ written reports. The summaries have been edited and prepared by Anne McFarland, Charlene Morse and Maryann Barnes. To receive e-mail postings of full reports, send an e-mail to mbarnes9515@gmail.com or join through Google groups using “lwv-chuh observer reports” as a search phrase.

These reports contain member observation and selected highlights of public meetings and are not official statements of the Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters Cuyahoga Area. This disclaimer must accompany any redistribution of these reports.

 

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Volume 4, Issue 6, Posted 4:06 PM, 05.16.2011