HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Library Board of Trustees - 01/18/2024 - Communications
Approved Minutes South Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees Communications Committee
The South Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees Communications Committee held a regular
meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m., in the Library Board Room, and by Zoom
participation.
Members Present: Rebecca Stazi, Chair; Holly Painter, Stacey Pape, Penne Tompkins
Members Absent: N/A
Staff Members & Guests Present: Jennifer Murray, Amanda Brown
1. The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:41 p.m.
2. Library exits were reviewed.
The Chair provided instructions on emergency exit from the building.
3. Additions and deletions to the posted agenda
Jennifer added a discussion of a new bus route servicing the Library and a discussion of the comms
committee’s possible role in electing library-friendly city councilors. Rebecca added recruiting a
communications intern.
4. Comments and questions from the public not related to items on the agenda
None
5. Approval of meeting minutes of November 16, 2023
Upon a motion made by Trustee Holly P. and seconded by Trustee Penne T., the Trustees voted
unanimously with minor edits to accept the minutes of the November 16, 2023 Board of Trustees
Communications Committee Meeting.
6. Staff Introduction and Discussion – Amanda Brown, Teen Specialist
The Chair introduced Amanda Brown, who currently serves as the Library’s Teen Specialist. Discussion
included: What the library is currently doing for teen programming; How the library is trying to reach
teens? The group brainstormed further ideas and discussed Objective 5 of the Communications Strategy
Plan draft, how the committee can increase awareness of the teen space and activities in the space. The
committee can help to identify groups that might be interested in teen programming – the committee
will contact Amanda by email: abrown@southburlingtonvt.gov
7. Bus Discussion
A Howard Center employee has reached out to Green Mountain Transit advocating for route from
Shelburne Rd. to near library. She requests the library to sign onto her letter before 1/19 meeting.
Director will sign. What about the BoT? Not now. Too late for BoT to sign on before tomorrow’s
meeting. The BoT will show support in the future.
8. City Councilors Discussion
With the upcoming election, three new positions are coming up and we are losing an advocate for the
library. Discussion of comms committee brainstorming library supporters who might be interested in
running for city council. Probably too late to recruit new candidates, but the committee could meet with
candidates during their campaigns, surveying them on library support and encouraging candidates to
develop stance/talking points on library. Penne T. will ask debate moderator to include question(s)
about the library if possible. If yes, committee will develop question(s) by email prior to next meeting.
Discussion of meeting with new city councilors once they’re elected.
9. Comms Intern Discussion
Rebecca S. saw that Fletcher Free Library was recruiting a communications intern – could SBPL do this?
Rebecca S. will investigate this further and share the position description.
10. Communications Calendar
Penne T. will check on Canva what the librarians have created about Black History Month.
April is National Library Week, Eclipse, Illuminate VT, and National Poetry Month!
We will discuss communications about these events at the next meeting on February 15, 2024.
11. Other Business
None
12. Adjourn
Seeing no other business, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Holly P.