Post in County Library Board resolution on Mpls Library Friends?

2008 Aug 28 22:36 UTC

Wizard, My nightmares too ... thanks to the Mayor and 7 council members.

John, 'fomenting a movement' would take alot of legal $. Although described as
'air tight',a possibility the 'enabling legislation' itself was
unconstitutional (it would take too long to describe here).

Those suburban libraries are spacious and cool (Ridgedale, Eden Prairie) even
tho you have a long bus ride out there. Unfortunate there will be even less
staff to serve them..if not direct cuts, unfilled positions will remain
unfilled unless the County board steps in.

I learned last night that the Mpls Friends 4,500 members will be asked to vote
on the takeover. Unlike the City decision forcing the library board to elimiate
itself, at least we will have a vote in this 'merger'. Board jumped the gun and
there are some very upset people.

This item was the first politely contentious discussion I've observed since the
merger. Appreciate Mr. Pacheco's amending somelanguage to be more sensitive to
the Mpls Friends ... and the board member (sorry, I have learned them all yet)
who made a point of requesting more testimony from the Friends before being
asked to vote on it. Resolution passed as amended.

Looked over the county's Friends policy....each library is required to have a
Friends group. But 41 plus 1?..that's alot of 501(c)'s

Question that I asked before the merger at the so-called public hearing held a
month before the merger (and only because the legislature required one) ...what
happens to my endowments, gifts? Was told by the city to ask the county. Same
response given to everyone else at that hearing.
Endowment looks 'safe' (don't mind sharing the art books with the County)..
Hopefully the county won't tear out or 'exhume' the donated memorial shelving
plaques (have one there) at Central...but ya never know.

But...when I donated WWII memorabilia to Mpls Kittleson collection, I had a
signed agreement (as does everyone) on how to dispose of the donation should
the Mpls library not keep it.
Included in that agreement was an option for
""RETURN"".

Hennepin Co has a different policy. No acceptance unless its an outright gift.
County retains all rights of disposal (sale, dump, etc.).
see section below.
Would this require contacting EVERYONE who has donated to Mpls. library
...special collections, art, books....ad inf.

All policies (except admin) at:
http://www.hclib.org/pub/info/board_policies.cfm

*********Legal eagles....which policy prevails? ********
My agreement with Minneapolis or the County's policies? If there is a change,
does the County need to 're-negotiate' my agreement?

best wishes,
cheryl luger
nokomis east

ps...resolution passed charging fines on kids/teen materials to bring Mpls into
compliance with Co. policy.Other items in the resolution.

Left before the last 2 items discussed...tried to get the chair's attention and
request board members speak into the microphones...but was ignored. Finally
passed a note to the clerk, and left.
And....no, I wasn't the only one who couldn't hear, even with my sound
amplifier device. This has happened at every meeting but one (library person
lent me a set of headphones connected into their sound system), despite
requests. Maybe the board members don't want to be heard. Is this ADA
compliant, reasonable accommodation or failure to provide an alternative
experience option?
Will it take an ADA complaint to have them 'listen'?

county donation policy:

"... Donations of books and other materials may be made to the Hennepin County
Library (HCL) and become the property of the Friends of
the Library. Neither the Friends of the Library nor the Library will accept
materials which are not outright gifts. All gifts must be in
usable physical condition.
Donated books and other materials (tapes, CD, DVD, etc) are sold at Friends
Book Sales for the benefit of libraries within the
Hennepin County Library system or given to Outreach.
Because of limitations of space, money, and staff, the Library and Friends of
the Library reserve the right to accept or discard, at its
discretion, any donated materials. ..."

I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder
to see them not ashamed.
 --- Jonathan Swift