Friends of the SouthShore Library Annual Meeting, January 20, 2010
The meeting was called to order by President Francis Herford. All attendees introduced themselves.
John Smith from Ruskin has been appointed to the board. John is the owner of the H&R Block stores in Ruskin, Sun City Center and Apollo Beach.. John is the President of the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce, the honorary mayor of Ruskin, and involved in many activities that help SouthShore.
Election of Officers: Jack Fischer, chairman of the nominating committee presented the proposed slate of officers. There being no nominations from the floor, the proposed slate was elected unanimously. The 2010 officers are:
President, Jim Duffy
Vice President, Jack Fischer
Recording Secretary, Roz Cruthis
Corresponding Secretary, Dee Foster
Treasurer, Gail Danne
Directors, Fred Jacobsen, Joan Shalleck, Diane Waronka, Frances Hereford, Mimi Rose, Tom Rose and John Smith
Minutes from January 2010 Board Meeting: Roz Cruthis read the minutes from the last Board Meeting. There were no corrections or additions. The minutes were accepted as read.
2009 Budget Report/2010 Plans: Jim Duffy reported that Friends revenue was $40,000 last year. FOL will contribute $30,000 to the SouthShore Library during 2010. This is half of the funds available at the end of the year. Jim said that $24,000 is for library free library programs and $6,000 is for Friends expenses. Jim reminded the audience that most of the Friends money goes to programming. We are not required to pay rent for book sale space, salaries for the library staff or books. In 2009, SouthShore had more free programs than any other library in the system. The budget process starts in September and everyone is encouraged to share any ideas they have for programming or fund raising.
Financial Report: Gail Danne reported that in 2009, SouthShore FOL had income of $40,014.27 and expenses of $24,574.84. $28,634.59 of the income came from the Book Sale Room and $4,000 was a grant provided by the Sun City Center Community Foundation for a Teen Art Program.
Library Staff Reports: Renelda Sells is our new Chief Librarian. She is responsible for SouthShore, Ruskin and the three Tampa Urban Libraries. Renelda explained her job responsibilities. She said she is looking forward to working with SouthShore staff and Friends. Jo Combs, our librarian responsible for Adult Programs and Genealogy announced that she has been reassigned and will be leaving SouthShore.
Board Member Reports:
Mimi Rose: Tom calculated 1,625 Total Volunteer Hours for 2009. There are 21 active book sale volunteers. The Holiday Card Project was successful. The children loved it and it broke even, which is good for the first year. The children have many ideas for 2010. Volunteers are working on a bookmark which will be a membership application and will be inserted in used book sales.
Jack Fischer: The Genealogy Society is planning a seminar on January 28. Hank Jones will present 4 programs during the day. A few seats are still available.
Diane Waronka: Diane has been active in publicizes programs. At the beginning of 2009, 12 to 15 teens were participating in the Teen Programs. Teen attendance has grown a lot during the year. The Chess Club meets monthly. They recently had a Chess Tournament where 10 kids played one professional. They also had a Teen Talent Show that drew 150 people, including 60 to 70 teens, and a total of 150 attendees. The FOL funded prizes of $100, $50 and $25 for the first, second and third place winners.
Fred Jacobsen: The goal of the History Committee is to bring history displays of each of the region's communities to the library. Frank Garcia did the first display of the Paleontological Age in the Ruskin area. Next year is the 50th Anniversary of Sun City Center. After the meeting, John Bowker said that
Sun City Center
will have a display at the library. The FOL are using the 24" X 24" x 72" high display case that the library staff has selected to be the standard at SouthShore. The case is quite attractive, makes good use of space and is movable.
Joan Shalleck: The book bags are moving nicely, the price has been reduced to $8. Note cards are continuing to sell. The Art Studio Advisory Committee is in the process of selecting the artists for the gallery shows; two for Jan/Feb, two for March/April and two for May/June. In July/August, they will repeat the showing of the art of instructors. In Sept/Oct they will select Hispanic artists again and in Nov/Dec they will show the art of local high school students. There is a festive opening for each show with refreshments furnished by FOL and entertainment furnished by the SouthShore Arts Council.
Grace McKee, a local artist, has a show at SouthShore HCC through February 15. Joan introduced Alan Witt, President of the SouthShore campus. He said they will have 4,000 students this year and student days are 400% over projections. Their second building is on the approved building list and waiting for funding. They currently have 6 portables and 10 more are coming.
Jim Harkins: JimHarkins said drawings for the Harkins Plaza, the outdoor patio area, have been re-done. There will be a gazebo with a portable stage. The artist is coming in again and the plans should be finalized in 60 to 90 days. He also reported the library now has the capability to track library usage. He said that circulation is a major factor in the allocation of library resources and funds.
Jim Duffy announced Friends of the SouthShore Library general meetings will be held on April 21 and October 20. The date for the annual Celebration will be announce soon. The Board will meet on the first Monday of every month at 3 p.m. He asked everyone to help make 2010 the best year ever for the SouthShore Friends and the SouthShore Regional Library. Joann Duffy served light refreshments after the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
